UCEED–CEED 2026 Expands Reach: Jain, Mahindra & FLAME Universities Join Score Sharing Network

Major news for design aspirants Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Mahindra University, and FLAME University have officially joined the elite list of institutions accepting UCEED and CEED 2026 scores for their B.Des and M.Des programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. This pivotal expansion offers thousands of students more pathways to top-tier design education beyond the IITs. Students can now leverage a single national-level entrance test score to apply to these three prominent private universities, streamlining the application process and broadening career opportunities in design. Don't miss this chance to apply to top B.Des and M.Des colleges.

The landscape of design education admissions in India has witnessed a significant positive shift for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), conducted by IIT Bombay, are the gold standard for admission to premier design schools across the country. In a landmark move, three highly regarded private institutions—Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Mahindra University, and FLAME University—have announced they will officially accept UCEED 2026 and CEED 2026 scores for admissions to their Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs, respectively.

• ​Increased Opportunities: The inclusion of these three universities provides thousands of UCEED and CEED qualified candidates with a substantially wider range of admission options beyond the direct participating institutes (the IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur).
• ​National Validation: This acceptance validates the quality and importance of UCEED and CEED as the country's primary design aptitude tests, easing the burden on students who would otherwise have to take multiple, separate university-level exams.
• ​Strategic Locations: The addition brings prominent universities located in key educational and industrial hubs—Bengaluru (Jain), Hyderabad (Mahindra), and Pune (FLAME)—into the network of institutions accessible via a single test score.

​UCEED/CEED Scores: A Strategic Advantage for Admissions

​UCEED and CEED scores, already essential for admission to the prestigious IIT design departments, now serve as a powerful asset when applying to these newly associated universities. While these three institutions are "result-sharing institutes" and not part of the common admission process (JAP) run by IIT Bombay, the score gives applicants a significant advantage in the initial screening phase.

​The UCEED/CEED Advantage at Result-Sharing Institutes

• ​Initial Shortlisting: A valid and strong UCEED or CEED score often acts as a fast-track ticket for direct shortlisting to the second stage of the admissions process, bypassing preliminary screening criteria at many institutions.
• ​Reduced Testing Stress: For students who are already preparing rigorously for UCEED (for B.Des) or CEED (for M.Des), this announcement means they can now apply to more top-tier institutions without the added stress of preparing for another unique entrance exam.
• ​Holistic Selection Process: Applicants must understand that at these result-sharing universities, admission is typically a multi-stage process: 
  1. ​Entrance Score: Submission of the UCEED/CEED 2026 score.
  2. ​Portfolio Review: Assessment of the candidate's design portfolio.
  3. ​Personal Interview (PI) / Studio Test: A mandatory stage to evaluate communication, critical thinking, and design thinking abilities. A strong UCEED/CEED score elevates the candidate's profile for the crucial PI stage.
• ​Crucial Reminder: Unlike the IITs, admission to Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME Universities requires a separate application made directly to their respective official university portals. Students must carefully track the admission deadlines for each university, which may differ from the IIT's JAP schedule.

 Institution Focus: What the New Entrants Offer Design Aspirants

​Each of the three universities offers a distinct academic environment and specialization focus, enriching the choices available to design aspirants across India.

• ​Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Bangalore: 
  • ​Focus: Located in India's technology hub, the School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts at Jain University offers programs like B.Des in Product Design and UX/UI Design, with a strong emphasis on industry integration and entrepreneurship in a metropolitan environment.
  • ​Process: Candidates with a valid UCEED/CEED rank can often directly proceed to the Portfolio Review and Personal Interview, bypassing the university’s own entrance test (JET).
• ​Mahindra University, Hyderabad:
  • ​Focus: Part of the Tech Mahindra ecosystem, the university emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, blending design with engineering, management, and liberal arts. The B.Des program focuses on producing well-rounded designers with a strong technical foundation.
  • ​Benefit: Ideal for aspirants seeking a blend of rigorous technical education and creative design skills, leveraging the institution's strong industrial connection.
• ​FLAME University, Pune: 
  • ​Focus: Known for its liberal arts foundation, FLAME offers a B.Des program that encourages critical thinking, broad-based learning, and a focus on socio-cultural contexts in design.
  • ​Benefit: Appeals to candidates who wish to pursue design within a comprehensive liberal education framework, fostering creativity and a broad worldview. The selection process typically considers the UCEED score alongside a Statement of Purpose and extracurricular achievements.

​Conclusion

​The acceptance of UCEED and CEED 2026 scores by Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME Universities marks a pivotal moment for design education, providing robust, high-quality alternatives and expanding the career horizons for thousands of aspirants. This development streamlines the admission process by reducing reliance on multiple tests and validates the effort invested in preparing for the national exams. As you finalize your application strategies for the 2026-2027 academic year, remember to leverage your UCEED/CEED score effectively by applying directly to these universities and preparing diligently for the portfolio review and personal interview rounds—your final step toward a rewarding design career.