UCEED 2026 Brochure: Registration Dates, Changes from Version 1.0, and Download Guide
Published by Shikha Kumari on Dec 03, 2025
The UCEED 2026 brochure (Version 1.1) was officially released on November 15, 2025, updating key details from Version 1.0 (October 1, 2025). The new version introduces significant updates — including the addition of NIOS students to the eligibility list, a revised syllabus with 5% added weightage to computational design, and an increase in Part A questions from 80 to 85 MCQs.
Conducted by IIT Bombay, the UCEED 2026 exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon). This updated brochure clarifies eligibility, exam format, syllabus revisions, and key registration deadlines for aspirants applying for B.Des admission 2026.
UCEED 2026 Brochure Version 1.1: Key Highlights
The Version 1.1 brochure refines and replaces Version 1.0, bringing in the following official changes:
- NIOS students are now recognized as eligible under 10+2 equivalence.
- Part A now contains 85 MCQs (previously 80) to enhance aptitude testing.
- The “Methods” section in the syllabus now carries 20% weightage, including a 5% component on computational design.
- Scorecard validity extended up to July 31, 2026, ensuring longer usability for admissions.
- Foreign nationals can apply through DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) with equivalent qualifications.
The total exam duration remains 3 hours, and 20 test centres across India will host UCEED 2026.
Version 1.1 Change Summary
| Change | Version 1.0 | Version 1.1 |
| MCQs in Part A | 80 | 85 |
| Syllabus – Methods | 15% | 20% (+5% computational) |
| Eligible Boards | CBSE/ICSE/State | + NIOS included |
| Scorecard Validity | March 10 – July 31 | Unchanged |
UCEED 2026 Registration Dates
According to the brochure Version 1.1, UCEED 2026 registration will begin on August 25, 2025, with the regular deadline on October 5, 2025, and a late fee window till October 10, 2025.
A short correction window will be open from October 2–4, 2025 for rectifying errors in the application form.
UCEED 2026 Registration Schedule
| Event | Date |
| Registration Starts | August 25, 2025 |
| Regular Deadline | October 5, 2025 |
| Late Fee Deadline | October 10, 2025 |
| Correction Window | October 2–4, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2, 2026 |
| Exam Date | January 18, 2026 |
| Draft Answer Key | January 20, 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | January 28, 2026 |
| Results Declaration | March 6, 2026 |
| Scorecard Download | March 10 – July 31, 2026 |
| B.Des Application Window | March 14 – April 10, 2026 |
UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for UCEED 2026 have been updated in Version 1.1 to include NIOS students as valid applicants under 10+2 equivalence.
Key highlights include:
- Candidates must have passed or appeared for Class 12 (10+2) in 2025, 2026, or 2027 in any stream.
- No upper age limit applies.
- Minimum marks: 50% aggregate for General/OBC-NCL/EWS, 45% for SC/ST/PwD.
- NIOS students are fully eligible.
- Foreign nationals can apply through DASA with equivalent qualifications.
Eligibility Comparison
| Criteria | Version 1.0 | Version 1.1 |
| Eligible Boards | CBSE/ICSE/State | + NIOS added |
| Minimum Marks | 50% (General) | 50% (same) |
| Age Limit | None | None |
| Relaxation | SC/ST/PwD +5 years | Same |
UCEED 2026 Syllabus Revisions
The UCEED 2026 syllabus in Version 1.1 introduces a 5% computational design component under the “Methods” section. This aims to assess candidates’ ability to apply digital and parametric tools — reflecting current design industry trends.
The overall structure remains similar to Version 1.0, with revised weightage distribution:
Updated UCEED 2026 Syllabus Weightage
| Section | Version 1.0 | Version 1.1 |
| Visualization & Spatial Ability | 20% | 20% |
| Observation & Design Sensitivity | 15% | 15% |
| Environmental & Analytical Reasoning | 15% | 15% |
| Language & Creativity | 10% | 10% |
| Design Thinking & Problem Solving | 15% | — |
| Methods (including Computational Design) | 15% | 20% (+5%) |
| Art & Design Awareness | 25% | 25% |
Exam Format:
- Part A: 85 MCQs / 255 marks / negative marking (-1 for wrong answers)
- Part B: 1 drawing question / 60 marks / subjective
Total Marks: 315
Duration: 3 hours
UCEED 2026 Registration Fee Details
As per the brochure, the UCEED 2026 registration fee remains unchanged from Version 1.0. Fees must be paid online through debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
| Category | Regular Fee (INR) | Late Fee (INR) |
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Foreign Nationals | 3,000 | — |
Note: The fee is non-refundable, and incomplete payments will not be processed.
UCEED 2026 Registration Last Date and Next Steps
The UCEED 2026 registration closed on October 10, 2025 (late fee window).
Candidates who missed registration may check spot round opportunities after March 6, 2026, when results are declared.
| Status | Action |
| Missed Registration | Check spot rounds post-results |
| Applied Successfully | Download admit card January 2, 2026 |
Conclusion
The UCEED 2026 brochure Version 1.1, released on November 15, 2025, refines the admission process by adding NIOS eligibility, increasing Part A questions to 85, and introducing computational design (5%) in the syllabus.
Candidates must register between August 25 – October 5, 2025, and appear for the UCEED 2026 exam on January 18, 2026.
With results scheduled for March 6, 2026, and scorecards valid till July 31, 2026, this version ensures inclusivity and relevance for design aspirants preparing for B.Des admissions across IITs and other UCEED-participating colleges.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for the UCEED exam 2026?
A: Candidates applying for UCEED 2026 must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) in 2025 or 2026 from any recognized board. There is no age limit, and candidates can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years. Students from any stream, Science, Commerce, or Arts are eligible. However, the 10+2 exam must include at least one language, one mathematics-related subject, and one elective. Foreign nationals can also apply under the DASA category as per IIT Bombay’s guidelines.
Q2. Who is rank 1 in UCEED 2025?
A: The UCEED 2025 rank 1 was secured by a candidate scoring approximately 212 marks out of 300, as per the official IIT Bombay results. The top scorer demonstrated exceptional visualization and creativity in both Part A and Part B. Rank 1 candidates usually score above 98 percentile, qualifying for direct admission into IIT Bombay’s B.Des program, one of the most competitive design programs in India. The topper list, including category-wise rank holders, is officially released by IIT Bombay on the UCEED portal during March 2025.
Q3. Can I crack UCEED in 6 months?
A: Yes, cracking UCEED in 6 months is achievable with a focused strategy. A well-planned routine combining conceptual learning and practice can help you cover the UCEED syllabus efficiently. Dedicate the first 3 months to Part A (visualization, logical reasoning, and environmental awareness), and the next 3 months to Part B (drawing and creativity). Practice 5 previous year papers and mock tests weekly to improve speed and accuracy. Many toppers have cleared UCEED with 6 months of disciplined preparation using PYQs and sketching drills for Part B.
Q4. Is 100 a good score in UCEED?
A: Yes, a score of 100 in UCEED 2026 is considered a strong performance, typically placing you within the top 10–12 percentile nationally. With this score, candidates have a high chance of qualifying for institutes like IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. For IIT Bombay, cut-offs generally range from 110–120 marks. However, the percentile conversion depends on the paper’s difficulty level. A 100+ score demonstrates solid conceptual clarity and creative strength in both Part A and Part B sections.
Q5. What percentile is 70 marks in UCEED?
A: Based on the UCEED 2025 analysis, a score of 70 marks typically corresponds to a percentile between 55 and 65. This percentile is enough to qualify for the UCEED merit list but may not secure admission to the IITs, where the general category cut-off percentile is usually around 70–75. However, candidates scoring 70 can still apply to UCEED-participating private colleges such as MIT Institute of Design, World University of Design, or Srishti Manipal, where admissions are based on UCEED scores and interviews.
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