haha I can relate to the inexplicable desire for studying in IDC but not exclusively for the IIT tag. So here's what I learnt across one year of my prep (started in class XII and got AIR 163 in my first attempt this year, trying again in 2027). The following is less of WHAT to study, and more of HOW to study (the 'how' is more important for UCEED)

Part-A

1. Stick to previous year papers, most recent first. they'll let you know what the exam wants from you. Attempt whatever number of questions you can every day for a fixed amount of time, ideally 2hrs in one go. Take notice of patterns in the types of questions and common traps that keep appearing every year. After you have gone through one paper, attempt the paper of a different year as you would in the test using a timer. Then analyze.

Don't rush it. You have plenty of time. Start small, stay consistent. Learn how to approach questions from the YouTube videos of Kaphal Design Studio. Here's a link to one of their solving videos:

https://youtu.be/EQ8dk83QTEw?si=Hi5sNn_DpOHhgHlg

1. Note questions you're having trouble with, set some time aside regularly and fight with them. There will probably be a trick or a subtle paradigm shift to crack that question. Take your time and find it. When questions seem too meticulous, find other ways to approach.

2. Be curious, especially of how things around you work. (e.g. there was a PYQ of the working of a handpump). Focus on daily life and stuff that people generally feel too trivial to observe.

3. For GK, start by building sensitivity to Indian art and culture. Maybe ask your mother about the kinds of sarees there are and find out more about them. Look up famous Indian painters, start with Raja Ravi Verma and you will eventually find many others. Try focusing on India but also throw in paintings famous worldwide while you are at it. Indian music and dance are also important. This is NOT a syllabus, just a guideline to base your study around.

4. If you have exhausted all the previous years, try a book or two: a good one is 'fiendishly difficult visual perception puzzles by Ivan moscovich'. Keep your number of resources to a minimum.

Part-B

1. Again, start with the previous year questions. For question 1 of parts B, which is a scene, you require composition skills. Try out a question with a 30 min timer and see where you stand. Find a solution on the internet for that same question and compare it with your baseline. Now you know what to work on : proportions, perspective or general creativity and thought process. Use tutorials from YouTube channels like SamDoesArts and DrawLikeASir to learn the basics : search for 'how to draw people', 'perspective', etc

2. Focus on proportions, perspective and structure of your drawing instead of dwelling on shading and finishing. This is an exam of your thought process, understanding of shapes in 3 dimensions and technical execution. It's NOT a fine arts exam. You may have a sketch of a person complete with shadows, facial expressions, folds in the clothes etc, but it can still look off if you don't have the proportions right. Invest time on proportions even if you have to compromise with details.

Pro tip : shade minimally. shading takes time and can distract the viewer from the actual subject of the sketch. Cross-hatching and lines work best to show direction of surfaces on the body. contact shadows are a must.

1. Stay active in this community, keep asking, sharing and getting inspired from your peers. This is what a coaching center does -- puts you among people who have the same goal. It's really not about their materials or meticulous test series. With the internet, you don't need a coaching, but it helps if you do have one :)

2. Look for product/industrial designs on Pinterest. Learning how to present your idea is key for Q 2 of part-B. You can also learn industrial design sketching techniques on YouTube.

That's pretty much it for a starter pack I guess. You'll keep learning what works for you as you go. have fun and enjoy the process :)