CEED 2026 Regular Fee Window Closes; Late-Fee Submission Facility Now Open

The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026 regular registration period concluded on November 5, 2025. Aspiring Master of Design (M.Des) and Ph.D. candidates at top institutions like the IITs and IISc must note that the absolute final chance to apply is now. A late fee of ₹500 (or US $50 for international candidates) is applicable for submissions made between November 6 and the final deadline of November 10, 2025 (5:00 PM IST). With the exam scheduled for January 18, 2026, securing your application is the immediate next step before focusing on preparation.

The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026, conducted by IIT Bombay, is the mandatory entrance test for admission to post-graduate M.Des and Ph.D. programmes in Design at premier institutions across India. For thousands of design aspirants, adhering to the registration timeline is critical, and any slip-up can prove costly. While the primary registration window for the exam successfully closed on November 5, 2025, the system provides a brief, crucial extension for those who missed the initial cutoff. This is the late-fee submission window, and it is the last opportunity for candidates to register.

​The late registration window is strictly defined, running from November 6, 2025, until the final deadline on November 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM IST. The process is identical to the regular application, but it carries an additional, non-refundable penalty fee. Aspiring candidates must act immediately, completing their registration and payment before this decisive final deadline.

• ​Key Deadlines and Fees: 
  • ​Regular Registration End Date: November 05, 2025, (11:55 PM IST).
  • ​Late Registration Start Date: November 06, 2025.
  • ​Final Late Registration End Date:November 10, 2025, (5:00 PM IST). No further extensions will be granted.
  • ​Late Fee Applicable: ₹500 (for all categories of Indian candidates) or US $50 (for international candidates).
  • ​Standard Registration Fee (before late fee): ₹4,000 for General/OBC-NCL/EWS male candidates, and ₹2,000 for all women, SC/ST, and PwD candidates.
• ​The Total Payment: Candidates submitting during this period must pay their original category-specific fee plus the additional ₹500 late fee. For example, a General category male aspirant will pay \text{₹4,000} + \text{₹500} = \text{₹4,500} in total.

​ CEED 2026: Eligibility & Exam Structure

​CEED is a highly competitive examination that assesses a candidate's overall design aptitude, not just technical knowledge. It is open to students from diverse academic backgrounds, including Engineering, Architecture, Fine Arts, and Science, making the preparation holistic and challenging.

• ​Crucial Eligibility Requirements:
  • ​Education: Candidates must have completed, or be appearing for the final examination by July 2026, of a degree/diploma/postgraduate program of a minimum of three years duration after the 10+2 level.
  • ​No Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age restriction for appearing in the CEED 2026 examination, offering flexibility for working professionals and career changers.
  • ​Attempts: Candidates can appear for the CEED exam any number of times.
• ​The Two-Part Examination Pattern:
  • ​Part A (Computer-Based Test): A 1-hour objective screening test focusing on Visualization and Spatial Ability, Logical Reasoning, Design Sensitivity, and General Knowledge. Only candidates who score above the cut-off in Part A have their Part B answer sheets evaluated.
  • ​Part B (Pen-and-Paper Test): A 2-hour subjective test that evaluates the candidate’s Drawing, Creativity, Communication Skills, and Problem Identification abilities through questions on sketching, composition, and design problem-solving. This section is vital for achieving a high overall rank.

​ Next Steps: Preparation and Future Milestones

​With the registration phase nearing its conclusion, the strategic focus for all applicants must shift entirely to preparation for the exam on January 18, 2026. Effective time management and a clear understanding of the syllabus are key to success in this aptitude-based test.

• ​Key Preparation Pointers:
  • ​Focus on Part B: Dedicate significant time daily to sketching and improving visual communication skills, as this subjective section heavily influences the final CEED score.
  • ​Master Part A Concepts: Practice quantitative and analytical reasoning problems, and stay updated on environmental and social awareness topics relevant to design.
  • ​Mock Tests: Regularly attempt official CEED mock tests and previous years' papers to simulate exam conditions and manage time effectively.
  • ​Design Portfolio: While the CEED application does not require a portfolio, candidates should begin compiling one, as it is a mandatory requirement for the second stage of the admission process (interviews) at many participating institutions like IIT Bombay and IISc.
• ​Post-Registration Important Dates:
  • ​Admit Card Download Starts: January 2, 2026.
  • ​CEED 2026 Exam Date: January 18, 2026 (Sunday).
  • ​Result Declaration: March 4, 2026.
  • ​Score Card Download: March 10, 2026.

​Conclusion: Seal Your Design Destiny

​The brief, final late-fee window for CEED 2026 is an unmissable last chance for aspiring designers to secure their application. By paying the additional ₹500, candidates ensure they remain in the running for a prestigious M.Des or Ph.D. seat. As the calendar flips towards the end of November, all focus must now turn towards rigorous preparation. Complete your pending registration formalities on the official IIT Bombay CEED portal immediately, and commit the remaining time to honing your design and aptitude skills for the exam in January.

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