CEED & UCEED Entrance Exam in Kerala

The IIT UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) are national-level exams conducted by IIT Bombay for admissions to B.Des and M.Des/Ph.D. programs at premier design institutes like IITs, IIITs, and other participating institutions. Aspiring designers in Kerala aiming for careers in industrial, communication, or interaction design can leverage these exams to secure seats in India’s top design schools. 

Students in Kerala can benefit from our IIT UCEED & CEED Entrance Exam coaching through strategic preparation, expert mentorship and hands on practice exercises. Our coaching programs equip Kerala students with the necessary tools to excel in both exams.

IDC Campus

Why choose IIT UCEED & CEED?

01

Prestigous programs

Gain admission to IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Guwahati, and other renowned institutes.

02

Diverse Career Paths

Explore roles in product design, UI/UX, animation, and sustainable design.

03

Global opportunities

Alumni work with leading brands like Google, Tata, and Mercedes-Benz.

CEED & UCEED Centres in Kerala

  1. Ernakulam
  2. Trivandrum
  3. Kollam
  4. Kottayam
  5. Thrissur
  6. Palakkad
  7. Calicut
  8. Kannur

*Exact exam center address is mentioned on the admit card

NIFT Exam Centers in Kerala

UCEED 2026 Important Dates

Online Registration Starts October 1, 2025
Registration Deadline October 31, 2025
Exam Date January 19, 2026
Results March 2026

CEED 2026 Important Dates

Online Registration Starts September 9, 2025
Registration Deadline November 12, 2025
Admit Card Release January, 2026
Exam Date January 19. 2026
Results March 2026

Eligibilty Criteria

  1. UCEED:
    • Academic Qualification: Class 12 (appearing/passed in 2024/2025).
    • Age Limit: Born on/after October 1, 2000 (General), October 1, 1995 (SC/ST/PwD).
    • Attempts: Maximum two attempts in consecutive years.
  1. CEED:
    • Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3/4) in any discipline.
    • Age Limit: No restrictions for M.Des/Ph.D.

    Application Process

    1. Register online at the UCEED official website.
    2. Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
    3. Upload documents (photograph, signature, category/PwD certificates if applicable).
    4. Pay the fee:
      • UCEED: General/OBC: ₹3,800 | SC/ST/PwD/Women: ₹1,900.
      • CEED: General/OBC: ₹3,600 | SC/ST/PwD/Women: ₹1,800.

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    CEED & UCEED Exam Pattern

    The IIT CEED & UCEED entrance exam pattern is as follows:

    Part A

    UCEED

    • Sections: Numerical Answer Type, Multiple Select Questions, Multiple Choice Questions.
    • Topics: Visualization, Observation, Design Thinking, Analytical Reasoning.

    CEED

    • Sections: General Aptitude, Communication Skills, Design Knowledge.

    Part B

    UCEED

    • Drawing Test: Evaluates sketching, creativity, and problem-solving.

    CEED

    • Design Problems: Tests drawing, ideation, and writing skills.

    Negative Marking in UCEED and CEED Exams

    For UCEED exam:

    1. Numerical Answer Type (NAT) 14 questions (4 marks each; no negative marks): There are no choices for these questions. For these questions, the answer is a number.
    2. Multiple Choice Question (MCQ): 28 questions (3 marks each for the correct answer; 0.71 negative marks for incorrect answers). Each MCQ will have four choices, out of which only one is the correct answer.
    3. Multiple Select Question (MSQ): 15 questions, there may be one or more than one correct choice(s) out of the four given. 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 the 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.

    For CEED Exam:

    1. NAT (Numerical Answer Type): 8 questions (4 marks each; no negative marks)
    2. Multiple Choice Question (MCQ): 26 questions (3 marks each for the correct answer; 0.5 negative marks for an incorrect answer). Each MCQ will have four choices, of which only one is the correct answer.
    3. MSQ (Multiple Select Question): 10 questions.

    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 the 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.

    There is no negative marking in Part-B for either exam. 

    UCEED & CEED 2026 Preparation Tips

    01

    Master Visulaization

    Practice perspective drawing and spatial reasoning.

    02

    Solve past papers

    Focus on UCEED/CEED’s unique question patterns.

    03

    Build a portfolio

    Showcase sketches, prototypes, and design projects (critical for CEED interviews).

    04

    Mock tests

    Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

    Highlights of our UCEED & CEED Coaching Classes

    Consistent Highest UCEED & CEED Results.

    Over 25 years of unmatched experience.

    Faculty comprises NIFT/NID alumni.

    Best-in-class UCEED & CEED Study Materials.

    Versatile Training & Coaching Classes.

    Oldest UCEED & CEED Coaching Institute in India.

    Multiple mock tests, module assessment & assignments.

    Digital library of Past papers, questions & more

    Career counselling beyond just IIT's

    NIFT Offline Coaching

    Learn in Physical Classroom

    Experience personalized learning with our expert instructors in a dynamic classroom environment, tailored to help you excel in UCEED & CEED entrance exams.

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    Learn from the comfort of your home with our expert-led UCEED & CEED online classes, offering flexible schedules, live interactive sessions, and access to updated study materials.

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    FAQ

    What is the difference between UCEED and CEED?

    UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design) is conducted for admission to B.Des programs at IITs, IIITDM and other participating institutes. CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) is meant for postgraduate design programs such as M.Des and PhD at IITs, IIITDMs and IISc. UCEED targets Class 12 students, while CEED is for graduates.

    What are the eligibility criteria for UCEED and CEED?

    For UCEED, candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 and meet age limit of 25 yrs (born after Oct 1, for General/OBC-NCL) and a max of two consecutive attempts. For CEED, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (10+2+3/4 pattern) in any discipline. CEED has no age restriction and no limit on the number of attempts.

    What is the exam pattern for UCEED and CEED?

    Both UCEED and CEED consist of two parts: Part A, which is a computer-based test with objective questions, that tests tests visualization, logical reasoning, and design sensitivity and Part B, focuses on hands-on design skills, drawing, design aptitude, and creative thinking.

    Is there negative marking in UCEED and CEED?

    Yes, negative marking is applicable in Part A of both UCEED and CEED for certain types of questions. Part B is subjective and does not carry negative marking. Candidates should carefully review the marking scheme before attempting the exam.

    How can I apply for UCEED and CEED?

    Candidates must apply online through the official UCEED or CEED website. The application process includes registration, filling in personal and academic details, uploading required documents, and paying the application fee within the deadline.

    What is the syllabus for UCEED and CEED?

    Both the examinations have two parts

    Part A: This section assesses visualization, spatial reasoning, practical and scientific knowledge, observation and design sensitivity, environmental and societal awareness related to design, analytical and logical reasoning, language proficiency, creativity, and knowledge of art/design history and methods. 

    Part B: evaluates drawing ability, creativity in generating unique solutions, communication skills using text and visuals, and problem identification including understanding users, context, and material properties. 

     You can read the full analysis on the current year’s Information Brochure, downloadable from the UCEED & CEED websites.

    How should I prepare for the Part B (drawing) section?

    Preparation for Part B requires regular drawing practice, improving observation skills, understanding perspective, proportions, and visual storytelling. Practicing previous years’ questions and getting expert feedback can significantly improve performance in the drawing section.

    What are the best resources for UCEED and CEED preparation?

    Effective preparation resources include previous years’ question papers, mock tests, design aptitude books, & coaching programs of afdindia. Professional coaching helps aspirants understand exam patterns, improve creativity, and manage time effectively.

    How many attempts are allowed for UCEED and CEED?

    UCEED can be attempted a maximum of two times in consecutive years. CEED does not have any restriction on the number of attempts, allowing candidates to appear multiple times if needed.

    How can I check UCEED and CEED results and answer keys?

    Answer keys for Part A are released on the official exam website shortly after the exam. Candidates can submit objections within the given timeline. Final results are published online, and scorecards can be downloaded from the official portal.

    Academic Director

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    She has 30+ years of experience in design education. Post-graduate from NIFT- New Delhi (1991 batch). She has held managerial roles in the fashion industry, HOD - Dept. of Fashion Design, Assumption College & as Academic Director in afdindia.

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