CEED 2027 Exam - Dates, Pattern, Syllabus, and More [Check Latest Updates]

CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) is a national-level postgraduate design entrance exam conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to M.Des and PhD programs at the IITs, IISc Bangalore and other institutes.

CEED 2027 is expected on Sunday, 17 January 2027, with registration opening around October 2026. Exact dates will be confirmed in the official notification at ceed.iitb.ac.in.

Go through the entire page to get a complete insight into the CEED 2027 exam, eligibility criteria, important CEED 2027 exam dates and much more! 

Download Free Study Material for CEED 2027 by Creative Edge

What is the CEED Exam 2027? - Overview

CEED stands for the Common Entrance Examination for Design. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted every year by IIT Bombay on behalf of the participating institutes.

CEED Exam is for What Purpose?

CEED is the gateway to postgraduate design education in India - a qualifying CEED score is used for admission to Master of Design (M.Des) and PhD (Design) programmes at institutes such as IIT Bombay (IDC), IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IISc Bangalore (CPDM) and others.

Particulars	Details
Exam name	Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)
Conducting body	IIT Bombay (Industrial Design Centre, IDC)
Level	National-level, postgraduate
Purpose	Admission to M.Des & PhD (Design)
Exam mode	Part A: computer-based · Part B: pen-and-paper
Total marks	250 (Part A: 150, Part B: 100)
Exam date (2027)	17 January 2027 (announced by IIT Bombay on May 25, 2026)
Registration	~October 2026 (expected)
Official website	ceed.iitb.ac.in
Exam cities	~27 cities across India

Who Should Take CEED?

Graduates (or final-year students) of any three-year degree/diploma who want to build a career in product, interaction, communication, mobility or industrial design at the master's level.

CEED 2027 Exam Dates & Schedule

Check the important CEED 2027 Exam dates for this academic year by referring to the table below:

CEED Exam 2027 Events	Dates (Tentative)
Start date for online registration with regular fee	October 2026
Last date for online registration with regular fee	October 2026
Last date for online registration with late fee	November 2026 (tentatively first week)
Start date for Admit Card downloading	January 2027
Last date for rectification of discrepancies in the Admit Card	January 2027
CEED 2027: Date and time of exam	Sunday, 17 January 2027, 9:00 am-12:00 noon (announced)
Release of draft answer key for Part-A and release of candidate’s response for Part-A	January 2027
Release of final CEED answer key for Part-A	January 2027
Announcement of cut-off marks for Part-A	February 2027
Declaration of results	March 2027
Last date for downloading Score Cards	July 2027

NOTE: All dates below are tentative and based on IIT Bombay's historical CEED schedule; they will be updated the moment the official notification is released.

Enroll Now for Live CEED

CEED 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates fulfilling the basic eligibility requirements can complete the CEED 2027 application form within the announced timeframe discussed in this article. Check the expected CEED eligibility criteria listed below. 

1. CEED 2027 Age Limit

There is no age limit to appear for CEED. Also, a candidate can appear for CEED exam any number of times.

2. CEED 2027 Educational Qualification

Candidates must have completed a degree/diploma/postgraduate degree program of a minimum of THREE years (after 10+2 level) or must be appearing for the final examination of such a program by July 2027, or must have passed the GD Arts diploma program (10+5 level) by July 2027.

3. Maximum Attempts

As per the CEED eligibility criteria, candidates can attempt the examination as long as they qualify for the age limit. 

4. Scribe Qualification

The orthopedically or visually impaired candidates will be allowed to have a scribe facility to appear in part A of the CEED examination. The candidates will be required to follow the following rules to get a scribe:

• They have to mention that they belong to the PWD category in the application form.
• The scribe shall be provided to the candidates by the authorities themselves.

CEED 2027 Application Form

The CEED 2027 application form is available on the official website of IIT Bombay. The candidates with basic eligibility can fill the same within the timeframe mentioned in the table above.

Here are some important steps that are helpful to the application:

• Visit the official website of IIT Bombay
• On the homepage, click on the CEED application form link
• Complete your registration with details like name, date of birth, gender, category, etc
• Enter details like qualifying examination, passing year and mobile number
• Enter the academic details, personal and correspondence address and then move forward
• Pay the CEED application fee relevant to the category and then submit the CEED application form

Documents Required with CEED Application Form 2027

Documents	File Size
Photograph	Size: 3.5X4.5 cm Minimum Size: 5KB Maximum Size: 100 KB
Signature	Size: 3.5X4.5 cm Minimum Size: 2 KB Maximum Size: 50 KB
Copy of degree/diploma	Minimum Size: 2 KB Maximum Size: 50 KB
Certificate from the Principal of the College/Head of Department	Minimum Size: 2 KB Maximum Size: 50 KB
Category Certificate	Less than 500KB
PwD certificate	Less than 500KB
Age and nationality proof	Less than 500KB

CEED 2027 Application Fee

CEED registration form must be submitted ONLINE ONLY through the official website, http://www.ceed.iitb.ac.in.

Note that this registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. It must be paid through the payment option provided on the website when submitting the registration form. 

The online registration portal provides detailed instructions for paying registration fees. Credit card, debit card, and net banking options are available. The registration fee shown above does NOT include service and other charges and the processing fees that banks may levy.

The normal registration fee shown above is applicable till the regular closing date of registration. A late fee of ₹500 applies to ALL candidates for registrations submitted after the regular closing date. Registration fee:

• ₹ 2,000/- for all women candidates
• ₹ 2,000/- for (SC/ST/PwD) candidates
• ₹ 4,000/- for all other candidates

Attend FREE Demo Class for CEED 2027 (Drawing + Aptitude)

CEED 2027 Admit Card/Hall Ticket

• CEED admit card has to be downloaded from the official website of IIT Bombay.
• The convenor releases the soft copy of the admit card for the eligible candidates.
• The admit card has details like the candidate’s name, roll number, date of the exam, centre of the exam, timing and important instructions related to the exam.
• It is an important document to be carried to the examination hall to avoid disqualification. 

Admit Card will be available for downloading from the official CEED website (www.ceed.iitb.ac.in) tentatively from January, 2027 till the date of the examination. 

Please print out the Admit Card clearly before coming to the examination centre. In case of any discrepancies in the Admit Card, please write to ceed@iitb.ac.in before the deadline.

CEED 2027 Exam Pattern

As per the official notification, the CEED exam will be held in two parts, A and B. Candidates preparing to appear for this year’s exam must prepare topics mentioned in the CEED syllabus to qualify for both parts.

CEED exam 2027 will be conducted tentatively in January 2027. This examination will consist of two parts, Part A and Part B. Candidates must attempt questions from both parts.

Part A will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by Part B from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Go through the section below to learn more about the CEED 2027 exam pattern and syllabus:

CEED Part A Exam Pattern 2027

Part-A (Total marks: 150; Maximum time: 1 hour)

Section 1: NAT (Numerical Answer Type): 8 questions (4 marks each; no negative marks). For these questions, the answer is a number that needs to be entered using a virtual keyboard on the computer screen. No choices will be shown for these questions.

Section 2: MSQ (Multiple Select Question): 10 questions. Each MSQ may have one or more than one correct choice(s) out of the four given.

Section 3: MCQ (Multiple Choice Question): 26 questions (3 marks each for the correct answer; 0.5 negative marks for incorrect answers). Each MCQ will have four choices, out of which only one is the correct answer.

Section	Number of Questions	Question Number	Marks for each correct answer	Marks for each wrong answer	Marks for each question not attempted	Total Marks
NAT	8	1 - 8	4	0	0	32
MSQ	10	9 - 18	Partial Marking (as detailed in section 2)	- 1	0	40
MCQ	26	19 - 44	3	- 0.5	0	78
Total	44	1 - 44				150

CEED Part B Exam Pattern 2027

(Total marks: 100; Maximum time: 2 hours)

Part B consists of five questions to test design, drawing and writing skills. The questions in Part B will be displayed on the computer screen, and the answers should be written in the answer book provided by the invigilator (NOT into the Computer).

However, you need to tick the appropriate box on the computer screen to indicate that you have answered the same. In the case of PwD candidates availing the use of a scribe, assistance in attempting Part B is not permitted, as the question is aimed at evaluating their drawing skills. Previous CEED question papers can be referred to for practice and understanding the type of drawing-based questions asked, but during the exam, all work must be done independently.

• Part-B answer booklets will be collected at the end of the examination
• Part-B questions are mandatory
• The entire paper (Part A and Part B) must be finished within the stipulated time for each part

Section	Number of Questions	Question Number	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

CEED Shortlisting Process (How Candidates Are Selected for Part-B Evaluation)

The CEED selection process is two-stage:

1. Part-A – Computer-based screening test

2. Part-B – Drawing, creativity, design analysis test (evaluated manually)

But not every candidate’s Part-B answer sheet is checked. Only candidates who clear the Part-A cut-off are shortlisted. This is why understanding the shortlisting rules is extremely important.

Below is a simple, accurate breakdown of how the CEED shortlisting process works.

1) CEED Part-A Is Only a Screening Test

Part-A contains:

• Visualization questions
• Spatial reasoning
• Analytical reasoning
• Design aptitude
• Observation questions
• Basic MCQ/MSQ/NAT aptitude questions

Part-A is computer-graded and is only used to shortlist candidates for the evaluation of Part-B.

Important:

• Part-A marks do NOT directly contribute to your final CEED score.
• They only decide who qualifies for Part-B evaluation.

2) Official CEED Part-A Cut-Off Formula (Used Every Year)

CEED uses a specific formula to calculate category-wise cut-offs for shortlisting.

The Part-A cut-off for each category is calculated as:

Formula for the Part-A cutoff (General / Open category):

𝜇 + (𝜎⁄2) = 𝛿

Where:

• μ = Average marks of all candidates in Part-A
• σ = Standard deviation of Part-A marks

Relaxed (category) cutoffs:

• OBC-NCL and EWS: 0.9 × δ
• SC / ST / PwD: 0.5 × δ

Candidates must meet their respective category cutoffs to have Part-B evaluated.

This ensures that the cut-off is performance-based and changes every year according to difficulty level.

Let’s understand this with an example, suppose for a given year:

• Mean (μ) = 45.48
• Standard deviation (σ) = 16.98.

General Cut-off:

δ=μ+σ/2 = 45.48+16.98/2 = 45.48+8.49 = 53.97

So δ ≈ 53.97 (General / Open).

Category cutoffs:

• OBC-NCL / EWS cutoff = 0.9 × δ = 0.9 × 53.97 ≈ 48.57
• SC / ST / PwD cutoff = 0.5 × δ = 0.5 × 53.97 ≈ 26.99

3) Only Candidates Who Clear the Part-A Cut-Off Are Shortlisted

Once category-wise cut-offs are applied:

• Only those who meet or exceed their category’s cut-off get shortlisted.
• Only their Part-B will be evaluated manually by experts.

Everyone else’s Part-B is discarded automatically. Part-B thus has a much larger influence on the final rank.

This is one of the most important CEED rules and often misunderstood.

4) Why Part-B Is Evaluated Only for Shortlisted Candidates

Part-B tests:

• Drawing ability
• Creative problem solving
• Design thinking
• Conceptual representation
• Storyboarding
• Visual communication
• Form analysis

These answers are manually checked by a panel of design faculty.
Since over 10,000 candidates appear for CEED each year, checking every script is not feasible.

Thus, the Part-A cut-off filters candidates for detailed evaluation.

5) Calculation of the Final CEED Score

Your final CEED score is calculated only after Part-B is checked (for shortlisted candidates).

The formula is:

Important details:

• Part-B carries more weightage (75%), because CEED is a design aptitude exam.
• Candidates who are NOT shortlisted get NO final score and will not be included in the final result list.

CEED 2027 Syllabus [Section-wise]

Know the complete CEED syllabus before you start your preparation. Understanding the section-wise topics and weightage will help you create an effective study plan and focus on the concepts that matter most in the exam. Explore our detailed CEED Syllabus 2027 guide for the latest syllabus, topic-wise breakdown, and preparation tips.

CEED 2027 Syllabus - Part A (computer-based, screening test)

Topic Area	What CEED Tests
Visualisation & Spatial Reasoning	Ability to visualise and mentally transform 2D shapes and 3D objects, and understand their spatial relationships.
Practical & Scientific Knowledge	Understanding of everyday scientific principles and how common objects work.
Observation & Design Sensitivity	Spotting hidden or subtle properties in everyday things; attention to detail, classification, analysis, inference and prediction.
Environment & Society	Awareness of how design connects with environmental, social and cultural issues.
Analytical & Logical Reasoning	Ability to analyse both qualitative and quantitative information logically.
Language	Proficiency in reading and comprehending standard English.
Creativity	Grasp of verbal and non-verbal analogies, metaphors, signs and symbols.
Art & Design Knowledge	Awareness of art, artefacts and products; notable artists/designers; and art/design history and trends.
Design Methods & Practices	Knowledge of media, materials, production processes and ergonomics.

CEED 2027 Syllabus - Part B (pen-and-paper, tests design and drawing ability)

Skill Assessed	What CEED Tests
Drawing	Drawing products, people or scenes in proportion with good line quality, composition, perspective and shading.
Creativity	Thinking out-of-the-box to develop unique, diverse design solutions.
Communication	Clearly conveying concepts and ideas using a mix of text and visuals.
Problem Identification	Understanding the user and context, and applying knowledge of materials and their appropriate use in design.

Use Creative Edge Free Resources 2027 Strategically

FREE CEED Study Material Name	Link
CEED Study Material for Drawing	Click Here
CEED Study Material for Creativity	Click Here
CEED Study Material for Form Sensitivity	Click Here
CEED Study Material for Visual Sensitivity	Click Here
CEED Study Material for Problem Solving	Click Here
CEED Study Material for Logical Reasoning	Click Here
CEED Study Material for Language and Creativity	Click Here
CEED Study Material for Aptitude	Click Here

Preparation Strategy for CEED 2027 Aspirants

Here's a 5-month CEED 2027 roadmap. It's built around the one strategic fact that decides most CEED ranks- Part A is only a screening gate, but Part B carries ~75% of your final score.

So the plan clears the Part-A gate early, then pours the remaining months into Part B (sketching, design thinking, studio practice).

Month-by-month plan

Month	Focus	Part A	Part B	Milestone
Month 1 (Aug-Sep)	Foundations	Start visualization & spatial reasoning, logical/analytical reasoning; revise basic aptitude	Begin daily 30-45 min sketching: line quality, proportion, everyday objects	Diagnostic test to find weak areas
Month 2 (Sep-Oct)	Full syllabus coverage	Observation & design sensitivity, art/design knowledge, design methods & materials	Perspective, shading, figure & object drawing; start simple idea sketches	Complete registration when the notification opens (~Oct 2026)
Month 3 (Oct-Nov)	Clear the gate	Timed Part-A section practice; fix negative-marking habits (MCQ −0.5, MSQ partial)	Creativity & problem-identification tasks; storyboards, concept development	Consistently cross the expected Part-A cut-off in practice
Month 4 (Nov-Dec)	Maximize Part B	Maintain Part A with weekly section tests (don't over-invest here)	Studio-style practice: product/scene composition, communication through visuals; timed Part-B answers	Build a small portfolio of your best Part-B answers for self-review
Month 5 (Dec-Jan)	Peak & revise	Light revision + error log review only	Full-length mock tests under exam conditions; refine speed & presentation	Download CEED admit card (~early Jan); exam ~17 Jan 2027

Weekly rhythm that makes it work

• Sketch a little every day - Part B rewards consistency, not last-minute cramming.
• One full or half mock every week from Month 3 onward; review mistakes the same day in an error log.
• Split your CEED preparation roughly as - 40% Part A / 60% Part B overall, shifting further toward Part B after Month 3.

CEED 2027 Exam Day Instructions

• Reporting time: Candidates should report at the examination centre at the reporting time, along with a printout of the Admit Card. The biometric information (thumb impression and photograph) must be recorded before appearing for the examination. 
• Identity proof: Candidates should bring a valid photo identity proof (original) and the Admit Card to the examination centre. Candidates will not be admitted to the examination centre without proper identity proof (college-issued identity card, passport, driving license, PAN card, Voter ID, Aadhar card or printed e-Aadhar card).
• Stationery: Candidates must bring their own drawing materials like pens, pencils, sketch pens and colours for the examination. Candidates should NOT bring drawing sheets to the examination hall.

Electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, calculators, smart or digital watches and the like are NOT allowed in the examination hall. The use of any electronic gadget will disqualify the candidature.

CEED 2027 Results

• CEED 2027 results are released on the official website at least 10 to 15 days after the examination.
• Candidates appearing in the examination must check using their login ID and password.
• Those who fail to qualify for the result are not eligible to appear in the counselling process.
• CEED result comprises details like the candidate’s name, roll number, selection status and subject-wise marks secured. 

CEED 2027 Cut-Off Marks [Expected]

• IIT Bombay announces the CEED exam cut-off marks on the official website only.
• The candidates writing the examination must download and go through the minimum cut-off marks to get an idea of the overall exam level.
• These cut-off marks for the CEED 2027 exam are released by considering factors like the number of seats, difficulty level of the exam and overall competition level.
• Candidates whose marks are more than the prescribed cut-off marks are considered for the next round of the admission process.
• Generally, a score above 50-60 is considered good in the CEED 2027 examination. 

CEED 2027 Participating Colleges List 

CEED exam is one of the leading entrance exams for admission into the M.Des and PhD in Design.

Candidates who clear the examination become eligible for admission to any participating colleges. In the section below, we have named the top CEED colleges:

• IIT Bombay (IDC School of Design)
• IIT Delhi (Department of Design)
• IIT Gandhinagar (Design Discipline)
• IIT Guwahati (Department of Design)
• IIT Hyderabad (Department of Design)
• IIT Jodhpur (Department of Design)
• IIT Kanpur (Design Programme)
• IIT Roorkee (Department of Design)
• IISc Bengaluru (Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing)
• IIITDM Jabalpur & IIITDM Kancheepuram

Latest Update- IIT Gandhinagar was added to the CEED participating colleges list in 2026.

CEED Mock Tests 2027

CEED 2027 mock tests should be attempted regularly to get an insight into the overall preparation level.

Attempting mock tests is an important aspect of preparing for the examination. Candidates can easily practice and develop their skills by doing so. It also helps one gain enough insight regarding the format of the test and the difficulty level of the questions asked.

Candidates can easily highlight their strong and weak points and then work accordingly. 

Conclusion

The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) is a highly competitive exam that requires knowledge, skill, and creativity. It is the first step to gaining admission into various design institutes in India.

The CEED 2027 exam is an essential part of the process for those pursuing a career in design. With its wide range of topics, the CEED exam allows aspirants to demonstrate their creativity and technical proficiency. CEED sample papers are a valuable resource for practice, helping candidates familiarize themselves with the question format and the type of design challenges they are likely to encounter.

With the right preparation and approach, the CEED 2027 exam can be a great opportunity for those looking to advance their design careers.