UCEED vs NID – Which is Better? UCEED and NID are both popular design entrance exams, but they have distinct characteristics. UCEED assesses a broader range of design abilities, including creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while NID focuses on specialized design domains and practical skills.
UCEED vs NID here both prestigious design entrance exams in India. While UCEED offers a broader scope, assessing creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills, NID focuses on specialized design domains and practical skills. The best choice depends on your individual strengths, interests, and long-term goals. If you have a specific design passion, NID might be a better fit. For those with a broader interest in design, UCEED offers a wider range of opportunities. Regardless of the exam, consistent practice, a strong foundation in design principles, and a creative mindset are crucial for success.
UCEED 2025 will be held on January 19, 2025, while NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) will take place on January 5, 2025. UCEED scores will determine admissions to B.Des programs at various participating institutions, while NID DAT 2025 merit rank will be considered for admissions to both B.Des and M.Des programs at NID and other participating colleges.
Also Read:Top Design Entrance Exams in India
UCEED vs NID – Highlights
Let’s explore the key distinctions and similarities between NID DAT and UCEED:
| Feature | NID DAT | UCEED |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Design (NID) | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Once a year |
| Exam Date | Prelims: January 5, 2025; Mains: April 26 – May 4, 2025 (B.Des) and March 3 – April 6, 2025 (M.Des) | January 19, 2025 |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: 3 hours; Mains: Varies | Part A: 3 hours; Part B: 3 hours |
| Focus | Specialized design domains and practical skills | Broader range of design abilities, including creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving |
| Mode of Exam | Prelims: Pen and paper-based; Mains: Studio Test and Personal Interview | Part A: Computer-based; Part B: Pen and paper-based |
| Eligibility | Class 12 pass or equivalent | Class 12 pass or equivalent |
| Accepted Courses | B.Des and M.Des programs at NID and other participating institutions | B.Des programs at various participating institutions |
UCEED vs NID – Exam Pattern
UCEED 2025 is a two-part exam. Part A, a computer-based test, comprises 57 questions (NAT, MSQ, and MCQ) worth 200 marks. Part B, a pen-and-paper test, consists of two questions (design aptitude and sketching) worth 100 marks.
Please note that Part B will only be evaluated for candidates who clear the Part A cut-off. The cut-off marks for Part A will be released on February 6, 2025.
NID DAT 2025 is a two-stage exam. The first stage, DAT Prelims, is a pen-and-paper test assessing design aptitude, logical reasoning, and observation skills. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to DAT Mains, which includes a studio test and a personal interview for postgraduate applicants. The final selection is based on a weighted average of the performance in both stages.
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Exam pattern of UCEED 2025:
| Section | Type of Questions | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A (Computer-Based) | Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Question (MSQ), Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) | 57 | 200 |
| Part B (Pen-Paper Based) | Design Aptitude and Sketching | 2 | 100 |
NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) exam pattern – B.Des
- Exam Mode: Pen-and-paper
- Language: English
- Question Type: Textual and visual
- Duration: Specified on the admit card
- Assessment: Design aptitude, logical reasoning, and observation skills
NID Exam 2025: Important Points to Remember before Applying
UCEED vs NID Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates applying to NID or UCEED must meet the specific eligibility criteria for each exam. These criteria typically include academic qualifications, age limits, and sometimes minimum aggregate marks.
NID DAT
- Two-stage exam: Prelims and Mains
- Focus: Specialized design domains, practical skills
- Eligibility: Class 12th pass
- Accepted Courses: B.Des, M.Des programs at NID and other institutions
UCEED
- Single-stage exam: Part A (computer-based), Part B (pen-paper)
- Focus: Broader design abilities, creativity, analytical thinking
- Eligibility: Class 12th pass
- Accepted Courses: B.Des programs at various institutions
UCEED vs NID Exam Syllabus
The candidate can download the exam syllabus for the exams from the respective admission portals. The syllabus will include the topics from which questions will be asked in the exams. So, make sure that you follow the official syllabus diligently for exam preparation.
The following outlines the syllabus for the UCEED vs NID exams
| Feature | UCEED | NID DAT |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Broader design abilities, creativity, analytical thinking | Specialized design domains, practical skills |
| Exam Structure | Single-stage (Part A: Computer-based, Part B: Pen-paper) | Two-stage (Prelims and Mains) |
| Key Topics | Visualization, observation, environmental awareness, analytical reasoning, language, design thinking | Drawing skills, design sensitivity, creativity, observation, analytical reasoning, general awareness |
UCEED vs NID Seat Intake
UCEED 2025 scores will be used for admission to B.Des programs at participating institutes. NID DAT 2025 scores will be used for admissions to B.Des, M.Des, and Ph.D. programs at participating colleges.
| Institute | Open | EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | 15 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 37 |
| IIT Delhi | 7 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 |
| IIT Guwahati | 28 | 7 | 18 | 9 | 4 | 56 |
| IIT Hyderabad | 13 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 26 |
| IIITDM Jabalpur | 33 | 8 | 21 | 11 | 5 | 66 |
| IIT Roorkee | 7 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 |
| Total | 87 | 22 | 57 | 32 | 16 | 225 |
Please note:
- Horizontal Reservation: 5% of seats are reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in each category.
- Category-wise Cutoff: The cut-off for each category will vary based on the difficulty of the exam and the number of applicants.
Also Read: Best MBA specialisations for Design and Fashion Graduates
UCEED vs NID – Placement Record
Placement statistics can vary from year to year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites of NID and the participating IITs.
| Feature | NID | UCEED |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Percentage | Typically high, especially for core design disciplines | High, particularly in recent years |
| Average Salary Package | Varies across specializations, but generally competitive | Varies across IITs and specializations, but generally competitive |
| Top Recruiters | Design firms, tech companies, consultancies, startups | Design firms, tech companies, consultancies, startups |
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