The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs offered by top design institutes in India. Open to students from all streams (Science, Commerce, and Arts) who have completed their Class 12, the exam is held once a year. UCEED 2026 consists of two parts: Part A is a computer-based test that assesses analytical thinking, creativity, general awareness, and language skills, while Part B is conducted offline and tests drawing and design aptitude. Applicants must fill out an online application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee. They can also choose up to three preferred exam cities. After the exam, results are declared online, and qualifying candidates can participate in the counselling process to secure admission. UCEED is ideal for students passionate about design, sketching, and innovative problem-solving who wish to pursue a career in design at premier institutes.
UCEED 2026 Highlights
The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2026 is a national-level entrance test conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to B.Des programs. It is held once a year and includes both online and offline sections. The exam is conducted in 27 cities across India and is open to all eligible candidates, with a reduced fee for reserved categories and female applicants.
| Particular | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exam name | Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) |
| Conducting institute | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam frequency | Once a year |
| Exam purpose | UCEED 2026 scores will be accepted by: Participating institutes Result-sharing institutes What is a result-sharing institute? |
| Exam mode | The UCEED question paper has two parts: Part A is conducted in computer-based mode. Part B exam is held offline. |
| Exam fees | INR 3,800 (General category) and INR 1,900 (Reserved category & Females of all categories) |
| Exam duration | 3 hours |
| No. of test cities | 27 |
| Exam website | uceed.iitb.ac.in |
UCEED 2026 Important Dates
The UCEED 2026 exam has a structured timeline with key events, including application start dates, admit card release dates, exam dates, answer key releases, and result announcements. Additionally, there are multiple seat allotment rounds and withdrawal windows to help candidates secure admission. Keeping track of these tentative dates will help candidates stay organised and prepare effectively for the exam and admission process.
| Event | Tentative Date(s) |
|---|---|
| UCEED 2026 Application Start Date | Oct 2026 - Nov 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Application Date (Late Fees) | Nov 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Issue of Admit Cards | Jan 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Exam Date | Jan 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Release of Draft Answer Key | Jan 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Challenges Against Draft Answer Key | Jan 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Release of Final Answer Key | Jan 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Result Date | Mar 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Score Card Availability | Mar 2026 - Jul 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Round I | Apr 2026 |
| Round I: Withdrawal/Exit from Seat Allocation Process | Apr 2026 - May 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Round II | May 2026 |
| Round II: Withdrawal/Exit from Seat Allocation Process | May 2026 - Jun 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Round III | Jun 2026 |
| Round III: Withdrawal/Exit from Seat Allocation Process | Jun 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Round IV | Jun 2026 |
| Round IV: Withdrawal/Exit from Seat Allocation Process | Jun 2026 - Jul 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Round IV (Final) | Jul 2026 |
UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The candidate must meet the following conditions for admission to the B.Des program offered by the UCEED 2026 participating institutes.
| Parameters | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | The candidate must be born on or after October 1, 2000. Relaxation in upper age limit: SC, ST, PwD categories - 5 years |
| UCEED qualification | The candidate must have qualified or obtained a rank in UCEED 2026. |
| Academic Qualification | The candidate should have passed all FIVE subjects in 10+2 or equivalent exams in 2025 or 2026. Note: Students from ALL STREAMS (Science, Commerce, and Arts & Humanities) are eligible. |
UCEED 2026 Application Form
The UCEED 2026 application process is expected to begin between October and November 2026. Applications with a late fee will likely be accepted until November 2026.
Candidates who met the prescribed eligibility criteria for the B.Des program had to apply before the last date. The candidate could apply for UCEED 2026 with regular and late fees. The late application fee is INR 500.
How To Apply
To get registered, the candidate had to follow these steps.
- Online registration - Click on the registration link. You will be redirected to a registration form. Fill in details like a valid email ID and mobile number. On successful registration, an applicant account will be created.
- Fill in the form - The application form will include personal, academic, and contact details. Fill in all the sections. You will also be required to select THREE exam cities in the order of priority.
- Upload documents - The candidate has to upload documents like a photograph, signature, date of birth proof, and qualifying exam certificates in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee - The fee must be paid online. The application fee for the OPEN category is INR 4000, and INR 2000 for reserved category candidates.
UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern
It has not been revised and is expected to remain the same as in the previous year. The UCEED exam is divided into two parts – Part A and Part B. As per the official exam pattern of UCEED 2026, Part B will consist of two Drawing and Design aptitude questions. The duration of Part B will be 60 minutes. The question will be displayed on the computer screen, but candidates must write or draw their answers in the answer book provided by the invigilator. Part B will be evaluated only if the candidate meets the qualifications for Part A.
| Particulars | Part-A | Part-B |
|---|---|---|
| Medium of Instruction | English | English |
| Question type and number of questions | NAT - 14 MSQ - 15 MCQ - 28 | Sketching - 1 Design Aptide - 1 |
| Total Questions | 57 | 2 |
| Total Marks | 200 | 100 |
| Maximum Time | 120 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Offline |
UCEED 2026 Syllabus
UCEED Syllabus 2026 has not been revised and is expected to remain the same as in the previous year. The UCEED 2026 syllabus is divided into Part A and Part B, each assessing different skill sets. Part A will be conducted online and consists of NAT, MSQ, and MCQ-type questions, while Part B is an offline section that evaluates drawing and design aptitude. The syllabus covers topics like spatial reasoning, observation, creativity, and analytical thinking, reflecting a candidate’s overall design aptitude and problem-solving abilities.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Part A (Duration: 120 minutes) | Computer-based test with 3 sections: NAT, MSQ, and MCQ |
| Topics Covered in Part A | |
| Visualization and Spatial Reasoning | Visualize and manipulate 2D & 3D objects and spatial relationships |
| Practical and Scientific Knowledge | Understand scientific principles and real-life applications |
| Observation and Design Sensitivity | Detect hidden details, analyze, infer, and predict |
| Environment and Society | Awareness of environmental, social, and cultural aspects of design |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Analyze data and draw logical conclusions |
| Language | Read and comprehend Standard English |
| Creativity | Understand analogies, metaphors, signs, and symbols |
| Part B (Duration: 60 minutes) | Drawing and Design aptitude questions (2 questions total) |
| Topics Covered in Part B | |
| Drawing | Draw products, people, or scenes in proportion with perspective, shading, and composition |
| Design Aptitude | Problem-solving ability with empathy and innovation |
UCEED 2026 Admit Card
The UCEED 2026 admit cards are expected to be issued in January 2026. All applicants who successfully finish the application process will receive their admission card. The UCEED-IIT Bombay admission page is where candidates must download their admit card. Information such as the UCEED 2026 exam date and time, the exam centre's name and address, exam timings, reporting time, and exam-day instructions will all be included on the admit card. Candidates must present their admission card and a valid photo ID on exam day.
How to download UCEED 2026 Admit Card
- Go to the UCEED 2026 admission portal
- If the admit card is released, a download link will be activated
- Click on the UCEED 2026 admit card download link
- A login window will OPEN
- Enter your email ID and password
- The admission card will appear in downloadable PDF format upon login.
- Download the admit card, then print it out.
UCEED 2026 Results
The UCEED 2026 result is expected to be announced in March 2026. The results will be declared online at the UCEED 2026 admission portal. Candidates will need a registered email ID and password to check the results. The UCEED 2026 scorecard will be available for download soon after exam results are declared.
How to check the UCEED 2026 result
The result of UCEED 2026 will be declared online. Follow these steps to check your results.
- Go to the UCEED 2026 admission portal and click on the result link
- A log-in window will open
- Enter your registered email ID and password
- On successful log-in, the UCEED 2026 result will be displayed on the screen
- Download and print out the results.
UCEED 2026 Counselling
Candidates who are allocated a merit rank in UCEED 2026 can register. Check their qualifying status by logging into the UCEED 2026 result portal To register, the Candidate must pay the counselling fee of INR 4000, fill in personal particulars, and select institutes in the order of preference. The step-wise counselling process is explained below.
Step 1 - Submission of B.Des admission application form
Step 2 - Allotment of seats / Acceptance and Payment of Seat-acceptance Fee
Step 3 - Post seat allotment options
Step 4 - Reporting to the allotted institute
UCEED 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is the full form of UCEED 2026 and who conducts it?
Ans. UCEED 2026 stands for Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design, and it is conducted by IIT Bombay at the national level for admission to B.Des programs.
Ques. When will the UCEED 2026 application process start and what is the last date?
Ans. The UCEED 2026 application process is expected to start in October 2026 and continue until November 2026, with late fees applicable towards the end of the period.
Ques. What is the UCEED 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. The UCEED 2026 exam is divided into Part A and Part B. Part A is computer-based and includes NAT, MSQ, and MCQ questions. Part B is held offline and includes drawing and design aptitude questions.
Ques. When will the UCEED 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. The UCEED 2026 admit card is expected to be released in January 2026, and it can be downloaded from the official admission portal using the candidate’s login credentials.
Ques. What is the age limit to apply for UCEED 2026?
Ans. To be eligible for UCEED 2026, candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2000. SC, ST, and PwD candidates are given a 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit.
Ques. What documents are required to complete the UCEED 2026 application form?
Ans. Candidates applying for UCEED 2026 must upload their photograph, signature, date of birth proof, and relevant academic certificates in the prescribed format.
Ques. What is the UCEED 2026 syllabus for Part A?
Ans. The UCEED 2026 Part A syllabus includes spatial reasoning, analytical and logical reasoning, creativity, environmental awareness, language comprehension, and more.
Ques. When will the UCEED 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The UCEED 2026 result is expected to be declared in March 2026 on the official admission portal. Candidates can check it using their registered email ID and password.
Ques. What is the counselling process for UCEED 2026?
Ans. The UCEED 2026 counselling process includes filling out the B.Des application form, seat allotment, fee payment, and reporting to the allotted institute as per the merit list.
Ques. What is the fee for the UCEED 2026 exam?
Ans. The UCEED 2026 application fee is INR 3,800 for general category candidates and INR 1,900 for reserved category and all female candidates.