UCEED 2026: Complete Guide to Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design
The Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) is a national-level entrance test conducted by IIT Bombay for admission into the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at top design institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. If you’re planning to appear for UCEED 2026, this comprehensive blog will provide you with everything you need to know—from UCEED 2026 Highlights to UCEED 2026 FAQs.
✅ UCEED 2026 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based Test (CBT) |
| Courses Offered | B.Des (Bachelor of Design) |
| Official Website | uceed.iitb.ac.in |
📅 UCEED 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UCEED 2026 Notification Release | September 2025 |
| Start of Online Application | October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | Mid-November 2025 |
| UCEED 2026 Admit Card Release | January 1st Week, 2026 |
| Date of Exam | January 3rd or 4th Sunday, 2026 |
| Release of Draft Answer Key | Last Week of January 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | 1st Week of February 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Result | March 2026 |
| Scorecard Download | March – June 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Counselling & Seat Allocation | April – July 2026 |
📝 UCEED Application Form 2026
The UCEED 2026 application form will be released online on the official website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Apply for UCEED 2026:
- Register using a valid email ID and phone number.
- Fill in personal and academic details accurately.
- Upload documents like photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee via net banking/credit/debit card.
Application Fee (Expected):
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC-NCL Male | ₹3,600 |
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,800 |
🎓 UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements:
- Age Limit: Candidates born on or after October 1, 2001 (for general/OBC-NCL); a 5-year relaxation applies for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
- Qualifying Exam: You must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2025 or 2026 in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
- Attempts: You can appear for UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
📘 UCEED 2026 Syllabus
UCEED is designed to test a candidate’s aptitude for design rather than technical drawing skills. The exam comprises two parts: Part A (computer-based) and Part B (drawing test).
Part A: (CBT – Objective)
- Visualization and Spatial Ability
- Observation and Design Sensitivity
- Environmental and Social Awareness
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning
- Language and Creativity
- Design Thinking and Problem Solving
Part B: (Pen and Paper Test)
- Drawing skills
- Creativity in visual expression
- Perspective drawing
- Composition and design sensibility
✏️ UCEED Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Mode | Type of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Computer-based | NAT, MSQ, MCQ | 240 |
| Part B | Pen & Paper | Subjective Drawing | 60 |
| Total Duration | – | – | 3 hours (2 for Part A, 1 for Part B) |
Marking Scheme (Part A):
- NAT: +4, No Negative
- MSQ: +4, –0.19 for wrong
- MCQ: +3, –0.71 for wrong
🎒 UCEED 2026 Admit Card
The UCEED 2026 Admit Card will be available for download in the first week of January 2026.
How to Download:
- Visit uceed.iitb.ac.in
- Log in with credentials
- Click on “Download Admit Card”
📌 Important: Cross-check your photo, name, exam center, and signature.
🏆 UCEED Top Colleges Accepting UCEED Score
UCEED is primarily accepted by the following IITs for B.Des:
| Institute | Seats (approx.) |
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | 37 |
| IIT Guwahati | 56 |
| IIT Delhi | 20 |
| IIT Hyderabad | 26 |
| IIITDM Jabalpur | 66 |
🔗 Note: Some private and international universities may also accept UCEED scores.
📊 UCEED 2026 Result
The UCEED 2026 result will be announced in March 2026.
- Log in to the portal to check your result.
- The scorecard will be available for download until June 2026.
- Rank lists are prepared based on Part A only, but qualification requires passing both Part A and B.
🧾 UCEED 2026 Counselling Process
UCEED counselling is conducted separately from the exam through a Joint Seat Allocation process.
Steps:
- Register for B.Des admission using your UCEED roll number.
- Fill choices of preferred institutes and programs.
- Seat Allotment Rounds begin from April 2026.
- Document Verification and Payment of Seat Acceptance Fee.
📌 You must confirm your seat or it will be offered to the next eligible candidate in subsequent rounds.
💬 UCEED 2026 FAQ’s
Q1. What is UCEED?
Ans: UCEED stands for Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design, a national-level exam conducted by IIT Bombay for B.Des admissions.
Q2. Can I apply if I studied Arts or Commerce?
Ans: Yes, candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) are eligible.
Q3. How many attempts are allowed for UCEED?
Ans: You can appear twice in consecutive years.
Q4. Is drawing important for UCEED?
Ans: Yes, Part B of the exam assesses your drawing and creativity skills.
Q5. What are UCEED scores used for?
Ans: UCEED scores are used to apply for B.Des programs in IITs and some other design institutes.
Q6. What’s the minimum age limit for UCEED 2026?
Ans: You must be born on or after October 1, 2001 (General/OBC), with a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD.
Q7. Can I use UCEED 2026 score for NID or NIFT?
Ans: No, NID and NIFT conduct their own separate entrance exams.
🎯 Final Words
If you dream of joining the top design schools in India, UCEED 2026 is your gateway. Start your preparation early, understand the UCEED 2026 Syllabus, solve mock tests, and stay updated with UCEED 2026 Important Dates. Whether you’re from Science, Arts, or Commerce, creativity and clarity will be your biggest assets.
Stay focused, stay creative—and design your dream career!