CEED 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Application Fees, Tips
The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) is the gateway to postgraduate design programs (M.Des) at top institutes across India. For aspiring designers, CEED 2026 is a crucial step to secure admission in institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIITDM Jabalpur, and others. This guide provides all the information you need about CEED 2026, including eligibility, exam pattern, registration, admit card, preparation tips, and how MAD School can help you succeed.
What is CEED?
CEED is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Bombay under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It assesses a candidate’s visual perception, creativity, problem-solving ability, and design aptitude. CEED scores are accepted by premier design institutes for M.Des programs and are often used for recruitment by leading design companies.
CEED is not just an exam; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your creativity and design thinking, which are highly valued in the professional design world.
CEED 2026 Official Dates
The CEED 2026 exam will be held on:
Sunday, 18th January 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
The official notification, including registration details and guidelines, will be released on 1st October 2025 on the official CEED website: www.ceed.iitb.ac.in
Tentative Timeline:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification & Registration Start | 1st October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Regular Fee) | Late October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Late Fee) | Early November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | First week of January 2026 |
| CEED 2026 Exam | 18th January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | First week of March 2026 |
Candidates should regularly check the official CEED website for updates.
UCEED 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Syllabus, Application Fees & Tips
CEED 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (10+2+3 or 10+2+4)
- OR Diploma in Design (10+3) or equivalent
No Age Limit: CEED does not impose any age restrictions.
Final Year Students Eligible: Candidates in the final year of their qualifying degree can also apply.
CEED 2026 Exam Pattern
CEED tests both design aptitude and creative problem-solving skills. The exam consists of two parts:
| Part | Mode | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A: Screening Test | Online (Computer-based) | 100 | 1 hour |
| Part B: Design Aptitude Test | Offline (Drawing) | 100 | 2 hours |
Total Marks: 200
key Areas Tested:
- Visualization and spatial ability
- Environmental and social awareness
- Analytical and logical reasoning
- Observation and design sensitivity
- Creativity and communication of ideas
CEED 2026 Registration Process
Follow these steps to register for CEED 2026:
- Visit the official website: www.ceed.iitb.ac.in
- Create an account using a valid email ID
- Fill in personal, educational, and contact details
-
Upload required documents:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Academic certificates
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference
Tip: Apply before the last date to avoid last-minute issues.
CEED 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for CEED 2026 varies based on category and whether the application is submitted during the regular or late registration period.
| Category | Regular Fee | Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹3,000 | ₹3,500 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 |
| International Candidates | US $100 | US $120 |
Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI)
Submit the application fee well before the last date to avoid technical issues and ensure your application is accepted.
CEED 2026 Admit Card
The admit card is mandatory to appear for the exam.
Release Date: First week of January 2026
Download Process:
- Log in to the CEED website using your credentials
- Download and print the admit card
Details on Admit Card:
- Candidate name and roll number
- Exam date and timing
- Exam center details
- Important instructions
Important: Carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
Preparation Tips for CEED 2026
Cracking CEED 2026 requires a mix of creativity, analytical thinking, and consistent practice. Here are some key tips to help you prepare effectively:
- Practice freehand drawing, 2D and 3D compositions, and perspective sketches.
- Observe objects, spaces, and human interactions around you to improve visualization skills.
- Experiment with different mediums—pencils, markers, digital tools—to build versatility.
- Analyze past CEED papers to understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
- Focus on recurring topics like design sensitivity, observation, and creativity.
- Time yourself while solving papers to build speed and accuracy.
- Simulate real exam conditions to improve time management.
- Identify weak areas and work on them with targeted practice.
- Use feedback to refine your answers and presentation style.
- Prepare for Part A objective questions on numerical ability, reasoning, and visualization.
- Practice puzzles, logical reasoning exercises, and problem-solving scenarios.
- Study famous designers, design movements, and iconic products.
- Understand environmental, social, and cultural aspects of design.
- Keep up with trends in industrial design, UX/UI, communication design, and product development.
- Include your best sketches, projec3s, and creative experiments.
- Focus on clarity, originality, and presentation—colleges often look at portfolios during admissions.
- Consider joining MAD School for structured learning.
- Get personalized feedback from experienced mentors.
- Attend workshops and online classes to strengthen weak areas.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced designers and educators.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers both Part A and Part B thoroughly.
- Portfolio Guidance: Develop a strong portfolio to impress colleges.
- Mock Tests & Personalized Feedback: Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Flexible Learning Options: Online and offline classes to fit your schedule.
- M.Des Programs: IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Delhi, IIITDM Jabalpur, and more
- Specializations: Product Design, Industrial Design, Communication Design, UX/UI, Transportation Design, Animation
- Career Paths: Design studios, startups, IT and tech companies, product development, freelancing, and global opportunities
1. Daily Sketching & Visualization Practice
2. Solve Previous Year Papers
3. Take Mock Tests
4. Strengthen Analytical & Logical Skills
5. Build Design Awareness
6. Portfolio Development
7. Seek Expert Guidance
Consistency is key. Practice daily, review your work critically, and focus on both creativity and technical accuracy to excel in CEED 2026.
Check out: What should I include in my CEED 2026 Portfolio?
Why Choose MAD School for CEED Coaching
At MAD School, we specialize in preparing students to crack CEED and secure admission in India’s top design institutes.
Our students have successfully entered top design colleges in India and excelled in their careers, thanks to structured coaching and practical guidance.
Career Opportunities After CEED Exam 2026
Qualifying CEED opens doors to:
Conclusion
CEED 2026 is your gateway to a rewarding career in design. With the right guidance, practice, and portfolio, you can confidently crack CEED and take your first step toward becoming a professional designer.
At MAD School, we provide expert CEED 2026 coaching, mentorship, and resources to help you achieve your dream.
Join MAD School’s CEED 2026 Coaching Program Today and Secure Your Spot in India’s Top Design Institutes!
