What is a Good Score in UCEED 2026? Marks, Rank & Cut-off

Summary: Wondering what is a good score in UCEED 2026? This guide explains the safe UCEED score range, cutoff trends, and category-wise good marks required for IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, and IIITDM Jabalpur admissions. Understand what counts as a good UCEED rank and score to secure your dream IIT.

Every UCEED aspirant eventually asks the same question: What is a good score in UCEED?

If you’ve been preparing seriously for the UCEED 2026 exam, you’ve probably wondered, how many marks do I need to get into IIT Bombay? or What’s a safe score for IITs for my category?

These are important questions, because UCEED isn’t just about clearing the cut off - it’s about scoring high enough to secure your dream design seat at top institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, or IIITDM Jabalpur.

The challenge is that the definition of a “good score” in UCEED changes every year.

It depends on multiple factors like the difficulty level of the paper, total marks, number of applicants, category, and even how well students perform in Part A (objective) versus Part B (drawing). But, most importantly, it depends on your goal.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from What is a Good Score in UCEED, UCEED 2026 total marks and marks vs rank trends, to what counts as a good score in UCEED Part A and Part B, and even how much you should score for IIT Bombay and other IITs.

Download Free Study Material for UCEED 2026 by CreativEdge

By the end, you’ll have crystal-clear clarity on:

1. What is a good score in UCEED 2026 and beyond
2. The highest scores and topper trends over recent years
3. Ideal target scores for each category (General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST)
4. UCEED cut off marks and how they affect admissions
5. The realistic UCEED score for IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and others
6. How marks translate into ranks with UCEED marks vs rank analysis

Whether you’re just starting your UCEED 2026 preparation or evaluating your mock test performance, this guide will tell you exactly how much you should score to get into your dream IIT, with no guesswork.

UCEED 2026 Exam Overview: Quick Facts You Need to Know

Conducting Body	IIT Bombay
Number of papers	1 paper with two parts, A and B
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 (NAT, MSQ, MCQ) 2 in Part B (Drawing, Design aptitude)
Total UCEED marks	300 PART A - 200 Marks (2 Hrs)  PART B - 100 Marks (1 Hr)
Typical top scorer range (recent years)	180 - 210+ (top scores vary year-to-year).
What the exam tests / UCEED Syllabus	Visualization, spatial ability, design sensitivity, logical reasoning, drawing, and creativity.

Unlock 'Must-Practice' UCEED Part-B Drawing Questions for 2026

What is a Good Score in UCEED 2026? How Exam Structure Affects this Judgment?

To understand what is a good score in UCEED 2026, you first need to understand why that number changes every year. A score that guarantees IIT Bombay in one year might only secure IIT Hyderabad or IIITDM Jabalpur in another.

This variation happens because the UCEED exam structure and admission ecosystem are dynamic. Several factors like exam difficulty, number of applicants, total marks, available seats, and candidate category all affect the UCEED cut off marks and rank list.

Here’s how each factor influences what’s considered a “good” or “safe” score in UCEED 2026:

1. Exam Difficulty Level

The difficulty of the paper directly shifts the score-to-rank ratio every year.

• If the paper is tougher than usual, average scores drop, meaning even a score of 180-190 out of 300 could place you within the top 200 ranks (in general category)
• If the paper is easier, average scores rise and you might need a total of 200-220 marks for the same rank.

2. Total Number of Applicants

The competition density or how many students take UCEED 2026 also affects cut off trends.

• More applicants mean higher competition and tighter cut offs.
• Fewer applicants can slightly relax the cut off margin.

Example:

In years when over 14,000 students appear for exam, like in 2025, the score difference between Rank 100 and Rank 300 could be as narrow as 10-15 marks. But in past years when fewer than 10,000 applicants used to appear for UCEED, that gap was wider.

So, even if your performance stays the same, your relative position changes with competition size.

3. Total Marks and Paper Composition

Every year, UCEED total marks remain 300, but the distribution of marks across question types in Part A and Part B can vary.

• If more weightage is given to MSQs or NATs (which have negative marking or no guessing advantage), average scores tend to drop.
• If there are more MCQs or easier drawing tasks in Part B, overall marks inflate.

Example:

In one cycle, a 200-mark Part A lead to very low overall averages because of tougher MSQs. In another, the inclusion of more straightforward drawing prompts in Part B or resulting higher scores from 100 raised many candidates’ final totals.

Therefore, analyzing UCEED exam pattern changes helps set realistic target scores for each section.

Must-read: 10 Expert Tips on How to Avoid Negative Marks

4. Total Number of Seats Available

The seat matrix of participating institutes changes slightly every year and that directly affects what is a good in UCEED.

Example:

When IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee joined the UCEED admission list, total seats increased, slightly easing the cut off pressure for that year’s mid-ranked students. But in years when no new seats were added, like in 2025. The UCEED cut off marks 2025 and UCEED marks vs rank data showed a noticeable rise in required scores for IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi.

Year	Impact on Cut-off
When total seats increase (new IITs added or capacity expanded)	Slightly lower closing ranks (more students admitted)
When seats remain limited (like 600 or fewer)	Higher cut-offs for top IITs; competition intensifies

Historical Seat Trends - UCEED Seats Over the Years

Year	Total UCEED Seats Available
2025	245 total UCEED seats (after IIT Indore inclusion)
2024	225 total no. of seats in UCEED (before IIT Indore)
2023 & Earlier	Approximately 205 seats, reflecting fewer participating institutes.

Read More:  Full UCEED 2026 Category-wise Seat Matrix & Allotment Guide

Here's how the seats are allocated for UCEED 2026 – Quick Institute-wise Breakdown

Institute	Total Seats
IIT Bombay	37
IIT Delhi	20
IIT Guwahati	56
IIT Hyderabad	30
IIT Roorkee	20
IIITDM Jabalpur	66
IIT Indore	16
Total UCEED seats	245

Check: UCEED Application Form 2026 - Detailed Registration Process Here

Download Real PYPs for UCEED Exam 2026 Full Answers

5. Category of Candidates (Reservation Factor)

Your social category, General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, or ST plays a major role in determining what qualifies as a good score in UCEED.

Category	How it Affects Cut-off
General/Open	Faces the highest cut-off; needs 200+ for top IITs.
OBC-NCL / EWS	Relaxed cut-off; a 10-15% lower score may secure a similar rank as General.
SC / ST	Wider relaxation; cut-offs can be 30-40% lower than General, depending on the UCEED seat matrix.

Example:

In a given year, an Open category student might need 200+ marks to reach IIT Delhi, while an OBC candidate could secure a similar rank with around 180 marks, and an SC candidate with 150-170 marks.

That’s why, while general predictions help, you should always view “good score” relative to your category’s UCEED cut-off marks and opening-closing rank trends.

6. Candidate Performance in Part A vs Part B

Even though UCEED’s total marks are 300, Part A (objective) and Part B (drawing) carry different weightage, and performance balance matters. A strong Part B score can lift your rank even when your Part A marks are average.

Example:

Two candidates with identical total scores of 150 in part A could be ranked differently depending on Part B performance. A candidate with 40-50/100 in drawing might rank above one with only 20-30/100, since creativity often becomes the tiebreaker in UCEED rank lists.

This makes consistent drawing practice just as important as scoring well in reasoning or GK sections.

In Summary:

What is a good score in UCEED is not fixed, it is a moving target shaped by:

1. Paper difficulty level
2. Total number of test-takers
3. Total marks distribution across sections
4. Seat availability in participating IITs
5. Category-wise UCEED reservation policy
6. Performance spread between Part A and Part B

Top Rankers Tip: The smarter way to plan your UCEED strategy is to set your score goals dynamically. Aim for 10-15% above the previous year’s cut-off for your target IIT, and stay alert for any change in seat matrix or paper pattern in the upcoming year.

What is a Good Score in UCEED? - UCEED Marks vs Rank Mapping

These UCEED marks vs rank estimates are derived from past-year data and expert analysis of cut-off patterns. While variations occur every year based on exam difficulty, these figures help you understand where you currently stand and what score you should aim for to reach your target IIT.

Estimated total marks (out of 300)	Estimated All India Rank (Open)	Likely college band (Open category)
220+	Top 1-5	Very likely IIT Bombay / IIT Delhi
170-199	Top 6-50	Strong chance at top IITs (Bombay/Delhi/Guwahati)
150-169	Top 50-120	Competitive for IIT Guwahati / IIT Hyderabad
130-149	Top 120-300	Possibility for IIT Hyderabad / IIITDM Jabalpur
110-129	Top 300-700	May get IIITDM Jabalpur / IIT Roorkee / IIT Indore
90-109	700-1400	Limited IIT options; private institutes likely
<90	1400+	Focus on alternative design colleges

What is the highest score in UCEED - Historical Trends

The highest scores and topper statistics vary from year to year.

Historically, the top rank corresponded to scores between 180 and 230 over the years. In recent cycles, the highest UCEED scores reported were in the high 200+ range.

Note: Use the marks→rank mapping below as a data-based planning tool rather than a promise.

Also Check: UCEED 2025 Exam Analysis: Difficulty Level & Student's Reaction

Attempt Exam-like Full-length Mock Tests from CreativEdge

Safe UCEED 2026 Score for Admission to IITs 

When it comes to design aspirants, “safe score” means the minimum UCEED marks you need to score to secure admission in your preferred IIT program, even in a competitive year.

With the updated UCEED exam pattern of Part A (200 marks) and Part B (100 marks), the total marks add up to 300.

Although your final UCEED rank and IIT admission chances depend on several factors, including exam difficulty, number of candidates, seat matrix, and category cut-offs, trends from the last few years help define a practical safe score range.

What is a Good Score in UCEED for IIT Bombay 2026- Safe Score Benchmark

The UCEED score for IIT Bombay has always set the benchmark for what counts as a truly good score. In recent admission cycles, Open-category students needed at least 220-230 marks out of 300 to be safely shortlisted for IIT Bombay’s B.Des program.

Top 10 AIR holders typically fall in the 220-250 range, depending on paper difficulty. This makes 220+ the realistic safe score for IIT Bombay under the current marking structure.

Check the following table for more insights on institute-wise expected scores and rank range for 2026 aspirants:

Institute	Expected Rank Range (Open Category)	Expected Marks Range (Open Category)
IIT Bombay	1-14	210 - 250
IIT Delhi	15-40	200 - 210
IIT Guwahati	15-70	190 - 200
IIT Hyderabad	15-50	190 - 200
IIT Roorkee & IIT Indore	50-100	150 - 170
IIITDM Jabalpur	70-200	150 - 170

How to Interpret the UCEED Safe Score:

1. Target at least 10-15% above the previous year’s cut-off for your desired IIT in 2026- this buffer accounts for changes in paper difficulty and competition.

2. A 'safe score' ensures not just eligibility but confidence of conversion in the first or second round of seat allotment.

3. Balancing Part A (objective) and Part B (drawing) is crucial - even a 10-mark difference in Part B can shift your overall rank significantly.

What is a Good Score in UCEED Part A and Part B for 2026?

Since UCEED 2026 combines objective reasoning (Part A) and drawing/presentation (Part B), assess both parts separately.

Part A (objective sections)

Total available marks as per the latest UCEED 2026 exam pattern - 200

Good Part A score (Open):

• 150+ is super safe for top IITs
• 140-150 tends to put you competitively for high percentiles.
• Lower but still useful: 90-120 for mid-tier ranking.

Part B (drawing)

Total marks as per 2026 UCEED marking scheme = 100 marks.

Good Part B score (Open):

• ≥35–40 is strong
• ≥40–60 is solid. Because UCEED 2026 tie-breaker policy and evaluation often prioritize drawing for overall rank ordering, a strong Part B can push your rank substantially when Part A totals are similar.

Note: The precise internal distribution can shift; always consult the official brochure for the current year’s exact Part A/Part B marks breakdown.

What is a Good Score in UCEED 2026 for OBC?

If you belong to the OBC-NCL category, your definition of a “good score in UCEED” will differ slightly from the open category, due to 'reservation policy' and 'category-wise cut offs' published by IIT Bombay each year.

In the UCEED exam, both the qualifying cut-off and the admission cut-off for OBC candidates are usually 10-15% lower than those for the Open (General) category. However, competition among OBC students has been rising steadily, especially for top IITs like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Guwahati.

Good and Safe UCEED Score Range for OBC Category (Out of 300) in 2026:

Performance Level	UCEED Score Range (OBC)	Expected Rank Range	IIT Admission Possibility
Excellent (Dream Score)	190-210+	Top 100-250	Safe for IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, or IIT Guwahati
Very Good	170-189	250-500	Strong chance for IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee
Good / Competitive	150-169	500-900	May secure IIT Roorkee or IIITDM Jabalpur
Qualifying Range	130-149	900-1200+	Possible eligibility; may qualify but not guaranteed admission

Note: Official cutoffs vary yearly. These estimates are based on recent UCEED marks vs rank trends (2023–2025) and the latest total marks distribution (Part A: 200, Part B: 100). Actual numbers can vary depending on exam difficulty, UCEED cut off marks, and total seats in each category in 2026.

So, if you’re scoring above 200 marks in your mocks or previous-year papers, you’re already within a safe band for IIT Bombay OBC admissions.

What is a Good Score in UCEED 2026? - How are Cut off Marks Calculated?

Before understanding what is a good score in UCEED, it’s important to know how the cut off scores are calculated.

First of all let's understand how the UCEED cut off is calculated. IIT Bombay has altered the formula to calculate the UCEED 2025 Cut Off.

The new formula to calculate the cut-off marks is 𝜇 + (𝜎⁄2) = 𝛿, where 𝜇 and 𝜎 are the average marks and standard deviation of marks obtained by all the aspirants in Part A of the UCEED exam.

These values are released on UCEED official website every year. The mean and standard deviation for Part-A (UCEED 2025) are 61.50 and 25.69, respectively.

Note that the values of 𝜇 and 𝜎 will be rounded off for the first decimal place. You must fulfil a cut-off score if you belong to the reserved category.

The cut-off marks for different categories are calculated as mentioned below:

• 0.9𝛿 for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
• 0.9𝛿 for EWS
• 0.5𝛿 for SC/ST
• 0.5𝛿 for PwD

Where 𝛿 is the cut-off mark for OPEN category.

FREE Resource: How to Prepare for UCEED 2026 in 2 Months [Study Plan & Tips]

Download UCEED Important Topics 2026 PDF

How Part A vs Part B Balance Affects Your UCEED Score or Rank?

Important to know: Many candidates with similar totals are separated by tie-break rules or by drawing performance.

If two candidates have identical total marks, tie-breakers often favour the candidate with higher Part B (drawing) marks, than Part A distribution. So when you are contemplating on what is a good score in UCEED 2026, remember that a strong Part B can move you ahead even if your Part A is slightly lower. This makes drawing practice high-leverage effort.

Example:
A candidate scoring 205 in total with a high Part B score (75/100) could rank higher than someone with 215 but a weaker drawing section (45/100), because of UCEED’s tie-breaking and evaluation weightage system.

How to Improve Your Score if You are Stuck at 150-170 Now

If your mock scores are stuck at 150-170 marks average out of 300, follow the below strategies for improvement:

1. Prioritise Part B: Invest daily time in drawing, composition, and idea presentation. Part B is a high-leverage area.

2. Improve Part A accuracy: Practice MCQs, NATs, and MSQs under timed conditions; reduce careless errors.

3. Mock tests: Don't jus keep giving mocks, analyse errors, revise weak topics, and simulate exam timings.

4. Use marks→rank trend tables to set weekly micro-target: Example target - gain +10 marks in 2 weeks through focused practice.

5. Portfolio and presentation (if applying to colleges that use UCEED score for their admissions) - A clear, well-documented process adds value.

Check: UCEED Exam Centres

Conclusion: Key Takeaways on What Is a Good Score in UCEED 2026?

A good score in UCEED 2026 is not just about hitting a fixed number, it’s about scoring strategically enough to reach your dream IIT design college. Based on recent trends, a total of 210+ marks out of 300 total marks in UCEED is generally considered excellent for IIT Bombay, while 190-210 marks is a strong range for IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, or IIT Delhi.

However, your definition of a “good score” must factor in your category, the UCEED cut off marks 2026, exam difficulty, and seat matrix for that year.

Category	UCEED Score to Target (out of 300)
General	210+
OBC-NCL	190-200
SC/ST	150-170

Remember, UCEED marks vs rank changes annually, depending on how tough the paper is and how other students perform. So instead of chasing a fixed number, focus on balanced performance in Part A and Part B, as part of your UCEED preparation strategy. Because a consistently strong Part B drawing score can significantly improve your rank even when your Part A is average.

Start attempting timed mocks and analyze your uceed exam scores:

• 200 or above → Outstanding; high chance for IIT Bombay / IIT Delhi
• 190 - 200 → Very good; possible IIT Guwahati / Hyderabad
• 170 - 190 → Decent; IIT Roorkee / IIITDM Jabalpur range
• Below 170 → Work on accuracy, GK, and drawing to improve

With the right UCEED strategy, targeted mock tests, and understanding of your UCEED 2026 syllabus, you can confidently aim for a score that aligns with your design dream

In the end, best answer to what is a good score in UCEED would be - the one that brings you closer to the IIT campus gates and with focused effort, that goal is absolutely achievable.

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