Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is about to close the application process for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) 2026 and the Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED) 2026. Students who want to pursue Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des), or PhD programs at IITs and other leading design colleges must apply soon. The last date to submit the application form with the regular fee is October 31, 2025 .
The application period for both UCEED and CEED 2026 started on October 1, 2025 . UCEED is for students aiming for undergraduate design programs, typically after their 12th standard. CEED is for graduates looking for postgraduate design studies, including M.Des and PhD degrees. IIT Bombay organizes these national-level entrance exams.
What are UCEED and CEED?
UCEED 2026 is the entrance exam for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs. After clearing this exam, students can join B.Des courses at prestigious institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Jabalpur. Many other colleges across India also accept UCEED scores for their design courses.
CEED 2026 is for students who have completed their bachelor's degree and wish to study design at a higher level. This exam leads to admission in Master of Design (M.Des) and PhD in Design programs. Top IITs such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, and IIITDM Jabalpur consider CEED scores for their postgraduate design courses.
Important Dates for Application
- Application Start Date: October 1, 2025
- Last Date to Apply with Regular Fee: October 31, 2025
Other important dates, such as the exam date, admit card release, and result announcement, will be shared later. Applicants should regularly check the official websites for these updates.
Application Fee Details
The fee for applying to UCEED and CEED 2026 depends on your category. Ensure you pay the correct amount when submitting your application.
| Category | Registration Fee | 
| Indian Nationals - Female Candidates (all categories) | INR 2,000 | 
| Indian Nationals - SC, ST, PwD Candidates | INR 2,000 | 
| Indian Nationals - All Other Candidates | INR 4,000 | 
| Foreign Nationals (from SAARC countries) | USD 200 | 
| Foreign Nationals (from Non-SAARC countries) | USD 250 | 
How to Apply Online
The application process for both UCEED and CEED 2026 is fully online. Follow these steps to complete your application before the deadline:
- Visit the Website: Go to the official application portal. For UCEED 2026, use uceedapp.iitb.ac.in . For CEED 2026, use ceedapp.iitb.ac.in .
- Register: Find and click on the 'Register' or 'Apply Now' link for the respective exam.
- Fill Details: Carefully enter all required personal details, academic information, and contact details in the form.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature. Make sure they meet the size and format requirements.
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee online using options like net banking, credit card, or debit card. Double-check that you select the correct fee amount for your category.
- Review and Submit: Before the final submission, review your entire application form to ensure all information is correct and complete.
- Save Confirmation: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page or the filled application form for your records.
Who Can Apply?
Students who have passed or are appearing for their 12th standard exams and have a passion for design can apply for UCEED. This includes students interested in fields like Product Design, Industrial Design, Communication Design, and Animation. For CEED, candidates holding a bachelor's degree in any field (10+2+3 or 10+2+4 or 10+2+5 years) or a postgraduate degree are eligible to apply for M.Des and PhD programs.
Why These Exams Matter for Your Career
UCEED and CEED are crucial steps for students aiming for a career in design. They provide entry into some of India's most respected design schools, including the IITs. Success in these exams can help you gain quality education, learn from experienced teachers, and use modern design tools and facilities. This builds a strong foundation for a successful career in the creative industries.
Students must complete their applications before October 31, 2025 . Applying early will help avoid any technical problems or rush at the last minute. This ensures a smooth application process for your future in design.
