Design education in India has seen a remarkable transformation, with creativity and innovation becoming key drivers in various industries. The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is one of the most sought-after entrance exams for aspirants aiming to secure admission into prestigious Bachelor of Design (B.Des) programs. Conducted annually by IIT Bombay, the UCEED exam evaluates candidates on multiple design-related competencies, making it a gateway to some of India’s leading design institutions.
As UCEED 2025 has concluded, many students are now assessing their options. While some will proceed to the top UCEED colleges, others may explore equally promising alternatives that align with contemporary design thinking, technology integration, and entrepreneurial innovation. This guide covers every aspect of the UCEED entrance exam, including its eligibility criteria, UCEED syllabus, past exam trends, and preparation strategies.
The UCEED full form is the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design. Established by IIT Bombay, this national-level exam is conducted for admission into the B.Des programs at select IITs and other participating institutes.
The UCEED colleges that admit students based on exam performance include:
While these institutions remain highly competitive, students interested in design careers also explore universities that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, emerging design technologies, and hands-on entrepreneurship in the field.
The UCEED 2025 exam was conducted on January 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM by IIT Bombay. The application process began in October 2024, and candidates appeared for the exam across multiple test centers in India.
Exam Structure
The exam is divided into two parts:
The UCEED question paper 2024 followed a similar format, focusing on aptitude, reasoning, and creative problem-solving.
To appear for UCEED 2025, candidates had to meet the following criteria:
The UCEED syllabus is structured to evaluate a candidate’s design aptitude and problem-solving abilities. It includes:
Part A (Computer-Based Test)
Part B (Drawing Test)
The UCEED question paper 2024 followed this pattern, reinforcing the need for strong analytical, observational, and artistic skills.
UCEED 2026 Study Material & Resources
Preparation for the UCEED entrance exam requires access to high-quality resources. Recommended UCEED study material includes:
While IITs are prestigious, design is an ever-evolving field that benefits from interdisciplinary education, technological integration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Aspiring designers can consider universities that offer specialized programs combining UX/UI Design, Lifestyle Product Design, and Tech-Driven Design Thinking.
Rishihood University: A New-Age Design Education Approach
Rishihood University’s School of Design offers a B.Des program designed for the future of design careers. What sets it apart?
While not positioned as a direct replacement for IITs, Rishihood University provides an alternative for students passionate about design, innovation, and entrepreneurship in an industry-focused environment.
Graduates from top UCEED colleges or other reputed design schools can explore careers in:
The design industry values creative problem-solving and interdisciplinary expertise, making universities that emphasize innovation attractive career launchpads.
The UCEED entrance exam remains one of the most significant milestones for aspiring designers in India. With the conclusion of UCEED 2025, students who meet the cutoffs will secure spots in premier UCEED colleges, while others may look for alternative pathways that align with their aspirations.
For those seeking a multidisciplinary, tech-integrated design education, exploring universities like Rishihood University’s School of Design could open doors to entrepreneurial and cutting-edge career opportunities in UX, product design, and innovation-driven industries.
No matter the path chosen, a career in design is about creativity, problem-solving, and shaping the future—and the opportunities in this field are only as limitless as your imagination.
UCEED full form is Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design. It is an entrance exam conducted by IITs and other design colleges for B. Design program admission
Apart from IITs, students can definitely go for Rishihood University’s 4 year Bachelor of Design Program. It is one of the most versatile design program in the country with specializations in UX/UI and Product and Lifestyle design.
