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

The UCEED-CEED 2026 exams just got bigger, with prestigious private universities like Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Mahindra University, and FLAME University officially joining the list of result-sharing institutions. This major expansion creates significantly more opportunities for design aspirants to secure seats in top-tier B.Des and M.Des programs for the 2026-27 academic year. Candidates can now leverage their UCEED/CEED scores for admissions beyond the IITs and IIITs, into programs emphasizing specialized design innovation and liberal arts integration. This news is crucial for every student registered for the January 18, 2026, examination.

The landscape of design education in India has undergone a massive transformation for the 2026-27 academic year, thanks to the expansion of the UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) ecosystem. In a significant move, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Mahindra University, and FLAME University have officially been listed as result-sharing institutes for the UCEED and CEED 2026 cycle. This development is a game-changer for design aspirants, offering increased access to high-quality, industry-relevant design programs.

​UCEED and CEED, conducted by IIT Bombay, serve as the gateway for admissions into B.Des and M.Des programs, respectively. While the IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Roorkee) and IIITDM Jabalpur remain the Participating Institutes that utilize a common counseling process, the growing list of Result-Sharing Institutes allows candidates to use their national-level aptitude score to apply directly to a wider network of premier private universities. This expansion ensures that a larger pool of talented students gains admission to institutions that value the rigorous assessment standards of the UCEED-CEED exams, making the upcoming January 18, 2026, test date even more critical.

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 New Institutions: Courses and Specialization Focus

​The addition of Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME Universities significantly diversifies the academic pathways available to UCEED and CEED qualified students. Each university brings its own unique strengths, program focus, and location advantage to the table.

• ​Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore: 
  • ​Programs: Accepts scores for B.Des (Bachelor of Design) and M.Des (Master of Design) programs.
  • ​Focus: Located in the major tech hub of Bangalore, Jain University emphasizes design thinking, technology integration, and industry-readiness in its curriculum. It is particularly strong for students interested in digital design, UI/UX, and fashion design.
  • ​Key Requirement: Candidates must use their UCEED/CEED score for initial shortlisting but must also apply directly to Jain University's admission process, which typically includes an internal Design Aptitude Test (DAT), portfolio review, and a Personal Interview (PI).
• ​Mahindra University, Hyderabad:
  • ​Programs: Accepts scores for the B.Des in Design Innovation and M.Des in Design Innovation programs.
  • ​Focus: Mahindra University (Mijar School of Design) places a strong emphasis on Design Innovation and interdisciplinary learning, leveraging its strong engineering and management faculties. It is ideal for aspirants focusing on industrial design, automotive design, and integrating design with technology.
  • ​Key Requirement: UCEED/CEED scores are given 'weightage' but admission is also contingent upon a mandatory In-Person Interview and meeting the university's academic criteria (e.g., 80% or equivalent in 10+2).
• ​FLAME University, Pune: 
  • ​Programs: Accepts scores for its Undergraduate Design Programs (B.Des).
  • ​Focus: FLAME University is known for its Liberal Arts approach. The design program integrates core design studies with a foundation in humanities, social sciences, and management, fostering holistic development and creative problem-solving.
  • ​Key Requirement: UCEED scores are considered for admission, often in conjunction with scores from NIFT/NID, but are only one component of a comprehensive selection process, which includes the FLAME Essay/FEAT and a mandatory Personal Interview.

​ UCEED-CEED 2026: The Critical Timeline Ahead

​With the exams scheduled for January 18, 2026, the current time must be dedicated to rigorous, exam-specific preparation. Aspirants must be aware of the key dates remaining in the admission cycle.

• ​Crucial Exam Dates: 
  • ​Final Registration Deadline (With Late Fee): The final opportunity to register for both UCEED and CEED 2026 is November 10, 2025 (5:00 PM). Note: The date mentioned in the prompt is November 12, 2025, confirming that the late fee window has just closed/is closing. Candidates who missed this window have unfortunately forfeited their chance for 2026.
  • ​Admit Card Release: The UCEED and CEED 2026 Admit Cards will be available for download from January 02, 2026.
  • ​Examination Date: January 18, 2026 (Sunday). Both exams will be held in the morning slot.
• ​Post-Exam Application Strategy:
  • ​Result Sharing Institutes vs. Participating Institutes: 
    • ​Participating Institutes (IITs/IIITDM): Use the common Joint Admission process conducted by IIT Bombay after results are declared.
    • ​Result-Sharing Institutes (Jain, Mahindra, FLAME, etc.): Candidates must apply separately to these universities using their UCEED/CEED score. Failure to apply to the individual university will mean the score is not considered.

​ Final Month Preparation: UCEED and CEED Syllabus Focus

​The UCEED and CEED exams are highly demanding, testing core aptitude rather than rote learning. The final weeks require intense practice across all sections, especially the creative component.

• ​UCEED (B.Des) Syllabus Breakdown:
  • ​Part A (Computer-Based Test): Focus on Visualization and Spatial Reasoning (3D transformations, net folding), Observation and Design Sensitivity (identifying hidden properties, patterns), and Analytical & Logical Reasoning. Practice quick assessment and pattern detection.
  • ​Part B (Drawing/Sketching - Offline): This 30-minute section is vital. Practice freehand drawing of products and scenes, focusing on correct composition, perspective, and proportion. Develop storytelling and creative composition skills through rapid sketching.
• ​CEED (M.Des) Syllabus Breakdown:
  • ​Part A (Computer-Based Test): Similar to UCEED but at a higher level, focusing on advanced Visualisation, Environmental and Social Awareness (design history, sustainability), and Logical Deduction.
  • ​Part B (Drawing/Design Aptitude - Offline): Involves more complex, problem-solving-oriented design questions. Practice generating and visually representing innovative solutions to given problems with clear sketches and annotations.

​Conclusion

​The inclusion of major universities like Jain, Mahindra, and FLAME as result-sharing institutes for UCEED-CEED 2026 marks a golden age for design aspirants, dramatically increasing the options for quality B.Des and M.Des education. With the registration deadline passed, the sole focus must now be on the January 18, 2026, exam date. Use the final weeks to practice intensely, leveraging the mock test environment, and remember that even with a great UCEED/CEED score, you must apply directly to these result-sharing institutes to secure your admission.

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