CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to M.Des (Master of Design) and PhD design programs at top institutes like IITs, IISc Bangalore, IIITDM Jabalpur, and more. If you are planning to appear for CEED 2026, this simple and SEO-friendly blog will help you understand the exam, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation tips.
What is CEED?
CEED tests a candidate’s design aptitude, creativity, visual ability, problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and communication skills. It is one of India’s most prestigious design exams for postgraduate design admissions.
After qualifying CEED, candidates must also appear for institute-level interviews and design tests for final admission.
CEED 2026 Highlights
- Exam Name: CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)
- Conducted By: IIT Bombay
- Courses Offered: M.Des & PhD Design
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (Part A) + Hand-drawn test (Part B)
- Application Release: Expected in September 2025
- Exam Date: Likely in January 2026
CEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (4-year program)
- OR 3-year degree + 1-year PG diploma
- Final-year students can also apply
Age Limit
- No age limit for CEED
- Unlimited number of attempts
CEED 2026 Exam Pattern
CEED consists of two parts:
Part A – Computer-Based Test
- Objective questions
- Duration: 1 hour
- Types of Questions:
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Tests:
- Visual & spatial ability
- Observation skills
- Logical reasoning
- Environmental awareness
- Design aptitude
Part B – Drawing & Creativity Test
- Hand-drawn answers
- Duration: 2 hours
- Tests:
- Sketching skills
- Creativity
- Visual communication
- Problem-solving
- Storytelling
- Perspective drawing
Note: Part A is used for shortlisting; Part B is evaluated only if Part A is cleared.
CEED 2026 Syllabus Overview
Although CEED does not release an official syllabus, common topics include:
1. Drawing & Sketching
- Perspective drawing
- Human figures
- Scenes from daily life
- Product sketching
2. Creativity & Visual Imagination
- Creative solutions
- Story illustrations
- Visual problem-solving
3. Analytical & Logical Reasoning
- Puzzle solving
- Data interpretation
- Pattern recognition
4. Design Awareness
- Famous designers
- Art & culture
- Design styles
5. Language & Communication
- Creative storytelling
- Grammar & comprehension
6. Observation Skills
- Shape, form, and pattern analysis
CEED 2026 Application Process
- Visit the official CEED portal
- Register using your email ID and mobile number
- Fill the online application form
- Upload photo, signature & required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Download the confirmation page
CEED 2026 Preparation Tips
- Practice sketching daily
- Improve perspective drawing and visual imagination
- Solve previous CEED question papers
- Stay updated with design trends and basics
- Build a strong portfolio (required during interviews)
- Take mock tests to strengthen Part A speed
Why Choose CEED?
- Admission to India’s top design institutes (IITs, IISc)
- Great placement and career opportunities
- Industry-relevant curriculum
- Exposure to practical design challenges
- Opportunity for research and innovation
Conclusion
CEED 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in design. With the right preparation, creativity, and daily practice, clearing CEED becomes much easier. Start early, focus on improving your design thinking and sketching, and you’ll be ready to ace the exam.







