UCEED–CEED 2026 Gets Bigger with Jain, Mahindra & FLAME Joining as Participating Universities

Great news for design aspirants! The admission landscape for the 2026-27 academic session has dramatically broadened with Mahindra University, FLAME University, and Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) joining the list of UCEED and CEED 2026 result-sharing institutes. This significant development means your performance in the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) and Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) now unlocks more top-tier private university options for B.Des and M.Des programs. Aspiring designers must adjust their application strategy immediately, ensuring they leverage their national test scores for a greater chance at securing a seat in these prestigious, diverse institutions.

The path to a career in design has become significantly more accessible and competitive for the 2026-27 academic cycle. In a landmark development, Mahindra University (Hyderabad), FLAME University (Pune), and Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) (Bangalore) have officially been confirmed as Result-Sharing Institutes (RSIs) for the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) 2026.

​This strategic acceptance of national design test scores by three prominent private institutions dramatically increases the opportunities available to aspirants, extending options beyond the traditional consortium of IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur. A strong performance in UCEED 2026 for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs and CEED 2026 for Master of Design (M.Des) programs is now the key to gaining entry into a wider array of specialized and liberal arts-focused design schools across India.

• ​Expanded Reach: The inclusion of these universities in the RSI list validates the UCEED/CEED scores as the de facto national currency for design admissions, simplifying the application process for students.
• ​Program Coverage: Mahindra University and FLAME University will accept UCEED for B.Des and CEED for M.Des, while Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) will accept both scores for their respective programs, offering diverse specializations.
• ​Strategic Advantage: Aspirants who have performed well in the national exams now possess a competitive advantage when applying to these schools, potentially reducing the need to appear for multiple, university-specific entrance tests.

​ Understanding the New Result-Sharing Institutes and Their Design Focus

​The addition of Mahindra, FLAME, and Jain Universities provides applicants with a variety of specialized design environments. Aspiring students must understand the unique educational philosophy of each institution to make an informed choice that aligns with their career goals, whether they lean towards technology, liberal arts, or a metropolitan industry focus.

​ Mahindra University, Hyderabad: The Tech-Design Blend

​Mahindra University is part of the Tech Mahindra ecosystem, giving its design programs a strong focus on technology integration and industry relevance.

• ​Program Focus: B.Des and M.Des programs likely emphasize fields like Interaction Design (UI/UX), Product Design, and Digital Media.
• ​Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Offers a blend of engineering, management, and liberal arts with design, catering to students who want to bridge the gap between technology and human-centric design solutions.
• ​What this means for aspirants: Ideal for those aiming for careers in the rapidly growing Indian and global technology and start-up sectors, leveraging Hyderabad's status as a major IT hub.

​FLAME University, Pune: The Liberal Arts Approach

​FLAME University is known for its liberal education foundation, integrating arts, humanities, and sciences into its curriculum.

• ​Program Focus: B.Des program emphasizes critical thinking, broad worldview, and interdisciplinary creativity.
• ​Unique Selling Proposition (USP): The curriculum encourages students to explore connections between design and philosophy, psychology, and sociology, fostering well-rounded creative problem-solvers.
• ​What this means for aspirants: Perfect for students seeking a holistic education where specialized design skills are nurtured alongside a strong foundation in critical inquiry and contextual understanding.

​ Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Bangalore: The Metropolitan Hub

​Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), located in the bustling city of Bangalore, offers vast exposure to the commercial and creative industries.

• ​Program Focus: Offers B.Des and M.Des across various disciplines, including Visual Communication, Fashion, and Interior Design, often through its School of Design, Media and Creative Arts.
• ​Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Provides excellent industry connect and placement opportunities within Bangalore's vibrant corporate and media landscape.
• ​What this means for aspirants: A solid choice for those prioritizing immediate industry exposure and a metropolitan campus environment, with a diverse range of specializations under one umbrella.

​ UCEED/CEED 2026: Crucial Admission Strategy & Deadlines

​It is paramount that aspirants understand the difference between the Participating Institutes (PIs) (like IITs) and the Result-Sharing Institutes (RSIs) (like Mahindra, FLAME, and Jain). This distinction dictates the next steps in their application process.

• ​Result-Sharing vs. Joint Admission: Unlike the PIs, RSIs do not participate in the Joint Admission Process (JAP) conducted by IIT Bombay. This means that merely qualifying for UCEED/CEED 2026 is not enough.
• ​Mandatory Separate Application: Candidates must apply directly to Mahindra University, FLAME University, and Jain (Deemed-to-be-University) through each university's official admissions portal by their specified deadline. The UCEED/CEED score is simply a recognized criterion for entry.
• ​The Post-Score Process: After submitting the UCEED/CEED score, these universities will typically conduct their own secondary screening process. This may include: 
  • ​A Personal Interview (PI).
  • ​A mandatory Portfolio Review, which assesses practical skills and creative maturity.
  • ​A Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Essay Submission.
• ​Key Dates: As of the November 8, 2025 dateline, the application window for the entrance exams is closing: 
  • ​UCEED 2026 Exam Date: January 18, 2026.
  • ​CEED 2026 Exam Date: January 18, 2026.
  • ​UCEED/CEED 2026 Late Registration Window: Closes on November 10, 2025. Aspirants who haven't registered must act immediately.

​Conclusion: Maximize Your Design Admission Potential

​The inclusion of Mahindra, FLAME, and Jain Universities as result-sharing partners for UCEED and CEED 2026 is a game-changer, injecting new energy and options into the design education sector. It underscores the increasing value of a national-level entrance test score for access to diverse, high-quality programs. Aspirants must not only focus on achieving a high UCEED or CEED score but also on crafting compelling, individual applications for these RSIs, complete with stellar portfolios and strong interview preparation, to fully capitalize on this expanded opportunity for the 2026-27 intake.

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