Top Design Universities: Jain, Mahindra & FLAME - Now Accept UCEED/CEED 2026 Scores

A major, exciting shift is reshaping the design entrance landscape for the 2026-2027 academic year. Design aspirants now have significantly more opportunities for top-tier education as Jain University (Bengaluru), Mahindra University (Hyderabad), and FLAME University (Pune) have officially announced they will accept scores from the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 examinations.

A major, exciting shift is reshaping the design entrance landscape for the 2026-2027 academic year. Design aspirants now have significantly more opportunities for top-tier education as Jain University (Bengaluru), Mahindra University (Hyderabad), and FLAME University (Pune) have officially announced they will accept scores from the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 examinations. This pivotal decision validates the rigour of these national-level exams and provides a major strategic boost for candidates preparing for the tests. A strong UCEED score for Bachelor of Design (B. Des) and a high CEED score for Master of Design (M. Des) now unlocks pathways to highly sought-after, private universities renowned for their modern curriculum, interdisciplinary focus, and strong industry linkages. This expansion fundamentally alters the admission strategy, making preparation for the January 2026 UCEED/CEED exams more critical—and rewarding—than ever before.

​ Why This Expansion is a Game Changer for Design Aspirants

​The inclusion of these three prominent institutions—Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME—as Result-Sharing Institutes in the UCEED–CEED 2026 cycle is not merely a numerical increase in college options. It signifies a maturing of the design education ecosystem in India, offering quality alternatives outside the IIT and IIIT systems.

• ​Increased Opportunity and Safety Net: Previously, a good UCEED/CEED score primarily led to the limited seats at the IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur. The addition of these three private universities provides a crucial safety net and broadens the options for candidates who perform well in the national exams but may not clear the final, highly competitive cut-offs for the centrally participating institutes.
• ​Validation of National Exams: By accepting UCEED and CEED scores, these universities are leveraging the standardized, rigorous assessment conducted by IIT Bombay. This move simplifies the application process for students, as they can now focus on excelling in one set of national exams rather than preparing for multiple, disparate university-specific tests.
• ​Geographical and Programmatic Diversity: 
  • ​Jain University, Bengaluru: Offers an excellent option for students seeking a metropolitan hub with strong ties to the local tech and start-up ecosystem, enhancing career prospects in UI/UX and digital design.
  • ​Mahindra University, Hyderabad: With its foundation in the Tech Mahindra ecosystem, it provides a unique blend of engineering, management, and design, catering to aspirants interested in Interaction Design, Product Design, and Design Innovation.
  • ​FLAME University, Pune: Known for its Liberal Education approach, it is ideal for students seeking an interdisciplinary curriculum that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a broad worldview alongside specialized design skills.

​ Crucial Admission Protocol: UCEED/CEED Score Usage

​A key difference aspirants must understand is the admission process for these new result-sharing institutes compared to the traditional participating institutes (IITs, IIITDM). The application procedure for Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME is not centralised.

• ​Direct Application is Mandatory: Unlike the participating institutes that use a centralised counselling system (Joint Admission Process or JAP), candidates interested in Jain, Mahindra, or FLAME must apply to them separately and directly on their respective university admission portals.
• ​The Score as the First Filter: The universities will use the valid UCEED (for B. Des) or CEED (for M. Des) 2026 scores as the initial screening or shortlisting criterion. A high score is essential to be considered for the subsequent admission stages.
• ​Secondary Selection Rounds: Shortlisted candidates will still be required to participate in the respective university’s second stage of selection, which typically involves a Studio Test/Portfolio Review and a Personal Interview (PI). The final admission decision will be based on the composite score from the UCEED/CEED test and these university-specific components.
• ​Key Action Point: Aspirants must diligently track the individual application deadlines for Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME Universities, which will be separate from the UCEED/CEED exam application dates. Registration for UCEED 2026 with a late fee is open until November 10, 2025, with the exam scheduled for January 18, 2026.

​ Strategic Preparation: Maximising Your UCEED/CEED Edge

​With the added value of these three institutions, preparation for UCEED and CEED 2026 takes on new importance. Candidates must focus on a strategy that maximizes their performance in the entrance tests.

• ​Understand the UCEED/CEED Format:
  • ​UCEED (B. Des): Tests visualization, spatial ability, observation, design thinking, analytical, and logical reasoning. Part A is computer-based (MCQ/MSQ/NAT), and Part B is mandatory and requires freehand sketching and drawing.
  • ​CEED (M. Des): Focuses on visual perception, drawing skills, reasoning, creativity, and communication, with a combination of analytical (Part A) and drawing/design problem-solving (Part B) questions.
• ​Target a Competitive Score: Since these universities use the score as a primary filter, aiming for a top rank and a score well above the qualifying marks is crucial for securing a call for the interview round.
• ​Build a Strong Portfolio: While the UCEED/CEED score gets your foot in the door, the Portfolio and Personal Interview rounds conducted by Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME are decisive. Aspirants must dedicate time now to curating a high-quality portfolio that showcases their foundational skills, creativity, design thinking process, and knowledge of materials and processes.
• ​Stay Updated: Regularly check the official websites of UCEED–CEED 2026, Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University for exact seat matrices, cut-off trends, and application submission dates.

​Conclusion

​The inclusion of Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University as UCEED–CEED 2026 result-sharing institutes is an unambiguous win for design aspirants. Dated November 7, 2025, this news should serve as a powerful motivator to commit fully to your preparation for the January 2026 examinations. A high score is now a golden ticket that unlocks doors to not just the prestigious IITs, but also these dynamic, industry-focused private institutions. Complete your UCEED/CEED registration now, devise a focused study plan, and start building that impactful design portfolio.