The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. UCEED is a national-level exam that evaluates a candidate’s creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Here’s everything you need to know about UCEED 2026.
UCEED 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official notification release | September 2025 |
| Online registration begins | October 2025 |
| Last date to apply (regular fee) | November 2025 |
| Last date to apply (with late fee) | Mid-November 2025 |
| Admit card release | January 2026 |
| UCEED 2026 Exam Date | Third or Fourth Sunday of January 2026 |
| Draft answer key release | Last week of January 2026 |
| Final answer key release | First week of February 2026 |
| Result announcement | Mid-March 2026 |
| B.Des application process begins | March 2026 |
| Seat allocation rounds | April – July 2026 |
Check the official UCEED website uceed.iitb.ac.in for updated timelines.
UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or appearing in 2026 from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts).
- Candidates who passed their qualifying exam before 2024 are not eligible.
Age Limit
- General/OBC-NCL: Born on or after October 1, 2001
- SC/ST/PwD: Relaxation of 5 years
Number of Attempts
- A candidate can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
Note: Qualifying in UCEED does not guarantee admission. Seat allotment is done through a separate B.Des admission application.
UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern
The UCEED exam consists of two parts: Part A (computer-based) and Part B (offline drawing test). Both parts are mandatory.
Part A (Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes)
Conducted online; consists of 3 sections:
| Section | Type | No. of Questions | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | No options, numerical input | 14 | +4, -0 |
| MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) | One or more correct | 15 | +4, -1 |
| MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | One correct option | 18 | +3, -0.71 |
| Total | — | 47 Questions | 240 marks |
Part B (Duration: 30 minutes)
Conducted offline; pen-and-paper drawing question to test:
- Drawing skills
- Visual sensitivity
- Spatial sense
- Imagination and creativity
This part is evaluated only if the candidate qualifies Part A.
UCEED 2026 Syllabus Overview
Part A Syllabus
- Visualization and Spatial Ability
- Pictorial and diagrammatic questions to test understanding of transformation, manipulation of 2D and 3D objects
- Observation and Design Sensitivity
- Ability to detect hidden properties, aesthetics, and visual differences
- Environmental and Social Awareness
- Awareness of design, cultural history, environmental factors, and general knowledge
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning
- Pattern recognition, data interpretation, logical conclusions, and quantitative reasoning
- Language and Creativity
- Comprehension, creative writing, grammar, vocabulary, and expression
- Design Thinking and Problem Solving
- Problem identification, alternate solutions, and innovation-based thinking
Part B Syllabus
- Ability to draw products, scenes, or people with good proportion, perspective, and visual detailing
- Use of imagination, observation, and storytelling through visuals
UCEED 2026 Preparation Tips
Start early with a structured plan
UCEED requires both design aptitude and academic reasoning. Begin 8–10 months in advance with a weekly plan covering both Part A and Part B.
Practice drawing regularly
Drawing is not just about beauty but about conveying ideas clearly. Practice sketching from real life, understanding light/shade, perspective, and storytelling.
Work on past year papers and mock tests
Attempt at least 5–7 previous year UCEED papers to understand question formats and improve time management.
Build vocabulary and design awareness
Read design blogs, follow current trends, and be aware of design terminologies, famous designers, and innovations.
Sharpen reasoning and mental math
Use books like RS Aggarwal or other logical reasoning guides to strengthen Part A analytical skills.
Use online platforms and forums
Join UCEED communities and online coaching if needed. Platforms like YouTube or design entrance-specific apps can help you stay updated and motivated.
Create a personal design portfolio (optional but helpful)
While not mandatory, developing a habit of compiling your best sketches, concept designs, or ideas may help in interviews or further studies.
Conclusion
UCEED 2026 is not just an aptitude test—it’s a gateway into the world of professional design education at IITs. It demands creativity, awareness, and analytical intelligence. With disciplined preparation and continuous creative exploration, you can stand out and secure a spot in one of India’s best design institutes.