UCEED 2026 Paper Pattern: UCEED 2026 Question Paper Expectations in Part A & Part B

Published by Shikha Kumari on Dec 01, 2025

The UCEED 2026 paper pattern, as announced by IIT Bombay, divides the exam into two parts, Part A (computer-based) and Part B (drawing-based). The total marks are 300, with Part A testing objective reasoning and visualization skills, and Part B assessing creativity and drawing ability.

This blog explains the UCEED 2026 question paper structure, syllabus coverage, and preparation strategy for both sections, based on the official UCEED brochure and previous year patterns.

UCEED 2026 Paper Pattern Overview

The UCEED exam 2026 will be held on January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon) at 20 test centres across India. The test will comprise Part A (online) and Part B (offline) components, carrying a total of 300 marks.

Part A: UCEED 2026 Online Section Pattern

Part A of the UCEED 2026 paper pattern is a computer-based test consisting of 80 questions with a total of 240 marks. Each correct answer carries 4 marks, while each incorrect answer deducts 1 mark. Unattempted questions receive 0 marks.

Part A includes three question types:

• NAT (Numerical Answer Type) – enter exact numbers
  
• MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) – more than one correct option
  
• MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) – one correct answer
  

UCEED 2026 Part A Distribution

Key Points:

• Part A focuses on visual reasoning, pattern recognition, and analytical ability.
  
• Candidates must score at least 10% of the total marks in Part A to qualify for Part B evaluation.
  
• No calculators are allowed.
  

Part B: UCEED 2026 Drawing Section Pattern

Part B of the UCEED 2026 question paper is a 1-hour offline drawing test worth 60 marks. It is evaluated manually and focuses on a candidate’s ability to translate ideas into visuals.

Typical question types include scenario-based design tasks, such as:

• Redesigning a common object for accessibility
  
• Creating a product or space concept
  
• Visual storytelling or perspective drawing
  

UCEED 2026 Part B Evaluation Rubric

Part B is evaluated only for candidates who qualify Part A. The total marks from both parts determine the UCEED rank list.

UCEED Syllabus 2026 and Question Paper Expectations

The UCEED 2026 syllabus integrates analytical reasoning with creative visualization. The exam is designed to assess both cognitive and artistic aptitude. Based on previous year patterns, nearly 70% of question types repeat annually, making PYQ practice crucial.

UCEED 2026 Syllabus Weightage

This structure emphasizes design awareness and innovation rather than rote memorization, reflecting IIT Bombay’s goal to identify creative problem-solvers.

UCEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 10+2 (or equivalent) in 2025, 2026, or 2027. There is no upper age limit, and SC/ST/PwD candidates receive a 5-year relaxation.

Eligibility Summary

UCEED 2026 Registration & Fees

The UCEED 2026 registration window runs from August 25 to October 5, 2025, with a late fee deadline on October 10, 2025. Registration is done online at uceed.iitb.ac.in.

UCEED 2026 Fee Details

Fees must be paid online, and applicants should upload valid category certificates during the process.

UCEED 2026 Preparation Plan (Based on Paper Pattern)

To excel in both Part A and Part B, candidates should balance conceptual learning with creative exercises. A 12-week plan is ideal for structured preparation.

Preparation Tips:

• Focus heavily on visualization (20%) and art/design knowledge (25%).
  
• Practice at least 5 previous year UCEED papers to understand recurring question types.
  
• Review UCEED 2025 answer key (final released January 28, 2025) for question trends.
  
• Time management during Part A is key — allocate 2 minutes per question on average.
  

UCEED 2025 Question Paper Insights

The UCEED 2025 question paper followed the same structure with 80 MCQs and 1 drawing task.

• Part A: 240 marks (16 visualization, 20 creativity, 12 reasoning questions)
  
• Part B: 60 marks, with a question like “Design an eco-friendly lamp for compact spaces.”
  

Candidates can expect similar question framing and difficulty in UCEED 2026.

Conclusion

The UCEED 2026 paper pattern provides a balanced assessment of analytical and creative skills through Part A (240 marks) and Part B (60 marks). The UCEED syllabus 2026 emphasizes visualization (20%), creativity (25%), and reasoning (15%), making consistent practice essential.

With registration closing on October 5, 2025, and the exam on January 18, 2026, candidates have 15 weeks to prepare strategically. Practice previous papers, master 3D visualization, and refine drawing techniques to boost your UCEED 2026 scores and secure admission to IITs or top design colleges in India.

FAQs

Q1. What is the exam pattern for UCEED 2026?
A: The UCEED 2026 exam pattern comprises two parts — Part A (computer-based) and Part B (offline drawing test), conducted on January 18, 2026. Part A carries 80 questions (240 marks) including NAT, MSQ, and MCQ types with –1 negative marking, testing visualization, creativity, reasoning, and design aptitude. Part B is a 1-hour descriptive drawing section (60 marks) assessing perspective, composition, and innovation. Together, both parts total 300 marks and evaluate both analytical and creative skills essential for B.Des admissions at IITs.

Q2. What was the format of UCEED 2025?
A: The UCEED 2025 format followed a similar structure: Part A (3-hour online test, 80 MCQs for 240 marks) and Part B (1-hour offline sketch for 60 marks). The 2025 question paper included 16 visualization-based MCQs on 3D object rotations, pattern reasoning, and design knowledge. Part B involved a scenario-based design sketch testing storytelling and spatial accuracy. This combined format of objective + subjective testing continues in UCEED 2026, emphasizing creative problem-solving and design thinking over memorization.

Q3. Is 120 a good score in UCEED?
A: Yes, a score around 120 in UCEED is generally considered good and competitive, depending on the year’s difficulty and normalization. It typically places candidates around AIR 200–350, which can qualify for institutes like IIT Hyderabad, IIITDM Jabalpur, or result-sharing colleges. However, for IIT Bombay or IIT Delhi, students often need 140+ marks. Since the cutoff varies annually based on the top scores and seat availability, candidates should focus on balanced performance in both Part A and Part B to secure higher ranks.

Q5. What is a good score in UCEED Part B?
A: A good score in UCEED Part B (Drawing section) generally falls between 45–55 out of 60. Part B evaluates creativity, visual communication, and the ability to represent ideas effectively through sketches. Since Part B marks are combined with Part A (240 marks) for the final score, scoring above 50 marks in Part B can significantly boost your rank. Successful candidates focus on clarity of concepts, proportion, storytelling, and innovative thinking rather than artistic perfection.

Q6. Does VIT accept UCEED score?
A: Yes, the VIT School of Design (V-SIGN) at Vellore Institute of Technology accepts UCEED 2026 scores for admission to its B.Des program in Industrial Design and UX Design. Candidates shortlisted through UCEED are invited for further evaluation, which may include a portfolio review or interview. VIT’s design program combines engineering and creativity, making it a strong alternative for candidates who want interdisciplinary exposure in product and experience design through their UCEED performance.