CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)

 CEED 2026

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

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 2026 exam will be conducted in mid-January 2026 although the official dates are yet to be confirmed by the authorities.

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 2026 exam can pursue higher studies in M. Des (Master of Design) and PhD in Design.

The main purpose of CEED 2026 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 are hence advised to ensure their eligibility criteria before proceeding with the application form.

CEED 2026 – Key Highlights

Basic Information on CEED

The CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) is a national-level entrance test conducted by IIT Bombay on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is primarily used for admission to Master of Design (M. Des) and Ph.D. in Design programs at prestigious institutions like IITs and IISc Bangalore. CEED evaluates a candidate’s aptitude for design through their skills in drawing, creativity, problem-solving, visual perception, and communication. The CEED exam is held annually, however qualifying CEED exam does not guarantee admission. Each institute has its own additional selection criteria such as portfolio review and interviews and CEED score is only a part of the selection procedure. Therefore, it is highly recommended that candidates should ensure their eligibility criteria before proceeding with the application process.

CEED 2026 Important Dates

CEED 2026 Exam Highlights

CEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To appear for CEED 2026, candidates must have completed or be in the final year of a qualifying program such as a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Design, Architecture, Engineering, or Fine Arts. Degrees like B. Des, B. Arch, BFA (4-year), or equivalent diplomas are accepted for pursuing these programs. Those candidates with only a 3-year degree are not eligible unless they have additional qualifications that meet the 4-year education requirement. There is no age limit and no cap on the number of attempts. Final-year students must provide proof of graduation by July 2026. Therefore, candidates must ensure their eligibility criteria before proceeding for application form or else they will be disqualified or rejected.

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CEED 2026 Application Form

The CEED 2026 application form will be available online through the official CEED website managed by IIT Bombay. Candidates must register using a valid email ID and mobile number, then fill in academic and personal details, upload required documents (such as photograph, signature, degree certificate or provisional certificate, and category certificate if applicable), and pay the application fee. It is important to submit the form before the deadline; as late submissions may incur an additional fee or may not be accepted at all.

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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 Exam Pattern

The CEED 2026 exam pattern will consist of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is a computer-based screening test with objective-type questions including Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). Part B is a pen-and-paper test that evaluates drawing, creativity, and visual problem-solving skills. Only candidates who clear the cut-off in Part A will have Part B evaluated. The final score will be calculated using 25% of Part A and 75% of Part B.

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CEED 2026 Syllabus

The CEED 2026 syllabus will be divided into two parts. Part A is a computer-based objective test covering topics such as visualization and spatial reasoning, practical and scientific knowledge, observation and design sensitivity, environment and society, analytical and logical reasoning, language skills, creativity, and art and design knowledge. Part B is a pen-and-paper test assessing drawing skills, creativity, communication through sketches and writing, problem identification, and visual/form sensitivity. The CEED 2026 syllabus structure will help evaluate both conceptual aptitude and hands-on design skills.

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CEED 2026 Preparation Tips

Effective preparation for CEED 2026 involves understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly, making a strategic study plan, and consistent practice with previous years’ papers and mock tests. Candidates should sharpen skills in both objective reasoning and subjective drawing, focusing on creativity, observation, and time management. Using recommended reference books and developing a balanced approach to Part A and Part B preparation can significantly improve performance.

CEED 2026 Admit Card

The CEED 2026 admit card will be released online via the official IIT Bombay portal a few weeks before the exam date (typically in early January 2026). Candidates must download and print the CEED 2026 admit card, which contains essential details such as exam center, date, and candidate information. Carrying the CEED 2026 admit card to the exam center is mandatory for entry, along with valid photo identification.

CEED 2026 Cut Offs

CEED 2026 cut offs are category-wise minimum scores set for Part A, which candidates must meet to have their Part B answers evaluated. These cut offs are calculated using statistical formulas based on candidate performance, with relaxation for reserved categories such as OBC-NCL, SC/ST, and PwD. Clearing the cut off allows candidates to qualify for the merit list, but final admission depends on institute-specific criteria.

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CEED 2026 Results

CEED 2026 results will be declared online on the official IIT Bombay website, expected in the first week of March 2026 (tentatively). Candidates can download their digital scorecard by logging into the portal. The scorecard shows section-wise marks, overall score, rank, and qualifying status. Final scores are computed with 25% weightage to Part A and 75% to Part B. The results qualify candidates for applying to participating institutes’ admission processes.

CEED 2026 Counselling

There is no centralized counselling for CEED 2026. Each participating institute conducts its own admission process after the results are declared. Candidates must apply separately to each institute, which may involve portfolio submissions, interviews, and additional tests alongside CEED scores. Admission is granted based on institute-specific merit lists and criteria, so aspirants should closely follow the admission notifications of each desired institute.

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.

FAQs

Q1. What is the CEED 2026 exam and who conducts it?

Ans. CEED 2026, the Common Entrance Examination for Design, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. It is held once a year for candidates aspiring to join M. Des and Ph.D. programs at premier design institutes across India.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for the CEED 2026 exam?

Ans. To be eligible for CEED 2026, candidates must have completed a graduate degree, diploma, or postgraduate program of at least three years after 10+2, or be in the final year of such a program by July 2026. Pass-outs of the GD Arts diploma program (10+5 level) are also eligible. There is no age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts. Both Indian and foreign nationals may apply.

Q3. What is the exam pattern for CEED 2026?

Ans. The CEED 2026 exam consists of two parts: Part A is a computer-based objective test (including NAT, MSQ, and MCQ questions); Part B is a pen-and-paper subjective drawing/design test. The total duration is 3 hours—Part A for 1 hour and Part B for 2 hours.

Q4. What topics are included in the CEED 2026 syllabus?

Ans. The CEED 2026 syllabus is split into two parts. Part A covers topics like visualization and spatial reasoning, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, practical and scientific knowledge, observation, and design sensitivity. Part B evaluates drawing skills, creativity, visual and form sensitivity, communication, and problem identification.

Q5. What is the application process and fee structure for CEED 2026?

Ans.  Candidates must register online at the official CEED website—ceed.iitb.ac.in. The application fee is INR 2,000 for women and SC/ST/PwD candidates, and INR 4,000 for all others. A late application incurs an additional INR 500 fee. Applicants need to upload required documents, pay the fee, and submit the form online within the specified window in October–November 2025.