CEED Exam Pattern 2026 (Part A&B) Marking Scheme & Weightage Distribution Structure

Summary: Looking for information about the CEED exam pattern 2026? This guide breaks down the CEED exam paper pattern, marking scheme, time limits, syllabus, and smart tips to crack it. Whether you’re searching for the CEED 2026 exam pattern and syllabus or looking for the official CEED paper pattern PDF, this blog covers everything in one place.

If you’re preparing for CEED 2026, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: What exactly is the CEED 2026 exam pattern 2026? Because only if you understand the pattern, you’ll know the structure of the paper, the format of different sections, marking scheme etc. And accordingly you can strategize a study plan for maximum scores.

The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) is conducted by IIT Bombay every year for admission to the M.Des courses at various IITs and other top design CEED colleges. Its exam pattern is unique because it doesn’t just test your drawing skills but also your design aptitude, reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity.

In this blog, we’ll cover the complete CEED exam pattern, section-wise pattern analysis of Part A & Part B, marking scheme, and preparation strategies. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for CEED 2026.

Download Free Study Material for CEED 2026 by Creative Edge

CEED Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview

The CEED 2026 exam pattern is divided into two parts - Part A and Part B. Both are compulsory, and scores from Part A are used to shortlist candidates for Part B evaluation.

Section	Mode	Marks	Duration	Purpose
Part A	Computer-based	100	1 hour	Tests aptitude, reasoning, visual & design sensitivity
Part B	Pen-and-paper (sketching)	100	2 hours	Tests drawing, creativity, design thinking
Total	—	200	3 hours	—

This structure ensures CEED evaluates both analytical aptitude and hands-on creativity.

CEED Exam Paper Pattern 2026- Part A

Part A is the screening test. It is computer-based and includes objective questions.

Types of Questions in Part A:

1. NAT (Numerical Answer Type): You type the answer (no options).
2. MSQ (Multiple Select Questions): More than one option may be correct.
3. MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions): Only one option is correct.

Topics Covered in Part A:

As per CEED exam pattern and syllabus 2026, following are the topics that are usually asked in the exam:

1. Visualization & spatial reasoning
2. Observation & design sensitivity
3. Environmental & social awareness
4. Analytical & logical reasoning
5. Language & creativity
6. Design aptitude & general awareness

Pro Tip: Part A  of the CEED syllabus decides whether your Part B answer sheet will even be evaluated. So, balancing accuracy and speed here is critical.

CEED Exam Paper Pattern 2026- Part B

Part B is pen-and-paper-based and 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.

Types of Questions in Part B:

1. Drawing from observation
2. Product design/redesign problems
3. Storyboarding & concept visualization
4. Communication design tasks

Evaluation:

1. Answers are subjective and checked manually by experts.
2. Marks depend on creativity, originality, functionality, and neatness.
3. Part B is where you truly prove your design thinking ability.

If you want the official CEED paper pattern PDF, it is usually released with the CEED information brochure on IIT Bombay’s official site. Or watch this space as we'll update the official CEED exam pattern pdf for 2026 exam here as soon as it's released by the institute (tentatively around October 1st week in 2025).

Check: CEED Fee Structure 2026: Check Step-wise Process & Application Fees

Attempt Free CEED Mock Test Today

CEED Exam Pattern 2026- Marking Scheme, Final Score Calculation & Cut-Offs

Understanding the CEED exam pattern 2026 is incomplete without knowing exactly how the marks are calculated. Unlike many design exams, CEED 2026 has a two-step evaluation system:

1. CEED Marking Scheme 2026

Part A (Computer-Based, 150 marks)

Types of Questions	Number of Questions	Question Number	Marking Scheme	Total Marks
NAT (Numerical Answer Type)	8 questions	1-8	+4 for correct answer 0 for wrong answer	32
MSQ (Multiple Select Question) : Each MSQ may have one or more than one correct choice(s) out of the four given	10 questions	9-18	+ 4 If only (all) the correct option(s) is(are) chosen and NONE of the incorrect options is chosen.	40
			+ 3 If all the four options are correct but ONLY three options are chosen.
			+ 2 If three or more options are correct but ONLY two options are chosen (both of which are correct and NONE is incorrect)
			+ 1 If two or more options are correct but ONLY one option is chosen and it is a correct option and NONE of the incorrect options is chosen.
			0 if no option is chosen
			-1 In all other cases (even for 1 incorrect option chosen)
MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)	26 questions	19-44	+3 for each correct answer -0.5 for incorrect answer	78
Total	44	1-44		150

Check: CEED Eligibility 2026- Age Limit, Exam Fee & Educational Qualification

Part B (Sketching/Subjective, 100 marks)

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

2. CEED Final Score Calculation 2026

The final CEED score = 25% of Part A + 75% of Part B.

This clearly shows why Part B of the CEED exam pattern carries more weight and why preparing only for Part A won’t get you through.

3. CEED Cut-Offs & Shortlisting Logic

Part A Cut-Offs: Candidates must clear minimum marks in Part A to get Part B evaluated.

The cut-off for GEN category is dynamic and calculated using:

𝜇 + ( 𝜎/ 2 ) = 𝛿,

where 𝜇 is the average mark, and 𝜎 is the standard deviation of the distribution of marks obtained by ALL the candidates in Part-A of CEED 2025.

Candidates belonging to the reserved categories shall have to fulfil a relaxed cut-off mark:

OBC-NCL/EWS: 0.9 𝛿

SC/ST/PwD: 0.5 𝛿

Only those who meet this Part A cut-off will have their Part B answer sheets evaluated.

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CEED Exam Eligibility for 2026 (Quick Note)

Qualification: Must have completed or be appearing in a Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) of 4 years OR 3+2 (after 10+2).

Age Limit: No age limit.

Attempts: No restriction on attempts.

This makes CEED one of the most accessible design PG exams in India.

Must-know: What is the Difference Between UCEED and CEED? Check Complete Guide

Use Creativedge Free Resources 2026 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

How to Approach CEED Exam Pattern (2026 Strategy)

For Part A:

Part A is your screening round, your Part B won’t even be evaluated unless you clear the Part A cut-off. That’s why it’s crucial to approach it smartly.

1. Time Division:

NAT (Numerical Answer Type): 15-20 mins (avoid getting stuck).

MSQ (Multiple Select Questions): 15-20 mins (use elimination, partial marks possible).

MCQ: 20-25 mins (quick scan, attempt maximum).

2. Accuracy First: Don’t rush NAT questions. Unlike MCQs, there are no options, you must calculate.

3. Guessing Strategy: Attempt educated guesses in MCQs and MSQs only after eliminating 2 options. Random guessing can cause negative marking.

4. Visual & Analytical Practice: Practice puzzles, series, cubes, nets, gears, and logical patterns daily. These make up a significant chunk of marks.

5. Mock Test Drill: Attempt full Part A mocks in 1-hour slots to build speed and stamina.

Pro Tip: Think of Part A as a “qualifier.” Don’t aim for perfection, aim for clearing the sectional cut-off comfortably.

For Part B:

Part B is where the real evaluation happens (75% weightage in final score).

Part B of the CEED exam pattern 2026 has 5 descriptive questions worth 20 marks each. These test your ability to observe, create, analyze, and solve problems through sketches and design thinking.

1. Sketching

Type of Questions Asked: Draw a human activity, object in perspective, or scene showing posture and proportion.

 Strategy:

• Focus on proportions and perspective rather than decoration.
• Add minimal background/context for clarity.
• Use clean strokes and light shading for depth.

 Pro Tip: Practice fast gesture drawings: speed + accuracy matter.

2. Creativity

Type of Questions : Redesign an everyday object, imagine a product for a unique user, or illustrate an abstract theme.

 Strategy:

• Generate multiple thumbnails before finalizing.
• Show the product in use to highlight functionality.
• Add short notes/labels to explain features.

 Pro Tip: Examiners reward original + practical ideas over wild but unrealistic ones.

3. Form Sensitivity

 Type of Questions: Translate a given shape, pattern, or style into a new product design.

 Strategy:

• Identify key visual cues (shape, rhythm, texture).
• Maintain a consistent design language in multiple views.
• Use shading and hatch marks to suggest surface finishes.

 Pro Tip: Start with the silhouette, it defines identity instantly.

4. Visual Sensitivity

 Type of Questions: Quick sketches to represent objects, characters, or scenarios with clarity.

 Strategy:

• Capture defining traits in minimal strokes.
• Ensure consistency across multiple small sketches.
• Focus on readability, avoid clutter.

 Pro Tip: Practice 2–3 minute object/animal sketches daily

5. Presentation Skills:

• Use clean lines, avoid smudges.
• Add notes/labels if space allows.
• Don’t erase too much, messy sheets lose marks.

Pro Tip: Even a simple idea, if presented neatly and thoughtfully, can outscore a complex but unfinished one.

Also Check: CEED Books 2026: Best books for CEED Preparation [Section Wise Book List]

CEED Exam Pattern 2026 - Key Insights

Here are some insights that many blogs miss but aspirants should know:

1. Cut-off Dependency: Clearing Part A cut-off is essential to qualify for Part B evaluation.
2. Weightage: Final CEED score = 25% Part A + 75% Part B.
3. Common Mistake: Many focus only on sketching (Part B) and ignore Part A aptitude. Both matter!
4. Practice with Past Papers: Solving previous year CEED papers is the best way to understand difficulty and style.
5. Balance Creativity + Functionality: CEED rewards practical design thinking, not just beautiful sketches.

CEED Exam 2026 is for What Purpose?

Before diving into the CEED exam pattern 2026, let’s clarify CEED exam is for what purpose.

The CEED exam is for admission into Master of Design (M.Des) and PhD design programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, IIITDM Jabalpur, and several other leading institutes.

In short, CEED identifies creative problem-solvers and innovators who can handle advanced design education and careers.

Primary Purpose of CEED 2026:

1. Admission into M.Des Programs: CEED is the official gateway for Master of Design (M.Des) programs at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, and IIITDM Jabalpur.
2. PhD Programs in Design: Some IITs and design institutes also use CEED scores for PhD admissions.
3. Eligibility for Other Institutes: Many leading design schools across India accept CEED scores beyond IITs (like IISc Bangalore and select private institutes).

Toprankers CEED Preparation Tips 2026: Check Step Wise Preparation Strategy & Toppers tips

Conclusion

Understanding the CEED exam pattern 2026 is the first step towards cracking it. With its unique two-part structure, CEED tests not just creativity but also analytical aptitude.

So, if you’re preparing for CEED 2026:

• Master Part A reasoning & aptitude for cut-off clearance.
• Practice Part B sketching & design problems for high scores.
• Download the official CEED paper pattern PDF once released for updates.

The right balance of logic + creativity is what CEED looks for. Start early, stay consistent, and let your design thinking shine. CEED can open up a world of exciting job opportunities for you in the design industry in India.