Design education in India has seen an astounding change, with creativity and innovation emerging as significant drivers across a variety of industries. The Undergraduate Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is one of the most competitive examinations for students pursuing admission to elite Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) program. Conducted annually by IIT Bombay, the UCEED entrance exam evaluates candidates on multiple design-related competencies, making it a gateway to some of India’s leading design institutions. Recognized for its prestigious evaluation pattern, UCCED opens door to top design schools, primarily, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IITDM Jabalpur.
This guide covers every aspect of the UCEED entrance exam, including its eligibility criteria, UCEED syllabus, and preparation strategies.

Understanding the UCEED Entrance Exam
The UCEED exam will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay under the guidance of the UCEED-CEED Implementation Committee (henceforth referred to as the UCI Committee).
Colleges Accepting UCEED Scores
The UCEED entrance exam is open to all nationals (Indian/Foreign). The UCEED colleges that admit students to the Bachelor’s Degree in Design (B.Des) are
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG)
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH)
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR)
- Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing Jabalpur (IIITDMJ).
UCEED Exam Highlights
Particulars | Details |
Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
Number of Papers | 1 question paper with two parts, A and B |
Language | English |
Exam Mode | Computer-based (Part A) and Paper-based (Part B) |
Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
Number of Sections | Part A – 3 sectionsPart B – 2 sections |
Total Marks | Part A – 200 marks (2 hours)Part B – 100 marks (1 hour)Total – 300 marks |
Registration Process for UCEED Entrance Exam
Below is the detailed breakdown of registration process for UCEED entrance exam:
- Online Application: Visit uceed.iitb.ac.in and register using a valid email ID and contact number.
- Fill the Application Form: Enter your personal details and academic information, and select your desired city preference (a maximum of three cities are usually allowed).
- Upload Required Documents: Scanned copies of following are required:
- Passport-size photo
- Signature
- Category Certificate (if required)
- Other required documents
- Pay the Application Fee:
- Indian Nationals:
- Female Candidates (all categories): Rs. 1900/-
- SC, ST, PwD Candidates: Rs. 1900/-
- All Other Candidates: Rs. 3800/-
- Foreign Nationals (holders of OCI/PIO cards issued BEFORE March 4, 2021):
- Female Candidates and PwD Candidates: Rs. 2000/-
- All Other Candidates: Rs. 4000/-
- Submit the online application form and keep a prinout for future reference.
- Application fee is non-refundable
Eligibility Criteria for UCEED Entrance Exam
To appear for the UCEED exam, candidates had to meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts, in the appearing year of the exam.
- Age Limit: General and OBC candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2001 (SC/ST/PwD candidates have a five-year relaxation).
- Number of Attempts: A candidate can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
Details of Exam Pattern for UCEED Entrance Exam
UCEED Exam: PART A (Total marks: 200; Maximum time: 2 hours)
PART A | ||||||
Section | Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks for correct answer | Marks for wrong answer | Marks for question not attempted | Total marks for the section |
1 | Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 14 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 56 |
2 | Multiple Select Question (MSQ) | 15 | Partial Marking | -1 | 0 | 60 |
3 | Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) | 28 | 3 | -0.71 | 0 | 84 |
Total | 57 | 200 |
UCEED Exam: PART B (Total marks: 100; Maximum Time: 1 hour)
PART B | ||
Type of Questions | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
Sketching | 1 | 50 |
Design Aptitude | 1 | 50 |
UCEED Exam Syllabus
The UCEED entrance exam will have two parts, the syllabus for each mentioned below:
Part A:
- Visualization and spatial reasoning: Ability to visualize and manipulate 2D and 3D shapes and their spatial connection to one another.
- Practical and scientific knowledge: Understanding of scientific principles and everyday objects.
- Observation and design sensitivity: Ability to identify and analyze concealed properties in routine circumstances. Focus on detail, classification, analysis, inference, and prediction.
- Environment and society: Understanding the environmental, social , and cultural impact of design.
- Analytical and logical reasoning: Ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Language proficiency: Ability to read and comprehend standard English.
- Creativity: An understanding of verbal and non-verbal inferences, metaphors, signs, and symbols.
Part B:
- Drawing/Sketching: Ability to draw products, people, or scenes in proportion with good line quality, composition, proportion, perspective, and shading.
- Design aptitude: Capability to solve problems and respond to situations with innovation and empathy.
10 Preparation Strategies for UCEED Entrance Exam
- Thoroughly Understand the Exam Pattern: Understand the concepts of Part A (computer-based tests) and Part B (paper-based drawing tests), including the new partial marking scheme for MSQs.
- Segmented Study Approach: Concentrate and improve speed and accuracy for Part A, and enhance sketching skills for Part B.
- Utilize Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Regularly practice with mocks and analyze past papers to adapt to the exam’s format and complexity of the UCEED entrance exam.
- Leverage Quality Resources: Use study materials and engage in forums for tips and guidance.
- Effective Time Management: Create a balanced study schedule and practice managing your time during mock tests.
- Consistent Review and Revision: Revise all topics on a regular basis and use feedback from mocks to improve.
- Prepare for Contingencies: Understand the process for reporting exam inaccuracies and arrange necessary documentation.
- Give Time for English Comprehension: Spend time reading passages and articles on a regularon regular basis to become proficient in reading. This will help you improve your ability to convey your ideas effectively.
- Focus on Mathematical Geometry: The UCEED question paper consists of mathematical geometry questions that evaluate your creativity, observation, and visualization skills. Pay extra attention to solving complex mathematical questions.
- Do Not Neglect Reasoning Questions: Practicing and solving reasoning questions consistently sharpens your skills to solve questions quickly.
The UCEED entrance exam is just beginning; design will always be infinite. Understanding the UCEED entrance exam pattern is key for effective preparation. The new partial marking scheme in the MSQ section allows for strategic answering and can help improve scores. The exam is divided into a computer-based Part A for analytical skills and a paper-based Part B for creative skills, making comprehensive preparation essential.
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