UCEED 2026 Registration Now Live at Official Portal: uceed.iitb.ac.in
UCEED 2026 registration has officially begun on uceed.iitb.ac.in. Aspiring designers targeting BDes admissions at IITs and top-tier design institutions must apply immediately. The deadline without a late fee is October 31, 2025. The UCEED 2026 entrance exam, conducted by IIT Bombay, is scheduled for January 18, 2026. This comprehensive guide covers the application process, key dates, and the colleges that accept UCEED scores. Secure your future in design by registering now.
The path to an undergraduate degree in Design (BDes) from India’s top institutions, including the premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), has officially been laid open. The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 registration window is currently active, hosted on the official portal, uceed.iitb.ac.in. Conducted by IIT Bombay, UCEED is the gateway exam for admission to BDes programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Indore, and several other highly respected design schools across the country.
With the application process having commenced on October 1, 2025, time is of the essence for all creative and analytically sharp aspirants. Missing the application deadline means missing the chance to compete for a seat at the pinnacle of design education in India. Candidates must adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure their application is successfully processed for the examination set for early next year. This detailed overview provides aspirants with the critical dates, steps, and key facts needed to navigate the UCEED 2026 registration and preparation phase successfully.
UCEED 2026: The Critical Application Timeline & Fees
The application window for UCEED 2026 is tight and non-extendable, making prompt action vital. Aspirants must ensure they complete the entire process, including fee payment and document upload, before the final deadline.
- Key Registration Dates:
- Online Registration Starts: October 1, 2025.
- Last Date to Apply (Regular Fee):October 31, 2025 (23:55 Hrs IST). This is the most cost-effective and crucial deadline.
- Last Date to Apply (Late Fee of ₹500): November 7, 2025 (17:00 Hrs IST). Candidates paying the late fee will have their applications processed, but they must not risk this last-minute scramble.
- Admit Card Download Starts: January 2, 2026.
- UCEED 2026 Exam Date: January 18, 2026 (Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon).
- UCEED 2026 Application Fee Structure (Non-refundable):
- The fee varies by category, and payment must be made online via credit/debit card or Net Banking.
- ₹2,000: For Female candidates (all categories) and SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- ₹4,000: For all other candidates (General/OBC-NCL/EWS Male candidates).
- Late Fee Penalty: An additional ₹500 is mandatory if the application is submitted between November 1 and November 7, 2025.
- Step-by-Step Registration Process:
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official website, uceed.iitb.ac.in, and click on the 'Registration Portal'.
- New User Registration: Create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number. This will generate your unique login credentials.
- Fill Application Form: Log in and accurately fill out all personal, academic (10+2 passing year must be 2025 or 2026), and contact details.
- Upload Documents: Upload the required documents, which typically include a recent photograph, clear signature, proof of age (e.g., Class 10 certificate), and category certificate (if applicable), all in the specified file formats and sizes.
- Fee Payment: Complete the payment of the non-refundable application fee as per your category to finalize the submission.
Understanding the UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern and Selection
The UCEED exam is specifically designed to assess a candidate's aptitude for design and creativity, differing significantly from traditional academic tests. Understanding its structure is key to effective preparation.
- Exam Mode and Structure:
- Duration: 3 hours (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon).
- Total Marks: 300 Marks.
- The paper has two mandatory parts:
- Part A (Computer-Based Test): Assesses analytical and logical reasoning, visualization, general awareness, and observation skills through objective questions (NAT, MSQ, MCQ).
- Part B (Pen and Paper Mode): A subjective section to test the candidate's drawing, sketching, and design aptitude skills. This section requires the answer to be drawn/written in an answer booklet.
- Key Syllabus Components (Part A Focus):
- Visualization and Spatial Reasoning: Ability to manipulate 2D shapes and 3D objects mentally.
- Observation and Design Sensitivity: Keen eye for detail, analysis of objects, and design elements.
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Practical and Scientific Knowledge: General know-how of scientific principles and common objects.
- Selection and Admission Process:
- Candidates must qualify with a rank in UCEED 2026 to be eligible for BDes admission.
- Post-result (declared on March 6, 2026), qualified candidates must apply separately to the Participating Institutes (IITs) during their Common Admission Process (JoSAA-like) scheduled from March 14 to April 10, 2026.
- Five rounds of seat allocation are conducted from April 2026 onwards.
The Gateway to Top BDes Colleges in India
UCEED is much more than just an IIT entrance exam; it is accepted by a vast consortium of top government and private design institutions, significantly broadening a candidate's career prospects.
- Participating IITs (P-IIs):
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Guwahati
- IIT Hyderabad
- IIT Indore
- IIITDM Jabalpur
- Note: These institutions participate in the Joint Admission Process.
- Prominent BDes Institutes Accepting UCEED Scores:
- BITS Design School (BITSDes): Accepts UCEED scores alongside BITSDAT and NID DAT Prelims.
- Design Department, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Delhi
- Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Delhi
- Department of Design, Nirma University, Ahmedabad
- VIT School of Design (V-SIGN), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
- Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (SMIADT), Bengaluru
- CEPT University, Ahmedabad
- Career Scope Post-BDes:
- A BDes degree from these top institutions opens doors to high-demand, high-paying roles, particularly in the digital space.
- Popular career specialisations include UX/UI Designer, Product Designer, Interaction Designer, Design Strategist, Design Researcher, and Visual Communication Specialist.
Conclusion
The opening of UCEED 2026 registration is the official signal for serious design aspirants to kick their preparation into high gear. With the deadline for a regular fee set for October 31, 2025, immediate registration is the recommended action. UCEED is the premier opportunity to secure a BDes seat at an IIT or other leading design institution, offering a curriculum that blends engineering rigour with creative innovation. Ensure all eligibility criteria are met, strategise your preparation for both Part A and Part B, and complete your application well before the cut-off date to embark on a fulfilling and dynamic career in design.
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