August 24, 2026
The CEED 2027 syllabus is set by the conducting body - IIT Bombay and is divided into two parts. Part A (computer-based, 150 marks) includes questions on visualization and spatial ability, practical and scientific knowledge, observation and design sensitivity, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language and creativity, and design thinking.
While Part B (offline, 100 marks) has 5 questions, 20 marks each on drawing, creativity, form sensitivity, visual sensitivity and problem identification.
CEED exam is scored out of a total of 250 marks, with the final rank weighted as per this formula- 0.25 × Part A + 0.75 × Part B; and Part B is checked only if you clear the Part A cut-off.
To be accepted into CEED colleges like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, etc. one must pass the CEED 2027 exam and clear the admission cutoffs. It is advised to download CEED entrance exam syllabus pdf, understand types of questions and difficulty level, and use the right study materials to prepare for the exam.
The revised CEED 2027 syllabus details are listed below.
|
Topic Area |
What It Tests (in simple terms) |
|
Visualization & Spatial Reasoning |
Picturing and rotating 2D shapes and 3D objects in your mind, and understanding how they relate in space (mirror images, paper folding, different views). |
|
Observation & Design Sensitivity |
Noticing fine details and hidden qualities in everyday things, then thinking critically about them, classifying, analysing, inferring and predicting. |
|
Practical & Scientific Knowledge |
Everyday science, and how common objects and simple mechanisms (like gears and pulleys) actually work. |
|
Environment & Society |
Awareness of how design connects to the environment, society and culture. |
|
Analytical & Logical Reasoning |
Making sense of both word-based (qualitative) and number-based (quantitative) information logically. |
|
Language & Creativity |
Reading and understanding standard English, plus grasping verbal and non-verbal analogies, metaphors, signs and symbols. |
|
Art & Design Knowledge |
Familiarity with art, artefacts and products, famous artists and designers, and design history and current trends. |
|
Design Methods & Practices |
Knowledge of media, materials, production processes and ergonomics. |
Once you know the syllabus, pick your resources from the best CEED preparation books.
|
Skill Tested |
What It Means (in simple terms) |
|
Drawing |
Sketching products, people or scenes with good proportion, line quality, composition, perspective and shading. |
|
Creativity |
Thinking out of the box to develop unique and varied design solutions. |
|
Communication |
Expressing your concepts and ideas clearly using both visuals and text. |
|
Problem Identification |
Understanding the user and the context, and choosing the right materials for the design. |
Syllabus as per the official CEED Information Brochure (ceed.iitb.ac.in). IIT Bombay does not release a separate syllabus PDF.
Q) Shown below is a strip of paper which is folded multiple times. How many red pawns are placed on the same side of the paper as the blue pawn?

Ans: 9
Q) Shown below is a configuration of an isosceles triangle sliced into eight parts, each of the same height. While the first and last parts of the triangle remain fixed, the remaining parts have been displaced horizontally, by multiples of 0.5 cm. What is the area of the grey portion?

Ans: 48
Q) Shown below is an arrangement of closely stacked spheres. Assume each one to be in contact with its immediate neighbour. What is the total number of points where the spheres touch each other?

Ans: 96
Q) Shown below are four different types of scissors. Which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

Ans: B,C
Q) Which option will replace the question mark?

Ans: A
Q) A sequence of a man sleep walking is shown below. Which frame is incorrect?

Ans: A
See exactly how these sections are tested in real CEED question papers.
Q) The Reserve Bank of India plans to introduce a new series of currency for the year 2050. Instead of using paper and conventional metals, the new currency will be made from natural and sustainable materials to promote environmental awareness and reduce counterfeiting.
Design the following:
Your designs should:
Solution:


Q) Shown below is a canvas with four frames containing certain elements. Create a meaningful sequence of visuals using the elements in the frames. Ensure that continuity is maintained across the frames by using additional prop(s) and/or character(s) as needed. You may choose to create the sequence either from left to right or right to left, but indicate the direction using an arrow. Give an appropriate title in the space provided.

Evaluation criteria:
Solution:

Before you plan your prep, confirm you meet the CEED eligibility criteria.
CEED is a three-hour exam that has 2 major parts and is scored out of a total of 250 marks. Crucially, Part A is only a screening stage, your Part B is evaluated only if you clear the Part A cut-off, and your final result will have higher weightage of Part B as compared to Part A.
Go through the section below to learn more about the CEED exam pattern:
|
Feature |
Part A |
Part B |
|
Mode |
Computer-based (CBT) |
Offline (pen & paper) |
|
Timing |
9:00-10:00 AM (1 hour) |
10:00 AM-12:00 noon (2 hours) |
|
Questions |
44 (NAT 8, MSQ 10, MCQ 26) |
5 (20 marks each) |
|
Marks |
150 |
100 |
|
Negative marking |
NAT none; MCQ −0.5; MSQ per partial-marking scheme |
None |
|
Role |
Screening / qualifying |
Evaluated only if Part A cut-off is cleared |
Total marks: 250 | Final score: 0.25 × Part A + 0.75 × Part B. CEED scores are accepted for M.Des and PhD design programs at IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kanpur, IIITDM Jabalpur and IISc Bangalore, and are valid for one year
Practice all topics of the syllabus in exact exam-like timed conditions, attempt- CEED sample papers.
As per the official CEED 2026 Information Brochure, Part A is a computer-based test of 1 hour with a total of 150 marks and 44 questions.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks for Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | 8 | 4 | No negative marking | 32 |
| MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) | 10 | Partial marking (as per official scheme) | -1 in all other cases | 40 |
| MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | 26 | 3 | -0.5 for incorrect answer | 78 |
| Total | 44 | - | - | 150 |
| Section | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Sketching/Drawing | 1 | 20 | 120 minutes |
| Creativity | 1 | 20 | |
| Form sensitivity | 1 | 20 | |
| Visual Sensitivity | 1 | 20 | |
| Problem-Solving | 1 | 20 | |
| Total | 5 | 100 | 120 minutes |
For structured guidance, explore CEED online coaching with expert mentors.
|
FREE CEED Study Material Name |
Link |
|
CEED Study Material for Drawing |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Creativity |
|
|
CEED Study Material for Form Sensitivity |
|
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CEED Study Material for Visual Sensitivity |
|
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CEED Study Material for Problem Solving |
|
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CEED Study Material for Logical Reasoning |
|
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CEED Study Material for Language and Creativity |
|
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CEED Study Material for Aptitude |
|
Preparing for CEED requires a focused and dedicated approach due to the high competition in the examination. Hence, you are required to keep a planned approach from the first day of the exam preparations. Here are some subject-specific tips to help you prepare for CEED syllabus:
Check CEED preparation tips to complete the CEED syllabus of CEED 2027 exam effortlessly.
As per CEED visualization and spatial ability CEED 2027 syllabus, students should practice sketching and drawing regularly to improve their visualization and spatial ability skills. You can also solve practice questions on 3D visualization, isometric projections, and perspective drawing.
Read design-related articles, magazines, and blogs to keep yourself updated with the latest trends and practices in the design field. You can also solve practice questions on colour theory, typography, and design principles.
CEED analytical and logical reasoning syllabus, candidates should practice solving analytical and logical reasoning questions from various sources such as previous year's papers, mock tests, and reference books. This will help you improve your problem-solving skills and speed.
CEED language and creativity part a syllabus, students are advised to read English language books, articles, and newspapers to improve their reading comprehension and communication skills. You can also practice writing short essays on design-related topics to improve your writing skills.
Stay updated with the latest news by reading newspapers, magazines, and online news portals. This will help you in the general awareness section of the exam.
A valid CEED score opens doors to M.Des and PhD design admissions at prestigious IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IIITDM Jabalpur and IISc Bangalore, across specializations such as Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design, Animation, Mobility & Vehicle Design and Product Design.
Note that clearing CEED does not grant a seat directly, each institute runs its own interview and portfolio round afterwards, so build your portfolio alongside your syllabus prep.
Still deciding between the UG and PG design exams? Compare UCEED vs CEED.
IIT Bombay does not officially ask to use any specific material to prepare for CEED. The most reliable preparation is previous-year papers plus targeted drawing, creativity and design-aptitude practice. However, these widely-used resources help:
| Resource | Best for |
|---|---|
| CEED previous year question papers (official) | The single best guide to real difficulty and question types |
| Cracking CEED & UCEED | Concept coverage plus practice for Part A |
| A study guide for NID / IIT / IISc design entrances | Broad design-aptitude practice |
| Freehand sketching & perspective drawing practice books | Building Part B drawing speed and quality |
| Design related current affairs | Design awareness, designers and current trends |
Confirm current editions and authors before purchase. A B.Arch/NATA guide is not suitable for CEED, which is a postgraduate design (M.Des) exam.
Check here: CEED Admit Card 2027
Treat the CEED syllabus as a checklist, not a summary- prepare aptitude enough so that you clear Part A comfortably, and then focus your energy into Part B, where 75% of your score is decided. Pair the syllabus with previous-year papers and a work portfolio, and you'll walk into the exam knowing exactly what to expect.
Preparing for CEED 2027? We can help you with exact strategic roadmap, study material and crucial feedback required to ace this exam.
Join best CEED Online Coaching by CreativEdge and get expert guidance on all CEED subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
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