IIT Bombay has officially started the registration process for UCEED 2026 from October 1, 2025, at 5 PM. The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is the gateway for admission to B.Des programmes at IITs and other participating institutes. The last date to apply without a late fee is October 31, 2025, while candidates can still register until November 7, 2025, by paying a late fee of INR 500. The exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026.
The UCEED 2026 application process is being conducted online at the official website. Eligible candidates must complete the form by uploading the required documents, providing academic details, and paying the application fee. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of the UCEED 2026 registration process, eligibility criteria, application fees, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation tips.
UCEED 2026 Registration Dates
Candidates should carefully check the timeline released by IIT Bombay to avoid missing deadlines. The registration started on October 1, 2025, and will remain open till October 31, 2025, without a late fee. Those who miss the initial deadline can still apply till November 7, 2025, by paying an additional fee of INR 500. The table below highlights the important dates for UCEED 2026 registration:
Following these dates is crucial for securing a spot in the examination.
UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for UCEED 2026 is defined in terms of age limit, qualifying exam, and number of attempts. Students must check carefully before applying.
- Age limit: Candidates from the OPEN/EWS/OBC-NCL category must be born on or after October 1, 2001. SC, ST, and PwD candidates get a five-year relaxation, meaning they must be born on or after October 1, 1996.
- Number of attempts: A candidate can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
- Qualifying examination: Candidates must have passed Class XII (or equivalent) in 2024 or should be appearing in 2025. Those who appeared before 2024 are not eligible.
Thus, UCEED 2026 ensures that only recent higher secondary graduates or those about to appear in 2025 can apply.
Documents Required for UCEED 2026 Registration
During the online registration, candidates must upload scanned copies of documents in the prescribed format. Applications without correct uploads will be rejected.
Here are the mandatory documents:
- Recent colour photograph: Must be a frontal face view, covering 70–80% of the frame, taken within the last six months. Only JPEG (.jpg) format is accepted.
- Signature: A scanned copy of the candidate’s full signature on white paper in JPEG format.
- Qualifying exam certificate: Candidates who passed Class XII in 2024 must upload their certificate in PDF format.
- Certificate from school/college principal (Appendix 1): Required for candidates appearing in Class XII in 2025. To be uploaded in PDF format.
- Name change proof: If the name does not match the Class XII certificate, a gazette notification or valid document showing the name change must be uploaded in PDF format. Uploading correct documents ensures smooth application approval.
UCEED 2026 Application Fee
The fee varies according to the category and gender of the applicant. Payment must be made online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Below is the fee structure for UCEED 2026:
Candidates applying after the deadline must pay an additional INR 500 late fee.
How to Fill the UCEED 2026 Application Form?
The entire registration process is conducted online. Candidates should ensure a stable internet connection and keep all documents ready before starting.
Steps to Register for UCEED 2026
- Visit the official website and click on “UCEED 2026 Registration.”
- Create a login ID by entering your email, mobile number, and password.
- Fill the application form with personal details, academic qualifications, and exam city preferences.
- Upload scanned documents as per the specifications.
- Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit and download the confirmation page for future reference.
It is advised to keep multiple printouts of the application form and payment receipt.
UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern
The UCEED exam evaluates creativity, visualisation, logical reasoning, and design aptitude. The paper is divided into two parts – Part A and Part B.
- Part A: Computer-based test with multiple-choice, multiple-select, and numerical answer type questions. It includes sections on Numerical Aptitude, Analytical Reasoning, Language, Design Awareness, and Environmental Awareness.
- Part B: Pen-and-paper test focusing on drawing ability. Candidates need to sketch, illustrate, and present ideas clearly.
Both parts are compulsory and together make up the total of 300 marks.
UCEED 2026 Syllabus Overview
The UCEED syllabus is designed to test both analytical skills and creativity. The key areas are:
- Visualization and spatial ability.
- Environmental and social awareness.
- Analytical and logical reasoning.
- Language and creativity.
- Design thinking and problem solving.
- Observation and design sensitivity.
- Drawing and sketching skills (Part B).
Students must prepare both theoretical and creative aspects thoroughly.
Preparation Tips for UCEED 2026
Since UCEED is a highly competitive exam, preparation should be systematic and practice-oriented.
- Understand the exam pattern: Focus equally on Part A (objective) and Part B (drawing).
- Solve previous year papers: IIT Bombay provides past six years’ question papers with solutions. Practicing them helps understand question trends.
- Practice sketching daily: Dedicate at least one hour every day to drawing and idea presentation.
- Take mock tests: Online test series can help improve speed and accuracy.
- Stay updated: Read about environmental and social issues as they often appear in Part A.
A mix of creativity and practice is the key to cracking UCEED 2026.
UCEED 2026 Exam Date
IIT Bombay will conduct UCEED 2026 on January 18, 2026. The exam will be held across multiple cities in India. Candidates must select their preferred exam centres while filling out the application form. The admit card will be released a few weeks before the exam date.
Conclusion
The UCEED 2026 registration window is currently open and will continue till October 31, 2025, without a late fee and till November 7, 2025, with a late fee of INR 500. Aspiring design students should carefully check the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application fee structure before applying. With the exam scheduled on January 18, 2026, candidates now have ample time to prepare strategically. Regular practice of drawing, problem-solving, and logical reasoning will help maximise performance. By completing the registration early and focusing on a well-planned preparation strategy, candidates can secure their chance at admission into prestigious design institutes through UCEED 2026.
