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UCEED Previous Year Question Paper

The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is held by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, every year on a national level.

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Through this exam, your design thinking, visualization, creativity, logical reasoning, etc., are evaluated. Since it is very competitive, you need to be familiar with the exam format to get an additional advantage. That’s where the UCEED previous year question paper​ accessible at SelfStudys comes in. By solving this paper, you will get real insights into the kinds of questions that are asked, their difficulty levels, as well as the topics that are asked frequently. 

Moreover, practice with the UCEED PYQs provides you with clarity on the high-scoring topics and how to manage your time during the real exam in an efficient manner. So, for a serious preparation plan, we advise you to solve all the past papers that are available on our digital platform. 

Highlights Of The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination For Design 

Some important exam highlights that you should be aware of our described in a tabular format below. 

UCEED previous year question paper

PARTICULARS DETAILS 

Examination Full Name

UCEED: Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design

Examination Conducting Authority

IIT Bombay: Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Level of the Examination 

National 

Frequency of the Examination 

Annual 

Examination Medium 

English 

Purpose of the Examination 

Admission into the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program at various IITs and other participating institutes. 

Examination Mode 

Two modes

  • Part A: Computer-Based Test
  • Part B: Paper-Based Test

Duration of the Examination 

3 hours in total 

  • Part A: 2 hours
  • Part B: 1 hour

UCEED PYQs For Several Years

A variety of UCEED previous year papers​ for free access are provided on SelfStudys. You can solve as many papers as you want and enhance your problem-solving skills effectively. This practice will also help you in understanding the recurring patterns in question types and adjusting your study plan accordingly. Links to these year-wise papers are given here for your sole benefit. 

Sr No UCEED Year Wise Papers
1 UCEED 2025 Question Paper
2 UCEED 2024 Question Paper
3 UCEED 2023 Question Paper
4 UCEED 2022 Question Paper
5 UCEED 2021 Question Paper
6 UCEED 2020 Question Paper
7 UCEED 2019 Question Paper
8 UCEED 2018 Question Paper
9 UCEED 2017 Question Paper
10 UCEED 2016 Question Paper
11 UCEED 2015 Question Paper

Solutions Given Along With UCEED Previous Year Papers 

You can explore the UCEED previous year question papers with solutions PDF​ on our website and learn the underlying principle of each problem. On the last few pages of the PDF, these solutions will be visible. They further include step-by-step explanations that you can review to reinforce the concepts as well as improve your approach to solving complex problems.

UCEED Question Paper Structure

Below are details about the design of both the question papers that are regulated in the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design. 

PART A

Type of questions

Number of questions

Marks for the correct answer 

Marks for the wrong answer

Marks for the question not attempted

Total marks for the section

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) 

14

4

0

0

56

Multiple Select Question (MSQ) 

15

Partial marking 

-1

0

60

Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

28

3

-0.71

0

84

Total

57

200

PART B

Type of questions

Number of questions

Total marks

Sketching

1

50

Design Aptitude

1

50

Eligibility Criteria For Appearing In The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination For Design

To appear in the upcoming Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design, you need to fulfill the following criteria. 

AGE LIMIT

  • OPEN/EWS/OBC-NCL category: 25 years or below 25 years of age.
  • OPEN/EWS/OBC-NCL category: 30 years or below 30 years of age. 

NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS

You are permitted to attempt the UCEED a maximum of two times, and that too in consecutive years. You should be aware that the score of UCEED is valid for one year and only for admissions in the same corresponding year. 

QUALIFYING EXAMINATION

You must have appeared for the class 12th or equivalent examination for the first time in either the last or the same year when the UCEED is being conducted. You are eligible to take the exam after passing class 12th in any stream (Science, Commerce, and Arts & Humanities). Some more details related to the qualifying examinations are as follows:

  • Final examination of the 10+2 system, conducted by a Central or State Board recognized by the Association of Indian Universities.
  • Intermediate or two-year Pre-University examination conducted by a Board or University recognized by the Association of Indian Universities.
  • Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy.
  • Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling with a minimum of five subjects. 
  • Any Public School, Board, or University examination in India or a foreign country recognized as equivalent to the 10+2 system by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
  • H.S.C. vocational examination.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination (London, Cambridge or Sri Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level.
  • High School Certificate Examination of the Cambridge University or International Baccalaureate Diploma of the International Baccalaureate Office, Geneva.
  • If you have completed Class 12th or equivalent examination outside India or from a Board not specified above, then you need to produce a certificate from the Association of Indian Universities to the effect that the examination they have passed is equivalent to the class 12th examination.
  • In case the class 12th examination is not a public examination, then you must have already passed at least one public (Board or Pre-University) examination before appearing for UCEED.
  • A Diploma recognized by the All-India Council for Technical Education or a State Board of Technical Education of at least three years duration. It is important to note that the eligibility criteria of the participating Institutes may not consider you with a Diploma of three-year duration. 

Steps To Download The UCEED Previous Year Question Papers With Solutions PDF​ 

In order to get the UCEED previous year question papers PDF​ downloaded from our website, here are the steps you need to follow.

  • Visit SelfStudys by simply typing it on any browser, and click on the ‘Navigation’ bar at the top. 

UCEED PYQs 

  • A list will open up on your screen from which you have to select the section of ‘UG’.

UCEED previous year papers 

  • Now, you can check out the drop-down menu for this section and tap on the ‘UCEED previous year question paper’ ​option. 

UCEED previous year question papers with solutions PDF

  • Within a second, your screen will display a new page that has the UCEED previous year question paper PDF download​ available for several years. 

UCEED previous year question papers PDF​ 

  • You can choose any paper to solve the UCEED PYQs and click on its icon. 

UCEED previous year question paper PDF download​ 

  • Then, you are permitted to either solve the UCEED previous year papers​ online on the platform or download the file.
  • On our website, the UCEED previous year question papers with solutions PDF​ can be viewed in normal as well as HD quality. 

Note: It will be very easy to download the UCEED previous year question papers PDF​ by doing a Google Log In or Sign Up on SelfStudys in advance. 

Syllabus Of The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination For Design

The UCEED previous year question paper PDF download​ has two parts- Part A and Part B. There are various topics that are covered in both these sections. For further details, you should go through the table mentioned below. 

UCEED PART A SYLLABUS

Topics

Sub-topics 

Visualization and Spatial Reasoning

  • Ability to visualize and manipulate 2D and 3D objects
  • Mental rotation of objects and shapes
  • Mirror and water images
  • Pattern folding and unfolding
  • Isometric projections
  • Views of objects from different angles
  • Assembly and disassembly of shapes
  • Paper cutting and folding

Practical and Scientific Knowledge

  • Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and mathematics up to 10th grade
  • Understanding of gravity, friction, buoyancy, and pressure
  • Principles of light, sound, and motion
  • Units and measurements
  • Day-to-day science applications (e.g., pulleys, levers, gears)
  • Conceptual understanding over memorization

Observation and Design Sensitivity

  • Detecting hidden patterns, visual anomalies
  • Interpretation of data from visual formats (charts, graphs, tables)
  • Attention to detail in visual design
  • Aesthetic and functional judgment
  • Recognizing inconsistencies in design
  • Awareness of subtle design elements

Environment and Society

  • General awareness of environmental and social issues
  • Impact of products and design on the environment
  • Sustainable design and green technologies
  • Cultural influences on design
  • Awareness of current affairs, social movements, and policies related to design

Analytical and Logical Reasoning

  • Numerical and logical reasoning
  • Syllogisms, Venn diagrams
  • Pattern identification
  • Sequential logic
  • Series (number and visual)
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Puzzle solving

Language

  • Reading comprehension
  • Sentence completion and grammar
  • Synonyms, antonyms, analogies
  • Vocabulary in context
  • Understanding the tone and intent of passages

Creativity

  • Lateral thinking
  • Imaginative scenario development
  • Generating original ideas
  • Interpreting abstract or incomplete prompts creatively
  • Unconventional problem-solving approaches

UCEED PART B SYLLABUS

Drawing

  • Freehand sketching
  • Perspective drawing (1-point and 2-point)
  • Scene composition
  • Drawing objects and human figures proportionally
  • Visual storytelling
  • Light, shadow, and textures

Design Aptitude

  • Understanding user needs
  • Creative solution generation
  • Product, interface, and space design thinking
  • Sustainable and inclusive design ideas
  • Concept development sketches
  • Functionality and innovation in design

Beginner To Advanced Strategies For Solving UCEED Previous Year Question Papers PDF​

Whether you are just starting your exam preparation or refining your skills in the final phase, your approach to solving the UCEED previous year question paper​ can make or break your performance. Below are some strategies that we have divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels that you can use for solving the PYPs. 

UCEED previous year question paper

Beginner Strategy (0 to 1 Month Into Preparation)

  • Before you start with the UCEED PYQs, you must understand the pattern of the exam thoroughly. In this, you should learn the types of questions (MCQ, MSQ, NAT), parts (A & B), marking scheme, as well as the syllabus. By doing so, you will build a solid foundation and have a proper problem-solving strategy. 
  • Then, you should pick any recent UCEED previous year papers​ and attempt them without the pressure of time. During this time, you should not worry about performance. Instead, you need to focus on question types, your natural strengths and weaknesses, what is confusing or difficult, and so on. 
  • Further, you have to divide the UCEED previous year question papers with solutions PDF​ into categories of the topic. In this way, you will be able to map out which topics are repeated often and guide your study priorities. 
  • Make sure that you study the detailed solutions that are given in the UCEED previous year question papers PDF​. This time, you need to understand how correct answers are reached and focus on the thought process, not just results. 

Intermediate Strategy (1 to 3 Months Into Preparation)

  • This is the time when you should start timed practice with one UCEED previous year question paper PDF download​ every week. You need to set a timer and simulate the conditions of the real exam. This way, you will build endurance as well as time management. After solving it, you should note down your scores and the time taken per section. 
  • Now, you need to spend more time reviewing your mistakes in that specific UCEED previous year question paper​ rather than attempting the next paper. You must categorize your mistakes into conceptual, silly, rushed, misread, etc. Moreover, you need to highlight your frequent errors in order to track your improvement. 
  • Our experts advise you to devote alternate days to specific sections of the UCEED PYQs. In this, you should give one day just for Part A, one day for drawing, and so on. You can also try getting feedback from your peers because it will improve your clarity of concepts. 

Advanced Strategy (3+ Months Into Preparation/ Final Phase)

  • You need to take full-length UCEED mock tests that are based on the UCEED previous year papers​. This time, you should keep track of your accuracy rates, section-wise scores, time breakdown, etc. 
  • In order to measure your improvement and retention, you need to repeat solving the earlier UCEED previous year question papers with solutions PDF​. By doing so, you will find better time control, fewer mistakes, as well as faster mental processing. 
  • You should review at least 5 to 7 UCEED previous year question papers PDF​. This way, you can recognize repeated question formats or design themes, topics that are emphasized more, and how complex questions have evolved. 
  • Now, at this time, you also have to refine your presentation in Part B of the UCEED previous year question paper PDF download​. You should focus on clean linework, balanced compositions, labeling where necessary, conveying narrative in your sketches clearly, and so on. 
  • This exam is very famous for unpredictability. That’s why you need to build your mental flexibility. For this, you can try the UCEED previous year question paper​ by shuffling the sections. It is important that you train yourself to adapt and not panic. 

Institutes That Provide Admission Into B.Des. Programs

There are various institutes that participate in the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design and provide admission into the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program. We have mentioned the names of these institutions in the table for your reference. 

UCEED PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indore

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee

Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Jabalpur

BITS Design School, Mumbai

FLAME University, Pune

School of Creativity, Rishihood University, Haryana

Institute of Design, Nirma University, Ahmedabad

CEPT University, Ahmedabad

Mahindra University, Hyderabad

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal

Alliance University, Bengaluru

Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Bangalore

Department of Design, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, Delhi NCR

MODY University of Science and Technology, Rajasthan

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra

MIT ID Indore - Avantika University

JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur

GLS University, Gujarat

JS Institute of Design, New Delhi

Dr. D.Y. Patil School of Design, Pune

Somaiya School of Design, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai

Footwear Design and Development Institute - Govt. of India.

Nitte (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru

Department of Design, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), New Delhi

Lovely Professional University, Phagwara

Navrachana University, Gujarat

Anant National University, Ahmedabad

Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata

VIT School of Design (V-SIGN), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore

MIT Vishwaprayag University, Solapur

CMR University, Bengaluru

Delhi Technological University, Delhi

U.P. Institute of Design, Noida

Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi

Dr Vishwanath Karad, MIT World Peace University, Pune

O. P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat

RV University, Bangalore

Ajeenkya D Y Patil University School of Design, Pune

University School of Design & Innovation, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi

Tezpur University, Assam

ATLAS SkillTech University, Mumbai

Common Mistakes Students Make While Solving The UCEED Previous Year Question Paper PDF Download​

Practice of the UCEED PYQs is one of the best strategies during your exam preparation, but a number of aspirants make some mistakes that limit their progress. So, to help you get the most out of these practice sessions, we have mentioned these mistakes and how you can avoid them below. 

  • The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design is treated like a normal academic test by many students. However, through this exam, your creativity, design aptitude, visual reasoning, as well as problem-solving skills are evaluated. So, just focusing on theory or facts will not be enough to clear the examination. While solving UCEED previous year papers​, you must think like a designer and solve problems in a creative way.
  • If you solve the UCEED previous year question papers with solutions PDF​ casually, like with breaks and distractions, then it will give you a false sense of readiness. That’s why it is important to replicate the conditions of the real exam. In this, you should time yourself strictly, avoid any type of help, and complete all sections in one sitting. 
  • Several aspirants just check the solutions of the UCEED previous year question papers PDF​ before even attempting them. This will prevent any real learning of the concepts. You need to always try solving the paper by yourself first and then refer to the provided solutions to understand your mistakes as well as improve them. 
  • In specific sections of the UCEED previous year question paper PDF download​, you will find negative markings. When you guess without logic, it will reduce your score. So, it is necessary that you understand which question types involve negative marks and avoid guessing blindly. 

Cities Where The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination For Design Is Held

There are different cities across India, where IIT Bombay conducts the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design. 

  • The names of the cities are:
    • Ahmedabad
    • Bengaluru
    • Bhopal
    • Bhubaneswar
    • Chandigarh/Mohali
    • Chennai
    • Coimbatore
    • Dehradun
    • Delhi
    • Ernakulam
    • Guwahati
    • Hyderabad
    • Hubballi (Hubli)
    • Jaipur
    • Kolkata
    • Kozhikode
    • Lucknow
    • Mumbai
    • Nagpur
    • Noida
    • Panaji
    • Patna
    • Pune
    • Raipur
    • Thiruvananthapuram
    • Thrissur
    • Visakhapatnam
  • You need to choose any three cities in order of your preference while you are doing the online registration. As soon as your registration is complete, you cannot request a change in the city.
  • In case a sufficient number of candidates are not available in a listed city, then such a city might be removed from the final list, and those candidates will be allotted a centre in the city of either their second or third preference. Additionally, because of operational contingencies, the UCI Committee reserves the right to add a new city/town or remove an existing one and allot a city/town that may not be among the preferences stated by a candidate. 
  • You have to make your own arrangements for appearing at the allotted centre. 

Conclusion

To sharpen your exam readiness, solving the UCEED previous year question paper​ is a smart and proven strategy. With its help, you can get proper insights into the exam structure, question trends, difficulty levels, time management challenges, and so on. When you work through them on a regular basis, you will not only be able to reinforce your concepts but also train your mind to think creatively as well as critically under pressure. These skills are quite important for success in the upcoming Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design.

FAQs
Need answers? Find them here...
Engaging with the UCEED previous year papers​ helps you in getting familiar with the exam format, finding recurring question themes, understanding the level of difficulty, etc. Through this direct exposure, you can build your confidence, improve your time management, and highlight your strong as well as weak areas.
Our experts advise that ideally, you should solve at least 5 to 10 years of UCEED previous year question papers PDF​. With this range, you will get enough variation to understand the changing trends of the exam that are relevant. Papers that are older than 10 years might have an outdated style of questions that do not reflect the recent shift to creative reasoning.
No doubt, the UCEED previous year question paper​ is essential to solve, but relying only on it might limit your preparedness for the exam. That’s why you need to pair it up with mock tests, theory practice, guided sketches, etc. In this way, you can make sure to have a balanced approach to all the components of the exam
You need to aim for solving UCEED PYQs at least once a week during your preparation. As the exam comes near, you should increase their frequency to 2 to 3 papers per week. By doing so, you can enhance your familiarity as well as solidify your speed and accuracy.
In the UCEED previous year question papers with solutions PDF​, a wide range of skills are tested. Part A evaluates your visual reasoning, spatial ability, logical thinking, quantitative analysis, and general aptitude. Part B checks your creativity, sketching ability, conceptual clarity, and design thinking through freehand drawing questions.
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