00.

UCEED, CEED & NID resource by dkosh

Mentorship, not coaching — for the design school you are aiming at.

Door to Prestigious Design Colleges

Article

CEED and UCEED Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme (Part A + Part B)

July 04, 2026 CEEDExam GuideUCEED

Understanding how marks are awarded is half the battle. Here is a practical breakdown of the pattern for both exams. Exact mark counts shift slightly year to year, so treat the numbers below as indicative and confirm with the brochure.



Part A – objective, screen based

Part A usually has three question types:

  • NAT (Numerical Answer Type): you type a number. No options, and generally no negative marking.
  • MSQ (Multiple Select Questions): one or more correct options. Marks are often awarded only for a fully correct selection; some years apply a partial or negative scheme.
  • MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions): exactly one correct option, with negative marking for a wrong answer.

Part A is not counted in the final CEED/UCEED score in some cycles – it is used purely to shortlist candidates for Part B evaluation. In other cycles a weightage is applied. Read the current rule carefully.

Part B – drawing and design aptitude

Part B is answered in a physical answer book. Typical tasks:

  • Draw a described scene or object from imagination, with correct proportion and perspective.
  • Identify a problem in an everyday situation and sketch a solution.
  • Create a composition, form, or layout to a given brief.

Evaluation looks at drawing skill, creativity and novelty, completeness of the idea, and visual communication. Neatness helps, but a clear idea beats a pretty but empty drawing.

The two-stage filter

Only the Part B answer books of candidates who clear the Part A cut-off are evaluated. The cut-off varies by category and by year.

Quick strategy

  1. Attempt every NAT question – there is nothing to lose.
  2. Be selective on MCQs where negative marking applies.
  3. Budget at least 90 minutes for Part B and keep 10 minutes to label and tidy your sheet.
Note: DKosh is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with IIT Bombay or the CEED/UCEED offices. Always confirm exam details with the official information brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in and uceed.iitb.ac.in.

Comments

Join the conversation

03.

Process

Explorations of style, process, and emerging tools.
Work created without briefs, boundaries, or expectations.

Research

Understand the context

We dive into your product, goals, audience, and market to define the right direction.

Design

Shape the experience

We craft intuitive, visually strong solutions that balance user needs and business goals.

Strategy

Find the right direction

We shape strategy, align priorities, and turn insights into a clear creative framework.

Delivery

Launch with confidence

We hand over a complete, ready-to-build system with clarity for the next stage.