SEED 2026 registration formally closed at Symbiosis Institute of Design; admit cards expected in early January ahead of the 11 January test

The application window for the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) 2026 is officially closed, with the deadline for applications extended until December 28, 2025. Now, the countdown begins for the national-level B. Des entrance test. Aspirants must note that the crucial Admit Card will be available for download from January 5, 2026, for the exam scheduled on January 11, 2026. This one-hour online proctored test is the first mandatory step toward securing admission to the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID). Focused, timely preparation for the exam and the subsequent Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) is essential.

The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) 2026 is the crucial national-level gateway for admission to the coveted B. Des programs offered by the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID). With the formal registration window having been extended to December 28, 2025, the focus has now shifted entirely from application submission to intensive, final-stage exam preparation. Aspirants who have successfully completed their registration must immediately align their study schedule with the approaching key dates in January 2026. The SEED 2026 exam, scheduled for January 11, 2026, is a vital aptitude test that assesses fundamental design skills, setting the stage for the comprehensive multi-stage selection process.

The January 2026 SEED Exam Timeline: Critical Dates

January 2026 is the most critical month for SEED aspirants, packed with the release of essential documents and the main entrance test. Punctuality in accessing these resources is key to a smooth examination experience.

• Admit Card Download Window: January 5 – 11, 2026
  • The SEED 2026 Admit Card will be released online on January 5, 2026, on the official SID website, and must be downloaded and printed well before the exam.
  • Candidates must verify all personal details, the chosen exam slot, and the online proctoring instructions immediately upon downloading the Admit Card.
• Mock Test Availability: January 7, 2026
  • The official Mock Test will be made accessible on January 7, 2026. Aspirants are strongly advised to attempt this mock test to acclimatize themselves to the online proctored format, the user interface, and the pressure of the 60-minute duration.
• The SEED 2026 Examination: January 11, 2026
  • The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design is a one-hour (60-minute) online proctored test, conducted in multiple slots between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Candidates must log in and be ready as per their booked slot.
  • Result Declaration: The SEED 2026 result is expected to be announced on January 19, 2026.

Decoding the SEED 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Understanding the structure of the SEED test is paramount for a targeted revision strategy. The exam is designed to test inherent aptitude rather than rote knowledge.

• Exam Format and Structure:
  • Mode: Online Proctored (PC/Laptop based exam).
  • Duration: 60 minutes.
  • Total Questions: 60 objective-type questions (MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based, and comprehension-based).
  • Marking Scheme: +1 mark for every correct answer; No negative marking.
• Core Aptitude Areas:
  • Visual Sensitivity & Judgement: Assesses the ability to perceive and judge visual elements, space, and form.
  • Observational, Perceptual, and Reasoning Abilities: Focuses on logical thinking, drawing connections, and making conclusions from given data.
  • Creative and Problem-Solving Abilities: Evaluates innovative thinking and the ability to find design solutions.
  • General Design Awareness: Tests knowledge of Art, Craft, Culture, Design, and Environment in both Indian and global contexts.
• Syllabus Emphasis: The syllabus is intentionally broad, emphasizing logic, visualization, and creative thinking. Aspirants should concentrate on applying basic science and mathematics principles (up to 10th grade) to practical design scenarios rather than memorizing complex formulas.

The Road Ahead: From Scorecard to Final Admission (PRPI)

The SEED 2026 score (which accounts for 70% of the final merit for SID admission) is only the first step. Shortlisted candidates must excel in the subsequent, high-stakes rounds.

• Shortlist Declaration for PRPI: January 23, 2026
  • Candidates who score above the SID cut-off will be shortlisted for the Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) round.
  • Slot Booking: Shortlisted candidates will need to book their slots for the Personal Interaction, typically scheduled for the last week of January 2026.
• Portfolio Review & Personal Interaction (PRPI):
  • Portfolio Submission: Candidates will be required to upload a digital portfolio (up to 15 slides, max 5 MB PDF) showcasing their best creative work, including sketches, digital art, 3D objects, and design thinking projects. This typically carries 20% weightage.
  • Personal Interaction (PI): This round, carrying 10% weightage, assesses soft skills, communication, specialized knowledge in the chosen B. Des specialization (e.g., Graphic Design, Fashion Communication), and the candidate's rationale behind their portfolio work. The PRPI phase is tentatively scheduled for the last week of March 2026 (Phase 1).
• Final Merit List: The final admission list is compiled based on the combined performance across the three stages: SEED 2026 score, Portfolio Review, and Personal Interaction.

The successful closure of the SEED 2026 registration officially marks the commencement of the final preparation sprint for the written exam. For every B. Des aspirant, the next few weeks are crucial, demanding a blend of rigorous mock test practice, precise recall of design concepts, and strategic organization of their digital portfolio for the imminent PRPI shortlist. Aspirants must now prioritize downloading and reviewing their SEED 2026 Admit Card from January 5, 2026, and dedicate maximum time to taking mock tests before the final examination on January 11, 2026.

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