Are you aspiring to pursue a career in design and interested in the prestigious UCEED exam conducted by IIT Bombay? This comprehensive guide provides all the essential details for IIT Bombay UCEED 2026, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application procedures, exam pattern, and more. Whether you’re a student from a science, commerce, or arts background, this article will help you navigate the entire process seamlessly and prepare effectively for the exam.
IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 Notification Overview
The official notification for the IIT Bombay UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design) 2026 was announced on October 1, 2025. This marks the official start of the application process for one of India’s most esteemed design entrance exams. UCEED serves as a crucial gateway for admission into Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs offered by top IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur. The exam will be held on January 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
Candidates must complete their registration online via the official UCEED portal, ensuring all eligibility criteria are met and necessary documents are uploaded before the application deadline. The exam continues to be inclusive of all educational streams, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of design education.
Participating Institutes and Courses
The UCEED score is used for admission into B.Des programs across several premier institutes in India:
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Guwahati
- IIT Hyderabad
- IIT Roorkee
- IIITDM Jabalpur
Only candidates qualifying in UCEED are eligible to apply for seat allocation in these institutes, which is conducted separately after result declaration.
Key Details at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Course Offered | Bachelor of Design (B.Des) |
| Notification Release Date | October 1, 2025 |
| Exam Date | January 18, 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | October 1, 2025, 1:00 PM |
| Registration End Date (Regular) | October 31, 2025 |
| Late Registration End Date | November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download Start | January 2, 2026, 1:00 PM |
| Result Declaration | March 6, 2026 |
| Score Card Download Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies based on category and includes late fee charges if applicable:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Female Candidates (all categories) | ₹2,000 |
| SC, ST, PwD Candidates | ₹2,000 |
| All Other Candidates | ₹4,000 |
| Late Fee (after regular deadline) | ₹500 |
IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
The age criteria depend on the candidate’s category:
- Open/EWS/OBC-NCL candidates — born on or after October 1, 2001.
- SC/ST/PwD candidates — born on or after October 1, 1996.
Number of Attempts
A candidate can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
Qualifying Educational Requirements
Candidates must have appeared for their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2025 or 2026 from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts).
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Exam Format
- Mode: Online (computer-based)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Languages: English
- Total Marks: 300
Exam Components
| Part | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Objective | Multiple choice questions testing visualization, spatial reasoning, observation, and scientific knowledge. |
| Part B | Design | Pen-and-paper based drawing and design aptitude tasks evaluating practical visualization and sensitivity to design. |
Syllabus Topics
- Visualization and Spatial Reasoning
- Scientific and Practical Knowledge
- Observation Skills
- Design Sensitivity
Step-by-Step Registration Process
How to Apply for UCEED 2026
- Visit the official website at uceed.iitb.ac.in.
- Click on the registration link and create an account using a valid email ID.
- Activate your account via the link sent to your email address.
- Log in and fill in personal details such as name, address, contact number, and category.
- Enter educational qualifications – details of Class 10 and 12 exams.
- Select preferred test centers (multiple options available in India).
- Upload scanned copies of required documents:
- Passport-sized photograph
- Signature
- Class 10 and 12 certificates
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID proof
- Pay the registration fee online using credit/debit card or net banking.
- Review your application and submit. Download and save the confirmation page.
Important Dates Recap
Below is a summarized timeline of critical events for UCEED 2026:
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Registration | October 01, 2025, 1:00 PM |
| Last Date for Registration (regular) | October 31, 2025 |
| Last Date with Late Fee | November 7, 2025, 5:00 PM |
| Admit Card Download Begins | January 2, 2026 |
| UCEED Exam Date | January 18, 2026, 9:00 AM |
| Results Declaration | March 6, 2026 |
| Score Card Download Ends | July 31, 2026 |
| Application for B.Des Program | March 14 – April 10, 2026 |
Additional Resources and Documents
For detailed guidelines, rules, and preparation material, candidates can refer to the official information brochure available at this link. Make sure to review all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth application process.
Conclusion
The IIT Bombay UCEED 2026 is a significant opportunity for aspiring designers across India to showcase their creativity, visualization skills, and scientific knowledge. By adhering to deadlines, fulfilling eligibility requirements, and preparing strategically for both parts of the exam, candidates can maximize their chances of success and secure admission to top design institutes. Stay updated with official notifications and use the provided resources to plan your application effectively.