UPES B.Des Admissions 2026
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Hi there, students! The Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) portion of the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED), a crucial entrance exam for potential design students in India, is still unpassed by many applicants despite preparation. In this essay, we will discuss these typical errors in more detail. The UCEED 2026 exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026, according to the Indian Institutes of Technology.
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To comprehensively assist you we have taken the reference from the UCEED previous year question papers (2023, 2024, 2025), aiming to shed light on the prevalent mistakes and provide the actionable strategies to maximize your UCEED exam preparation and secure the admission to top design colleges in India.
Based on a thorough analysis of the UCEED Question papers from 2023-25, and feedbacks from the students, we have compiled a list of common pitfalls faced in effective UCEED preparation:
Students often under the exam pressure fail to grasp the question’s intent particularly in the visual reasoning where subtle details or specific instructions (e.g. ‘which option does not match’) are wrongly interpreted and leading to incorrect selection of answer options. Solving the UCEED previous years’ question paper will help you to understand the exam pattern and structure better.
Ranked #45 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings
Last Date to Apply: 13th Jan | No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings
Many MCQs, particularly those related to General Knowledge, Design History, Art, and Culture, require a solid foundation of factual knowledge. Let’s try to understand the same with an example as follows:

*For example the given samples of the cutter suggest the era through look and feel of the cutter, whereas “To attempt these questions we need the understanding of working mechanism”, where there is a probability of a student marking it wrong.
UCEED heavily tests spatial aptitude through the questions involving 2D/3D forms, rotation, reflections, folding, unfolding shapes and patterns. Common errors include misinterpreting transformations, inability to mentally manipulate objects or overlooking subtle visual patterns. These highlights a need for focused spatial reasoning practice from precious papers.
The MCQ section, with a provision of negative marking, demands efficient time allocation. A common mistake done by students is spending too much time on a single challenging question, getting tempted thus leading to rushing easier ones or not attempting all, thereby losing valuable marks.
Many UCEED MCQ questions test the keen observation. Candidates often overlook small but very critical elements in diagrams/infographics or text for the correct answer. This leads to negative marking, ultimately reducing the scores and rank significantly.
While not primarily but the most MCQs for solution involve the basic arithmetic or logical calculations. Simple errors often due to exam performance pressure or lack of double checking leads to incorrect answers, even if the concept is taken care of.
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To avoid such mistakes, an aspirant needs a strategic approach to UCEED exam preparation and constant correction with a disciplined mindset. We would be discussing some tips and tricks to avoid such mistakes in UCEED MCQs.
Work on Question Comprehension : In addition to reading questions carefully, we advise to train yourself for looking into keywords as follows and pay attention to specific units.
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Keywords like:
'NOT', 'EXCEPT', 'ALWAYS', 'NEVER', 'TRUE', 'FALSE' etc.
*Deconstruct the Complex Questions into smaller components. Identify and review what is truly asked before jumping to options.
Build a Strong Knowledge Base : Based on the previous patterns we recommend you to work on the following topics from the initial phases of preparation. Test-takers must prioritize important topics for UCEED preparation and know their strengths and work on their weaknesses.
The important topics are as follows:
Enhance Spatial Visualization Skills : Daily practice with puzzles, online exercises, and workbooks focusing on 2D/3D visualization, rotations, reflections, and pattern recognition can give you an edge over others.
*Use physical models like paper folding samples, dice and cubes etc. to begin with the real understanding of spatial reasoning skills.

Make Cubes and Combinations for Volume Understanding
Cultivate Observation Skills : Develop a habit of systematically scanning the surrounding, diagrams, information, infographics etc. for details as well as anomalies and relationships.
We will help you learn the skill, simple demonstration. Look at the image below
You may actively ask the questions like for a ‘Common Bottle Cap’ like:

Identify and Avoid Distractors : Carefully analyze the options before selecting anyone. Rule out the clear distractors or illogical options.
*Through vigilant practice common distractors could be avoided.
Minimize Calculation Errors : Always double check calculations, before selecting the final answer option, ruling out any possibility of incorrect or illogical options.
*Focus on concepts not learning them.
Success in UCEED, is a combined output of performance in all the sections. Particularly the MCQ section is about preparation, strategic thinking, and avoiding common pitfalls. By understanding common mistakes, from misinterpreting questions and lacking conceptual clarity to poor time management and falling for distractors—you can develop a focused study plan referring to this piece of information. Implementing the above discussed pointer/strategies along with diligent practice with previous year papers, and cultivating a disciplined approach, you will definitely boost your UCEED score, by minimizing the errors in the UCEED MCQ section.
Aspiring students for UCEED 2026 can go through and download these free preparation PDFs in their effective preparation for the exam:
UCEED Previous Year's Question Papers with Solutions PDF | |
UCEED Official Sample Question - Solution Creation | |
UCEED Preparation Guide | |
UCEED High Weightage Topics + Practice Questions | |
| How to master Part-B Drawing Section Strategies | Download Here |
| Most Repeated Questions and Topics for UCEED | Download Here |
| UCEED 2026 Study Plan | Download Here |
Students may also check:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Keep your focus on eliminating the wrong options first and then focus on time management.
Yes there is negative marking in UCEED MSQ section?
UCEED MSQ section entails multiple correct answers, partial marking, and negative marking.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
In UCEED counselling for DTU, Round 1 allocates seats based on rank and preferences. Later rounds re-allot vacant seats, letting candidates float for better options or freeze current seats. Spots rounds fill remaining seats. Rounds differ in seat availability and chances to improve allotment.
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You can download the admit card through the official website of " IIT bombay.
You must cross check all the information on the admit card. The last date for rectification in the admit card is January 8.
You can access the free mock test series for the UCEED 2026 exam directly through the provided link. Taking mock tests is the single most critical step for UCEED preparation, as the exam is highly focused on aptitude, visualization, and analytical skills, rather than textbook knowledge. Consistent practice with these
Hello,
Careers360 offers free UCEED Mock tests. You can access the mock test by this link : UCEED Mock Test 2026: Free Online Practice Test Series
Hope it helps !
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For admission to Ajeenkya D.Y. Patil University (ADYPU), you must score a minimum of 50% in your 12th grade for the general category. However, ADYPU conducts its own entrance exam, known as the ACET ADYPU Common Entrance Exam, which includes a studio test and a personal interview. So, you
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