How to Crack UCEED in 6 Months: Preparation Tips & Books

The scores of the UCEED exam will be used to fill around 245 B.Des seats offered by participating colleges. Here, we bring you tips to prepare for UCEED entrance examination in 6 months.

UCEED Applications 2026 are out now and IIT Bombay will conduct the UCEED 2026 exam on January 18, 2026. UCEED is one of the toughest and most competitive exams in the country, so it is a good idea to start your preparation early. In this article, we discuss how you can prepare for the UCEED 2026 exam in 6 months. So, read on!

How tough is the UCEED exam?

UCEED 2026 is easily among the most competitive entrance exams in the country. In the previous edition of the exam, 15408 candidates appeared in the exam. Considering there are 245 seats, this translates to 62 applicants per seat.  So, if you intend to succeed in UCEED 2026, you can’t afford to be casual.

Latest Updates:

• CEED 2026 syllabus released; With no change IIT Bombay emphasises analytical, creative skills
• IIT Bombay Announces CEED 2026 Reservation Policy

How much time is needed to prepare for UCEED Exam?

As mentioned above, the UCEED entrance exam is among the toughest exams in the country. So, you need sufficient time to prepare for the exam. Exactly, how much time you need is difficult to say, as it depends on factors like your understanding of the basics, your preparation routine, and so on and so forth. Here we discuss how you can ace the UCEED exam in six months.

7 Tips to prepare for UCEED 2026 in 6 months

The candidate needs to follow the points listed here to prepare for the UCEED 2026 exam in six months:

1. Consult the new syllabus and exam pattern - The candidate may take note that the UCEED syllabus has been released by IIT Bombay on the official website under the information brochure. Part A has 57 questions and Part B has 2 questions. Part A is of 200 marks and Part B is of 100 marks.
2. Follow a study plan - With a study plan in place, you will be better able to evaluate your performance and progress, and whether anything needs to be changed in the plan. Bereft of a study plan, there is a chance that you may get a false sense of confidence.
3. Gather the best books for UCEED 2026 - If the study material is good, the chances of getting good results in UCEED 2026 will improve exponentially. 
4. Solve sample papers - The more sample papers you solve, the better placed you will be to do well in the exam. For one, sample papers will help you put to the test your conceptual clarity and problem-solving ability. UCEED previous year question papers are available on the official website under the download section.
5. Take mock tests - The ideal time to take mock tests is closer to the exam. The purpose of mock tests is not exactly to improve one’s problem-solving ability or time management skills but rather to get an exam-like ambiance so that on exam day, the candidate can stay calm and calculated.
6. Don't waste time on trifles - If you carefully go through the syllabus and exam pattern, you will realize that some topics may not carry much weightage. Meaning these topics may not be represented in the exam, or may include at most one or two questions. While you definitely need to prepare for these topics, there is however, no justification in allocating a lion's share of preparation time.
7. Take help if needed - During the course of your preparation, there may be times when you may get stuck even after multiple attempts. In such a situation, it is better to take the help of a peer, teacher, or mentor.  

Best books to prepare for UCEED 2026