CEED 2026 – Exam Pattern

The CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) is a national-level entrance test conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. The CEED 2026 will assess a candidate’s aptitude for design across visual perception, creativity, problem-solving, and communication. The CEED 2026 scores will be used for admission to postgraduate design programs like M. Des and Ph.D. in design at IITs and other top institutions.

With the 2026 edition on the horizon, understanding the CEED 2026 exam pattern is crucial for serious aspirants. Following article is a clear breakdown of the structure, marking, and evaluation process.

Quick Overview on CEED 2026 Exam Pattern

The CEED 2026 will follow the standard two-part format: Part A and Part B, each testing different skill sets and evaluated separately.

1. Part A – Screening Test (Computer-Based):

• Mode: Online
• Duration: 1 hour
• Type of Questions: Objective

Sections

• NAT (Numerical Answer Type): No choices; answers must be keyed in.
• MSQ (Multiple Select Questions): More than one correct answer possible.
• MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions): Single correct answer.

Total Marks: 100

Purpose: This section screens candidates for Part B. Only those who qualify in Part A will have Part B evaluated.

Part A: Computer-Based Objective Test:

The following table will give a clear idea to the candidates appearing for the CEED 2026 exam pattern for Part A.

• Objective:Evaluates visual and spatial ability, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language, observation, and design sensitivity.
• Interface:All answers input via computer, with virtual keyboard for NAT.

2. Part B – Design and Drawing Test (Pen and Paper):

• Mode: Offline
• Duration: 2 hours
• Type of Questions: Descriptive, drawing-based, and design problems.

Skills Tested

• Drawing ability
• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Visual communication

Total Marks: 100

Note: Part B answers are evaluated manually by design faculty.

Part B: Written Subjective Test:

The following table will give a clear idea to the candidates appearing for the CEED 2026 exam pattern for Part B.

• Objective:Assesses design, drawing, and communication skills.
• Process:Candidates write/draw answers in answer booklets. These booklets are submitted at the end of the exam.
• Materials Allowed:Unless specified, color pencils, crayons, and sketch pens may be used.

Marking Scheme for CEED 2026

Part A

• NAT: 3 marks for correct answer, 0 for incorrect/unanswered.
• MSQ: 3 marks for fully correct, partial marking, -0.2 for incorrect choices.
• MCQ: 2 marks for correct, -0.5 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted.

Part B: All five questions are 20 marks each, no negative marking.

Total marks: 200 (Part A: 100 + Part B: 100).

Evaluation

• Only candidates clearing Part A cut off have their Part B evaluated.
• Final merit: Weightage of 25% for Part A, 75% for Part B.
• Answer Procedure:For Part B, answers are to be written in physical booklets and also indicated as answered on the computer screen.
• There is negative marking in MCQ and MSQ sections of Part A.
• No negative marking in NAT questions.
• Part A is automatically evaluated; Part B is manually evaluated only if Part A is cleared.
• No age limit to appear for CEED.
• A valid CEED score is applicable for one year from the date of result announcement

 Get details about -CEED 2026 Syllabus

FAQs

Q1. What is the total duration and structure of the CEED 2026 exam?

Ans. The CEED 2026 will be of 3 hours long, comprising two parts: Part A (computer-based, 1 hour) and Part B (pen-and-paper, 2 hours).

Q2. Is there negative marking in CEED 2026?

Ans. Yes, there is negative marking in Part A for MCQ (-0.5) and MSQ (-0.2 per incorrect option), but no negative marking in NAT questions or any Part B section.

Q3. What subjects or skills are tested in Part A and Part B?

Ans. Part A tests visual and spatial ability, analytical reasoning, observation, and design sensitivity; Part B tests design, sketching, creativity, visual/form sensitivity, and problem identification skills.

Q4. How are the answers for Part B submitted?

Ans. Answers for Part B are written or drawn in the answer booklet provided in the exam center. Candidates must also mark on the computer screen that the question has been answered. The booklet is collected after the exam.

Q5. How is the final CEED score calculated?

Ans. The final CEED 2026 score is calculated using a 25% weightage from Part A and a 75% weightage from Part B. Only those qualifying in Part A will have Part B evaluated for the merit list.