UCEED 2026 Registration Closes Oct 31 for IIT B.Des

IIT Bombay has opened the online application for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026. This mandatory exam is the sole pathway to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at prestigious IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur. The last date to register without a late fee is October 31, 2025. Aspirants are urged to complete their application on the official portal, uceed.iitb.ac.in, before the deadline. The UCEED 2026 entrance exam, a crucial test of design aptitude, visualization, and creativity, is scheduled for January 18, 2026.

For countless high school graduates dreaming of a career at the intersection of creativity and technology, the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is the essential first step. Conducted annually by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, UCEED is the gateway to the highly sought-after Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs offered by seven leading institutions, including the IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur.

​The registration window for UCEED 2026 is currently open, having commenced on October 1, 2025. Aspiring undergraduate design students must mark the absolute deadline: October 31, 2025, is the final date to register with a regular fee. Given the high demand and the competitive nature of B.Des admissions at IITs, prompt and accurate application submission is critical. This comprehensive article provides all the key details, from crucial deadlines to eligibility criteria and preparation strategies, ensuring aspirants are fully equipped to navigate the UCEED 2026 process.

​UCEED 2026: Application Deadlines and Key Dates

​The UCEED application process is entirely online, and all candidates must register through the official UCEED 2026 portal hosted by IIT Bombay. Missing the regular deadline will result in a penalty, making timely application imperative.

• ​Critical Registration Dates (SEO Keywords: UCEED 2026 application deadline, UCEED late fee): 
  • ​Online Registration Start Date: October 1, 2025.
  • ​Last Date to Register (Regular Fee):October 31, 2025, 11:55 PM IST.
  • ​Last Date to Register (with Late Fee):November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM IST (A late fee of \text{₹} 500 is applicable).
  • ​Admit Card Release: January 2, 2026.
  • ​UCEED 2026 Examination Date: January 18, 2026 (Sunday), from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
• ​Application Fee Structure:
  • ​Indian Nationals (Female candidates and SC/ST/PwD categories): \text{₹} 2,000.
  • ​Indian Nationals (All Other Candidates - General/OBC-NCL/EWS): \text{₹} 4,000.
  • ​The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online during the registration process.
• ​Online Submission Checklist:
  • ​Ensure all personal and academic details match official records.
  • ​Upload recent scanned images of a photograph, signature, and category certificates (if applicable) in the prescribed format.
  • ​Verify the accuracy of your chosen examination centre preference. UCEED 2026 will be held in 27 cities across India.

​Eligibility Criteria and Exam Structure

​The UCEED exam assesses a candidate’s aptitude for design in a comprehensive 3-hour test that balances objective testing with subjective drawing skills.

• ​Eligibility for UCEED 2026 Examination (SEO Keywords: UCEED 2026 eligibility, UCEED age limit): 
  • ​Academic Qualification: The candidate must have passed Class XII (or equivalent) for the first time in either 2025 OR 2026. Candidates who appeared for the first time in 2024 or earlier are NOT eligible.
  • ​Stream: Candidates from ALL STREAMS (Science, Commerce, and Arts & Humanities) are eligible to appear for UCEED 2026.
  • ​Age Limit: Candidates born on or after October 1, 2001 (for OPEN/EWS/OBC-NCL categories) or on or after October 1, 1996 (for SC/ST/PwD categories) are eligible.
  • ​Number of Attempts: A candidate is allowed to appear for UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
• ​UCEED 2026 Examination Pattern (January 18, 2026): 
  • ​Part A (2.5 hours - Computer Based Test): This section, carrying 240 marks, includes Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). It evaluates Visualization & Spatial Ability, Logical Reasoning, Observation & Design Sensitivity, and Language & Creativity.
  • ​Part B (30 minutes - Offline Drawing Test): This subjective section carries 60 marks and is conducted using a pen/pencil and paper. It primarily tests the candidate's Drawing and Sketching Skills and the ability to articulate design-based solutions. Part A is weighted at 75% and Part B at 25% for the final score calculation.

​ Participating Institutes and Career Roadmap

​Qualifying in UCEED 2026 is mandatory for applying to the B.Des programs at the seven participating institutes. The subsequent centralized admission process based on the UCEED score grants entry into specialized undergraduate design programs.

• ​Top Participating Institutions (SEO Keywords: UCEED participating colleges, IIT B.Des specializations):
  • ​IIT Bombay (IDC School of Design)
  • ​IIT Delhi (Department of Design)
  • ​IIT Guwahati (Department of Design)
  • ​IIT Hyderabad (Department of Design)
  • ​IIT Indore (Design Discipline)
  • ​IIT Roorkee (Department of Design)
  • ​IIITDM Jabalpur (Design Discipline)
• ​B.Des Specialization Highlights:
  • ​The B.Des programs at these IITs cover diverse fields such as Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Product Design, and Interaction Design (UX/UI), preparing students for high-growth careers in global design and tech industries.
  • ​Result Sharing Institutes: Over 20 other design schools and universities, including private institutions like the World University of Design, FLAME University, and Srishti Manipal Institute, also use UCEED scores as part of their admission criteria, offering further career pathways.
• ​Preparation Strategy: 
  • ​Allocate time daily for freehand drawing practice, focusing on perspective, composition, and human figures.
  • ​Solve mock tests and previous years' papers, particularly for Part A's analytical and logical reasoning sections.
  • ​Develop a strong habit of observation to enhance design sensitivity and apply scientific principles to everyday objects.

​Conclusion: Don't Miss Your Design Future

​The UCEED 2026 application process is the decisive moment to commit to your future in design. With the regular registration deadline of October 31, 2025, fast approaching, aspirants must act immediately to complete their online application on the official IIT Bombay portal. Timely registration, coupled with a focused preparation strategy, is the definitive key to securing a coveted B.Des seat in India's premier technological institutes and starting a rewarding journey as a professional designer.

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