Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by amay mathur
The CEED 2026 syllabus, released by IIT Bombay, tests design aptitude, creativity, and problem-solving. It covers two parts: Part A (online objective test, 150 marks, 1 hour) and Part B (offline subjective test, 100 marks, 2 hours). Only Part A qualifiers get Part B evaluated. Final score: 25% Part A + 75% Part B (out of 100). Syllabus is indicative; download the brochure PDF from ceed.iitb.ac.in/2026 for samples.
CEED Part A Detailed Syllabus
Part A (computer-based) has 44 questions (NAT, MSQ, MCQ) across aptitude areas. No fixed marks per section; total 150 marks.
| Section | Key Topics & Description | Approx. Weightage (Questions/Marks) |
| Visualization & Spatial Ability | 2D/3D transformations (rotation, scaling, mirroring), perspective/orthographic projections, folding/unfolding, pattern recognition, spatial relationships. | 10-15 Qs / 30-45 marks |
| Practical & Scientific Knowledge | Material properties/uses, basic mechanics (force, motion, friction), energy/electricity principles, environmental sustainability, everyday tech applications. | 8-10 Qs / 24-30 marks |
| Observation & Design Sensitivity | Spotting visual details, user behavior/needs analysis, aesthetics vs. functionality, cultural/social influences on design. | 8-10 Qs / 24-30 marks |
| Environment & Society | Design history (ancient-modern), societal/ethical trends, sustainability/inclusivity, global/local contexts. | 6-8 Qs / 18-24 marks |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | Patterns/sequences, analogies/syllogisms, data interpretation (charts/graphs), deductive/inductive problem-solving. | 6-8 Qs / 18-24 marks |
| Language & Creativity | Comprehension (design/general passages), grammar/vocabulary, metaphors/storytelling, idea generation. | 4-6 Qs / 12-18 marks |
| Design Thinking & Problem Solving | Empathy mapping, ideation/prototyping basics, user-centered solutions for real-world scenarios. | 4-6 Qs / 12-18 marks |
CEED Part B Detailed Syllabus
Part B (pen-and-paper) has 5 compulsory subjective questions, emphasizing creativity. Total 100 marks; evaluated on skills (partial marking yes, no negative).
| Section | Key Topics & Description | Marks |
| Sketching | Freehand sketching of 3D objects/scenes/human figures, proportions, perspective, shading/rendering techniques. | 20 |
| Creativity | Conceptual solutions to briefs (e.g., product/service redesign), innovative idea generation. | 20 |
| Form Sensitivity | Visual compositions balancing form/function, material/form relationships. | 20 |
| Visual Sensitivity | Observation of visuals, color/light/shade analysis, aesthetic judgment. | 20 |
| Problem Identification | Identifying design issues in scenarios, user-centered problem spotting. | 20 |
Important Syllabus Topics for CEED
Prioritize these high-weightage areas (based on PYQs; ~60-70% questions from here). Focus 40% on Part A visualization/reasoning, 60% on Part B sketching.
| Part A | – Visualization: 3D transformations, perspective drawing. – Logical Reasoning: Patterns, analogies, data interpretation. – Environment & Society: Design history, sustainability. – Observation: User behavior, aesthetics vs. function. |
| Part B | – Sketching: Human figures, scenes from imagination. – Creativity: Redesign briefs (e.g., packaging, products). – Problem Identification: Scenario-based issues. |
Preparation Tips from 2025 Toppers
Toppers (e.g., AIR 1-10 from 2025) emphasize 6-8 months prep: 3 hours daily (1.5 sketching, 1.5 aptitude). Key advice:
- Practice Rule: “3P” – Practice, Practice, Persistence (solve 50+ PYQs/mocks; weekly full tests).
- Part A: Analyze errors; focus on weak areas like reasoning (3 days/week). Use apps for quick quizzes.
- Part B: Daily 1-hour sketching (3D objects, scenes); get feedback via forums/mentors.
- Overall: Start early (6 months); revise trends (e.g., sustainability); stay updated via design docs (Netflix’s Abstract). Mock analysis > new topics in last month.
CEED Exam Pattern 2026
Exam on Jan 18, 2026 (9 AM-12 PM, 3 hours total). Part A screens for Part B evaluation.
| Aspect | Part A (Online) | Part B (Offline) |
| Duration | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Mode | Computer-based | Pen-paper (booklet) |
| Question Types | 44 objective: NAT (8), MSQ (10), MCQ (26) | 5 subjective (sketching/writing) |
| Total Marks | 150 | 100 |
| Marking | NAT: +4 (no negative); MSQ: +4 full/+partial (-1 wrong); MCQ: +3 (-0.5 wrong) | Skill-based (partial yes, no negative) |
| Qualifying | Cutoff-based (e.g., Gen: δ = μ + (σ²/10) in 2025) | Evaluated only for qualifiers |
Marking Scheme for CEED 2026
Part-A (150 marks | 44 questions | 1 hour)
| Section | No. of Questions | Question Nos. | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks if Not Attempted | Total Marks |
| NAT | 8 | 1 – 8 | +4 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| MSQ | 10 | 9 – 18 | Partial marking (see below) | -1 (any wrong option) | 0 | 40 |
| MCQ | 26 | 19 – 44 | +3 | -0.5 | 0 | 78 |
| Total | 44 | 1 – 44 | 150 |
Part-B (100 marks | 5 compulsory questions | 2 hours)
| Section | No. of Questions | Question No. | Partial Marks | Negative Marks | Marks |
| Sketching | 1 | 1 | Yes | No | 20 |
| Creativity | 1 | 2 | Yes | No | 20 |
| Form Sensitivity | 1 | 3 | Yes | No | 20 |
| Visual Sensitivity | 1 | 4 | Yes | No | 20 |
| Problem Identification | 1 | 5 | Yes | No | 20 |
| Total | 5 | 1 – 5 | 100 |
FAQs – CEED Syllabus 2026
How hard is the CEED exam?
The CEED exam is rated as moderate in difficulty, with Part A (objective aptitude) being easier to moderate and Part B (subjective drawing/design) slightly more challenging due to its creative demands. In 2025, student feedback described it as engaging but lengthy, with moderate overall difficulty and time management issues.
How many attempts for CEED?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for CEED; candidates can appear any number of times, with no age restriction. The score is valid for one year from the result declaration date.
Which colleges accept a CEED score?
Yes, multiple IITs accept CEED scores for M.Des and PhD programs. The 10 participating institutes for 2026 are: IISc Bangalore (M.Des Product Design, PhD Design), IIT Bombay (M.Des Industrial/Communication/Animation/Interaction/Mobility Design, PhD), IIT Delhi (M.Des Industrial Design, PhD), IIT Guwahati (M.Des Design, PhD), IIT Hyderabad (M.Des Visual/Product/Interaction Design, PhD), IIT Jodhpur (M.Des XR/Smart Product Design), IIT Kanpur (M.Des Design Entrepreneurship/Research/Practice, PhD), IIT Roorkee (M.Des Industrial Design), IIITDM Jabalpur (M.Des Design), IIITDM Kancheepuram (M.Des Electronic Product/Furniture Design). Total M.Des seats: ~302. Result-sharing institutes include UPES Dehradun, VIT Chennai, Jain University Bengaluru, Mahindra University Hyderabad, GLS University Gujarat. Apply separately post-results; CEED alone does not guarantee admission—interviews/portfolios often required.
Who is eligible for IIT CEED exam?
Eligibility for CEED (to appear) requires a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years after 10+2) in any stream, or final-year students completing by July 2026, or GD Arts diploma (10+5 level) by July 2026. No minimum marks, age limit, or attempt restrictions. For IIT admissions (e.g., M.Des), most require 10+2+4 years (e.g., B.Tech/B.Arch); 10+2+3 degrees qualify for exam but not IIT/IISc seats—private institutes like UPES/VIT accept them.
What is the CEED score for IIT Bombay?
IIT Bombay M.Des cutoff (2024 data; 2025/2026 expected similar, based on trends) requires a final CEED score of 65-75/100 (top 50-100 ranks) for General category, with Part A qualifying at ~58 (2024 cutoff). Selection: 70% CEED score + 30% (written test/interview/portfolio). Total seats: ~64 across specializations (Industrial: 24, Animation: 15, Interaction: 15, Mobility: 10).
Is CEED tougher than NID?
CEED is slightly easier than NID PG; NID’s drawing tasks are more advanced and rigorous, while CEED emphasizes aptitude/creativity with moderate sketching. Both are competitive, but CEED’s Part B (75% weight) is less technically demanding than NID DAT Mains.
What is the fees of IIT CEED?
CEED 2026 registration fee: ₹4,000 (General/OBC/EWS males); ₹2,000 (SC/ST/PwD/females). Late fee: +₹500. Fees non-refundable; pay online via net banking/card. (Institute fees, e.g., IIT Bombay M.Des: ₹50,000-1 lakh/year, separate.)
Are CEED and UCEED the same?
No, UCEED is for UG (B.Des) at IITs/IIITs (age limit ≤25, 3-hour online exam); CEED is for PG (M.Des/PhD) (no age limit, 3-hour hybrid exam). Both by IIT Bombay, but UCEED focuses on basics; CEED on advanced aptitude/creativity.
How can I crack CEED realistically?
Crack CEED with 4-6 months prep: Follow “3P” rule (Practice, Practice, Persistence)—solve 50+ PYQs/mocks weekly. Daily: 1.5 hrs sketching (human figures/scenes), 1.5 hrs Part A (visualization/reasoning quizzes). Analyze errors; revise trends (sustainability). Read design docs (e.g., Netflix’s Abstract). Aim 120+ in Part A, strong Part B rationale. Toppers: Start early, mock analysis > new topics.
Is CEED easy to crack?
No, CEED is moderately difficult—not “easy”—requiring creativity and practice; ~40% qualify Part A, but top IIT ranks need 60-75/100 final score.
Can I crack CEED in 2 months?
Possible but challenging with intensive effort (6-8 hrs/day); focus PYQs/mocks, daily sketching. Toppers recommend 4-6 months for strong ranks—2 months suits if you have design background; otherwise, aim for safe Part A qualification.
How to prepare for CEED without coaching?
Yes, feasible: Self-study plan—4-6 months, 3 hrs/day (1.5 sketching, 1.5 aptitude). Use PYQs (2015-2025 from ceed.iitb.ac.in), books (Design Drawing by Ching, Keys to Drawing by Dodson), free mocks (SILICA/TopRankers). Daily: Visualize 3D objects, solve logic quizzes, practice briefs. Analyze mocks; join forums (Reddit/Quora) for feedback. Toppers: PYQs + consistency key—no coaching needed if disciplined.