CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)

 CEED 2026

Notification | Exam Dates | Application Form | Eligibility | Exam Pattern | Admit Cards | Results | Counselling

The CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) is a popular national-level exam. It is conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for admission to various Design programs at PG level. Candidates appearing for CEED exam can pursue higher studies in M. Des (Master of Design) and PhD in Design. There are several premier institutes that accepts CEED scores during admission including in institutes such as IITs and IISc. The main purpose of this exam is to assess candidates on the basis of certain skills including visual representation, drawing skills, logical reasoning, creativity, and communication. CEED is recognized by multiple institutes across India and plays a crucial role in shaping the careers of aspiring designers in areas such as product design, animation, visual communication, and vehicle design.

CEED is conducted by IIT Bombay each year to test candidates’ ability in the field of technology and industrial designs. The exam is divided into two sections – Part A, a computer-based test assessing aptitude through objective questions, and Part B, a pen-and-paper test focusing on drawing and creative skills. Part A includes questions on numerical answer type, multiple select, and multiple-choice formats, while Part B requires candidates to demonstrate their design and sketching abilities. Candidates must qualify in both parts to be eligible for admission. The CEED exam allows candidates with 3 hours’ duration in which the question pattern in Part A consists of – Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).

CEED 2026 – Online Registration:

CEED is conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This exam is for those aspirants who are seeking admission to the following programs listed below.

• 2-year full-time PG program (M. Des) at various colleges and universities accepting CEED
• Candidates can pursue PhD in Design programs.

CEED 2026 Notification:

CEED 2026 online application form submissions will begin in the 1st week of October 2025. The last date for the submission of online applications will be till the last week October 2025 (without late fees). However, the CEED 2026 will allow candidates to continue submitting the forms till mid November 2025 (with late fees).  CEED exam will be conducted in mid-January 2026 although the official dates are yet to be confirmed by the authorities.

CEED 2026 Important Dates:

CEED 2026 Application Form:

1. The application process conducted by CEED is done through online mode only.
2. Candidates are required to visit the official CEED website to begin with the application process.
3. Candidates are required to first register themselves before proceeding with the application form with accurate details of information regarding personal details.
4. After registering successfully, candidates can continue with the filling up of the application form, entering their personal and academic details.
5. Candidates will be required to upload all the scanned documents including a recent passport size photo and signature.
6. Payment of the application fee must be done through online mode using various payment methods – Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking services.
7. Candidates are required to keep a print/Xerox of the application form for their future references.

CEED 2026 Application Process:

Requirements:

1. Candidates must have a valid email id and phone number for ease of communication.
2. Candidates will be required to provide their personal and academic details.
3. Candidates need to upload their scanned images of a recent passport-size photograph and signature in JPEG/JPG format (size around 50 KB and signature size around 30 KB).

Steps to Apply for CEED 2026:

Online Mode:

• Candidates need to visit the official CEED website and click on the registration link.
• Candidates need to register themselves by providing required details such as name, email address, mobile number, and course they are applying for.
• Upon successful registration, login credentials (user ID and password) are sent to the registered email address, which candidate can use to log in to the portal.
• Candidates can continue filling in the application form with personal details, communication address, academic qualifications, and select the preferred CEED exam center.
• In the next step, candidates will be required to upload scanned copies of required documents, including a recent photograph, signature, degree/diploma certificate (or provisional/mark sheet if the final certificate is unavailable), category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), and proof of name change if relevant. All documents must be in the prescribed format and size.
• Candidates will be required to pay the CEED application fee online using net banking, debit card, or credit card. The fee amount varies by category (INR 2000 for women and SC/ST/PwD candidates, INR 4000 for others).
• Before final submission, it is recommended that all candidates should review all entered details and uploaded documents for accuracy.
• After submitting the application form, candidates should download and print a copy of the completed form for future reference.

CEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria:

• Year Post Graduate Program (M. Des) and PhD Program in Design:
• There is no upper or lower age restriction to appear for the CEED 2026
• Candidates can attempt the CEED exam any number of times.
• Candidates must have a degree, diploma, or postgraduate degree program of at least three years’ duration after 10+2 (higher secondary).
• Candidates appearing for the final examination of the qualifying program by July 2026 are also eligible to apply for CEED 2026.
• Candidates who have qualified the GD Arts diploma program (10+5 level) by July 2026 are also eligible for this exam.
• Eligible qualifications for candidates appearing in CEED 2026 include several degrees – Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Design, Interior Design (4 years after 10+2), Professional Diploma in Design (NID/CEPT or equivalent, 4 years after 10+2), B.F.A. (4 years after 10+2), or Master’s degree in Arts/Science/Computer Applications (2 years after 10+2+3).
• Orthopedically or visually impaired candidates are also allowed a scribe facility for Part A of the CEED exam under specific guidelines.

CEED 2026 Exam Pattern:

1. The exam consists of two parts in which Part A will be conducted in an online computer – based mode, while Part B will be in pen and paper mode as it consists of drawing/ writing/design skills.
2. Part A will consist of three sections – Numerical (8 questions), MSQ (Multiple Select Questions – 10 questions), and MCQ (26 questions).
3. The duration for the test will be of 3 hours with 1 hour for Part A and 2 hours for Part B.
4. The marking scheme for CEED awards 3 marks for each correct NAT and MSQ answer (with -0.2 negative for MSQ), 2 marks for each correct MCQ answer (with -0.5 negative for MCQ).
5. No negative marking is involved in Part B, where each of the five questions carries 20 marks.
6. The medium of language will be in English only.

Marking scheme for Part A:

Focus Areas in Part A: Visualization, spatial ability, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language and creativity, observation, and design sensitivity.

CEED 2026 Admit Card:

1. Candidates will be provided with admit cards for the CEED 2026 exam in the mid-January 2026.
2. Admit card is mandatory without which no candidate will be allowed to appear for the exam.
3. Candidates will be able to download their hall tickets/admit cards from the official website by providing their registered email ID and password.

CEED 2026 Syllabus:

The CEED 2026 syllabus is structured into two major parts – Part A and Part B. The syllabus is aimed to assess different kind of skills which are required for admission into PG and PhD programs in the field of Design.

Part A (Computer-Based Test) assesses topics on – visualization, analytical skills, environmental awareness, and design sensitivity.

Part B (Pen-and-Paper Test) assesses on various skills related to drawing, creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Part A Format:

• 41 questions (NAT, MSQ, MCQ)
• 1 hour, 150 marks

Part B Format:

• 5 questions (Sketching, Creativity, Form Sensitivity, Visual Sensitivity, Problem Identification)
• 2 hours, 100 marks

CEED 2026 Results:

CEED 2026 results will be announced by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in the month of March 2026, i.e. after the CEED 2026 exam is conducted in mid-January 2026.

Candidates will be provided with draft answer keys followed by the release of final answer keys in late January 2026. Candidates will not be able to challenge those answer keys even if they have any objections.

The results and cut-off marks will be released online. The cut-off in general varies by respective institute and course, and only candidates meeting or exceeding the cut-offs are eligible for the next stage i.e. counselling.

CEED 2026 Selection Process:

• CEED results are published by the official authorities and candidates can access their scores and ranks.
• Participating design institutes (such as IITs) shortlist candidates for further evaluation based on CEED scores after the results are published.
• Shortlisted candidates may be called for additional rounds, such as a design aptitude test, studio test, or personal interview, depending on the institute’s admission policy.
• After several tests, and personal interviews, the respective institutes prepare a merit list, factoring in CEED scores and performance in subsequent rounds. Admission offers are extended to successful candidates.

CEED 2026 Instructions:

1. Candidates should upload their photograph and signature with the preferred size in the portal which should be clearly visible.
2. Candidates need to carry their admit card/hall ticket to the exam centre. Candidates will be prohibited from entering the exam hall without this document.
3. Candidates will also be required to carry a valid ID proof such as – Voter ID Card/ Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Driving License, etc.
4. It is advisable for all candidates to enter the designated exam hall before time for a smooth security process before the beginning of exam.
5. Any candidate violating the rules will be strictly dealt as per the norms of the exam centre.
6. Any candidate pursuing any unfair means in the exam hall will be dealt with as per the rules and regulations of the test centre.