UCEED Exam Pattern 2026 for Part (A & B) Marking Scheme & Weightage Distribution Structure

Overview: Understanding the UCEED exam pattern 2026 can help you create a strong study plan and prepare effectively. Read this article to learn about the latest updates regarding the exam scheme and exam structure.

UCEED is a national level entrance exam conducted for admission to undergraduate design programs in India's most reputed institutions, IITs and other participating colleges. It's supposed to asses a candidate's aptitude for a career in design domains. The main IITs or participating UCEED colleges that accept it's scores are IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Guwahati, IIT Indore, IIT Roorkee, and IIIT Jabalpur. 

Additionally, several other top institutes like BITS Pilani, Nirma University, DY Patil School of Design, VIT school of Design and many more also provides admission based on the UCEED marks.

Therefore, it's considered one of the most competitive design exams. And if your are preparing to appear for the exam in 2026, you should start with a solid comprehension of the UCEED exam, its paper pattern and the complete UCEED Exam Syllabus. 

Download Free Study Material for UCEED Exam 2026 by Creative Edge

The UCEED paper pattern 2026 includes all exam details, such as -

• The number of questions
• UCEED Marks distribution
• Duration of the exam, and so on.

Continue reading to get all the pertinent information about the UCEED exam pattern so that you feel more confident and perform well in the exam.

UCEED 2026 Entrance Exam Highlights

UCEED usually takes place in January every year. IIT Bombay will release the UCEED exam pattern for 2026 on its official website tentatively in the month of November 2025. Here are some basic must-know details about the exam:

Particulars	Details
Conducting Body	IIT Bombay
Number of papers	1 paper with two parts, A and B
Medium	English only
Exam Mode for UCEED pattern	Computer-based test (Part A) and Paper-based test (Part B)
Exam Duration	3 hours (Total)
Number of sections	3 in Part A and 2 in Part B
Total UCEED marks	300 PART A - 200 Marks (2 Hrs)  PART B - 100 Marks (1 Hr)

Read more: UCEED exam analysis

UCEED Exam Date 2026: Important Dates to Know

Particulars	Tentative Dates
UCEED exam registration date 2026	October 2025
UCEED 2026 exam registration last date	October 2025
UCEED 2026 admit card release date	10-15 days before the exam
UCEED exam date 2026	January 2026
Declaration of UCEED 2026 results	March 2026

Resource: Download the Complete UCEED Syllabus PDF for 2026 below. Curated by experts and alumni from top design colleges, this pdf gives you a comprehensive overview of topic-wise syllabus for both UCEED Part A and Part B along with insights on exactly what to expect in each topic.

Download Complete UCEED Syllabus PDF here

UCEED Exam Pattern 2026

UCEED Paper Pattern 2026: Part A

This is a computer-based test, and as per the UCEED exam pattern the question paper is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B. 

The Part A of the exam comprises three sections-

• NAT (Numerical Answer Type), for which the answer will be a number that has to be typed in using a virtual keyboard on the computer screen.
• MSQ (Multiple Select Queries), which may have 1 or more correct answers that have to be selected from the given 4 options.
• MCQ (Multiple Choice Queries), for which 1 option has to be selected from the given 4.

Refer to the table given below to understand a detailed overview of these three sections of Part A in the UCEED exam pattern. It enlists the number of questions asked, UCEED marks for correct answers, negative marking details and total marks for each section.

Also Check: 10 Best Tips to Tackle Trick Questions in UCEED Exam 2026

Prepare with Online Coaching for UCEED Exam 2026

UCEED Paper Pattern 2026: Part B

Part B of the UCEED 2026 exam pattern consists of two questions to test drawing skills and design aptitude skills requiring subjective evaluation.

The question in Part B will be displayed on the computer screen, and the answer has to be written/ drawn in the answer book.

You will be given 1 hour to solve it. The invigilator will collect the booklet at the end of the exam. 

Check: UCEED Answer Key

Note:

1. It is mandatory to answer Part B questions.
2. The evaluation for this section of the exam is subjective.
3. The 2026 brochure for the exam has not been released yet (expected around October 2025). There may or may not be changes in the UCEED exam pattern for any of the two sections.

UCEED 2026 Exam Pattern

What are the New Changes in the exam pattern of UCEED 2026?

• IIT Bombay has introduced some modifications to the marking scheme. These changes have been made in UCEED marks for one of the sections of Part A- Multiple Select Questions (MSQ). Now, there is negative marking as well, along with the partial marking system for MSQs based on the correctness of the options chosen.
• However, the number of questions in the UCEED exam pattern for parts A and B will remain the same.
• It is compulsory to attempt questions from both Part A and Part B of the UCEED paper.
• A provision to raise inaccuracies in the paper has also been provided. If an error is detected in the question paper, including in UCEED sketching questions, the final decision on it will be taken by the UCI Committee after completion of the exam.

Also check: UCEED Result here

New Partial Marking Scheme for MSQs

Each multiple-select (MSQ) question may have one or more than one correct choice(s) out of the four given options.

• Full Marks: + 4 If only (all) the correct option(s) is(are) chosen and NONE of the incorrect options is chosen.
• Partial Marks: + 3 If all four options are correct, but ONLY three options are chosen, and NONE of the incorrect options is chosen.
• Partial Marks: + 2 If three or more options are correct, but ONLY two options are chosen, both of which are correct and NONE of the incorrect options is chosen.
• Partial Marks: + 1 If two or more options are correct, but ONLY one option is chosen, and it is a correct option, and NONE of the incorrect options is chosen.
• Zero Marks: 0 If NONE of the options is chosen (i.e., the question is unanswered).
• Negative Marks: -1 In all other cases.

The entire paper (both Part A and Part B) must be finished within the overall time duration of 3 hours.

Check UCEED cut off to know the minimum marks or the passing UCEED marks in order to make it to the merit list. 

Use Creativedge Free Resources 2026 Strategically

FREE NID Study Material Name	Link
UCEED Study Material for Drawing	Click Here
UCEED Study Material for Drawing	Click Here
UCEED Study Material for Quantitative Aptitude	Click Here
UCEED Study Material for Verbal Reasoning	Click Here
UCEED Study Material for Non-verbal Reasoning	Click Here
UCEED Study Material for Verbal Ability	Click Here
UCEED Study Material for General Awaraness	Click Here
UCEED Study Material for Aptitude	Click Here

UCEED Marking Scheme 2026

Negative marking has been introduced in the MSQ section in the UCEED exam pattern this year. View the marking scheme for 2026 in the table below:

Type of questions	Correct Answer	Wrong Answer
Numerical Answer Type (NAT)	4	0
Multiple Select Question (MSQ)	Partial Marking	-1
Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)	3	-0.71

Download Free PYPs with Solutions for UCEED 2026 by Creative Edge

UCEED Exam Pattern 2026 & Time for Candidates with Disabilities Who Use a Scribe

The services of a scribe (amanuensis) are available to candidates with disabilities who require assistance in operating the computer for Part A of the examination.

• If you're eligible for this assistance, you must still attempt Part B without the assistance of a scribe due to the nature of the paper.
• To avail this benefit, candidates should select this option in the online registration form and upload a copy of the PwD certificate at the time of online registration for UCEED.
• The eligible candidates will receive compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour in Part A and 10 minutes for Part B.
• If a PwD candidate wants to avail compensatory time and/or request the assistance of a scribe, the same request should be mentioned while filling out the registration form and PwD certificate is to be uploaded with such requests.
• The UCEED Office will assess the request along with the supporting document(s) and contact the candidate via email with further instructions if necessary. Scribes will be students of Class XI.
• Candidates will NOT be allowed to bring their own scribes.
• If a candidate is found to have used the services of a scribe and/or availed compensatory time without possessing the extent of disability that warrants it, they will be excluded from the evaluation, ranking, and admission process.

UCEED Review or Re-totalling 2026

The list below gives you a basic idea of the review and re-total patterns in the UCEED Exam.

• Part A of the UCEED exam pattern is a computer-based test. There is no scope for reviewing, re-grading or re-totalling the Part A marks of the examination paper.
• Part B contains only two questions, which will be manually evaluated through the sheet provided by the invigilator. It will be evaluated based on the criteria given in the question itself.
• As of 2024, there is no provision for re-evaluation or re-totalling in this exam.
• The cut-off marks for shortlisting candidates in different categories will be based on the average UCEED marks and standard deviation of distribution of marks obtained by all the candidates who have written Part A. The candidates from reserved categories will have relaxed cut-off marks compared to the open category.
• The evaluation of Part B will be done manually by two evaluators independently. For those who don't clear Part A, this step will not be carried out.
  • Two expert evaluators will independently evaluate the answers.
  • If the score difference is </= 20%, the average of the two scores will be considered. If the difference is > 20%, a third evaluator will review.
  • The final score will be the average of the closest two scores. If the marks difference between the evaluators and moderator is the same, the higher average will be considered.
• The total UCEED score will be calculated by adding the marks obtained in Parts A and B. This total score will be used to prepare the final result and/or rank.
• The Question Paper and Draft Answer Key (Part A) will be released on the website. 
• Candidates can check the draft answer key and compare their answers to know the correct answers.
• The UCEED committee will take the final decision regarding the answer keys after consolidating all the comments from the candidates and the paper-setting team. This decision will be binding on all the candidates.

Check: UCEED Reservation Policy

UCEED Exam Pattern 2026: Preparation Strategy for UCEED Exam 2026

Here are the best UCEED preparation tips to help you prepare effectively.

1. Thoroughly Understand the UCEED Paper Pattern 2026: Learn the specifics of Part A (computer-based tests) and Part B (paper-based drawing tests), including the new partial marking scheme for MSQs.
2. Segmented Study Approach: Focus on speed and accuracy for Part A, and enhance drawing skills for Part B.
3. Utilize Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Regularly practice with mocks and analyse past papers to adapt to the UCEED exam pattern, format and difficulty.
4. Leverage Quality Resources: Use study materials from credible sources and engage in forums for tips and guidance.
5. Effective Time Management: Develop a balanced study plan and practice managing your time during mock exams.
6. Consistent Review and Revision: Regularly revise all topics and use feedback from mocks to improve.
7. Prepare for Contingencies: Be aware of the process for reporting exam inaccuracies and arrange necessary documentation for scribe assistance if applicable.

Understanding the UCEED 2026 exam pattern is key for effective preparation. The new partial marking scheme in the MSQ section allows for strategic answering and can help improve scores. The exam is divided into a computer-based Part A for analytical skills and a paper-based Part B for creative skills, making comprehensive preparation essential.

Attempt Free Mock Tests for 100%-ile in UCEED Exam

Key Takeaways:

• Dual Exam Modes in UCEED exam pattern: Part A is computer-based with objective questions, while Part B is paper-based, assessing drawing skills, and practicing with UCEED previous year papers helps in understanding both formats effectivelyUpdated Marking Scheme: Introduces negative marking along with partial UCEED marks in MSQs.
• Mandatory Sections: Both Part A and B are compulsory, emphasizing the need for diverse skills.
• Accommodations for Disabilities: Provisions like scribe assistance and extra time are available.
• No Re-evaluation Policy: Part B's evaluation is manual with no option for re-evaluation, underlining the importance of accuracy.

Also check: UCEED Marks vs Rank 2026: Know everything about UCEED Results