CEED Admission 2026: CEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus & Preparation Guide
Published by Shikha Kumari on Nov 27, 2025
CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) is the gateway for admission to M.Des and Ph.D. programs in Design at top institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Guwahati, and IISc Bangalore. For CEED 2026–2027 admissions, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of having a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years after 10+2). There is no upper age limit, and final-year students can also apply.
The CEED 2026 exam will be conducted on 18 January 2026, and the results will be announced on 6 March 2026. M.Des applications will be accepted from 14 March to 10 April 2026. This blog talks about the entire admission cycle and all related information regarding CEED admissions 2026.
CEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The CEED 2026 eligibility criteria are clearly defined in the IIT Bombay brochure. Candidates must satisfy all conditions to be eligible for admission in the 2026–2027 session.
Key Eligibility Points
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed or be appearing for the final year of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification (minimum 3 years after 10+2) by July 2026.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in CEED.
- Relaxation: SC/ST/PwD candidates are eligible for a 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit applied at the admission stage by IITs.
- Foreign Nationals: Eligible to apply through the DASA scheme with equivalent qualifications.
- Final-Year Students: Can appear for CEED 2026 but must submit proof of completion before M.Des admission.
Eligibility Qualification Table
| Qualification | Details | For Admission 2026–2027 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Completed or appearing | Minimum 3-year course after 10+2 |
| Age Limit | No upper limit | SC/ST/PwD: +5 years |
| Foreign Nationals | Equivalent via DASA | Separate process |
This ensures candidates possess the academic foundation necessary for advanced design education at institutes like IIT Bombay and IISc Bangalore.
CEED 2026 Registration Process for Eligible Candidates
The CEED 2026 registration began on 1 October 2025 and closed on 5 November 2025 (regular fee), with the late fee window extending to 10 November 2025.
The registration process is completely online via ceed.iitb.ac.in.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
| Step | Action | Requirement |
| 1 | Create an account | Valid email ID and password |
| 2 | Fill details | Name, DOB (as per Class 10 certificate), academic details |
| 3 | Upload documents | Photo (3.5×4.5 cm, ≤200 KB JPEG), Signature (4×1.5 cm, ≤50 KB JPEG), Category Certificate (if applicable) |
| 4 | Pay registration fee | ₹ 4,000 (General/OBC/EWS), ₹ 2,000 (SC/ST/PwD/Women) |
| 5 | Submit and confirm | Download confirmation page and note application number |
A confirmation email is sent upon successful submission, which will be needed later to download the admit card (available from 2 January 2026).
CEED 2026 Syllabus for Admission Preparation
The CEED 2026 syllabus tests design aptitude, logical reasoning, creativity, and visualization skills. It is divided into two parts — Part A (Objective Test) and Part B (Drawing Section).
Syllabus Breakdown
| Area | Weightage (Approx.) | Part A Focus | Part B Focus |
| Visualization & Spatial Ability | 20% | 3D rotations, spatial reasoning | Perspective sketching |
| Observation & Design Sensitivity | 15% | Identifying patterns, design principles | Scene interpretation |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | 15% | Sequences, analytical puzzles | Application of logic |
| Language & Creativity | 10% | Vocabulary, creative MCQs | Conceptual sketches |
| Art & Design Knowledge | 25% | Design history, art appreciation | Aesthetic composition |
| Design Methods & Practices | 15% | Problem-solving, innovation | Scenario drawing |
Part A includes 80 questions for 240 marks, while Part B has one drawing question for 60 marks, totaling 300 marks.
CEED 2026 Preparation Tips for Students
To prepare effectively for CEED 2026, students should balance both sections and begin preparation at least 3–4 months before the exam.
Preparation Strategy
- Study Plan: Dedicate 2 hours daily – 1 hour for Part A practice (MCQs & reasoning) and 1 hour for Part B drawing.
- Use PYQs: Analyze CEED 2025 and 2024 question papers to understand question trends.
- Mock Tests: Take weekly mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Drawing Practice: Attempt timed sketches on real-life design problems.
- Reference Materials: Study design principles, current trends, and art basics.
12-Week Preparation Timeline
| Weeks | Focus Area | Daily Hours |
| 1–4 | Part A – Visualization & Reasoning | 1 hour |
| 5–8 | Part B – Drawing Practice | 1 hour |
| 9–12 | PYQ Revision + Full Mock Tests | 2 hours |
CEED 2026 Registration Deadlines & Late Fee
As per the official brochure, CEED 2026 registration followed this schedule:
| Stage | Deadline | Fee (INR) |
| Regular Registration | 5 November 2025 | ₹ 4,000 (General/OBC/EWS) / ₹ 2,000 (SC/ST/PwD/Women) |
| Late Registration (₹500 extra) | 10 November 2025 | ₹ 4,500 (General/OBC/EWS) / ₹ 2,500 (SC/ST/PwD/Women) |
The registration portal closed automatically after the deadline, and no further submissions were accepted.
CEED 2025 Question Paper and Answer Key
The CEED 2025 question paper is a crucial resource for understanding the exam structure and difficulty level.
- Part A: 80 questions – visualization, reasoning, and design awareness (240 marks).
- Part B: One descriptive drawing question – creativity and concept development (60 marks).
CEED 2025 Answer Key Timeline
| Key Type | Date |
| Draft Answer Key | 20 January 2025 |
| Final Answer Key | 28 January 2025 |
| Objection Window | 21–25 January 2025 |
Candidates can download PYQs and keys from ceed.iitb.ac.in for practice and self-evaluation.
CEED Exam Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years after 10+2) |
| Status | Completed or appearing in final year |
| Age Limit | No upper limit |
| Relaxation | SC/ST/PwD: +5 years |
| Foreign Nationals | Eligible via DASA |
This flexible eligibility structure makes CEED accessible to candidates from diverse academic and creative backgrounds.
Conclusion
The CEED Admission 2026–2027 process includes registration from 1 October to 5 November 2025 (late fee till 10 November 2025), the exam on 18 January 2026, and results on 6 March 2026. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) after 10+2, with no age restriction, and SC/ST/PwD candidates enjoying 5-year relaxation. The syllabus focuses on visualization, reasoning, and creative design — areas essential for M.Des and Ph.D. admissions at IITs and IISc. With dedicated preparation and familiarity with previous year question papers, aspirants can confidently target IIT M.Des admission in the 2026–2027 session.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for CEED 2026 registration?
To apply for CEED 2026, you must have completed or be appearing for the final year of a Bachelor’s degree (minimum three years after 10+2) or a GD Arts diploma (10+5 level) by July 2026. Students from any background, Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, Engineering, or Technology can apply. There’s no restriction on the number of attempts, and final-year students can apply with a provisional or appearing certificate. All applications must be submitted through the official website ceed.iitb.ac.in.
Q2. What is the minimum qualification required for CEED 2026?
The minimum qualification to appear for CEED 2026 is a Bachelor’s degree of at least three years after 10+2 (or equivalent). Candidates who are currently in their final year (expected to complete by July 2026) are also eligible. Acceptable degrees include B.Des, BFA, B.Arch, B.Tech, or equivalent programs. Candidates with a GD Arts diploma (10+5) can also apply. The exam tests design aptitude rather than domain-specific knowledge, making it open to students from both design and non-design disciplines.
Q3. What is the age limit for CEED 2026?
There is no upper age limit to appear for the CEED 2026 exam, making it accessible to learners from all stages of education or professional backgrounds. However, candidates must meet the educational qualification criteria. For M.Des admissions, SC/ST/PwD candidates receive a 5-year relaxation in the upper age limit applied by some IITs during admission. The absence of an age cap makes CEED inclusive, ideal for graduates, professionals, and creative aspirants aiming to enter the design field later in their careers.
Q4. Is the 75% marks criteria removed from JEE 2026?
No, the 75% eligibility criterion for JEE Main and JEE Advanced 2026 is still applicable as per NTA’s current policy. Candidates must secure at least 75% marks in their Class 12 board exams or be among the top 20 percentile of their respective boards to qualify for IIT admissions. For SC/ST candidates, the requirement is 65%. However, this rule applies only to JEE and not to CEED, which focuses solely on a candidate’s design aptitude and creativity, not academic percentage.
Q5. How should I prepare for CEED 2026 effectively?
To prepare for CEED 2026, divide your study time between Part A (analytical, visualization, reasoning) and Part B (drawing, creativity). Start with previous year question papers to understand the pattern and question style. Dedicate 2 hours daily, one hour for MCQs and logical reasoning, and one for sketching and conceptual visualization. Focus on developing creative problem-solving, awareness of design principles, and observational drawing skills. Regular mock tests, visual exercises, and studying everyday product designs will help you build confidence before the January 18, 2026 exam.
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