UCEED Syllabus Breakdown: Important Topics and Weightage
Posted On September 12, 2025
Published by Shikha Kumari on Sep 12, 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. In this blog, we look at the syllabus and important topics of UCEED exam.
UCEED Syllabus
UCEED syllabus consists of two parts : Part A and Part B. Part A consists of 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.
Part-B
- 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.
UCEED Important Topics
| Topic | Description | Key Sub-Topics | Approximate Weightage |
| Visualization and Spatial Ability | Tests understanding of 2D/3D shapes, their transformations, and spatial relationships. | – Pictorial and diagrammatic questions- Transformation/rotation of shapes- Orthographic projections- Patterns and sequences- Spatial reasoning (e.g., folding, unfolding) | ~25-30% (50-60 marks)(High weightage in NAT and MSQs) |
| Observation and Design Sensitivity | Evaluates attention to detail, perception, and design-related problem-solving. | – Identifying differences in visuals- Design aesthetics and principles- Hidden figures/patterns- Logical deductions from visuals- Environmental design awareness | ~20-25% (40-50 marks)(Prominent in MSQs and MCQs) |
| Environmental and Social Awareness | Assesses knowledge of general and design-related environmental, cultural, and social contexts. | – General knowledge (history, art, culture)- Environmental issues (sustainability, climate)- Design terminology and trends- Social and cultural design influences- Famous designers and movements | ~15-20% (30-40 marks)(Mainly in MCQs) |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Tests logical thinking, data interpretation, and problem-solving. | – Patterns and sequences- Data interpretation (charts, graphs)- Logical arguments and conclusions- Mathematical reasoning (basic geometry, ratios)- Puzzles and syllogisms | ~20-25% (40-50 marks)(High in NAT and MCQs) |
| Language and Comprehension | Evaluates English language skills and comprehension. | – Reading comprehension- Vocabulary (design-related terms)- Sentence completion- Synonyms/antonyms- Grammar and sentence structure | ~10-15% (20-30 marks)(Mostly in MCQs) |
| Design Thinking and Problem Solving | Assesses ability to identify and solve design-related problems creatively. | – Understanding design briefs- Creative problem-solving- User-centered design principles- Application of design processes- Scenario-based questions | ~10-15% (20-30 marks)(Spread across MSQs and MCQs) |
| Drawing | Tests sketching skills, creativity, and ability to visually communicate ideas. | – Perspective drawing- Proportion and scale- Shading and rendering- Composition and creativity- Scenario-based sketches | 60 marks (20% of total)(Single question, critical for final ranking) |
UCEED Exam Pattern
The UCEED exam is divided into two parts: Part A (computer-based) and Part B (pen-and-paper-based), conducted on the same day. 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.
- Part A: Objective questions, including:
- 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.
Conclusion
By focusing on the important topics and knowing the syllabus of an exam thoroughly, one can easily crack the exam. With consistent effort and strategic focus, aspirants can excel in UCEED and secure admission to top B.Des programs at institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and other top design schools, paving the way for a successful career in design.
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