The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is a prestigious entrance exam for aspirants seeking admission into Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. If you’re preparing for UCEED Admission 2026, this guide will help you understand the application process, syllabus, and key preparation tips to ace the exam.
What is UCEED?
UCEED is conducted annually by IIT Bombay to evaluate candidates’ design aptitude, creativity, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. It serves as the gateway to some of the top design institutes in India.
UCEED Admission 2026: Key Dates & Eligibility
Before diving into the details of UCEED Admission 2026, let’s take a look at the key eligibility criteria and important dates.
Eligibility Criteria for UCEED 2026
- Age Limit: Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2001 (for general/OBC) and October 1, 1996 (for SC/ST/PwD).
- Educational Qualification: Students appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2025 or who have already passed Class 12 in 2024 are eligible.
- Number of Attempts: Candidates can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times in consecutive years.
UCEED 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
- Release of Official Notification: September 2025
- Start of Online Application: October 2025
- Last Date to Apply: November 2025
- Admit Card Release: January 2026
- UCEED 2026 Exam Date: January 2026
- Result Declaration: March 2026
- B.Des. Admission Application: April 2026
- Seat Allotment Rounds: May-July 2026
UCEED 2026 Application Process
Step 1: Registration for UCEED 2026
- Visit the official UCEED website (uceed.iitb.ac.in).
- Click on the ‘UCEED 2026 Registration’ link.
- Create a login ID using your email and mobile number.
- Verify your details and proceed to fill out the application form.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Personal Details: Name, DOB, Contact Info
- Academic Information: Class 10 & 12 details
- Choice of Exam Centers (Up to 3 preferences)
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Scanned passport-size photograph
- Signature (as per specified format)
- Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
- General/OBC: INR 3,500/-
- SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates: INR 1,750/-
- Payment can be done via net banking, UPI, or credit/debit card.
Step 5: Download Confirmation Page
Once submitted, download the confirmation page for future reference.
UCEED 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern
UCEED consists of two parts:
- Part A: Computer-Based Test (Objective & Numerical)
- Part B: Drawing Test (Offline Mode)
| Section | Type of Questions | Number of Questions | Marks |
| Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | Fill-in-the-blanks | 18 | 72 |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | Multiple correct answers | 18 | 72 |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | Single correct answer | 32 | 96 |
| Drawing Test (Part B) | Sketching & Visualization | 1 | 60 |
UCEED 2026 Syllabus
1. Visualization and Spatial Ability
- Mental ability and visualization
- Pictorial representation
- Geometrical transformations
2. Observation and Design Sensitivity
- Perception of objects and colors
- Ability to detect patterns
- Application of creativity in real-life situations
3. Environmental and Social Awareness
- Awareness of environmental issues
- Design principles and history of art
- Sustainability and social impact
4. Analytical and Logical Reasoning
- Logical sequencing
- Data interpretation
- Brainstorming and lateral thinking
5. Language and Creativity
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Creative writing and storytelling
6. Drawing Skills (Part B)
- Perspective drawing
- Composition and proportion
- Creativity and imagination
UCEED Exam Preparation Tips
1. Enroll in UCEED Coaching
Taking UCEED Coaching from reputed institutes like Rathore Design can provide structured learning, study materials, and mock tests.
2. Utilize UCEED Study Material
- Solve previous years’ question papers
- Refer to books on design principles and sketching
- Take UCEED Online Coaching for expert guidance
3. Strengthen Drawing Skills
- Practice live sketching and object drawing
- Improve shading and perspective techniques
- Work on composition and creative visualization
4. Take Mock Tests & Solve Sample Papers
Attempting full-length mock tests will help you manage time and understand question patterns.
5. Stay Updated on UCEED Admission 2026
Follow official notifications and UCEED-related blogs to stay informed about exam updates.
Why Choose Rathore Design for UCEED Coaching?
- Expert Faculty with IIT Backgrounds
- Comprehensive UCEED Study Material 2026
- Regular Mock Tests & Performance Analysis
- Personalized UCEED Exam Preparation Plans
- Interactive Online & Offline Coaching Modes
Conclusion
UCEED Admission 2026 offers a golden opportunity for aspiring designers to secure admission to India’s top design colleges. By following a structured preparation plan, using quality study materials, and enrolling in UCEED Coaching, you can maximize your chances of success.
For expert guidance, enroll in UCEED Online Coaching with Rathore Design today and take the first step towards a successful design career!
FAQs
Q1: How many seats are available in UCEED 2026?
The total number of seats across IITs varies each year but is typically around 150-200.
Q2: What is the difficulty level of UCEED?
The UCEED exam is moderate to difficult, requiring strong analytical skills and creativity.
Q3: Is there any negative marking in UCEED?
Yes, there is negative marking for MCQs and MSQs but no negative marking for NAT questions.
Q4: When should I start preparing for UCEED 2026?
It is advisable to start at least one year in advance to cover the entire syllabus efficiently.
Q5: How can I apply for UCEED Admission 2026?
You can apply online via the official UCEED website during the registration period in October 2025.
