UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation

UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation

Edited By Ritika Jonwal | Updated on Mar 24, 2025 06:40 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. UCEED 2026 Syllabus Overview
  2. Criteria to select the best books for UCEED Preparation
  3. Best books for UCEED 2026
  4. Some Important Books for the UCEED 2026 Exam
  5. UCEED Study Material
UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation
UCEED Preparation Books 2026, Best Books for UCEED Preparation

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, people, 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:

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.

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings | Last Date to Apply: 15th April

UPES B.Des Admissions 2025

Ranked #46 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings | Last Date to Apply: 4th April

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

Anant National University B.Des Admissions 2025

India's First DesignX University | Experienced Faculty

Indian Institute of Art & Design Admissions 2025

Last Date of Applications- 05th April | Associated with FDCI, CII & IIFTI | Merit-cum-means scholarships to deserving students

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 study books. Students can refer to 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 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.

Hello,

With an SC category rank of 321 in UCEED 2025 , your chances of securing admission to the B.Tech. in Computer Science and Design (CSD) program at IIIT Delhi are promising. So it is very likely that you will get admission to IIIT Delhi.

All the Best !

Hello Daksh,

Your son narrowly missed the UCEED Part 1 cutoff but can still explore private design colleges that accept UCEED scores, such as MIT Pune, UPES Dehradun, Srishti Bangalore , and Anant National University .

Alternatively, he can apply for B.Des programs through NID DAT, NIFT, or other private universities offering strong design courses. If he’s passionate about design, he can also prepare for UCEED 2026 and reattempt.


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 wishing you all the best for your bright future.

Hello Tanmay,

Considering your criteria, here are some design colleges in India with total fees up to Rs. 15–16 lakh, offering good ROI, placement opportunities, and infrastructure:

  1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) :

    • Campuses: Multiple locations across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
    • Courses: Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in various specializations.
    • Fees: Approximately Rs. 12–13 lakh for the entire course.
    • Highlights: Reputed institute with strong industry connections and good placement records.
  2. Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune :

    • Course: B.Des in Communication Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Communication, and Fashion Design.
    • Fees: Around Rs. 18.7 lakh for the full course.
    • Highlights: Known for quality education and robust placement support.
  3. MIT Institute of Design (MITID), Pune :

    • Course: B.Des in various specializations.
    • Fees: Approximately Rs. 17 lakh for the complete program.
    • Highlights: Offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on practical skills and industry exposure.
  4. Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), New Delhi:

    • Course: B.Des in Communication Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Architecture & Design.
    • Fees: Around Rs. 18.98 lakh for the entire course.
    • Highlights: Provides industry-oriented programs with strong placement assistance.
  5. Maharashtra Institute of Technology - Institute of Design (MITID), Pune :

    • Course: B.Des in various disciplines.
    • Fees: Approximately Rs. 17 lakh for the full program.
    • Highlights: Emphasizes a blend of creativity and technical skills, with good infrastructure and placement records.

Please note that fees are approximate and may vary.

Hope you find it useful !

Scoring 140 marks in Part A of UCEED 2025 is a great achievement. To assess your chances of getting into an IIT, let's look at the previous year's cutoffs.


In UCEED 2023, the cutoffs for the general category were:


- IIT Bombay: 1-16

- IIT Guwahati: 17-59

- IIT Hyderabad: 21-53

- IIITDM Jabalpur: 55-93


Considering your score, you might have a good chance of getting into IIT, especially if your drawing marks are decent. However, please note that the cutoffs can vary from year to year.


To give you a better idea, the mean and standard deviation for Part-A (UCEED 2025) are 61.50 and 25.69, respectively. The cutoffs for Part-A marks to shortlist candidates in the OPEN category will be calculated based on these values.


Keep in mind that the final merit list will be prepared based on the combined scores of Part A and Part B. So, it's essential to perform well in the drawing section as well.


I recommend checking the official UCEED for the latest updates on cutoffs and merit lists.

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