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CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) is a national postgraduate design entrance test conducted by IIT Bombay. CEED scores are used for admission to Master of Design (M.Des) programs at IISc Bengaluru, several IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur, and to PhD programs in design at many of these institutes.
The exam has two parts in one 3-hour session: an objective Part A and a subjective Part B of drawing and design questions. This guide explains the CEED exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, marking scheme and how to prepare.
CEED at a glance
| Full name | Common Entrance Examination for Design |
| Conducted by | IIT Bombay |
| Exam level | National |
| Held | Once a year, usually in January |
| Mode | Part A computer-based; Part B shown on screen, answered on paper |
| Duration | 3 hours (Part A 1 hour, Part B 2 hours) |
| Parts | Part A (NAT, MSQ, MCQ); Part B (5 subjective questions) |
| Total marks | Part A 150, Part B 100 in the 2026 brochure |
| Negative marking | Yes, in MSQ and MCQ; none in NAT or Part B |
| Language | English |
| Leads to | M.Des (and PhD in design at some institutes) at IISc Bengaluru, participating IITs, IIITDM Jabalpur, IIITDM Kancheepuram and other institutes |
| Official website | www.ceed.iitb.ac.in |
CEED important dates
These dates update automatically from Kosuki’s exam calendar. “Announced” dates come from the official notice; “Expected” months are based on past years.
- Registration opensExpected October 2026 Expected
- Last date to applyExpected November 2026 Expected
- Exam17 Jan 2027 Announcedin 110 days
- Admit cardExpected January 2027 Expected
- ResultExpected March 2027 Expected
Conducted by IIT Bombay. Official website. Always confirm dates on the official website. Report a wrong date.
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What is CEED?
CEED checks your aptitude for postgraduate design study. Passing CEED does not by itself give you admission. Each institute invites applications separately and may add its own portfolio review, studio test or interview.
Because of that, CEED is the first step. A good score gets you shortlisted; the institute round decides the final offer.
CEED eligibility
CEED has broad eligibility and no age limit. The rules from the 2026 brochure are:
- A degree, diploma or postgraduate program of at least three years after Class 12, or equivalent.
- Students in the final year of such a program can apply if they will finish before the admission year begins.
- A GD Arts diploma (10+5 level) is also accepted.
- There is no age limit, and you can take CEED any number of times.
- The CEED score is valid for one year from the result.
CEED exam pattern
In the CEED exam pattern, Part A is one hour on a computer. Part B is two hours: the questions appear on screen and you draw and write your answers in a booklet.
| Part and section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A: Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 8 | 32 |
| Part A: Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | 10 | 40 |
| Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 26 | 78 |
| Part B: subjective questions | 5 | 100 |
CEED marking scheme
Part A is marked by the computer. Part B is marked by a panel, and only for shortlisted candidates.
- NAT: 4 marks each, no negative marking.
- MSQ: 4 marks for choosing all correct options and nothing wrong, with partial marks of 3, 2 or 1 for choosing only some correct options. Choosing any wrong option gives minus 1.
- MCQ: 3 marks for a correct answer and minus 0.5 for a wrong one.
- Part B is evaluated only for candidates who clear the Part A shortlisting cutoff. The cutoff is based on the mean and standard deviation of Part A marks, with lower thresholds for reserved categories.
- Final score = 0.25 x Part A marks + 0.75 x Part B marks. Part B carries most of the weight.
CEED syllabus
The CEED syllabus is about aptitude and design thinking. The official list includes:
- Part A: visualization and spatial reasoning, practical and scientific knowledge, observation and design sensitivity, environment and society, analytical and logical reasoning, language, creativity, art and design knowledge, and design methods and practices.
- Part B: five questions testing sketching, creativity, form sensitivity, visual sensitivity and problem identification, each worth 20 marks in the 2026 brochure. Questions typically ask you to sketch objects or people, generate ideas, and describe or solve a design problem.
CEED result and admissions
IIT Bombay publishes draft and final answer keys for Part A, then the Part A shortlist, and later the final CEED result with scores and ranks. Scorecards are available from the CEED website.
After the result, apply to each institute you want. IISc, the IITs and other institutes run their own processes, which may include a studio test, portfolio review or interview. Check each program’s page for its specializations and requirements.
How to prepare for CEED
Since Part B carries 75 percent of the final score, most of your effort should go into drawing and design responses. But you must clear the Part A cutoff first.
- Solve all previous CEED Part A papers on the official site. Practice finishing 44 questions within an hour.
- Skip MSQ options you are unsure of. A partial answer with no wrong option still earns marks.
- Sketch every day from life: products, people, hands and spaces, with attention to perspective and proportion.
- Practice Part B-style questions in 20 to 25 minutes each, since five questions share two hours.
- Work on problem identification: pick a daily-use product or public space and list its problems and possible fixes in words and sketches.
- Read about design history, materials and well-known designers for Part A awareness questions.
- Keep a log of mock scores and practice sheets; Kosuki can store your progress if you want a simple tracker.
How to apply for CEED
- Register on the CEED website when registration opens, usually in autumn.
- Enter your qualifying degree details and upload your photograph, signature and certificates.
- Select exam cities and pay the fee online.
- Download the admit card before the exam.
- After the result, apply separately to each institute’s M.Des or PhD program.
CEED FAQs
Is there an age limit for CEED?
No. There is no age limit and no limit on the number of attempts.
Is there negative marking in CEED?
Yes, in Part A. MCQs lose 0.5 marks for a wrong answer, and MSQs lose 1 mark if any wrong option is chosen. NAT questions and Part B have no negative marking.
How is the CEED final score calculated?
The final score is 25 percent of Part A marks plus 75 percent of Part B marks. Part B is evaluated only for candidates who clear the Part A cutoff.
Which colleges accept CEED score?
IISc Bengaluru, several IITs and IIITDM Jabalpur use CEED for M.Des admission, and other institutes also accept it. Each runs its own application and selection.
Can final-year students apply for CEED?
Yes. Students in the final year of a qualifying three-year or longer program can apply if they will complete it before admission.
How long is the CEED score valid?
One year from the date the result is declared.
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Sources
Last reviewed September 2026 against the official IIT Bombay notice and information brochure. Exam rules can change from year to year, so always confirm details on the official website before you apply. Kosuki is independent and is not connected with any exam body. Spotted something out of date? Write to contact@kosuki.com.