The CEED Syllabus 2026 for the Common Entrance Examination for Design conducted by IIT Bombay on 18 January 2026 covers two parts – Part A (computer-based, 1 hour) and Part B (descriptive, 2 hours). Part A tests visualisation & spatial ability, observation & design sensitivity, environmental & social awareness, analytical & logical reasoning, language & creativity, and design thinking through NAT, MSQ, and MCQ questions. Part B is a paper-based subjective section testing drawing, creativity, communication, and design aptitude. The CEED Syllabus 2026 is derived from the official IIT Bombay brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in plus previous-year question papers. Mastery of section-wise topics + practice on past papers + full-length mocks = a strong CEED score. The same syllabus is expected to apply for CEED 2027 (exam in third week of January 2027). For more details, check our CEED 2026 page.
Latest: – CEED Syllabus 2026 covers Part A (CBT – NAT/MSQ/MCQ, 1 hour) + Part B (descriptive, 2 hours). Source: official CEED 2026 brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in + previous-year papers. CEED 2027 syllabus expected to be similar; brochure to be released October 2026.
CEED Syllabus 2026
How to study the CEED Syllabus 2026?
To effectively study the CEED Syllabus 2026, start by building strong fundamentals in visualisation, observation, drawing, and design awareness. Cover the Part A topics (visualisation & spatial ability, observation & design sensitivity, environmental & social awareness, analytical & logical reasoning, language & creativity, design thinking) using standard NID/CEED prep books and previous-year question papers. For Part B, practise free-hand sketching, perspective drawing, and design problem-solving for at least 1 hour daily. The IIT Bombay CEED 2026 Information Brochure (on ceed.iitb.ac.in) plus past CEED papers (2014–2025) are the most authoritative references – no separate “CEED Syllabus 2026 PDF” is released, since the syllabus is derived from these sources.
Quick Links
CEED Syllabus 2026 Reference Link – IIT Bombay does not publish a separate syllabus PDF. The most authoritative reference is the official CEED 2026 Information Brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in combined with previous-year CEED papers (2014–2025).
CEED Syllabus 2026 Sections
| Section | Mode | Time | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Computer Based Test (CBT) | 1 hour (9 – 10 AM) | NAT, MSQ, MCQ |
| Part B | Descriptive (Paper-Based) | 2 hours (10 AM – 12 noon) | Drawing, Creativity, Problem Solving |
| Total | 2-Part Exam | 3 hours | Objective + Subjective |
CEED Syllabus 2026 – Part A Topics
Part A of the CEED 2026 syllabus tests the following aptitude areas through NAT, MSQ, and MCQ questions:
- Visualisation & Spatial Ability: 2D / 3D visualisation, mental rotation, perspective, orthographic projections, isometric views, mirror image / water image, paper-folding and cutting.
- Observation & Design Sensitivity: Spotting differences in image patterns, identifying design errors, observation of everyday objects, aesthetic sensibility.
- Environmental & Social Awareness: Awareness of famous designers, design movements, products, brands, popular logos, art and culture, Indian craft traditions, contemporary social issues.
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning: Pattern recognition, sequences, syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding, puzzles, statement-assumption deduction.
- Language & Creativity: Reading comprehension, idiomatic English, vocabulary, creative writing, finding novel uses for everyday objects.
- Design Thinking & Problem Solving: Framing problems, ideation, evaluating design solutions, user-centric thinking.
CEED Syllabus 2026 – Part B Topics
Part B is a 2-hour paper-based descriptive section that evaluates a candidate’s ability to express ideas through sketches, drawings, and written responses. The following topics are commonly assessed:
- Drawing & Sketching: Free-hand sketching, perspective, light and shade, proportion, composition, observational drawing.
- Creativity: Generating multiple ideas, lateral thinking, novel concepts, visual storytelling.
- Communication Skills: Expressing ideas clearly through annotated sketches and brief text.
- Problem Identification & Design Aptitude: Spotting design opportunities, framing problems, conceptual solutions.
- Analytical & Logical Reasoning (Visual): Reasoning expressed through diagrams, flowcharts, and visual logic.
- Visual Sensitivity: Composition, balance, contrast, hierarchy, colour relationships.
- Sketching / Visualisation: Object visualisation, scene composition, ideation through quick sketches.
CEED Exam Pattern 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 3 hours (9:00 AM – 12:00 noon) |
| Part A Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Part A Duration | 1 hour (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM) |
| Part A Question Types | NAT (Numerical Answer Type), MSQ (Multiple Select), MCQ (Multiple Choice) |
| Part A Negative Marking | –1 mark for each wrong MCQ; no negative for NAT & MSQ |
| Part B Mode | Descriptive (Paper-Based) |
| Part B Duration | 2 hours (10:00 AM – 12:00 noon) |
| Part B Evaluation | Subjective – by IIT Bombay design experts |
| Part A Cut Off Formula | δ = µ + (σ / 2) – only above-cut-off candidates get Part B evaluated |
| Medium of Exam | English only |
CEED Syllabus 2026 – An Overview
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Document | CEED Syllabus 2026 |
| Source | CEED 2026 Information Brochure (IIT Bombay) + Previous Papers |
| Exam Name | CEED 2026 (Common Entrance Examination for Design) |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Date | 18 January 2026 (Sunday) |
| Number of Parts | 2 (Part A + Part B) |
| Part A Coverage | Visualisation, Observation, Awareness, Reasoning, Language, Design Thinking |
| Part B Coverage | Drawing, Creativity, Problem Identification, Visual Sensitivity |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (9 AM – 12 noon) |
| Official Website | ceed.iitb.ac.in |
How to Reference the CEED Syllabus 2026
- Visit the official CEED website ceed.iitb.ac.in and download the CEED 2026 Information Brochure.
- The brochure lists the exam pattern, sectional split, marking scheme, and indicative topic areas.
- Download previous-year CEED question papers (2014 – 2025) from aglasem.com for real exam exposure.
- Map every question in past papers to a topic area to build your own topic-wise study list.
- Cross-check the list against this CEED Syllabus 2026 page and standard NID/CEED prep books.
- Identify weak areas and prioritise them in your study plan.
Best Books for CEED Syllabus 2026
- CEED / NID Prep Books: “Study Package for CEED & UCEED” by Arihant; “CEED Prep Guide” by Bhakti Mishra; Disha Publications’ CEED Self-Study Guide.
- Drawing & Sketching: “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards; “Sketching: The Basics” by Roselien Steur and Koos Eissen.
- Design Awareness & Design Thinking: “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman; “Universal Principles of Design” by William Lidwell.
- Visual Vocabulary & Awareness: Follow leading design blogs (Dezeen, Design Milk), monitor Indian craft & design news, study Indian National Design Awards and famous designers.
- Past Papers: Slot-wise CEED papers (2014–2025) and CEED Sample Papers available on aglasem.com.
- Mock Tests: Series from Mosaic Institute of Design, Creative Edge, Antraal, and ToprankersV – attempt at least 8–10 full-length mocks for time-management practice.
Preparation Tips for CEED 2026 / CEED 2027
- Start preparation 6–9 months in advance – for CEED 2027 (third week of January 2027), May/June 2026 is the ideal start point.
- Practise daily sketching for at least 1 hour to build hand confidence – essential for Part B.
- Maintain a “design diary” – sketch everyday products, identify good vs poor design, note famous designers and their work.
- Solve at least 5–7 previous-year CEED papers (2019–2025) in actual 3-hour mode under exam-day conditions.
- For Part A, focus heavily on visualisation puzzles and design awareness – these are the highest-yield areas.
- For Part B, practise rapid ideation – generate 5–7 different concepts for the same design problem in 10 minutes.
- Attempt full-length mocks every 7–10 days from November 2026 (for CEED 2027 aspirants); analyse each mock thoroughly.
- Build awareness of contemporary social issues – design thinking questions often link to real-world problems (urban transport, accessibility, sustainability, healthcare).
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. IIT Bombay does not publish a dedicated ‘CEED Syllabus 2026 PDF’. The most authoritative reference is the official CEED 2026 Information Brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in combined with previous-year CEED papers (2014-2025), which together define the syllabus de facto.
Ans. There are 2 sections in CEED 2026: Part A (Computer Based Test, 1 hour, with NAT/MSQ/MCQ questions testing visualisation, observation, reasoning, design awareness) and Part B (Descriptive paper, 2 hours, testing drawing, creativity, problem identification, design aptitude). Total exam duration is 3 hours.
Ans. CEED 2026 Part A covers Visualisation & Spatial Ability, Observation & Design Sensitivity, Environmental & Social Awareness, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, Language & Creativity, and Design Thinking & Problem Solving. Questions are in NAT, MSQ, and MCQ formats.
Ans. CEED 2026 Part B is a 2-hour descriptive paper that tests drawing, sketching (free-hand, perspective, light & shade), creativity, communication skills, problem identification, visual sensitivity, and design aptitude. It is evaluated subjectively by IIT Bombay design experts only for candidates who clear the Part A cut off.
Ans. Recommended books include ‘Study Package for CEED & UCEED’ by Arihant, ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’ by Betty Edwards, ‘The Design of Everyday Things’ by Don Norman, and ‘Universal Principles of Design’ by William Lidwell, along with previous-year CEED papers (2014-2025) for actual exam-pattern practice.
Ans. Yes, the CEED 2027 syllabus is expected to remain largely identical to CEED 2026: two parts (Part A CBT + Part B Descriptive), 3 hours total duration, same topic areas, and the same -1 negative marking rule for wrong MCQs in Part A. The official CEED 2027 brochure (expected in October 2026) will confirm any change.
If you have any questions about the CEED Syllabus 2026, then please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page to be useful, please share!
