UCEED 2026: Alternative Design Colleges to Consider

UCEED 2026: Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Bombay. It assesses observation skills, visualisation, creativity, and basic design aptitude. While UCEED is essential for Bachelor of Design (B.Des) admissions at IITs, its scores are also widely accepted by many other reputable government and private design colleges across India.

UCEED Role in Design Admissions

UCEED is a crucial examination for students aiming to pursue a Bachelor of Design. It evaluates a candidate's aptitude in design through both objective and drawing-based questions. A strong UCEED score acts as a national benchmark, significantly enhancing admission prospects not only at IITs but also at other premier design institutions. This makes the UCEED score a valuable credential for a wide range of design programs.

IITs Accepting UCEED Scores

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are primary institutions for which UCEED was established. Admission to their B.Des programs is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country. These institutes focus on design as a rigorous academic discipline, integrating research, engineering, and innovation, and offer some of the most sought-after design education in India.

Here is a list of IITs that accept UCEED scores for their Bachelor of Design programs:

Government Colleges Accepting UCEED Scores

Beyond the IITs, several national and state-level government institutes also consider UCEED scores for their design programs. These institutions often use UCEED for initial shortlisting, followed by their own internal selection processes like interviews or portfolio evaluations. Aspiring designers can find a wide array of specialized programs in these reputable government institutions.

Here are some government colleges that accept UCEED 2026 scores:

Private Design Colleges Accepting UCEED Scores

Many private design colleges acknowledge UCEED as a strong indicator of design aptitude and often incorporate it into their admission criteria. While the UCEED score might not always be mandatory, a valid score can significantly strengthen an application, often aiding in merit-based shortlisting or scholarship eligibility. These colleges provide diverse programs and a broader range of specializations to cater to varied interests in the design field.

A list of private institutions accepting UCEED scores is provided below:

Colleges Accepting UCEED Scores in Maharashtra & Mumbai

Mumbai, a significant design hub, offers numerous opportunities in design studios and agencies, providing students with valuable industry exposure. For those looking to pursue design education in this region, several institutions in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai and Pune, accept UCEED scores for their design programs, offering diverse learning environments.

Here are some notable colleges in Maharashtra that consider UCEED scores:

These institutions provide various specialisations, including UX/UI Design, Visual Communication, and Product Design. Private colleges often have higher seat intakes, increasing accessibility for a wider pool of applicants compared to IITs.

UCEED Score Requirements and Cut-Off Trends

The cut-offs for UCEED admissions vary significantly across institutes and categories. While IITs typically demand higher ranks due to their competitive nature, private and other government colleges offer a broader acceptance range. Understanding these trends is crucial for aspiring design students to set realistic goals.

Expected UCEED Rank Trends – IITs (Open Category)

For candidates applying under the Open Category, the expected cut-off ranks for B.Des programs at participating IITs are detailed below. These figures represent the approximate range within which admissions were offered in previous years, providing an indication of the competitive landscape.

Expected UCEED Rank Range – Private Colleges

Beyond the IITs, various private design colleges also accept UCEED scores. These institutions often cater to a wider range of ranks, with some providing admission to candidates outside the top IIT ranks. The table below outlines the expected rank ranges for different tiers of private design colleges.

Reservation Policy and Seat Information

UCEED admissions adhere to the Government of India's reservation norms, providing significant relaxations in cut-offs for various categories. These policies aim to foster inclusivity and offer opportunities to a diverse student body across India.

• OBC-NCL category: Expect cut-off relaxation of 10–20% lower than the Open category.

• EWS category: Expect a cut-off relaxation of 10–15% lower than the Open category.

• SC category: Expect a cut-off relaxation of 40–50% lower than the Open category.

• ST category: Expect a cut-off relaxation of 50–60% lower than the Open category.

• PwD category: Receives the highest relaxation among all categories.

Across all participating IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur, the total number of B.Des seats available through UCEED is approximately 225.

Admission Process for UCEED Accepting Colleges

The admission process for UCEED-accepting colleges generally involves a few key steps. Initially, candidates register on the official UCEED portal and select their preferred participating institutes. If shortlisted, they may need to pay seat allocation fees.

Many colleges also require candidates to submit separate application forms directly to their institutions. Beyond the UCEED score, most institutes assess a candidate's portfolio, design thinking ability, and communication skills through interviews or additional tests.