UCEED & CEED 2026: Jain, Mahindra, FLAME Join BDes MDes Admissions

The design admissions landscape for 2026 has witnessed a major shift! Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University have officially begun accepting UCEED (B.Des) and CEED (M.Des) scores. This strategic expansion significantly broadens the options for aspiring designers beyond the IITs. Students can now leverage a single national-level entrance exam score for admission to a wider range of premier private institutions, securing seats in highly sought-after specialisations like UI/UX, Product Design, and Communication Design.

The admission process for the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026 has received a monumental boost with the inclusion of three prominent private institutions: Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Mahindra University, and FLAME University. This strategic decision by these esteemed universities to accept the national-level design entrance test scores marks a significant expansion of options for students aiming for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs.

​Previously, the primary focus of UCEED and CEED was on securing seats in the prestigious Participating Institutes, chiefly the IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Roorkee) and IIITDM Jabalpur. The entry of top-tier private universities as Result Sharing Institutes validates the quality and rigor of these national exams and, crucially, increases the seat pool and geographical choices available to candidates.

• ​Expanded Portfolio: Aspirants can now use a single UCEED or CEED score to apply for design programs across multiple institutions, including the IITs and the newly added universities.
• ​Wider B.Des & M.Des Options: Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME offer specialized B.Des and M.Des programs, which now become more accessible to the UCEED/CEED qualified pool.
• ​Boost to Tier-1 Private Education: This move brings the admission process of these private powerhouses into alignment with the national merit-based testing framework, enhancing transparency and competition.

​Deep Dive: Programs Offered by the New UCEED/CEED Accepting Universities

​The inclusion of Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University is particularly exciting because each institution brings unique academic strengths, interdisciplinary focus, and cutting-edge specialisations to the design education table. Aspirants must carefully research the specific programs offered at each campus to match their career goals.

​Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Bangalore

​Jain University's School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts offers programs that align closely with industry demands, particularly in the digital and communication space.

• ​B.Des Programs: Includes sought-after streams such as Product Design, Communication Design, and Interaction Design (UI/UX). Jain University also considers its internal JET (JAIN Entrance Test), but UCEED scores provide an alternative entry path.
• ​M.Des Programs: Focuses on advanced areas like Communication Design and Industrial Design. CEED scores are a recognised admission channel, alongside their internal JET.

​Mahindra University, Hyderabad

​Mahindra University, through its School of Design Innovation, emphasizes an interdisciplinary, innovation-driven approach, often integrating technology and engineering with creative problem-solving.

• ​B.Des in Design Innovation: The program is focused on creating T-shaped designers capable of working across various sectors. UCEED scores are given additional weightage during the comprehensive admissions review, which also includes a mandatory In-Person Interview.
• ​M.Des in Design Innovation: Focuses on advanced specialisations like Interaction Design (UI/UX), Industrial Design, and Communication Design, with CEED scores being a valuable asset in the selection process.

​FLAME University, Pune

​FLAME University's School of Design offers a liberal arts-based design education, emphasizing critical thinking and a broad, foundation-first approach, preparing students for varied creative careers.

• ​B.Des Programs: FLAME accepts UCEED scores alongside other national tests like NID DAT and NIFT Entrance Exam. However, it’s important to note that FLAME does not participate in the joint seat allocation process conducted by IIT Bombay. Admission is based on the score + FLAME Entrance Aptitude Test (FEAT) + Personal Interview.
• ​Admission Cycles: FLAME offers multiple admission cycles (e.g., Early Decision, Cycle I, II, III), making early application a smart move to secure an offer.

​ UCEED/CEED 2026 Strategy: Leverage Your Score

​Given that both UCEED 2026 and CEED 2026 are scheduled for January 18, 2026, aspirants must leverage the remaining time to perfect their test-taking strategy. A high score now unlocks opportunities not just at the coveted IITs, but also at the newly included prestigious private institutions.

​Key Action Items for Aspirants:

• ​Strategic Application Timing: Candidates should apply directly to Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME Universities using their early admission cycles before the official UCEED/CEED results are declared (usually in March 2026). Waiting for the rank may mean missing the application deadlines for these result-sharing institutes. 
  • ​Note: FLAME University’s Early Decision Cycle often closes around the end of November/early December.
• ​Focus on Part A (MCQ): The UCEED/CEED exams have two parts. Part A is the online computer-based test (MCQ), and Part B is the drawing/sketching test. While Part B is crucial for IIT admissions, a strong performance in the objective Part A (Analytical & Logical Skills) is vital for all admissions, as it reflects core aptitude.
• ​Portfolio and Interview Preparation: Unlike the IITs, the newly added universities often place significant weight on the mandatory Personal Interview (PI) and the review of the applicant's design portfolio. 
  • ​Portfolio: Curate projects that showcase originality, process, and problem-solving across different mediums.
  • ​PI: Prepare to articulate your passion for design, your inspirations, and your long-term career goals.

​Conclusion: Seize the Design Momentum

​The inclusion of Jain University, Mahindra University, and FLAME University in the UCEED and CEED 2026 admission process is a landmark development, dramatically increasing the options for aspiring B.Des and M.Des students. A high score in the January 2026 exams is now a powerful key, opening doors to a wider range of top-tier, specialized design programs across the country. Candidates must adopt a dual strategy: excel in the national entrance exam and apply promptly to these result-sharing institutes to secure admission and scholarship opportunities.

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