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UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation

UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation

Edited By Ritika Jonwal | Updated on May 27, 2025 03:13 PM IST | #UCEED

To get admitted to the best design schools in India and the Bachelor of Design programs given by the IITs, candidates must pass the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design, or UCEED entrance exam. UCEED 2026 will tentatively be conducted in January 2026.

It is advised that potential applicants fully comprehend the strategy needed to ace the test. The most important and obvious supporting criterion for this is choosing the best and most reliable study resources required to get ready for the UCEED entrance exam. Read this article to find books for effective preparation as toppers and experts have recommended a few UCEED books.

This Story also Contains
  1. Other Useful Resources for UCEED 2026 Preparation
  2. UCEED 2026 Syllabus Overview
  3. Criteria to select the best books for UCEED Preparation
  4. Best books for UCEED 2026
  5. Some Important Books for the UCEED 2026 Exam
  6. UCEED Study Material
UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation
UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation

Other Useful Resources for UCEED 2026 Preparation

Students can go through and download these free preparation PDFs in their effective preparation for UCEED 2026:

UCEED Preparation Guide

Download Here

UCEED Full Study Material
UCEED High Weightage Topics + Practice Questions

UCEED 2026 Syllabus Overview

Described here is a brief overview of the UCEED Syllabus 2026. Students must go through the syllabus thoroughly to pick out the best books for UCEED preparation. The UCEED exam study material syllabus is given below in a section-wise format for reference:

PART A:

Topics

Description

Visualization and Spatial Reasoning

Ability to visualize and transform 2D shapes and 3D objects and their spatial relationships.

Practical and Scientific Knowledge

Know-how of scientific principles and everyday objects and Mathematical Reasonings.

Observation and Design Sensitivity

Capacity to detect concealed properties in day-to-day life and think critically about them. Attention to detail, classification, analysis, inference, and prediction.

Environment and Society

General awareness of environmental, social, and cultural connections with design.

Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative information.

Language

Proficiency in reading and comprehending Standard English.

Creativity

Grasp verbal and non-verbal analogies, metaphors, signs, and symbols.


PART B: This section gives students the freedom to express their creativity and has no negative marking. Here are the requirements of this section:

Topics

Description

Drawing

Ability to draw products, human figures, or scenes in proportion with good line quality, composition, proportion, perspective, and shading.

Design Aptitude

Capability to practically and appropriately respond to problems/situations with ingenuity and empathy.

Also Check:

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Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

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Criteria to select the best books for UCEED Preparation

Students must take suggestions for choosing UCEED books online, from experts and professionals who have previously cleared the exam. It will help students gain better strategy and begin preparation effectively instead of wasting time on many books. Here are some important criteria for selecting the best books for UCEED Preparation:

  • Chosen books must be comprehensive and must have clear explanations of concepts in detail without being just a summary.

  • Books that help students how to attempt a question are deeply helpful and will come of much use.

  • Students must pick books that offer question banks and sample papers in the increasing order of difficulties. This is to ensure that preparation does not interfere with a student’s confidence at preparation and helps them accordingly.

  • Books must not have outdated content or repetition. Knowledge must be imparted crisply and concisely.

  • Lastly, students must not try to buy books that cover all subjects as these books are not comprehensive and provide very few examples of questions to students.

UCEED Past 5 Years Cutoff (2020-2024)
Candidates seeking BDesign admission in IITs can check past 5 years UCEED cutoff.
Download EBook

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UPES B.Des Admissions 2025

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Anant National University B.Des Admissions 2025

India's First DesignX University | Experienced Faculty

Best books for UCEED 2026

Students may often waste time looking for the perfect books for UCEED Preparation. In order to commence with a preparation strategy, students must have some recommended books picked out and ready. Careers 360 has hence selected a set of helpful books for UCEED preparation. This will help students effectively understand how to Prepare for UCEED.

Suggested here are some of the best books for UCEED preparation.

For Part A: It comprises of 3 parts NAT, MSQs, and MCQs:

Books Name

Author’s Name

Quantitative Aptitude

R.S. AGGARWAL

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

Analytical Reasoning

M.K. Pandey

UCEED Previous year’s papers

Ashok Goel and Arjun Kamal

UCEED Design Environment & Social Awareness In Design Perspective Combined With Mental & Verbal Aptitude

Sreejanshilpa

UCEED (B.Des) Entrance Books and Test Series

AFAINDIA

UCEED Entrance Exam Guide

Surendra Kavimandan

Comprehensive English for Competitive Exams

Designologue

English for Competitive exams

Wren and Martin

Manorama Yearbook

Manorama

Part B: It comprises of Design Aptitude and Sketching, 2D and 3D Visualization

Books Name

Author’s Name

Design of everyday things

Don Norman

Design Drawing

Francis D.K. Ching

Perspective Drawing Handbook

Joseph D'Amelio

Drawing made easy

Subodh Narvekar

Art perception

David Cycleback

Must read articles to become a Designer:

Some Important Books for the UCEED 2026 Exam

  • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal: This book offers a comprehensive understanding of different topics and covers theory, understanding, and method of application very well. It is one of the more recommended books due to the teaching discipline in the book and most importantly the variety of examples it can cover. It also includes previous year’s questions from different examinations.

  • Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey: This book apart from offering just questions and a few of the best examples, also provides students with strategic tips on how to solve MCQ-type questions.

  • Design Drawing by Francis D.K. Ching: This book is a perfect guide to the different types of sketching that will teach students how to sketch methodically. It serves as a good reference point to start off sketching preparation with. The book is well illustrated and possesses an analytical approach.

UCEED Study Material

Apart from selecting these best books for UCEED Preparation, students can also use the UCEED Study Material and begin their preparation journey by picking a suitable strategy.

Students can solve multiple problems and get a clear idea of how to approach problems once they are thoroughly familiar with the UCEED syllabus 2026 and important topics for UCEED. Students can refer to the UCEED 2025 question paper for recent changes in structure. Students can check out topics and subtopics under the study material which will help them ace the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is UCEED?

UCEED or the Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design is an entrance exam that grants UG students entrance into top IITs of India for the Bachelor of Design Program.

2. What are some best books for UCEED NAT, MSQs, and MCQs?
  • R. S. Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude 

  • Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

  • UCEED Previous year's papers by Ashok Goel and Arjun Kamal

3. Does UCEED have a negative marking?

Yes, there is a negative marking in UCEED Part A, MSQs, and MCQs.

4. Which subjects are required for UCEED?

Students from all streams, including Science, Commerce, and Arts & Humanities, are eligible to apply for the UCEED exam. However, The exam tests a variety of topics and skills, including visualization and spatial ability, environmental and social awareness, observation and design sensitivity, analytical and logical reasoning, design thinking and problem-solving, and language and creativity.

5. How to pass the UCEED exam?

To pass the UCEED exam, you should follow these tips:

  • Understand the UCEED exam pattern and syllabus and plan your study accordingly.

  • Solve previous years’ question papers, sample papers, and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

  • Practice sketching, drawing, creativity, visualization, and problem-solving.

  • Revise all topics and concepts and make short notes or flashcards to help you remember important points.

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Questions related to UCEED

Have a question related to UCEED ?

Hello Akanksha,

For NID DAT 2026, your eligibility is established based on your born date as you are born on or after July 1st 2005. For UCEED 2026, your eligibility is dependent on your born date by category. You are eligible if you are OPEN/EWS/OBC-NCL category and born on or after October 1, 2001. If you are SC/ST/PwD category you must be born on or after October 1, 1996 in order to be eligible. Based on your born date of December 20th, 2006 for both NID DAT 2026 and UCEED 2026; you will be eligible.

Currently, NSUT does not offer a B.Des. program. However, other institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIITDM Jabalpur offer B.Des. through UCEED.

Expected UCEED Cutoffs (General Category):

IIT Bombay: Around Rank 14

IIT Delhi: Around Rank 35

IIITDM Jabalpur: Around Rank 165

Hello Saumya,

As of now, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) has not officially released the specific opening and closing UCEED ranks for B.Des admissions for candidates from outside the Delhi region. The available information primarily focuses on the selection process and seat allocation.

Selection Priorities for B.Des at NSUT:

  1. First Priority: Candidates who have cleared the UCEED exam conducted by IIT Bombay.

  2. Second Priority: Candidates with a rank in a national-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any centrally funded institute/university.

  3. Third Priority: Candidates with a rank in a state-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any state government-funded institute/university.

For Outside Delhi Region Candidates , 15% of the seats are allocated.

Given the limited availability of seats and the prioritization criteria, securing admission as an outside Delhi candidate is competitive. It's advisable to aim for a high UCEED rank to enhance your chances.

Recommendations:

  • Regularly Check Official Sources: Keep an eye on NSUT's official website and the UCEED portal for any updates on cutoff ranks and admission criteria.

  • Prepare Thoroughly for UCEED: Achieving a high score will significantly improve your prospects, especially given the competitive nature of the program.

  • Consider Backup Options: Explore other reputable design institutes that accept UCEED scores to broaden your opportunities.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to ask. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank You and wishing you a bright future ahead.


Hello Kanak ,

For preparing any competitive exam , book list is the primary step for every candidate. Best books makes your journey easier to crack the exam efficiently.

Here is the link from where you can see the study material for this exam :

https://design.careers360.com/articles/uceed-study-material

Revert for further query!!

Hello Tanishk,

Based on your score of 72 in Section A of UCEED 2025, and considering that you couldn't clear the overall cutoff, it's challenging to predict an exact rank. The UCEED rank is determined by the combined scores of Part A and Part B . For the Open category, a score above 135 is generally considered good . Since your score is below this threshold, it's likely that your rank would be lower, and admission to top design institutes might be challenging. However, exact rankings can vary each year based on the exam's difficulty and the performance of other candidates.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

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