The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is the national entrance test used to shortlist candidates for B.Des programmes at participating institutes, mainly IIT Bombay.
- Part A checks aptitude with observation, reasoning, numeracy and design sensitivity.
- Part B assesses drawing and sketching skills, including composition, perspective, and creativity.
- The exam is for a total of 300 marks with 200 marks for Part A and 100 marks for Part B.
If you want the official pattern and rules in one place, download the UCEED information brochure / question-paper PDF from the official UCEED site.
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What is UCEED 2026?
UCEED 2026 is a single paper examination divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A assesses candidates' aptitude through objective-type questions, while Part B evaluates their drawing and design skills. The exam is conducted in English and is held in a computer-based mode for Part A and a pen-and-paper mode for Part B.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Date | 18th January 2026 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (Part A: 2 hours; Part B: 1 hour) |
| Total Marks | 300 (Part A: 200; Part B: 100) |
| Mode of Exam | Part A: Computer-Based TestPart B: Pen-and-Paper Drawing |
| Language | English |
Also read: How to Prepare for UCEED?
UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern
UCEED consists of two parts with distinct evaluation methods. Part A is computer-based with objective questions across three types, while Part B is pen-and-paper for drawing/design aptitude. Candidates must manage time carefully, as Part A lasts 2 hours and Part B lasts 1 hour.
| Part | Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Section 1 | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 14 | 4 | 56 | No |
| Section 2 | Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | 15 | 4 | 60 | Partial | |
| Section 3 | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 28 | 3 | 84 | Yes (−0.71 per wrong answer) | |
| Part B | Drawing & Design | 2 Questions | 2 | 50 | 100 | No |
Also check: UCEED Eligibility Criteria
UCEED 2026 Syllabus Breakdown
UCEED evaluates aptitude, logical reasoning, environmental awareness, and creativity in Part A and drawing/design skills in Part B.
Part A: Objective Aptitude
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Visualization & Spatial Ability | Transform 2D shapes into 3D objects; understand spatial relationships |
| Practical & Scientific Knowledge | Everyday science and practical problem-solving |
| Observation & Design Sensitivity | Detect subtle patterns and think critically about objects |
| Environment & Society | Awareness of social, cultural, and environmental issues |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | Analyze quantitative and qualitative information |
| Language & Creativity | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, metaphors, symbols, language comprehension |
Part B: Drawing & Design Aptitude
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Drawing | Products, people, and scenes with proportion, perspective, and composition |
| Design Aptitude | Creative problem-solving, idea generation, and empathy-driven design |
Get the detailed syllabus at UCEED Syllabus 2026
UCEED 2026 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme provides insight into scoring patterns and strategic preparation. Part A has varying marks per section and specific negative marking rules; Part B has no negative marking.
| Part | Section | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | NAT | 4 | 56 | No |
| Part A | MSQ | 4 | 60 | Partial |
| Part A | MCQ | 3 | 84 | Yes (−0.71 per wrong answer) |
| Part B | Drawing & Design | 50 | 100 | No |
Check out our UCEED College Predictor
UCEED 2026 Important Dates
Timely preparation requires knowledge of all key exam-related dates including registration, admit card, and result declaration.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brochure Release | 1st October 2025 |
| Registration Start | 1st October 2025 |
| Registration End (Regular) | 31st October 2025 |
| Registration End (Late) | 18th November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | 3rd January 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18th January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 7th March 2026 |
| Score Card Download | 10th March 2026 |
Also see: Top Colleges in India Accepting UCEED
UCEED 2026 Recommended Books
A balanced study plan includes both objective aptitude books and drawing/design references. Part A can be prepared using reasoning and quantitative guides; Part B requires sketching and design practice.
| Subject | Recommended Book | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Logical Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal / M.K. Pandey |
| Drawing & Design | Design Drawing | Francis D.K. Ching |
| Perspective & Sketching | Perspective Drawing Handbook | |
UCEED 2026 Preparation Tips
Practicing official sample papers and previous years’ papers helps candidates understand question types, time management, and difficulty level. Part A requires speed and accuracy in numerical, logical, and verbal reasoning, while Part B evaluates creativity, observation, and drawing skills.
| Focus Area | Tips / Actions |
|---|---|
| Simulate Exam Conditions | Practice Part A on computer and Part B on paper with 2+1 hour split; take mock tests. |
| Focus on Drawing Quality | Work on line quality, shading, proportion, composition, and perspective. |
| Track Cutoffs & Scores | Check previous years’ cutoffs and set target scores. |
Also check: UCEED Question Papers with Solution PDF
FAQs
Ques. What is the syllabus for UCEED 2026?
Ans. UCEED 2026 tests both objective aptitude and creative design skills. In Part A candidates are assessed over the following six areas:
- Visualization and Spatial Ability
- Observation and Design Sensitivity
- Environmental and Social Awareness
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning
- Language and Creativity
- Practical and Scientific Knowledge
In Part B candidates are evaluated on:
- Drawing (line quality, perspective, proportion, composition) and
- Design Aptitude (creative problem solving and generating ideas)
Ques. Who is eligible for the UCEED exam in 2026?
Ans. Candidates wishing to apply to UCEED 2026 must satisfy the criteria of age, qualification and number of attempts
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age Limit: Candidates should be born on or after 1st of October 2001 (only)
- Qualification: HSC (12th) or equivalent in 2025 or earlier.
- Attempts: Maximum 2 consecutive attempts
- Nationality: Indian and foreign nationals can apply
Ques. How to prepare for UCEED 2026?
Ans. Effective preparation brings together objective practice, drawing skills, and knowledge of trends from the past.
Preparing tips:
- Do practice papers and past years’ papers
- Complete Part A on the computer and Part B on paper, with time constraints
- Concentrate on line quality, shading, proportion, and perspective for Part B
- Use past cutoff scores to determine a realistic score target in preparation to sit the exam.
Ques. Is UCEED tougher than JEE?
Ans. UCEED and JEE test different skill sets; UCEED focuses on design aptitude while JEE tests engineering concepts.
| Aspect | UCEED | JEE |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Areas | Creative thinking, visualisation, drawing, design sensitivity | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, problem-solving speed |
| Skill Tested | Design aptitude, observation, creativity | Engineering concepts, calculations, speed |
| Difficulty | Depends on candidate’s strength in design | Depends on candidate’s strength in science subjects |
Ques. Can I crack UCEED in 6 months?
Ans. Yes, it is possible with a structured plan on aptitude skills and drawing skills. Six months is enough time.
Key actions for the six months of preparation will be:
- 3-4 hours per day on Part A and 2-3 hours on Part B
- At Least three to five papers per month for the previous years papers
- Keep sketching & Creative Problem Solving Practice
- Keep track of progress and improve weak strategies.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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