CEED 2026: IIT Bombay Releases Tentative Exam Schedule; Applications to Open in October

IIT Bombay has announced the tentative schedule for CEED 2026. The application window is expected to open in October, with the exam on January 18, 2026. Get full details on eligibility, exam pattern, and important dates.

In a crucial update for aspiring postgraduate design students, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the conducting body for the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED), has released the tentative schedule for the CEED 2026 examination. The announcement provides a clear roadmap for candidates aiming to pursue Master of Design (M.Des) or Ph.D. programs at premier institutions across India. While earlier reports hinted at a September start, the official notification indicates that the online application process for CEED 2026 is expected to commence in the first week of October 2025.

CEED is a qualifying examination that serves as a gateway to M.Des and Ph.D. programs in design at prestigious institutions, including the IISc Bangalore and several IITs. The release of the tentative schedule allows aspirants to align their preparation strategies and finalize their plans for the upcoming admission cycle.

CEED 2026: The Tentative Timeline

The official notification outlines a detailed schedule that candidates should mark on their calendars:

• Online Application Starts: First week of October 2025
• Application Deadline (Regular Fee): Last week of October 2025
• Application Deadline (with Late Fee): First week of November 2025
• Admit Card Release: First week of January 2026
• CEED 2026 Exam Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
• Result Declaration: First week of March 2026
• Score Card Download: Second week of March 2026

It is important for all candidates to stay updated with the official CEED website, ceed.iitb.ac.in, as these dates are tentative and may be subject to minor changes.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The CEED 2026 eligibility criteria are broad, opening the door to a diverse pool of candidates from various academic backgrounds. The requirements are as follows:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a three-year undergraduate degree, diploma, or a postgraduate degree program after the 10+2 level.
• Final Year Students: Those who are currently in their final year of such programs are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of graduation by July 2026.
• GD Arts Diploma: Candidates with a GD Arts diploma (10+5 level) are also eligible to apply.
• No Age Limit: The examination has no upper age limit, and candidates can appear for the exam any number of times.

The application fee is ₹4,000 for General category candidates and ₹2,000 for all women, as well as candidates from the SC, ST, and PwD categories. A late fee of ₹500 will be applicable for those who submit their applications after the regular deadline.

Understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The CEED examination is a three-hour test designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for design. The paper is divided into two distinct parts:

1. Part A (Computer-Based Test): This is a screening section that assesses a candidate's aptitude through objective questions. It is a computer-based test with a duration of one hour. The questions cover areas such as:
   • Visualization and Spatial Ability: The ability to visualize and manipulate two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects.
   • Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Problem-solving skills and the ability to process qualitative and quantitative data.
   • Observation and Design Sensitivity: The capacity to identify hidden properties in objects and apply creative thinking.
   • General Knowledge and Design Awareness: An understanding of environmental, social, and cultural connections to design, as well as knowledge of art history and design trends.
2. Part B (Pen-and-Paper Test): This section is a subjective test that evaluates a candidate’s creative and practical skills. It has a duration of two hours and requires candidates to write and draw their answers in a provided answer booklet. Part B assesses skills in:
   • Drawing and Sketching: The ability to communicate ideas through sketches.
   • Creativity: The capacity to think innovatively and propose unique solutions.
   • Form Sensitivity: The understanding of aesthetics and visual appeal in design.
   • Communication Skills: The ability to articulate and present concepts clearly.

Candidates must attempt both Part A and Part B, with the final CEED score being a combination of the marks obtained in both sections.

Institutions Accepting CEED Scores

A CEED score is a golden ticket to some of the most prestigious postgraduate design programs in the country. The participating institutions include:

• IIT Bombay (Industrial Design Centre)
• IIT Delhi (Department of Design)
• IIT Guwahati (Department of Design)
• IIT Hyderabad (Department of Design)
• IIT Kanpur (Design Programme)
• IIT Roorkee (Department of Design)
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore (Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing)
• IIITDM Jabalpur

In addition to these, numerous other renowned institutions across India also accept CEED scores for their M.Des programs, making the exam a highly valuable one for all aspiring designers.

With the tentative schedule now public, design aspirants have a clear timeline to structure their preparation. This is the optimal time to begin or intensify studies, focusing on both the aptitude-based Part A and the creative, drawing-intensive Part B, to secure a seat in the M.Des program of their dreams.