Last Call Approaching! CEED 2026 Registration Closes on October 31

The clock is ticking for one of India's most prestigious design entrance exams. The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026 regular registration period ends on October 31, 2025. Aspirants seeking admission to Master of Design (M.Des) and PhD programs at premier institutions like the IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Roorkee, etc.) and IISc Bangalore must apply immediately. A final opportunity with a late fee is available until November 7, 2025. Don't miss the chance to appear for the exam on January 18, 2026. Check the eligibility, exam pattern, and application process now.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the organizing institute for the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026, has announced the imminent closure of the registration portal. The deadline for submitting the online application with the regular fee is Thursday, October 31, 2025, at 11:55 PM.

​CEED is the mandatory national-level gateway for admission to the Master of Design (M.Des) and PhD in Design programs offered by the esteemed IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. Missing this primary deadline could put a serious dent in your academic and career ambitions. While a final window with an additional late fee of ₹500 is available until November 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM, candidates are strongly advised to secure their application today to avoid last-minute technical glitches. This comprehensive article delves into the critical dates, eligibility requirements, and the dual-part exam pattern you need to ace the CEED 2026, scheduled for January 18, 2026.

​ The Final Window: Important Dates and Registration Fees

​The CEED application process, managed entirely online through the official portal (ceedapp.iitb.ac.in), is a time-bound exercise. Candidates must ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and uploaded accurately before the portal closes.

• ​Critical Dates for CEED 2026: 
  • ​Online Registration End Date (Regular Fee):October 31, 2025 (11:55 PM).
  • ​Late Registration Deadline (with Late Fee): November 07, 2025 (5:00 PM).
  • ​Admit Card Download: January 02, 2026.
  • ​CEED 2026 Exam Date: January 18, 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon).
  • ​Result Declaration (Expected): March 04, 2026.
• ​Registration Fee Structure (Regular Fee, before Oct 31): 
  • ​Female Candidates (All Categories): ₹2,000/-
  • ​SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹2,000/-
  • ​All Other Candidates (General/OBC-NCL/EWS): ₹4,000/-
  • ​Late Fee Penalty (Applicable after Oct 31): An additional ₹500/- will be charged on top of the regular fee.
• ​Eligibility Check (M.Des Aspirants):
  • ​Candidates must have successfully completed a Degree/Diploma/Postgraduate Degree program of a minimum of three years duration (after 10+2 level), OR be appearing for the final examination of such a program by July 2026.
  • ​There is no upper age limit or restriction on the number of attempts for the CEED examination.

​ CEED 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview

​The CEED 2026 exam is a rigorous three-hour test designed to evaluate aptitude for a Master's program in design, focusing on core skills beyond rote learning. The paper is strategically divided into two mandatory parts: Part A and Part B.

• ​Part A: Computer-Based Screening Test (1 Hour) 
  • ​Objective: Acts as a screening test; Part B is only evaluated if a candidate meets the Part A cutoff.
  • ​Question Types: Includes Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
  • ​Syllabus Focus: Evaluates Visual and Spatial Ability, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, Environmental and Social Awareness, Language and Creativity, and Observation and Design Sensitivity. Negative Marking is applicable for MSQ and MCQ sections.
• ​Part B: Design, Drawing, and Writing Skills (2 Hours) 
  • ​Mode: Pen and Paper mode. Candidates use a provided answer booklet.
  • ​Questions: Consists of five subjective questions that test a candidate's practical aptitude.
  • ​Syllabus Focus: Assesses skills in Drawing, Design, Creativity, Writing, Communication, and Problem Identification.
  • ​Preparation Tip: This section requires daily practice in free-hand sketching, object drawing, perspective drawing, human anatomy, and the ability to compose visually compelling stories or solutions.

 Participating Institutes: Your Gateway to Elite Design Education

​A high CEED score is your ticket to securing a seat in M.Des and PhD programs at India’s premier government institutions, opening doors to cutting-edge research and industry exposure.

• ​Core Participating IITs and IISc:
  • ​IISc Bangalore: Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing (CPDM)
  • ​IIT Bombay: IDC School of Design (Industrial Design Centre)
  • ​IIT Delhi: Department of Design
  • ​IIT Guwahati: Department of Design
  • ​IIT Hyderabad: Department of Design
  • ​IIT Roorkee: Department of Design
  • ​IIITDM Jabalpur: Design Programme
• ​M.Des Specializations Offered:
  • ​Industrial Design
  • ​Communication Design
  • ​Interaction Design (UX/UI)
  • ​Mobility and Vehicle Design
  • ​Animation Design
  • ​Visual Design, and more.
• ​Expanding Opportunities: 
  • ​In addition to the core CEED institutes, several other prominent colleges and universities across India, such as Jain (Deemed-to-be-University), Mahindra University, and FLAME University, now accept valid CEED 2026 scores for their postgraduate design admissions, significantly increasing the career prospects for successful candidates.

​Conclusion

​The CEED 2026 examination is a critical juncture for postgraduate design aspirants. With the regular registration deadline of October 31, 2025, upon us, prospective candidates must act with urgency to finalize their applications. Remember, a career in design, especially at an elite institution like an IIT, is fiercely competitive. A complete and timely application is the non-negotiable first step. Don't delay—secure your CEED 2026 registration now and dedicate the remaining time to rigorous preparation for the January exam.

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