TBITS Design School Opens Applications for BDes (Honours) via UCEED 2026

Great news for design aspirants! BITS Design School (BITSDES), Mumbai, has announced that it will accept UCEED 2026 scores for admission to its prestigious four-year Bachelor of Design (Honours) program. This is a crucial update, expanding the entry options for top-tier design education. All interested candidates must apply directly to the BITSDES portal using their UCEED Registration/Roll Number on or before February 1, 2026, a non-negotiable deadline. Failure to apply by this date will render a candidate ineligible, regardless of their UCEED score. Prepare your application now to secure your spot for a future-ready career in design.

The landscape of premier design education in India has just become more accessible. BITS Design School (BITSDES), Mumbai, a prestigious institution under the aegis of BITS Pilani, has officially confirmed that it will consider UCEED 2026 scores for the next intake into its highly sought-after four-year Bachelor of Design (Honours) program. This pivotal decision significantly broadens the pathways for talented design aspirants aiming for a world-class, technology-integrated education.

​This announcement is a game-changer, but it comes with a strict, non-negotiable administrative requirement that all candidates must adhere to. Aspirants who have appeared for or are planning to appear for UCEED 2026 must act swiftly to ensure their application is complete. The deadline for the initial application submission to BITSDES is set for February 1, 2026.

​Crucial Action Points for UCEED Aspirants 

​This partnership means UCEED qualifiers now have a new, premium private university option for their design degree. However, the process is distinct from the Joint Admission Process (JAP) used by the IITs, making the timeline and application steps paramount.

• ​Application is Mandatory: Simply appearing for UCEED is not enough. Candidates must complete the separate BITS Design School application form on their official admissions portal.
• ​The February 1st Deadline: The application deadline for the B.Des. (Hons) program is February 1, 2026. This deadline is firm and applies to all applicants, including those submitting UCEED scores. Do not wait for your UCEED results!
• ​Required Details: Candidates must use their UCEED Registration/Roll Number to successfully submit their application before the cut-off date.
• ​Score Submission Window: Only applicants who have successfully submitted their form by February 1, 2026, will be notified and granted access to a later portal window (expected around April 8 - April 12, 2026) to upload their official UCEED 2026 Scorecard. New applications will not be accepted during this later score upload window.

​Holistic Selection Process and Other Pathways 

​Admission to BITSDES is based on a comprehensive, multi-stage evaluation process designed to assess a candidate's full creative potential, not just a single test score. The UCEED score serves as an initial screening filter, after which shortlisted candidates proceed to the next crucial phases.

• ​Three Accepted Entrance Exams: UCEED is one of three acceptable entrance examinations. The other two pathways include: 
  • ​BITSDAT: BITS Design Aptitude Test (The institute's own entrance exam, scheduled for March 31 - April 5, 2026).
  • ​NID DAT Prelims: National Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test Preliminary score.
• ​Minimum Academic Eligibility: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the Class 12 (or equivalent) examination in any stream from a recognised board with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
• ​Portfolio and Interview Round: Shortlisted candidates from the entrance exam stage will be invited for an in-depth Portfolio Review and Online Interview (scheduled for May 2 - May 12, 2026). This stage is essential for demonstrating commitment to a design career, creative inclination, problem-solving aptitude, and sense of aesthetics. The portfolio submission window is expected to be from April 16 to April 20, 2026.

​Why Choose BITS Design School B.Des. (Hons)

​The B.Des. (Hons) program at BITS Design School stands out for its future-focused curriculum, preparing students for the evolving global design industry, especially where technology and creativity intersect.

• ​Technology-Driven Design Education: Leveraging the legacy of BITS Pilani, the program offers a tech-first approach, fostering designers who are adept at the intersection of design, technology, and business.
• ​Industry Integration: The curriculum is deeply integrated with industry needs, featuring a mandatory practice school component and extensive industry-connect opportunities.
• ​Future-Ready Specialisations: The program is structured around critical areas of modern design, offering specialisations such as: 
  • ​Digital Product Design (UX/UI)
  • ​Physical Product Design
  • ​Design Research & Insights

​This inclusion of UCEED scores marks a significant step towards greater inclusivity and accessibility to this top-tier design education.

​In Conclusion:

​The acceptance of UCEED 2026 scores by BITS Design School is a monumental opportunity for aspiring designers across the country. However, the success of your application hinges entirely on meeting the February 1, 2026, deadline for the initial application. Design aspirants must prioritize this administrative step now and strategically prepare for the UCEED exam, portfolio, and interview rounds. The path to becoming a future-ready designer is open—ensure you seize this critical window of opportunity!