UCEED 2021 Question Papers with Answer PDF

UCEED 2021 Question Papers with Answer PDF

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UCEED Exam Date:18 Jan' 26 - 18 Jan' 26

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 28 May 2025, 01:32 PM IST

To identify candidates who have exceptional design talent in addition to critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities, the UCEED entrance exam is designed. Its format ensures that candidates will be evaluated on a variety of skills, all essential for a prosperous career in design.

Candidates' problem-solving, creative, and technical drawing skills are assessed during the UCEED 2026. It is separated into two sections: Part B, which is offline and concentrates on drawing, and Part A, which is online and has NAT, MSQ, and MCQ sections. To assist you in preparing for UCEED 2026, this article offers a thorough analysis of the UCEED question paper 2021.

UCEED 2021 Question Papers with Answer PDF
UCEED 2021 Question Papers with Answer PDF

Detailed Analysis of UCEED Question Paper 2021

Before deeply analysing the UCEED question paper let's first understand its exam structure and marking scheme.

Exam Structure of UCEED Question Paper 2021

In 2020, the UCEED exam pattern changed with the addition of a drawing question and fewer total questions. This change continued in 2021, keeping the focus on creative and analytical thinking rather than just multiple-choice questions.

Maximum Marks: 240

Examination Duration: 3 Hours

Mode of Examination: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Marking Scheme of the UCEED Exam

The marking scheme for UCEED 2025 is tabulated below. The marking scheme is divided into 3 sections of UCEED part A.

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Section-Wise Analysis of UCEED Question Paper 2021

The UCEED exam question paper Part A consisted of three sections whose detailed analysis are provided below.

1. NAT (Numerical Aptitude Test)

1a

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level was Moderate to Difficult

1b

Ideal Time

30-45 minutes

1c

Good Attempt

12-14 questions (No Negative Marking)

1d

Focus Areas

Geometrical Concepts + Linear equations and simple math + Counting patterns, surface manipulation, Calendars.

After analysis, we concluded that the questions were more concerned with the ability to approach problems strategically than they were with requiring a deep understanding of mathematics. Many of the issues might be solved even by someone with only a rudimentary background in mathematics by seeing the difficulties from multiple viewpoints.

The NAT part is the perfect balance of difficult to easy questions and looking at the time limitation one should always approach the questions that seem easy to approach in the first glimpse.

The focus was as per the understanding:

  1. Geometrical and shape-related mathematics, 2D and 3D

  2. Patterns and sequence

  3. Surface and 3D manipulation, counting

  4. Calendar and probability questions

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Approach: Question 1 involved 3D understanding and basic scholastic geometry. This can be tricky to visualize and calculations may go wrong if analyzed wrongly. The idea here is to see that when these pieces are moved in this way, the width of the pieces adds to the overall length of the given final figure formed. Knowing these tips can increase the chances of scoring for NAT.

As it is a square so side = 70 cm

Area of square=side2

=702

=4900 sq cm

1720277868973

Approach: The 10th question is in regard to one of the more tricky types, called surface manipulation and counting. Students often go wrong here due to overconfidence and overlook the question. However, if paid close attention to, these are one of the most solvable, scoring questions,

Solution: In such questions when the surface is curved, this is counted as a single surface because it is continuous. E.g., Sphere

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No. of surfaces=21

2. MSQ: Multiple Select Questions

Significant Focus areas were as follows:

  1. Verbal Reasoning (Statement-based Questions)

  2. Light and Shadow + Direction Sense

  3. Visualization Analogy/Pattern

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Analysis: The questions asked in this section were usually easy-moderate except for a few that were time-consuming. The questions asked were a perfect blend of practical application of two or more concepts like Q-23/25.

2a

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level was Moderate

2b

Ideal Time

30-40 minutes

2c

Good Attempt

12-14 questions (04 marks for each question but 0.19 negative marking for every wrong option chosen)

2d

Focus Areas

Graphical Visualisation and Spatial Ability + Verbal Reasoning(Statement & Interpretation) + Multiple object rotations and direction sense

Verbal Reasoning (Statement Based Questions Particularly), carried a weightage of more than 25% out of all the 18 questions asked, thus making it a good scoring area for the upcoming examinations in the future.

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Approach: The question 22 highlighted the importance of knowing the concept thoroughly, as it is an MSQ which might have multiple correct answers. With an example of questions pertaining to direction sense, we can conclude that it is important to not just know short tricks and shortcuts, but to truly know the concept of direction sense. This type of questions just requires pure attention and the ability to coordinate quickly.

Solution:

According to the question, Parmar stays in plot 1 and Balram offers a plot on the west, so he can choose either 8 or 7. Now Nadkarni hail from the northeast i.e., in Plot 3 as per the question Patel chooses the farthest from Nadkarni so he is on Plot 7. If Patel is on plot 7 then Balram is on 8 farther on Munish and Bhandari are neighbours of Nadkarni, therefore, they are on plot 4 and plot 2 respectively. As Sethuraman is a neighbour of Patel, so he stays in plot 6. Now check the options.

We can say options A and B are correct.

1720277889741

Q.28 Pressure cookers are sometimes made using copper and stainless steel. In such a pressure cooker,

A. The bottom is made up of stainless steel and the rest is made up of copper because it is aesthetically pleasing.

B. The bottom is made up of stainless steel and the rest is made up of copper because copper is a germicide.

C. The bottom is made up of copper because it is a better conductor of heat compared to steel and hence it is more energy efficient.

D. The bottom is made up of copper because that is the only way such a cooker can be heated using an induction stove.

Approach: Question 28 is based on statement and reasoning. Since this is an MSQ, students must examine the options first and then re-read the paragraph to gain better clarity.

Solution:

Option A: It is incorrect. Since the purpose of a cooker pressure isn’t to be aesthetically pleasing. Its function is to cook food.

Option B: It is incorrect, as the copper isn’t a germicide. Germicide is a substance that kills germs.

Option C: It is correct, as copper is a good conductor of heat and that makes it more energy efficient.

Option D: It is incorrect because it isn’t the only way a cooker can be heated on an induction stove.

3. MCQ: Multiple Choice Questions

3a

Difficulty Level

Easy

3b

Ideal Time

30-35 minutes

3c

Good Attempt

25-28 questions

3d

Focus Areas

Pattern configuration, Logos, Architecture, Sequence, shadows, Clock, Patterns and spatial arrangement

This section(MCQ) evaluates critical visual and spatial reasoning skills necessary for design is the goal of UCEED's questions, which include pattern recognition, font identification, and spatial transformations (such as water and mirror images).

Questions involving pattern recognition test a person's capacity to recognize and anticipate sequences, which is essential for comprehending repetition and design progressions. Most questions required candidates to pay close attention to detail in order to ensure

that they are able to see and recognize tiny distinctions.

Some examples are listed below :

Essential Topics for MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

  1. Perspective and Point of View

  2. Light and Shadow

  3. Daily Life Observations

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UCEED 2026 aspirants can download this complete study material to enhance their preparation and improve their scores in the exam.
Download EBook

1720277971231

Approach: Question 47 for example requires knowing shadows and reflections and how the concept of reversal and patterns work. Since there is just one correct answer, students often go ahead with their instincts, but must often double-check their answers. Once this skill is mastered most questions in MCQ become doable, students can solve multiple UCEED mock tests and use appropriate study material for UCEED to get more help.

Solution:

1720277860519

We can see the shadow of highlighted (Green) part (shown above) when light coming from top.

if we minutely observe the options, we can see option D is correct.

1720277871603

Q.60 Two paper loops are joined together as shown in the figure below. What will be the resultant figure if you cut the loops along the blue dotted line?

1720277872520

Option A:

1720277861011

Option B:

1720277974781

Option C:

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Option D:

Approach: Question 60 deals with paper strip questions and requires immense three-dimensional understanding.

Solution:

1720277981428

When we cut the loops along the blue dotted line we can see that the figure is connected, so if we start cutting it horizontally and then go to cut it vertically we get a figure (as shown below) which still remains correct.

1720277915954

Hence, option D is correct.

Students can look at UCEED 2020 question paper pdf for more such examples.

Part B: Detailed Analysis

Part B, Drawing questions, is meticulously crafted to test an aspirant to reflect practically within the given time frame. Let’s understand the requirements for part B.

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Understanding of Scale and Proportions and Perspective View: Closer objects will look bigger, and the room is made in a one-point or two-point perspective.

Compositional Drawing: The question requires a simple understanding of perspective, but emphasizes especially light and shadow and a student’s shading abilities.

Overall, the UCEED question paper 2021 was moderate but time-consuming. Students preparing for this exam can look into strategies like How to prepare for UCEED in a year to get a better hang on preparation and ace the exam.

Also Check:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What sections have negative markings in UCEED?
A:

The MSQ and MCQ sections have negative markings. 

Q: What sections does the UCEED exam comprise?
A:

The UCEED entrance exam consists of three main sections, Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q: What type of sketching questions are asked for UCEED?
A:

Students are asked practical questions that assess them based on topics like perspective, proportion and light and shadow mainly.

Q: What is the scope of UCEED Exam?
A:

Fashion Design, Interior Design, Textile Design, Ceramic Design, Accessory Design, Game Design, Leather Design, Multimedia Design, Jewellery & Metalsmithing, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, etc. 

Q: Does UCEED have a studio test round?
A:

No, UCEED does not have a studio test round. The written and drawing tests are the only two tests for qualification. 

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Questions related to UCEED

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to UCEED ?

Hello,

NIFT 2026 admission - Applications release around November–December 2025.

UCEED 2026- Registrations open around September–October 2025.

Pearl Academy - They have multiple admission cycles (Jan, April, June). Applications usually open by October 2025 for Jan cycle.

Keep checking official sites regularly since dates shift slightly every year.

Thank you!

Hello!

UCEED is a competitive exam for design aspirants, testing design aptitude, logical thinking, creativity, and visualisation skills. To improve your score out of 300, start by understanding the exam pattern—Part A (objective) and Part B (subjective). For Part A, practice reasoning, numerical aptitude, and environmental & social awareness questions. For Part B, focus on drawing, sketching, and presenting your ideas clearly. Solve past year UCEED papers and join online mock test series. Spend at least 2–3 hours daily practising creative problem-solving and sketching. Also, work on time management because the exam requires quick thinking.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you the best


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.

The UCEED exam is conducted by IIT Bombay, and the previous year’s question papers  you can download the papers along with answer keys directly from the link given below :

https://design.careers360.com/articles/uceed-previous-year-question-papers

Thank you and all the best!


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