Are you aspiring to pursue a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) at premier Indian institutes? The IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 examination is your gateway to top design colleges across India, including IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, and IIITDM Jabalpur. This comprehensive guide provides all essential information about the upcoming UCEED 2026 examination, from official notifications to registration procedures, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and important dates. Whether you are a new applicant or looking for updates, this resource aims to assist you in navigating the UCEED 2026 process effectively.
IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 Notification
The official notification for IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 was released on October 1, 2025, signaling the commencement of application submissions for one of India’s most esteemed design entrance exams. UCEED, or the Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design, is organized annually by IIT Bombay to select candidates for B.Des programs at various reputed institutes. The exam will be held on January 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
Applications must be completed online via the official portal, with careful attention to eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. The exam continues to promote inclusivity by remaining open to candidates from all educational streams, including Science, Commerce, and Arts. The exam comprises two sections: Part A (computer-based objective questions) and Part B (pen-and-pencil drawing and design aptitude tasks), with a total duration of three hours.
Only candidates who qualify through UCEED are eligible for the joint seat allocation process for B.Des programs, administered separately by the participating institutes. The results are typically announced in March 2026, after which the counseling and seat allotment rounds follow.
For more detailed information, download the official notification and the information brochure via the links below:
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay |
| Exam Name | Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) |
| Course Offered | Bachelor of Design (B.Des) |
| Exam Date | January 18, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Timing | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Application Portal | uceedapp.iitb.ac.in |
| Official Notification Release | October 1, 2025 |
| Registration Start Date | October 1, 2025, 5:00 PM |
| Last Date for Registration (Regular) | October 31, 2025 |
| Late Registration End Date | November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download Start | January 2, 2026 |
| Results Declaration | March 6, 2026 |
| Score Card Download Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Registration Fee (Category-wise) |
|
| Additional Late Fee | ₹500 (after regular deadline) |
Eligibility Criteria for UCEED 2026
Understanding eligibility is vital before applying for UCEED 2026. Here are the essential criteria:
Age Limit
Candidates from the Open/EWS/OBC-NCL categories should be born on or after October 1, 2001. For SC/ST and PwD candidates, the date is October 1, 1996.
Number of Attempts
Candidates can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
Educational Qualification
Applicants should have appeared or will appear for Class 12 (or equivalent) examinations in 2025 or 2026 from any educational stream—Science, Commerce, or Arts.
Other Requirements
- Open to students from all streams.
- No eligibility restriction based on the stream; focus on qualifying standards.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The UCEED 2026 examination tests your visualization, design aptitude, scientific knowledge, and observation skills through two sections:
Exam Format
| Part | Mode | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Computer-based (Online) | Objective questions assessing visualization, spatial reasoning, observation, and scientific knowledge |
| Part B | Pen-and-paper | Drawing and design aptitude tasks to evaluate creativity and problem-solving skills |
Exam Details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 300
- Language: English
- Syllabus Focus Areas:
- Visualization and Spatial Reasoning
- Scientific and Practical Knowledge
- Observation and Design Sensitivity
Registration Process for UCEED 2026
Applying for UCEED 2026 involves a systematic online process. Follow these steps for a smooth registration:
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to uceed.iitb.ac.in.
- Create an Account: Register using a valid email ID and activate your account through the confirmation link sent to your email.
- Login to the Portal: Use your registered email and password to access the dashboard.
- Fill Personal Details: Enter name, date of birth, address, category, and contact information.
- Educational Details: Input your Class 10 and Class 12 exam details, including year of passing, board, and percentage/grades.
- Choose Test Centers: Select your preferred examination centers from available options in order of preference.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of recent passport-sized photograph, signature, category certificates (if applicable), and ID proof as specified.
- Pay Application Fee: Complete the online fee payment using net banking, credit/debit card, or other available options.
- Review and Submit: Confirm all details, then submit your application. Download and save the confirmation receipt for future reference.
Important Dates Summary
Here is a quick timeline for all critical activities related to UCEED 2026:
Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | October 1, 2025 |
| Registration Start Date | October 1, 2025, 5:00 PM |
| Registration End Date (Regular) | October 31, 2025 |
| Late Registration End Date | November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download Starts | January 2, 2026 |
| Exam Date | January 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Answer Key Release (Part A) | January 20, 2026 |
| Results Declaration | March 6, 2026 |
| Score Card Download | March 10, 2026, onwards |
| Online Application for B.Des | March 14 to April 10, 2026 |
| Seat Allotment Round 1 | April 21, 2026 |
| Final Seat Allotment | July 03, 2026 |
Fee Structure
The application fee varies based on categories, with a late fee applicable if paid after the deadline:
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Female Candidates (all categories) | ₹2,000 |
| SC, ST, PwD Candidates | ₹2,000 |
| All Others | ₹4,000 |
| Late Fee (post deadline) | ₹500 |
FAQs About UCEED 2026
Q1. Can candidates from any educational background apply for UCEED?
Yes, UCEED remains open to candidates from all streams—Science, Commerce, Arts—since the emphasis is on aptitude and visualization skills rather than specific subject knowledge.
Q2. What documents are required during registration?
Candidates need to upload recent passport-sized photographs, signatures, educational certificates, category certificates (if applicable), and ID proofs as specified in the instructions.
Q3. How is the selection process carried out?
Selection is based on the performance in UCEED (Part A and Part B). Qualified candidates’ scores are used for seat allocation in B.Des programs across participating institutes.
Q4. Is it necessary to secure a certain percentage in Class 12?
There is no percentage criteria; however, candidates must have appeared for the Class 12 or equivalent examinations in 2025 or 2026.
Additional Resources and Support
To aid your preparation and application process, consider utilizing free online tools such as:
For detailed guidelines, notifications, and updates, always refer to the official UCEED website: uceed.iitb.ac.in.
This comprehensive overview aims to prepare you for a successful UCEED 2026 journey. Stay updated with deadlines, prepare diligently for the exam, and best of luck in securing your seat in India’s prestigious design institutes!