UCEED & CEED 2026 Application Forms Anticipated to Release in October: Start Your Prep!

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) is the gateway for B.Des admissions to IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, IIT Indore, and IIITDM Jabalpur, as well as other result-sharing institutes. Meanwhile, the Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED) facilitates admissions to M.Des and PhD in Design programs at IITs and IISc Bangalore.

• Anticipated Release: The online application forms for both UCEED 2026 and CEED 2026 are expected to be released in the first week of October 2025.
• Official Websites:
  • UCEED 2026: Aspirants should monitor uceed.iitb.ac.in for the official notification and application link.
  • CEED 2026: Candidates for M.Des/PhD programs should check ceed.iitb.ac.in for updates.

Key Dates and Application Process Overview: 

While the precise dates will be confirmed with the official notifications, based on previous years' trends, the application window typically extends for about a month.

• Application Start: First week of October 2025.
• Last Date (Regular Fee): Last week of October 2025.
• Last Date (Late Fee): Third week of November 2025.
• Tentative Exam Date: Both UCEED 2026 and CEED 2026 are generally conducted in the third week of January 2026.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Registration: Create an account on the respective official UCEED/CEED portal using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Fill Application Form: Complete the detailed online application form with personal, academic, and contact information.
3. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents such as a recent passport-sized photograph, signature, qualifying examination certificates, and category certificates (if applicable), adhering to specified size and format guidelines.
4. Pay Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
   • UCEED 2025 (tentative for 2026): INR 2,000 for female/SC/ST/PwD candidates; INR 4,000 for all other candidates.
   • CEED 2025 (tentative for 2026): INR 1,900 for female/SC/ST/PwD candidates; INR 3,800 for all other candidates.
5. Submit & Print: Review the filled form, submit it, and take a printout for your records.

Eligibility and Importance: 

• UCEED Eligibility (Brief): Candidates must have passed their 10+2 (or equivalent) examination in 2025 or be appearing for it for the first time in 2026. Age limits apply.
• CEED Eligibility (Brief): Candidates must hold a graduate degree/diploma of at least three years' duration after 10+2, or be appearing for their final examination by July 2026. There are no age or attempt limits for CEED.

These exams are highly competitive, evaluating a candidate's aptitude in various areas including visualization, logical reasoning, creativity, observation, and drawing skills. A strong performance in UCEED/CEED is the primary step toward securing a seat in the country's top design institutions. The scorecard for these exams remains valid for one year from the result declaration date.

Aspirants are advised to start their preparation early, familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and syllabus, and stay tuned to the official websites for the release of the information brochures and application forms.