The latest data from IIT Bombay highlights a significant surge in applications for India’s premier design entrance exams, UCEED and CEED, reflecting growing interest in design education among students.
UCEED & CEED 2024–2025: Applicants and Seats
Over the past two years, UCEED applications have risen by over 13%, while CEED saw a 23% increase, intensifying competition for limited seats.
- UCEED 2025: 15,408 applicants for 245 seats across seven institutes.
- CEED 2025: 6,037 applicants for 300 seats across multiple IITs and IISc Bengaluru.
Factors Driving the Surge
Industry experts attribute the rising number of applications to:
- Increased Importance of Design Thinking: Academic and corporate sectors now emphasise creative problem-solving skills.
- Rising Awareness About Design Careers: Students are increasingly considering design education as a viable career path.
- Better Job Opportunities: Expanding opportunities in product design, UI/UX, industrial design, and research sectors are motivating aspirants.
IIT Bombay’s announcements for UCEED 2026 and CEED 2026 not only detailed the syllabus, reservation policies, and exam procedures but also underscored the growing aspirational value of these exams in India’s design education ecosystem.
