IIT Bombay begins registration for CEED 2026

IIT Bombay has commenced the online registration for the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026. This mandatory exam is the gateway to M.Des and Ph.D. programs at premier institutions like IITs and IISc Bangalore. The last date to register with a regular fee is October 31, 2025. A final opportunity with a late fee is available until November 7, 2025. The CEED 2026 exam is scheduled for January 18, 2026. Aspirants must apply via the official CEED portal immediately to compete for the country’s top design seats.

The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) represents the golden ticket to advanced education and a professional career in the design domain. Conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, CEED is the definitive national-level qualifying test for admission to Master of Design (M.Des) and Ph.D. programs offered by prestigious institutes, including the IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore.

​The official notification confirming the commencement of the CEED 2026 registration has set the timeline for candidates. The registration window, which opened on October 1, 2025, is rapidly approaching its closure. With the crucial examination date set for January 18, 2026, candidates must prioritize completing the online application process before the imminent deadline of October 31, 2025, to avoid the late fee penalty. This comprehensive guide outlines the critical registration steps, key dates, and eligibility requirements for the CEED 2026 examination.

​ CEED 2026 Registration Timeline and Application Process

​IIT Bombay emphasizes that the entire CEED 2026 application process is strictly online. Candidates must visit the official CEED portal to complete all steps, from initial registration to fee payment and document upload.

• ​Critical Dates to Remember (SEO Keywords: CEED 2026 application dates, CEED late fee deadline):
  • ​Online Registration Start Date: October 1, 2025.
  • ​Last Date for Registration (Regular Fee): October 31, 2025 (Candidates are strongly advised to complete the process before this date).
  • ​Last Date for Registration (with Late Fee): November 7, 2025 (A non-refundable late fee of \text{₹} 500 applies after the regular deadline).
  • ​Admit Card Release: January 2, 2026.
  • ​CEED 2026 Examination Date: January 18, 2026 (Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon IST).
• ​Step-by-Step Online Application Guide:
  • ​Portal Access: Log in to the official CEED 2026 website and click on the 'Registration' link. New users must sign up with a valid email ID.
  • ​Form Filling: Accurately fill in personal, academic, and contact details. Ensure that all information provided is verified against official documents.
  • ​Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and necessary certificates (qualifying degree, category certificate, etc.) in the specified format and size.
  • ​Fee Payment: The registration fee is \text{₹} 2000 for all female candidates and candidates belonging to the SC/ST/PwD categories, and \text{₹} 4000 for all other candidates (General/OBC-NCL/EWS). Payment must be completed online via the available gateways.
  • ​Final Submission: Review the application for any errors before final submission and save a copy of the confirmation page for your records.

​ CEED 2026 Eligibility and Exam Structure Breakdown

​Understanding the fundamental requirements and the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and successful qualification. CEED is a single-day, three-hour examination designed to assess both objective and subjective design aptitude.

• ​Mandatory Eligibility Criteria (SEO Keywords: CEED M.Des eligibility, who can apply for CEED): 
  • ​Qualifying Degree: Candidates must possess a degree, diploma, or postgraduate program of a minimum of three years duration completed after the 10+2 level.
  • ​Appearing Candidates: Those who are appearing for the final examination of such a program by July 2026 are also eligible to apply.
  • ​No Age Restriction: Crucially, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the CEED exam, and candidates can attempt the examination any number of times.
• ​CEED 2026 Examination Pattern (January 18, 2026): 
  • ​Part A (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): A Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising objective questions (MCQs, MSQs, NATs). This section tests Visualization, Logical Reasoning, Design Sensitivity, and General Knowledge related to Art and Design. Part A is used solely for shortlisting candidates whose Part B script will be evaluated.
  • ​Part B (10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon): A Pen-and-Paper Test that assesses Drawing Skills, Creativity, Problem Identification, and the ability to articulate design solutions. This part carries the major weightage (typically 75%) and determines the final CEED score.

​ Strategic Preparation and Career Opportunities via CEED Score

​With approximately three months remaining until the examination, a targeted preparation strategy is essential for maximizing your CEED score and securing admission into the most competitive M.Des specializations.

• ​Preparation Focus Areas (SEO Keywords: CEED preparation tips, M.Des specializations): 
  • ​Mastering Part A Concepts: Focus on solving high-weightage topics like Spatial Ability and Analytical Reasoning. Use previous years' question papers to understand the pattern and improve speed.
  • ​Part B Sketching Practice: Dedicate time daily to freehand sketching and conceptual drawing. Practice composition, perspective, shading, and the ability to visually communicate complex ideas and solutions effectively.
  • ​Building Design Awareness: Stay current with contemporary design trends, new technologies (like UX/UI, XR), and case studies in various fields—from Industrial to Interaction Design.
• ​Institutes and Top Specializations Accepting CEED Scores: 
  • ​IIT Bombay (IDC School of Design): Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interaction Design, Animation, Mobility & Vehicle Design.
  • ​IISc Bangalore (CPDM): M.Des in Product Design and Engineering.
  • ​IIT Hyderabad, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Roorkee, Jodhpur, and IIITDM Jabalpur: Offering M.Des in fields such as Visual Design, Industrial Design, and Design.
  • ​Result Sharing Institutes: Many private universities, like Srishti Manipal and FLAME University, also consider CEED scores for their postgraduate design admissions, offering a broader range of specializations.

​Conclusion: A Call to Action for Future Design Leaders 

​The opening of the CEED 2026 registration window represents a crucial checkpoint for every serious M.Des aspirant. The approaching deadline of October 31, 2025, for registration with a regular fee, makes timely application a non-negotiable priority. By securing your registration and strategically preparing for both the analytical and creative components of the January 18, 2026 exam, you position yourself perfectly to join the ranks of future design leaders at India's most esteemed technical and design institutions. Don't wait—register today, and embark on your journey to design excellence.

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