CEED 2026 Exam: Syllabus, Eligibility, Dates, Pattern, Cut-Offs

The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED 2026) is a highly respected national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Bombay for candidates aspiring to pursue Master of Design (M.Des) or PhD programs in Design in India. Unlike traditional academic tests, CEED assesses a candidate’s creativity, visualization skills, design aptitude, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

CEED opens doors to prestigious institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, and IISc Bangalore, offering programs in industrial design, interaction design, communication design, transportation design, and more. The exam is considered a benchmark for creative and analytical thinking in the field of design.

Why CEED is important

• Qualifies candidates for top M.Des programs in India.

• Helps aspiring designers showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

• Offers career opportunities in product design, UX/UI, graphic design, industrial design, and more.

• Prepares candidates for portfolio-based assessments and design studio interviews, which are essential for admissions.

Latest Updates for CEED 2026

CEED 2026 is expected to follow a timeline similar to previous years, though candidates should check the official CEED website for confirmation of dates and notifications.

Tentative Schedule:

What is CEED?

CEED is a design aptitude test that evaluates candidates on creativity, design sensitivity, problem-solving skills, and visualization ability. The exam is structured to measure how well a candidate can think creatively, observe critically, and communicate ideas visually.

Key aspects tested in CEED:

• Visualization and Spatial Ability: Ability to understand 3D objects, perspectives, mental rotations, and proportions.

• Creativity and Imagination: Generating innovative ideas and finding unique solutions for design problems.

• Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Solving problems using logical thinking and structured reasoning.

• Drawing and Sketching Skills: Expressing ideas visually, portraying concepts, and demonstrating design thinking.

Who should apply:

• Graduates from engineering, architecture, fine arts, or design-related fields.

• Students aiming for a creative career in design sectors such as UX/UI, industrial, product, and communication design.

Note: CEED is ideal for candidates who can think critically and creatively beyond academic concepts. Even engineers or architecture students with strong visual thinking can excel.

CEED 2026 Important Dates

CEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria

CEED 2026 Application Form

The application process for CEED 2026 is completely online. Candidates should follow these steps carefully:

1. Registration: Create an account on the official CEED website using a valid email ID.

2. Form Filling: Enter personal, academic, and category information accurately.

3. Document Upload: Upload scanned photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) in the specified format.

4. Payment of Fees: Pay the application fee online using credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.

5. Confirmation: Submit the form and download the confirmation receipt for future reference.

Documents Required:

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Scanned signature

• Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)

• Category certificate (if applicable)

CEED 2026 Application Fee

Payment is accepted online only, and a confirmation receipt should be saved for verification purposes.

CEED 2026 Exam Pattern

CEED consists of Part A and Part B, designed to evaluate both analytical and creative skills.

• Part A: Computer-based, focusing on logical reasoning, analytical ability, and observation skills.

• Part B: Pen-and-paper based, testing creative problem solving, sketching, visualization, and design communication.

• Shortlisting for Part B is determined by performance in Part A.

Pro Tip: Part B is crucial for final ranking. Practice sketching daily and solve creative problem-solving exercises.

CEED 2026 Syllabus 

Part A Topics:

• Visualization and Spatial Ability: Mental rotation, 3D perception, 2D to 3D transformations, perspective drawing.

• Observation and Design Sensitivity: Identifying problems in everyday life, analyzing patterns, shapes, textures, and colors.

• Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Problem-solving, sequences, relationships, numerical reasoning.

• Language and Creativity: Comprehension, analogies, idea generation, interpretation of concepts.

Part B Topics:

• Drawing and Sketching: Freehand drawing, visual representation, storyboarding, object rendering.

• Creativity and Imagination: Innovative ideas, divergent thinking, exploring multiple solutions.

• Design Thinking and Problem Solving: Approach real-world problems creatively and practically.

• Communication Skills: Effective visual communication, conveying ideas through sketches and diagrams.

Pro Tip: Maintaining a daily sketchbook with exercises based on Part B topics improves creative confidence and speed.

Recommended Books and Resources

• “Design Drawing” by Francis D.K. Ching – For visualization fundamentals.

• “Thinking with Type” by Ellen Lupton – Typography and communication design.

• “The Art of Creative Thinking” by Rod Judkins – To enhance creativity.

• CEED Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests – Essential for understanding patterns and timing.

• Online tutorials: NID, IIT Bombay YouTube channels, Coursera design courses.

Pro Tip: Keep a portfolio or journal to document sketches, design ideas, and exercises. This helps in studio tests during admissions.

Preparation Tips for CEED 2026

• Start with Part A, practicing logical reasoning, numerical ability, and visualization skills.

• Practice sketching, drawing, and design problem-solving daily for Part B.

• Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests to understand the exam pattern.

• Maintain a design journal with sketches, ideas, and concepts.

• Take part in online design challenges or workshops to build creativity and confidence.

Pro Tip: Balance speed and accuracy; Part A shortlists candidates, but Part B determines the final ranking.

CEED Previous Year Cut-Offs and Difficulty Level

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to High.

• Part B is subjective and requires strong creative skills and visual thinking.

Admit Card Release for CEED 2026

• Released 1 week before the exam.

• Contains candidate details, exam date and time, exam venue, and roll number.

• Must be downloaded from the official CEED portal.

Tip: Verify all details immediately. Any discrepancies must be reported to CEED officials.

CEED 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

• Carry printed admit card and a valid ID.

• Electronic devices such as phones, smartwatches, and calculators are not allowed.

• Drawing materials are provided for Part B.

• Arrive at least 1 hour before the exam to avoid last-minute stress.

CEED 2026 Answer Key

• Part A answer key is released online after the exam.

• Candidates can challenge any discrepancies within a given timeframe.

• Part B is evaluated manually, based on creativity, sketching, and problem-solving.

CEED 2026 Result 

• Includes Part A score, Part B score, total marks, and overall rank.

• Score is valid for 1 year for M.Des admissions.

• Merit list is prepared based on combined performance.

Counselling and Admission Process

• Shortlisted candidates are called for studio tests, interviews, and portfolio evaluations.

• Final admission depends on CEED score, portfolio quality, and interview performance.

• Institutes include IITs and IISc offering M.Des programs across various design disciplines.

Participating Institutes in CEED 2026

• IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bangalore

• M.Des programs in:

  • Industrial Design

  • Communication Design

  • Interaction Design

  • Transportation/Automotive Design

  • Fashion and Textile Design

CEED 2026 Cut-Off Marks

• Category-wise cut-offs vary based on the number of applicants and seats.

• Expected range: General: 30–35, OBC: 27–32, SC/ST: 20–25.

• Each institute may adjust cut-offs according to program specialization and seat availability.

Result Validity and Career Opportunities

• CEED score is valid for 1 year, applicable for M.Des admissions.

• Career opportunities after CEED:

  • Product Designer

  • UX/UI Designer

  • Interaction Designer

  • Graphic and Communication Designer

  • Transportation/Automotive Designer

• Average starting salary ranges from ₹6–12 LPA, higher in reputed design firms or startups.