The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay conducts the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED 2026) and Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED 2026) today, January 18, 2026 . Both national-level design entrance exams occur simultaneously. They run from 9 am to 12 pm at various allotted centres across India. Candidates must present their official hall ticket and a valid government-issued photo identification for verification purposes at the entry point.
Exam Purpose and Scope
IIT Bombay organises UCEED for admissions into Bachelor of Design (BDes) programs. UCEED scores are essential for securing undergraduate design course placements at premier institutions. CEED, conversely, serves as the entrance examination for Master of Design (MDes) and PhD programs. It evaluates candidates’ preparedness and aptitude for advanced design research and professional practice.
These annual entrance examinations are critical benchmarks for individuals pursuing a career in design. They dictate entry into specialized design departments at multiple Indian Institutes of Technology. Institutions that accept UCEED and CEED scores include IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Jodhpur, and IIT Roorkee. Additionally, numerous other design colleges and universities across the country recognize these scores as part of their competitive admission processes.
UCEED 2025: Key Statistics
Data from the UCEED 2025 examination offers insight into recent candidate participation trends. A total of 15,408 candidates appeared for the exam last year. Out of this pool, 5,703 candidates successfully qualified for admission eligibility into BDes programs. The qualified cohort comprised 3,420 female students and 2,283 male students, highlighting the representation across genders in design education.
UCEED, CEED 2026 Marking Scheme Details
Both UCEED and CEED 2026 examinations are structured into two distinct components: Part A and Part B. Part A is a computer-based test evaluating general aptitude, visual ability, and analytical skills. Part B is a drawing-based test designed to assess creative and design problem-solving abilities.
For UCEED 2026, Part A carries a maximum weightage of 200 marks. Part B contributes an additional 100 marks towards the overall score. CEED 2026’s Part A is weighted at 150 marks, while its Part B also holds 100 marks. The cumulative score from both parts determines a candidate’s final ranking and eligibility.
Part A of both exams incorporates three question formats: Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Question (MSQ), and Multiple Choice Question (MCQ). Specific rules for scoring and negative marking apply, as detailed in the official information bulletin and summarized below:
| Section | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Incorrect Answer | Marks for Not Attempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAT | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| MSQ | Partial Marking | -1 | 0 |
| MCQ (CEED) | 3 | -0.5 | 0 |
| MCQ (UCEED) | 3 | -0.71 | 0 |
Essential Exam Day Guidelines for Candidates
Candidates appearing for the UCEED and CEED 2026 exams must strictly adhere to the established protocols to ensure a smooth and fair testing process. Exam officials will conduct thorough identity verification at each centre. Any discrepancies or doubts regarding a candidate’s identity, based on their admit card and photo ID, may result in their exclusion from the examination. Punctuality is mandatory; no late arrivals will gain entry, as the examination hall doors close precisely at 9 am when the test commences.
- Candidates must present a printed copy of their UCEED or CEED admit card. This is required for entry and verification.
- A valid original photo identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, or college ID, is mandatory.
- Electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. This includes mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, and tablets.
- Prohibited stationary items encompass any form of study material, geometry boxes, slide rules, and log books.
- No additional time beyond the scheduled three hours is allocated for completing the paper. Candidates must manage their time effectively.
- If technical issues or system failures occur during a computer-based exam, candidates will receive assistance. They may relocate to an alternate terminal, and any lost time will be accurately compensated.
- Candidates are not permitted to leave the examination hall before the entire examination duration concludes. Early exits are strictly disallowed.