CEED 2026: Part-B Evaluation Continues Ahead of March 4 Result Declaration

IIT Bombay has officially commenced the manual evaluation of CEED 2026 Part-B answer booklets following the release of Part-A cut-offs on February 5. Shortlisted design aspirants are now awaiting the final results and merit ranks, scheduled for declaration on March 4, 2026, to secure admissions into M.Des and PhD programs

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has officially transitioned into the most intensive phase of the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026 administrative cycle. Following the announcement of the Part-A qualifying marks on February 5, the specialized Evaluation of Part-B answer scripts is now in full swing. This stage is pivotal for thousands of postgraduate design aspirants, as Part-B marks carry the highest weightage in the final score calculation. According to the Official CEED 2026 Schedule, the manual grading process is expected to conclude by the end of the month to meet the scheduled Result declaration on March 4, 2026.

Manual Grading and Expert Panel Review

Unlike the computer-based Part-A, the Part-B section is a pen-and-paper-based test that requires a sophisticated Screening by a panel of design experts. The evaluation focuses on subjective parameters such as sketching proficiency, visual storytelling, and problem-solving abilities. To ensure the highest level of accuracy and fairness, IIT Bombay utilizes a "double-blind" review process. If the scores from two independent evaluators differ by more than 20%, a third expert intervenes. This rigorous Assessment ensures that the final merit rank truly reflects the creative and technical potential of the candidates.

• Shortlisting Criteria: Only candidates meeting the category-specific Part-A cut-off, released on February 5, have their Part-B booklets evaluated.
• Weightage Balance: In the final merit list, Part-B accounts for a substantial 75% of the total score, while Part-A contributes the remaining 25%.
• Subjective Sections: The panel reviews five core areas: Sketching, Creativity, Form Sensitivity, Visual Sensitivity, and Problem Identification.

Timeline and Scorecard Availability

Design aspirants can track their qualifying status through the CEED Candidate Portal. While the Part-A marks are visible to all, the Part-B marks and the total All India Rank (AIR) will only be disclosed to those who clear the initial shortlisting. The Official CEED Information Brochure confirms that once the results are live on March 4, scorecards will be available for download starting March 10, 2026. These scorecards remain a mandatory requirement for the subsequent institutional rounds at the various IITs and IISc Bangalore.

Pathway to M.Des Admissions

The declaration of the CEED Result marks the beginning of the actual application phase for the Master of Design (M.Des) and PhD programs. It is important to note that a high merit rank does not guarantee an automatic seat. Qualified candidates must apply separately to the Participating Institutes based on their scores. Most institutes, including IDC School of Design (IIT Bombay) and the Department of Design (IIT Delhi), will conduct their own studio tests and personal interviews to finalize their 2026-27 intake.

• Separate Applications: Candidates must follow the specific Screening and admission protocols of each individual institute.
• Portfolio Readiness: With the Evaluation underway, aspirants are advised to begin curating their portfolios for the upcoming studio rounds.
• Rank Validity: The CEED 2026 score is valid for one year from the date of declaration.

Conclusion

The ongoing Part-B Evaluation period is a critical bridge between the January 18 examination and the final Result scheduled for early March. As the expert panel reviews the creative responses, the focus remains on maintaining the meritocratic integrity of the CEED Screening process. The final Assessment will provide a comprehensive All India Rank that serves as the gold standard for design admissions in India. Aspirants should utilize this time to finalize their institutional choices and prepare for the independent admission rounds that will follow the March 4 announcement, marking the commencement of their professional journey in the design industry.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on design entrance exams and courses, check here: Design Exams List.