Aspirants appearing for UCEED entrance exam must study for UCEED exam by working on their technical and time management skills. Also, solving mock tests and previous year question papers can help them in getting success.
Table of Contents
The UCEED 2026 exam will be held on Jan 18, 2026. The question paper will comprise 2 sections- part A and part B. Part A will include 57 objective-type questions and part B will include 2 sketching-based questions and 1 aptitude question. The UCEED exam is a design examination to select candidates for prestigious and renowned design schools across India. This examination tests your creativity level and problem–solving skills.
However, to secure a seat in one of these prestigious colleges, candidates need to ace this examination. The candidates need to have focused preparation which can only be achieved by keen learning which is beyond repetition learning. Candidates must know the topper tips for UCEED to crack the exam. The basic tips on how to study for UCEED 2026 have been shared below.
UCEED Exam Highlights 2026
UCED is a highly combative examination which opens the gateway to high-end design schools for the candidates. Some of the colleges which come under this program are IIT Guwahati, IIT Bombay, IIITDM Jabalpur, etc.
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Particular |
Details |
|
Conducting Body |
IIT Bombay |
|
Examination mode |
Computer-Based Exam |
|
Number of papers |
1 paper consisting of Parts A and B |
|
Language |
English |
|
Exam duration |
3 hours |
|
Total number of sections |
3 sections in part A and 2 sections in part B |
|
Total marks |
300 (200 for part A and 100 for part B) |
UCEED Preparation Tips 2026
If you are planning to appear in UCEED and secure a seat to fulfil your dream of being in one of the most renowned design schools, then you need to strengthen your preparation. By studying technical skills, creativity, and time management, one can ace the exam strategically. However, here are some useful UCEED preparation 2026 tips to crack the exam.
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Develop a Study Plan
You can prepare for the examination until and unless you have a detailed study plan which consists of all the necessary topics according to their weightage. Look after the exam pattern so that the candidate can prepare according to the weightage of the examination.
Make separate slots of time for each topic to ensure a balanced approach. Revise all the previous portions to fortify knowledge.
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Understand the UCEED Exam Pattern
Familiarizing yourself with exam patterns is one of the immensely important need study tips. The UCEED Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 2 parts, as follows:
Part A: This test is computer-based and conducted to assess the candidate’s visualization, social and environmental awareness, logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, observation, etc.
Part B: Drawing test in which the candidate can draw people, products, and pictures, with good composition, shading, perspective, etc.
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UCEED Exam |
Section |
Questions |
|
Part A |
NAT |
14 |
|
MSQ |
15 |
|
|
MCQ |
28 |
|
|
Part B |
Drawing Question |
1 |
|
Design Aptitude |
1 |
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Know the Marking Scheme
Follow the UCEED exam marking scheme to understand the paper pattern. The candidates need to learn how much marks shall be awarded for which form of question.
|
Section |
Marks |
|
NAT |
+4 marks for correct answer There is no negative answer |
|
MSQ |
+4, +3, +2, +1 or -1 as per answer accuracy |
|
MCQ |
+3 marks for ever correct answer and -0.71 marks for every wrong answer |
|
Drawing Question |
60 marks |
|
Total Marks |
300 marks |
4. Enhance your Observation and Visualization Skills
The UCEED exam is an exceptionally great exam that lays great emphasis on visualization and observation. The candidates need to have a great understanding of various activities:
Field visit:
- Field visits are a great way to enhance your skills as they help you provide a brief understanding by visiting various places like museums, and exhibitions and gaining experience from various art pieces.
7. Solve UCEED Previous Year Question Papers and Mock Tests
The candidates must practice the UCEED mock test 2026 and the previous year's question paper because it provides an understanding of the exam format and types of questions provided in the paper. Solving the question papers allows you to use time effectively and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
8. Refine your Communication Skills
Communication plays a crucial role in creating designs as this tells us a story behind your creation. The candidate can shine out from the crowd through their language and comprehension skills. One can improve their communication skills through reading books, essays, and articles and engaging in debates and discussions.
9. Join Study Groups or Coaching Classes
Even after following these preparation tips, if you still find some issues you should consider joining the coaching or study groups as they can provide you with additional study material and also initiate creative ideas and new perspectives.
Also Read: Average Salary After Doing UCEED from IIT: Check Top Recruiters
UCEED Syllabus 2026
The syllabus for UCEED 2026 is divided into two parts- Part A and Part B. Candidates preparing for the exam must have a detailed understanding of both UCEED syllabus 2026.
UCEED Part A Syllabus
The syllabus of the Part A exam has been listed below.
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UCEED Topics |
UCEED Description |
|
Practical and scientific knowledge |
This topic consists of the capacity to identify the concealed properties in our day-to-day life and generate critical thinking about them. Make sure to pay attention to the classification, details, analysis, inference, etc. |
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Visualization and spatial reasoning |
Capacity to visually transform the 3D and 2D objects and identify their relationship. |
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Observation and design sensitivity |
It is concerned with the relation of general awareness of social, environmental, and cultural aspects with your design. |
|
Language |
It helps in improving the efficiency in comprehension and reading of English. |
|
Creativity |
Helps in grasping the verbal and non–verbal analogies, signs, symbols, and metaphors. Etc. |
|
Analytical and logical reasoning |
It enhances the ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative information. |
|
Environmental and society |
It is concerned with the relation of general awareness of social, environmental, and cultural aspects with your design. |
UCEED Part B Syllabus
The topics and chapters included in the Part B UCEED syllabus have been shared below.
|
UCEED Topics |
UCEED Description |
|
Design Aptitude |
It defines the capability to react appropriately and practically towards problems and situations directness and empathy. |
|
Drawing |
It provides the ability to draw scenes, people, and products with perspective, good line quality, shading, etc. |
Also Read: Should I take a drop to Prepare for UCEED? Is It Worth It?
UCEED Sample Paper 2026
The official exam conducting body releases the UCEED previous question paper sets along with the answer key on the official website within a few days of the examination. Students can check out the answer key and question paper within a short span after the exam ends. Additionally, the students can buy sample papers from the market or even order online from any online platform.
UCEED Mock Test 2026
Students should practice the mock tests in the last few weeks or before the exam dates so that they can calculate their performance and where they need to work more. The prime aim of the mock test is to help the candidates create an exam-like environment where they can challenge themselves so that they can be familiar with the exam pattern.
The candidate should remember that UCEED 2026 Part A will be a computer-based examination consisting of NAT, MCQ, and MCQ-type questions, and Part B is conducted in Offline mode and will be 2 hours long.
Also Read: Top IITs for UCEED: Placement, Fees, Programs Offered
Best Books for UCEED Preparation 2026
Candidates who want to learn various questions can go for the books below. These books consist of all the topics mentioned in the UCEED Syllabus.
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UCEED Book Name |
Publication Name |
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NID – NIFT- UCEED- CEED Workbook |
AR Revati Shantanu Parkhi and Rhythm Singh Kachhawa |
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UCEED Design Environment and Social Awareness in Design Perspective Combines with Mental and Verbal Aptitude |
Srijan Shilpa |
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Quantitative Aptitude |
RS Aggarwal |
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Analytical Reasoning, Mental Aptitude, Verbal Aptitude |
Institute of Creative Sciences |
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UCEED (B.Des) Entrance Books and Test Series |
AFA India |
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Cracking CEED & UCEED |
Ashok Goel and Arjun Kamal |
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Comprehensive English for NID, NIFT, UCEED, and CEED NATA, B.Arch. & other Design Entrance Exams |
Designologue |
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Analytical Reasoning, Mental Aptitude, Verbal Aptitude (UCEED Guide) |
Institute of Creative Science |
Opting for study tips for UCEED helps an individual to provide a basic framework for the UCEED aspirants. Being persistent and discovering a learning style is considered to be the most unique style of learning. Moreover, with these tips, one can gain a wide insight while studying. Using the exam schedule and strategies results as the productive move to ensure the best exam preparation.
To succeed in the UCEED exam, one needs to develop an optimum approach. Make sure to take breaks in between your study sessions to avoid burnout. Keep trying things that keep you motivated and create a spark in your creativity.
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