UCEED 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Syllabus, Application Fees & Tips
The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is a national-level exam conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to the B.Des programs at premier institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. If you're aiming to pursue a career in design, here's everything you need to know about UCEED 2026.
Important Dates UCEED 2026 (Tentative)
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | October 1, 2025 |
| Registration Opens | October 1, 2025, 1:00 PM |
| Registration Closes | October 31, 2025 |
| Late Registration | November 1–8, 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | January 3, 2026, 1:00 PM |
| UCEED 2026 Exam Date | January 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Answer Key Release | January 21, 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release | January 29, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March 7, 2026 |
| Score Card Download | March 10 – July 31, 2026 |
Always check the official UCEED website for the latest updates. Note: These dates are based on the previous year's schedule and are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the most accurate information.
UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for UCEED 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age Limit:
General/EWS/OBC-NCL: Born on or after October 1, 2002
SC/ST/PwD: Born on or after October 1, 1997 - Number of Attempts: A candidate can attempt UCEED a maximum of two times, and that too in consecutive years.
- Qualifying Examination: Candidates should have appeared for the Class 12 or equivalent examination for the first time in either 2025 or 2026. Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, and Arts & Humanities) are eligible.
Note: Candidates who appeared for the first time in their qualifying examination Class 12 in 2024 or earlier will not be eligible to appear in UCEED 2026.
UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern
UCEED 2026 will consist of two parts:
- Part A (Computer-based): Objective questions — Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
- Part B (Pen-and-paper): Drawing and design aptitude questions
The exam duration is 3 hours, and it will be conducted simultaneously across all UCEED exam centres at the same time from 9 am to 12 pm.
UCEED Application Process & Fees
Application Form Availability: The application form will be available on the official website of UCEED: uceed.iitb.ac.in
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹3,800 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹1,900 |
| Female candidates of all categories | ₹1,900 |
Note: The application fee is non-refundable.
UCEED 2026 Admit Card
The UCEED 2026 admit card will be released in the first week of January 2026. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging into their registered accounts on the official website. The admit card will contain essential details like:
- Candidate's Name
- UCEED Registration ID
- Roll Number
- Date of Birth
- Category
- Photograph and Signature
- Examination Schedule
- Examination Centre Details
- Instructions to Candidates
UCEED 2026 Syllabus Overview
The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) assesses candidates' aptitude in design through two parts:
Part A: Computer-based test
This section evaluates your proficiency in:
- Visualization and Spatial Ability: Ability to visualize and transform 2D shapes and 3D objects and their spatial relationships.
- Practical and Scientific Knowledge: Understanding of scientific principles and everyday objects.
- Observation and Design Sensitivity: Capacity to detect concealed properties in daily life and think critically about them. Attention to detail, classification, analysis, inference, and prediction.
- Environment and Society: General awareness of environmental, social, and cultural connections with design.
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative information.
- Language: Proficiency in reading and comprehending Standard English.
- Creativity: Understanding of verbal and non-verbal analogies, metaphors, signs, and symbols.
Part B: Pen-and-Paper Test
This section assesses:
- Drawing: Ability to draw products, people, or scenes in proportion with good line quality, composition, proportion, perspective, and shading.
- Design Aptitude: Capability to practically and appropriately respond to problems/situations with ingenuity and empathy.
Note: The topics listed above are exhaustive and indicative of the nature of the questions. However, UCEED 2026 may not cover all these topics. Candidates are advised to refer to the official UCEED 2026 website for the most accurate and updated information.
Quick UCEED Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the UCEED syllabus, which includes topics like Visualization and Spatial Ability, Observation and Design Sensitivity, Environmental and Social Awareness, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, Language and Creativity, and Design Thinking and Problem Solving.
- Practice Drawing: Regularly practice sketching and drawing to improve your design aptitude.
- Build Drawing & Design Skills: For Part B, practice sketching, visual representation, and design problem-solving regularly using the sample papers.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Go through previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and types of questions asked.
- Practice UCEED Sample papers
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to enhance your time management skills.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the official website for any updates or changes related to the exam.
- Analyze Your Performance: After solving each paper, review your answers, identify weak areas, and focus on improving them.
Career Opportunities After UCEED Exam 2026
The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is your gateway to B.Des programs at premier institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IIITDM Jabalpur. Cracking UCEED 2026 opens up exciting career paths in the design industry.
Popular Career Paths:
- Product Designer – Develop functional, innovative, and aesthetically appealing products.
- UI/UX Designer – Design intuitive and seamless digital experiences for apps, websites, and software.
- Industrial Designer – Create consumer goods, electronics, vehicles, and industrial equipment.
- Interaction Designer – Focus on human-product interactions and usability design.
- Visual/Graphic Designer – Work on branding, advertising, packaging, and visual storytelling.
- Design Researcher – Conduct research to understand user behavior and inform product design.
- Entrepreneur in Design – Launch your own design studio, product line, or creative venture.
How Mad School can help with UCEED Coaching
The UCEED Entrance exam is a highly competitive design entrance exam, and while self-study can take you far, having structured guidance can make a significant difference. Practicing the right exercises, solving sample papers effectively, and getting expert feedback on your portfolio are all crucial for maximizing your score and building confidence.
At Mad School, we offer personalized uceed coaching 2026, curated uceed sample papers, and design portfolio support designed specifically for UCEED aspirants. Many students find that combining self-study with expert guidance helps them perform better and stay on track for top ranks. Even a few months of focused preparation under the right guidance can boost your confidence, refine your skills, and help you approach the exam strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there negative marking in Part A?
Yes, incorrect answers carry a penalty. Attempt only questions you are confident about. - Can I use a calculator in the exam?
No, calculators are not allowed. - How is the final score calculated?
Part A + Part B scores are combined; Part B carries significant weight. - Are there scholarships after UCEED?
Yes, top-performing candidates may be eligible for institute-specific scholarships.
