Candidates for UCEED and CEED 2026 have entered their final day of revision ahead of the January 18 national entrance exam. Organized by IIT Bombay, the design tests will be held from 9 AM to 12 PM across various centers. Aspirants are focusing on portfolio sketching, mental aptitude, and verifying essential documents like the printed admit card and original ID proof.

Tomorrow, thousands of design aspirants across India will appear for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) and the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026. As the clock ticks down to the 9:00 AM start, the final day is marked by a shift from intensive learning to light revision of core concepts. Candidates are spending these last few hours revisiting their sketchbooks and refining their spatial reasoning skills to ensure they are mentally prepared for the three-hour challenge hosted by IIT Bombay.

Final Prep and Exam Day Essentials

The 24 hours leading up to the test are critical for logistical preparation. Authorities have reminded students that the reporting time is strictly set at 7:00 AM to allow for biometric registration, including thumb impressions and photographs. Beyond the mental revision, aspirants are busy organizing their transparent stationery pouches, ensuring they only carry permitted items like high-quality graphite pencils and erasers.

• Mandatory Documents: A clear, printed copy of the Admit Card and a valid, original government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID) are non-negotiable for entry.
• Stationery Rules: Candidates must bring their own pencils in a transparent packet. Note that sketch pens, color pencils, and geometry boxes are strictly prohibited inside the hall.
• Prohibited Items: All electronic devices, including smartwatches, mobile phones, and calculators, must be left outside.
• Biometric Entry: Since the test involves identity verification, students are advised to arrive early to complete the mandatory security checks without stress.

Understanding the Dual-Part Paper Structure

A key part of today's revision strategy for many is a final walkthrough of the paper pattern. Both UCEED and CEED follow a two-part structure designed to evaluate both technical knowledge and creative execution. Part-A is a computer-based segment that tests visualization and analytical reasoning, while Part-B is a pen-and-paper sketching round that requires students to demonstrate their drawing prowess and design thinking on a physical answer booklet.

• Part-A (Online): Consists of NAT, MSQ, and MCQ sections. It carries a heavy weightage in the initial shortlisting process.
• Part-B (Offline): Focuses on sketching, perspective, and design aptitude. For CEED, Part-B carries 75% weightage in the final score calculation.
• Time Management: The total duration is 180 minutes. Students often use today to plan exactly how much time to allocate to the sketching section to avoid a last-minute rush.
• Marking Scheme: Candidates are double-checking the negative marking rules—specifically the -0.71 penalty for MCQs in UCEED—to refine their guessing strategies for the assessment.

Final Checklist for the January 18 Session

To ensure a seamless assessment experience, the following table summarizes the critical timings and sections that every candidate must keep in mind as they head into the examination hall tomorrow morning.

Conclusion

As the sun sets on the final day of preparation, the atmosphere among the design community is one of quiet focus and anticipation. The successful completion of this revision phase marks the end of a months-long journey of creative growth. With the test centers prepared and the digital systems primed, students are now encouraged to rest well and approach tomorrow's session with the clarity and confidence required for the high-stakes world of professional design admissions.

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