UCEED 2026 registration at IIT Bombay concluded yesterday; admit cards will be released in the first week of January

UCEED 2026 registration has officially closed as of yesterday, November 10, 2025. Aspiring design students must now shift their focus entirely to the upcoming entrance exam. The crucial UCEED 2026 Admit Card will be available for download starting January 2, 2026, on the official UCEED website. Candidates are reminded to carefully download and print the document, as it is mandatory for entry on exam day, January 18, 2026. Alongside the admit card, a valid photo ID is essential. Get ready for the final 60 days of preparation—understand the exam pattern, revise the syllabus, and organize your test-day essentials to ensure a smooth examination experience.

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026, the gateway to prestigious Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at IITs and other top-tier institutions, has concluded its registration phase. With the late-fee window officially closing yesterday, November 10, 2025, a critical milestone for all aspirants has passed. The focus now pivots sharply to the final preparatory sprint and the timely retrieval of the Admit Card, which serves as the mandatory entry ticket to the examination hall.

​The UCEED 2026 exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026. This leaves candidates with just over two months to fine-tune their drawing skills, analytical reasoning, and design sensitivity. This detailed guide provides the essential dates, a step-by-step process for downloading the admit card, and a checklist of crucial items to carry on exam day, ensuring no last-minute anxiety derails your chance at design excellence.

​ UCEED 2026 Timeline: Critical Dates and Final Countdown

​The period between the closing of registration and the exam date is pivotal for candidates. Knowing the precise dates for the release and rectification of the Admit Card is crucial for a seamless experience. Administered by IIT Bombay, the UCEED examination is meticulously scheduled, and adherence to the official timeline is non-negotiable.

• ​Registration Closed: November 10, 2025 (Yesterday)
• ​Admit Card Download Begins: January 2, 2026 
  • ​Candidates must visit the official UCEED website, log in using their credentials (email ID and password), and download the PDF copy of the Admit Card.
• ​Last Date for Admit Card Discrepancy Rectification: January 8, 2026 
  • ​If any errors are found on the Admit Card (e.g., in the name, photograph, or category), candidates must immediately contact the UCEED office for corrections.
• ​UCEED 2026 Examination Date and Time:January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) 
  • ​This is a 3-hour exam consisting of Part-A (Computer-Based Test) and Part-B (Offline Drawing Test).
• ​Release of Draft Answer Key for Part-A: January 20, 2026
• ​Declaration of Results: March 6, 2026

​Failing to download the Admit Card or having unresolved discrepancies can lead to being barred from taking the exam, making the two weeks following January 2, 2026, a high-priority period for administrative checks.

​ Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Your Admit Card

​The UCEED Admit Card will only be available for download from the official portal; no physical copies will be mailed to candidates. It is an essential document containing the candidate’s personal details, photograph, signature, roll number, and the specific exam centre address. Candidates must check all details carefully upon download.

• ​Log In to the Official Portal:
  • ​Visit the official UCEED 2026 website: uceed.iitb.ac.in.
  • ​Click on the designated 'Admit Card Download' link (available from January 2, 2026).
  • ​Log in using your registered email ID and the password created during the application process.
• ​Verify and Download the Document:
  • ​Once logged in, the UCEED 2026 Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
  • ​Crucially, check all particulars—Candidate's Name, Roll Number, Exam Centre Address, Date, and Time. If any discrepancy is noticed, contact the Chairman, UCEED 2026, via email immediately, with supporting documents, before the rectification deadline (Jan 8, 2026).
  • ​Download the document in PDF format.
• ​Print and Secure the Hard Copy:
  • ​Take a clear printout of the Admit Card on an A4 sheet. It is advisable to take multiple printouts for safety.
  • ​Candidates must carry a printout of the Admit Card on January 18, 2026; a digital copy will not be accepted.

​ Exam Day Essentials: What to Carry and What to Avoid

​The UCEED exam day rules are strict. Candidates must report at the centre starting 7:00 AM to complete the mandatory biometric process (thumb impression and photograph). Knowing the permitted and prohibited items is key to avoiding last-minute stress and disqualification.

• ​Mandatory Items for Entry: 
  • ​A clear printout of the UCEED 2026 Admit Card.
  • ​A Valid Original Photo Identity Proof. Acceptable documents include Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, or Voter ID. Photocopies or scanned copies are not allowed.
  • ​Two recent passport-sized photographs (similar to the one uploaded during registration) for the attendance sheet.
• ​Permitted Stationery for Part-B (Drawing):
  • ​Pencils (of varying grades, e.g., HB, 2B) in a transparent pouch.
  • ​Eraser and Sharpener.
  • ​A Black ballpoint pen for marking or writing, as specified in instructions.
  • ​A Writing Board (A4 size) if desired, though a writing surface is usually provided.
• ​Strictly Prohibited Items: 
  • ​Electronic devices (Mobile phones, Smart Watches, Calculators, Tabs, etc.).
  • ​Colouring materials (Sketch pens, colour pencils, poster colours, etc.) are NOT permitted inside the examination hall for the drawing part.
  • ​Study materials, log books, abacus, or slide rules.

​Conclusion

​With UCEED 2026 registration officially closed, the countdown to the January 18, 2026 exam date is on. The next critical step is downloading your Admit Card on or after January 2, 2026, and meticulously checking it for errors. By having your documents ready, understanding the exam structure (3 hours, split into Part A and Part B), and strictly adhering to the exam-day guidelines, you can ensure your final preparation efforts translate into a successful performance. Focus on strengthening your weak areas, practicing drawing under time constraints, and arriving early on the big day.

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