IIT Bombay is set to conduct the UCEED and CEED 2026 entrance exams this Sunday, January 18, across 27 cities. Aspirants must report by 7:00 AM with a printed admit card and original ID proof to complete biometric verification before the 9:00 AM start.The three-hour paper features a computer-based Part A and a manual Part B, testing everything from visualization and spatial reasoning to sketching and design aptitude.

The countdown for India's premier design entrance examinations has reached its final stage as thousands of candidates prepare for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026. Scheduled for Sunday, January 18, these national-level tests conducted by IIT Bombay serve as the primary gateway for admissions to Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) programs at top-tier institutions, including the IITs and IISc Bangalore. With the hall ticket download window remaining open until the morning of the exam, candidates are finalizing their logistics and revision strategies to tackle the rigorous three-hour assessment.

Exam Day Schedule and Mandatory Protocols

Aspirants must adhere to a strict timeline on January 18 to ensure a smooth entry into the testing centers. The examinations for both UCEED and CEED will run concurrently from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. However, the administrative process begins much earlier to accommodate security checks and identity verification.

• Reporting Time: All candidates are required to reach their allotted centers by 7:00 AM.
• Gate Closure: The gates will close strictly at 9:00 AM; no entry will be permitted once the examination commences.
• Biometric Enrollment: Upon arrival, students must provide their thumb impressions and have their photographs taken for the biometric database.
• Identification: It is mandatory to carry a clear printout of the hall ticket along with an original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License).

Understanding the Dual-Part Paper Structure

Both examinations follow a hybrid format divided into two compulsory segments. Performance in Part A serves as a "gatekeeper" for Part B, meaning only those who meet the qualifying cutoff in the objective section will have their subjective work evaluated.

For UCEED, Part A consists of 57 questions testing visualization, spatial reasoning, and observation. CEED follows a similar pattern but focuses more on professional design sensitivity. In Part B, the 2026 pattern has been updated to include two questions—one focused on sketching and another on design aptitude—rather than the single drawing question of previous years. This pattern change requires students to manage their time effectively during the final hour of the test.

Permitted Items and Prohibited Materials

To maintain the integrity of the design evaluation, IIT Bombay has issued specific guidelines regarding stationery and electronic devices. Candidates must be mindful of what they carry into the examination room to avoid disqualification.

• Allowed Stationery: Candidates should bring their own pencils, erasers, and sharpeners in a transparent pouch. A simple A4-sized writing board is also permitted.
• Prohibited Items: Electronic gadgets (smartphones, digital watches, calculators), abacus, geometry boxes, and loose drawing sheets are strictly banned.
• Coloring Materials: While some older brochures mentioned colors, the latest 2026 admit card instructions specify that only pencils and pens are allowed; sketch pens and poster colors are generally not permitted.
• Rough Work: For Part A, a scribble pad will be provided by the invigilator, which must be returned at the end of the session.

Conclusion

As the January 18 exam date arrives, the readiness of UCEED and CEED aspirants will be tested through a blend of technical knowledge and creative execution. The shift in the Part B pattern highlights the increasing emphasis on diverse design thinking rather than just raw sketching ability. Candidates who have successfully downloaded their hall ticket should spend these final hours reviewing their spatial reasoning shortcuts and ensuring their stationery kits are compliant with the 2026 guidelines. With the results scheduled for release in early March, Sunday’s performance will ultimately determine the next generation of designers entering India's most prestigious academic corridors.