• Updated on 20 Sept, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
The CEED 2026 syllabus will be released by IIT Bombay on its official admission portal and detailed in the CEED 2026 information brochure. It’s essential for candidates to go through the syllabus carefully to understand the topics covered in each section, their weightage, and what to expect in the exam. The CEED exam is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B, with Part A conducted online (computer-based) and Part B conducted offline (pen-and-paper-based).
The syllabus for Part A covers topics related to visual and spatial ability, logical reasoning, design sensitivity, environmental and social awareness, and more. Part B focuses on evaluating a candidate’s creativity, drawing skills, design thinking, and written communication.
In addition to the syllabus, it’s equally important to check the exam pattern of CEED 2026, which explains the structure of the question paper, marking scheme, and types of questions in each section. For the year 2026, IIT Bombay may introduce changes to the syllabus or exam pattern for CEED 2026, so students must stay updated through the official website. To perform well, candidates should aim to cover the full syllabus, solve previous years’ papers, and regularly practice mock tests to strengthen their preparation for the M.Des entrance exam.
Table of Contents
CEED 2026 Exam Highlight
The CEED 2026 exam consists of multiple sections, each designed to assess different skills. The exam includes both objective and subjective questions, with varying weightage assigned to each section. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the CEED 2026 Exam Pattern to ensure they allocate sufficient time to each part of the test.
Particulars | Part A | Part B |
Number of questions | 41 | 5 |
Duration | 1 hour | 2 hours |
Total marks | 100 | 100 |
Exam mode | Computer-based | Offline-based part. Answers have to be entered in the answer booklet provided by the invigilator. However, candidates will still need to tick the appropriate box on the computer screen to indicate that they have answered the question. |
Type of questions | Objective-type questions of the following THREE types: Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Choice Question (MCQ), Multiple Select Question (MSQ) | Subjective-type questions |
CEED 2026 Subject-wise Syllabus
The CEED 2026 exam will be administered using a new syllabus. The syllabus will be detailed in the CEED 2026 information pamphlet. The tables below show the detailed syllabus for CEED 2026, both Part A and Part B:
CEED 2026 Part A Syllabus
Topic | Description |
Visualization and spatial reasoning | Ability to visualize and transform 2D shapes and 3D objects and their spatial relationships. |
Practical and scientific knowledge | Know-how of scientific principles and everyday objects. |
Observation and design sensitivity | Capacity to detect concealed properties in day-to-day life and think critically about them. Attention to detail, classification, analysis, inference, and prediction. |
Environment and society | General awareness of environmental, social, and cultural connections with design. |
Analytical and logical reasoning | Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative information. |
Language | Proficiency in reading and comprehending Standard English. |
Creativity | Grasp of verbal and non-verbal analogies, metaphors, signs, and symbols. |
Art and Design knowledge | Awareness about art/artifact/product, artists/designers, art/design history, and trends. |
Design methods and practices | Knowledge of media, materials, production processes, and ergonomics. |
CEED 2026 Part B Syllabus
Topic | Description |
Drawing | Ability to draw products, people, or scenes in proportion with good line quality, composition, proportion, perspective, and shading. |
Creativity | Capacity to think out-of-the-box and come up with unique as well as diverse solutions. |
Communication | Skills to communicate concepts and ideas clearly with the help of text and visuals. |
Problem identification | Capability to understand the user and the context, knowledge of properties of materials, and their appropriate use in design. |
Given that CEED will be an aptitude test, exam officials do not recommend any literature for preparation. Nonetheless, it is recommended that the candidate practise their drawing, rendering, and visualisation skills. In addition, past years' question papers could be useful in preparing for CEED 2026.
Read: CEED 2026 Application Process
CEED 2026 Weightage of Topics
Each section covers distinct issues of varied relevance. Based on prior trends, design aptitude and sketching are more important than logical reasoning or numeric aptitude. To maximise their exam performance, candidates should focus on these essential topics. The table below provides an approximate idea of topic weightage.
Topic | Weightage (Marks) |
Visualization and Spatial Ability | 20-25 |
Analytical and Logical Reasoning | 15-20 |
Environmental Awareness | 10-15 |
Drawing Skills (Part B) | 40-50 |
Creativity and Problem Solving | 30-40 |
Best CEED Books 2026
Because CEED is an aptitude test, IIT Bombay does not recommend a book or guide for its preparation. However, individuals who still want to refer to some good CEED 2026 books for preparation can see the table below:
CEED Preparation Books | Author/Publisher |
Design Drawing | Francis DK Ching |
CEED (MDes) Test Series | TRENDZ ACADEMY |
Perspective Drawing Handbook | Joseph D’Amelio |
Art Perception | David Cycleback |
CEED 2026 Subject-wise Preparation Tips
CEED 2026 preparation demands a targeted approach because the exam covers a wide range of topics. This section contains critical recommendations for each subject, assisting candidates in structuring their study programs and prioritising crucial areas for optimal success. Tailored practices will help applicants approach each subject effectively and efficiently, enhancing their chances of success.
- Design Aptitude: Practice solving design difficulties and visualising objects in 3D. Spend time improving your drawing and sketching skills.
- Drawing & sketching: Practice freehand sketches and timed activities on a regular basis to develop your skills.
- Reasoning: Solve as many pattern identification and reasoning puzzles as possible to improve your logical thinking.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Practice fundamental math and geometry problems to increase speed and accuracy.
- English Proficiency: Read books, newspapers, and do grammatical exercises to improve your vocabulary and comprehension.
CEED 2026 Sample and Previous Year Papers
Practising with CEED 2026 sample papers and previous years' CEED 2026 Question Papers helps candidates comprehend the exam format and identify key themes. These papers also include information about the types of questions asked and the time necessary to answer them. Candidates can find sample papers on the official CEED website or through online educational portals.
CEED 2026 Common Mistakes To Avoid
The CEED 2026 exam requires a high level of preparation and attention to detail. Understanding and avoiding common mistakes might help a candidate perform much better. This section highlights common mistakes made by applicants and provides practical recommendations for navigating the exam process efficiently.
- Skipping Topics: Do not disregard lower-weighted topics; every mark counts.
- Over-focusing on One Section: Spread your preparation across other topics.
- Neglecting Drawing Practice: Part B is important, and drawing abilities should be practised on a regular basis.
CEED 2026 Syllabus FAQs
Is each topic equally important in the CEED 2026 Syllabus?
No, topics like design aptitude and sketching are more important and should be prioritised.
How should applicants handle challenging topics on the CEED 2026 syllabus?
To clear up any questions, candidates might consult online courses, study groups, or teachers.
What should candidates do if they struggle to complete the drawing part that CEED 2026 Syllabus Covers?
Regular practice and feedback from mentors can help applicants enhance their sketching abilities.
Are there any changes to the CEED 2026 syllabus?
Yes, several themes about design aptitude have been revised to suit current developments in design education.
Should candidates focus on quantitative or design aptitude in CEED 2026 Syllabus?
Candidates should concentrate more on design abilities and sketching, as these areas carry more weightage.
How should applicants train for logical reasoning in CEED 2026 Syllabus?
Regular practice with puzzles, sequences, and pattern recognition will help you enhance your logical reasoning skills.
Are online materials sufficient for preparation for CEED 2026?
Online materials are useful, but applicants should also consult textbooks and practise past years' papers.
What is the most effective technique to improve English proficiency in CEED 2026?
Reading regularly and performing grammatical exercises will improve your English skills.
How essential is the weightage of drawings in CEED 2026?
Drawing has a high weight, and regular practice is required for success in this part.
Can applicants skip topics from the CEED 2026 syllabus if they are not comfortable in some areas?
No, applicants should attempt to cover all portions, as each topic is critical to overall performance.