How to Prepare for SEED: Syllabus, Books, and Tips

Published by Shikha Kumari on Sep 18, 2025

The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) 2026 is a 60-minute online proctored test with 60 questions covering visual sensitivity, observational skills, reasoning, problem-solving, logic in science and math, art, craft, culture, design, and environment, as detailed in the official admission process for entry to B.Des programs at Symbiosis Institute of Design.

In this guide, you’ll learn the exact SEED 2026 syllabus, the precise exam pattern with question types like MCQs and image-based items, standard resources that match the syllabus for self-study since no official books are listed, and step-by-step tips to strengthen skills in perceptual abilities and creative thinking for the full admission process including portfolio and PRPI.

B.Des Admissions at SID

SEED 2026, conducted by Symbiosis Institute of Design, qualifies candidates for B.Des specializations like communication design and industrial design through an initial aptitude test, followed by portfolio review and personal interaction, as per the official admission levels. This multi-stage process ensures selection based on combined scores from SEED, uploaded work samples, and interaction performance. SEED 2026 opens doors to 240 seats across five B.Des streams at SID Pune.

SEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates need to pass Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST categories) from any stream to meet SEED 2026 eligibility, according to the detailed criteria on sid.edu.in’s FAQs section.
• No age limit applies, and appearing students can register, provided they submit passing proof before final admission.
• These rules allow broad access, focusing preparation on the aptitude test rather than prior qualifications.

SEED 2026 Exam Pattern

The SEED 2026 follows a fixed online proctored format on PC/laptop, lasting 60 minutes from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm slots, with 60 questions in MCQ, match-the-columns, fill-in-the-blanks, image-based, and comprehension types, directly from sid.edu.in’s admission process description. This setup tests quick decision-making under timed conditions without negative marking. Before reviewing the breakdown, understand that the pattern prioritizes design aptitude over rote learning.

SEED 2026 Syllabus: Topic-Wise Coverage

The official SEED 2026 syllabus on the official site outlines topics centered on design aptitude, including visual sensitivity and judgement, observational and perceptual abilities, reasoning, problem-solving, basic logic from science and mathematics, and knowledge of art, craft, culture, design, and environment. This curriculum prepares candidates for practical B.Des coursework by emphasizing real-world observation and creativity.

Visual Sensitivity and Judgement 

Visual sensitivity topics involve recognizing patterns, colors, and forms in images, as specified in the official description for quick judgement under exam constraints. Practice identifying spatial relationships in everyday visuals to align with this area.

Observational, Perceptual, and Reasoning Abilities Topics

Observational skills cover noticing details in scenes or objects, perceptual abilities handle shape interpretation, and reasoning applies logic to sequences. Combine these by analyzing diagrams for hidden elements or logical progressions.

Problem-Solving and Creative Abilities 

Problem-solving focuses on scenario-based solutions using design principles, while creative abilities encourage innovative responses to prompts, drawn from the official aptitude areas. Develop this through brainstorming everyday challenges like sustainable packaging ideas.

Basic Knowledge of Science, Math, Art, Craft, Culture, Design, and Environment

This section includes simple logic from physics or math, historical art movements, Indian crafts, global design examples, and environmental factors in creation, as listed officially. Review basics like geometric principles alongside cultural icons like Warli art.

Books for SEED 2026 

The official prospectus does not recommend specific books, but preparation draws from standard texts covering the syllabus topics in visual and logical skills, as inferred from the aptitude focus. Select resources that provide exercises in observation and reasoning to fit the exam’s integrated nature. Before choosing, match books to weak areas like perceptual tests.

Preparation Tips for SEED 2026

• Begin SEED 2026 preparation with a 4-month schedule allocating 40% time to visual exercises, 30% to reasoning puzzles, and 30% to GK revision, based on the official topic weights.
• Spend 20 minutes daily sketching observed objects to sharpen perceptual skills.
• Solve 30 logic puzzles weekly from math and science basics to cover reasoning sections.
• Read one article on Indian crafts or global design trends every other day for culture knowledge.
• Take 50-question mocks bi-weekly, timing to 50 minutes for speed adjustment.
• Prepare a digital portfolio early, including 10-15 works showing diverse techniques as per FAQs.
• Refer to SEED previous years papers

Strategies for Problem-Solving Questions 

• In problem-solving, read prompts fully then list 3-4 solution steps before selecting options, as the syllabus emphasizes logical creativity.
• Practice with design scenarios like eco-friendly product ideas.
• This method secures marks in comprehension-based items, reflecting real B.Des project thinking.
• For awareness, maintain a timeline of design movements from Bauhaus to modern Indian textiles, quizzing 15 facts weekly from official-inspired notes.
• Focus on environment topics like sustainable materials.
• During the 60-minute SEED, spend 20 seconds per MCQ, 30 for image-based, and flag tough ones for review in the last 5 minutes, per the proctored format details.

Conclusion

By mastering the SEED 2026 syllabus, practicing with targeted resources like the Perspective Drawing Handbook, and following a structured 4-month preparation plan, you can confidently tackle the 60-minute aptitude test and excel in the portfolio and PRPI stages. Start early, stay consistent with daily sketching and weekly mocks. With these strategies, you’re well-equipped to secure a spot in Symbiosis Institute of Design’s B.Des programs, turning your creative passion into a professional career.