November 25, 2025
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.
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.
Part A is the screening test. It is computer-based and includes objective questions.
Types of Questions in Part A:
|
Section |
Number of Questions |
Marks for each correct answer |
Marks for each wrong answer |
Marks for each question not attempted |
Total Marks |
|
NAT |
8 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
32 |
|
MSQ |
10 |
Partial Marking (as detailed in section 2) |
-1 (Negative marking) |
0 |
40 |
|
MCQ |
26 |
3 |
-0.5 (Negative marking) |
0 |
78 |
|
Total |
44 |
150 |
Topics Covered in Part A:
As per CEED exam pattern and syllabus 2026, following are the topics that are usually asked in the exam:
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.
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:
|
Section |
Number of Questions |
Partial Marks |
Negative Marks |
Marks |
|
Sketching |
1 |
Yes |
No |
20 |
|
Creativity |
1 |
Yes |
No |
20 |
|
Form Sensitivity |
1 |
Yes |
No |
20 |
Evaluation:
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
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:
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 |
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.
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 CEED cut-off will have their Part B answer sheets evaluated.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Pro Tip: Practice 2–3 minute object/animal sketches daily
5. Presentation Skills:
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]
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.
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.
Check: CEED Registration 2026: Application Form. Fee and Step-by-step Process
To crack the CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) and secure a seat in top IIT design programs such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati, and IISc, you must know which topics matter the most.
The CEED syllabus is vast, but year after year, certain high-yield topics carry more weightage and appear consistently in both Part A and Part B of the exam.
Below is the most comprehensive and updated list of CEED important topics, divided into sections with explanations and examples to guide your preparation.
Part A tests your visual reasoning, design aptitude, observation skills, logical thinking, and general design awareness. It is a computer-based section worth 100 marks.
1. Visualization & Spatial Ability (High Weightage)
Questions involve mental manipulation of 2D/3D forms.
Important sub-topics:
Example question:
1} Shown below are three perspective views of a solid object. How many surfaces does the object have? Assume hidden surfaces to be flat.

2} Shown on the left is the image of an unfolded cube. Which of the options represent(s) the folded cube?

2. Observation & Design Sensitivity (Frequently Tested)
Tests your ability to see visual details and aesthetic patterns.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
1} Shown below are images of chairs produced using typical manufacturing processes. Which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

3. Analytical & Logical Reasoning (Consistent Weightage)
These test problem-solving ability.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
1} Which option will replace the question mark?

2} Which option is the mirror image of the sentence shown on the left?

4. Language & Reading Comprehension (Moderate Weightage)
Tests your ability to interpret and analyze written passages.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
When “See you, bye” is spoken, which option shows the correct sequence of the lip movement?

5. Environmental & Social Awareness (High Yield)
Design doesn’t exist in isolation. CEED checks whether you understand real-world contexts.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
1} A question on sustainable packaging designs introduced in India.
6. Art, Design & Architecture Awareness (Very High Frequency)
This is one of the most scoring CEED important topics.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
1} Which options shown below shows the correct sequence of the dance form?

2} Which of the materials given in the options is/are used in the painting style shown below?
7. Creativity, Imagination & Visual Communication (Important)
CEED Part A includes questions related to graphics, layout, and visual relationships.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
1} Shown below are words in a particular font. Which option belongs to the same font?

8. Animation & Storytelling Basics (Moderate Weightage)
Useful especially for students targeting animation & film programs.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
Shown below are the key frames of a character lifting a sack. Which option will replace the question mark?
Also Check: CEED Last Minute Preparation Strategy 2026: Section-wise Revision Tips
Part B evaluates your drawing ability, creativity, problem-solving skills, and design thinking.
It is conducted offline and has 100 marks weightage.
1. Problem Solving & Design Thinking (Highest Weightage Topic)
This is the heart of CEED Part B. You’ll be given a scenario and asked to design a product, interface, or system.
Important sub-topics:
Example prompt:
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Mandatory question (20 marks = [5+5] + [5+5] marks)
A typical vegetable cart, as seen in India, is shown below.

A. Identify and list FIVE distinct problems from a buyer’s point of view and FIVE distinct problems from a seller’s point of view in this List the problems only in the given space. (5 + 5 marks)
B. From the above-listed problems, draw and visually explain any ONE problem of the buyers, and any ONE problem of the sellers in the given boxes. (5 + 5 marks)
Additional Instructions:
Evaluation Criteria:
2. Creativity & Visual Imagination (Extremely High Weightage)
These questions test originality and innovation.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
Shown below are new animals that have been acquired by an Indian Zoo.

The Zoo wishes to create a signage to guide visitors around the enclosures of these animals. Create four icons using only BLACK colour to indicate the animal in the enclosure. All icons should be clear and visible, and have a consistent visual language. Draw the icons in the FOUR squares provided in the answer booklet.
3. Drawing Skills & Presentation (Core Part B Topic)
Drawing ability does not mean perfection; CEED evaluates clarity of concept.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
“Draw the interior of a café as viewed from a corner table.”
Toprankers CEED Preparation Tips 2026: Check Step Wise Preparation Strategy & Toppers tips
4. Visual Narratives & Storyboarding
Essential for animation and film aspirants.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
1} 7-year-old Chinnu has collected all her old toys in a carton. The carton weighs around 2 kg. Draw Chinnu lifting the box and keeping it in the top shelf of her cupboard in the 4 frames given in the answer sheet.
Additional Instructions:
Evaluation criteria:
5. Object Depiction & Form Sensitivity
Tests how well you perceive and represent objects.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
Inspired from the given three-dimensional form, conceptualise, sketch, and render a single seater furniture for a living room.

6. Scene Creation & Observation-Based Drawing
A very common CEED Part B theme.
Important sub-topics:
Example:
Two kids, Kaa and Kii, are on an adventure trip in a forest. While exploring, suddenly a bear emerges and starts chasing them. The kids start running in panic through the forest. A fox is watching the whole scene. Sketch this scene from the fox’s point of view. The sketch should be clear and visible.
Additional Instructions:
Evaluation Criteria:
7. Visual Sensitivity:
Examples:
1} Shown below are two letters A & B of an ornamental font. Using this font style create the word ‘Forest’ (the first letter in uppercase and the remaining in lowercase).

Evaluation criteria:
|
Part |
Topic |
Importance |
|
Part A |
Visualization & Spatial Ability |
Very High |
|
Part A |
Design & Art Awareness |
Very High |
|
Part A |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
High |
|
Part A |
Observation & Sensitivity |
High |
|
Part A |
Reading Comprehension |
Medium |
|
Part B |
Problem Solving & Design Thinking |
Very High |
|
Part B |
Perspective Drawing |
Very High |
|
Part B |
Creativity & Imagination |
High |
|
Part B |
Storyboarding |
High |
|
Part B |
Scene Creation |
High |
Must-know: What is the Difference Between UCEED and CEED? Check Complete Guide
|
FREE CEED Study Material Name |
Link |
|
CEED Study Material for Drawing |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Creativity |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Form Sensitivity |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Visual Sensitivity |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Problem Solving |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Logical Reasoning |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Language and Creativity |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Aptitude |
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:
Here are some insights that many blogs miss but aspirants should know:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ceed exam is for what purpose?

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