UCEED Preparation Strategy: Subject-Wise Study Plan and Resources

Published by Shikha Kumari on Sep 22, 2025

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs. The UCEED exam is divided into two parts: Part A (computer-based) and Part B (pen-and-paper-based), conducted on the same day. In this blog, we’ll share the UCEED preparation strategy and subject wise study plan along with the reliable resources

UCEED Exam Pattern

The exam pattern is as follows:

• Mode of Exam:
  • Part A: Online (computer-based test)
  • Part B: Offline (pen-and-paper-based)
• Duration:
  • Part A: 2 hours
  • Part B: 1 hour
  • Total: 3 hours
• Question Format:
  • Part A: Objective questions, including:
    • Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Questions with numerical answers, testing analytical skills.
    • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Single-correct answers, assessing general knowledge and reasoning.
    • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): One or more correct answers, evaluating observation and spatial ability.
  • Part B: Subjective question, including:
    • Sketching: Tests drawing skills, perspective, and creativity.
• Marking Scheme:
  • Part A: 200 marks (NAT: 56 marks, MSQs: 60 marks, MCQs: 84 marks).
  • Part B: 60 marks (1 sketching question).
  • Total: 300 marks.
  • Both parts contribute to the final merit list; Part A is used for shortlisting, and Part B is critical for final ranking.
• Portfolio Submission: Not part of the exam but required during institute-specific interviews.

Part A

Syllabus

Part A syllabus includes the following:

• Visualization and spatial reasoning: Ability to visualise and transform 2D shapes and 3D objects and their spatial relationships.
• Practical and scientific knowledge: Know-how of scientific principles and everyday objects.
• Observation and design sensitivity: The 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 analyse qualitative and quantitative information.
• Language: Proficiency in reading and comprehending Standard English.
• Creativity: Grasp of verbal and non-verbal analogies, metaphors, signs and symbols.

Study Plan

• Allocate 1 hour per day for reading/news on environment/design trends
• Practice 1 hour language exercises daily.
• Practice 50-60 questions daily across high-weightage topics (Visualization, Reasoning, Observation).
• Solve 1-2 papers per week early in preparation to understand the exam pattern and question trends.
• Increase frequency to 3-4 papers per week closer to the exam.
• Practice PYQs and mock tests in a distraction-free environment, strictly follow the 3-hour time limit.
• Review your test paper to identify mistakes and errors that you are making repeatedly.
• Build a portfolio with 8-12 diverse projects (product designs, human figures) for potential institute interviews.
• Start mock tests 2-3 months before the exam, completing 1 full-length test weekly initially, then 2-3 per week in the final month.
• Alternate between mock tests and PYQs to balance practice and analysis, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
• Allocate 1 hour weekly to revise basics like design principles, geometry, color theory, and environmental awareness to strengthen Part A performance.
• Use flashcards or quizzes for quick revision of design terminology and general knowledge.
• Prepare for institute-specific interviews by practicing portfolio presentations alongside mock tests.
• Seek feedback from mentors or peers on your sketches and portfolio to refine quality.

Part B

Syllabus

The syllabus of Part B in UCEED examination includes:

• 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.

Study Plan

• Dedicate 1-2 hours daily to timed sketching exercises, focusing on perspective, proportion, shading, and creativity.
• Practice orthographic projections, shape transformations, and scenario-based sketches regularly to excel in these areas.
• Seek feedback from mentors or peers on your sketches.

UCEED Resources

Official Resources 

UCEED Website: The official website, managed by IIT Bombay, is the primary source for the official UCEED syllabus, sample papers, and past year’s question papers, which are crucial for understanding the exam structure and question types.

UCEED Books

Drawing and Visualization:

• “Design Drawing” by Francis D.K. Ching 
• “Perspective Drawing Handbook” by Joseph D’Amelio

Quantitative Aptitude:

• “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams” by R.S. Aggarwal helps strengthen fundamental math and reasoning skills. 

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning:

• “Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal 

General Knowledge:

• “Manorama Yearbook” or Lucent’s GK 

Design Aptitude:

• “Design Aptitude Workbook for UCEED and NID” by Arun Sharma offers practical exercises. 
• “Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman helps cultivate design-thinking skills. 

UCEED Practice Tools

• Solving mock test papers is essential for exam preparation and is available through coaching centers and online platforms. 
• Practicing with past papers helps familiarize you with question trends and difficulty levels.