The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2026, conducted by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, was held on 18 January 2026 from 9 AM to 12 PM across designated centres nationwide. The three-hour test serves as a gateway for admission to Master of Design (M.Des) programmes in premier design institutes.
CEED 2026 Exam Pattern and Conduct
The CEED 2026 question paper comprised two main sections:
- Part A: Objective questions — 44 questions testing numerical, multiple-select and multiple-choice skills.
- Part B: Subjective design tasks — 5 questions assessing creativity, sketching and ideation skills.
The exam was conducted offline and required candidates to report at the centre by 7 AM. Entrance rules prohibited electronic gadgets inside the hall, and candidates were instructed to carry only essential drawing materials along with their admit card and valid photo ID.
Initial Difficulty Level and Student Response
Early reactions indicate that the CEED 2026 paper ranged from moderate to difficult, especially in the analytical and creative sections. Objective questions in Part A challenged problem-solving abilities, while Part B subjective tasks demanded strong design thinking and sketching proficiency. The mix of Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in Part A required careful time management, and the creative Part B called for clear visualisation and originality.
What Next After the Exam?
Candidates and coaching institutes are now compiling detailed question paper analysis, expected cut-off trends and student feedback based on memory-based responses and sectional review. A comprehensive report, including topic-wise weightage and ideal attempts, will follow as more data becomes available. Following the exam, the draft answer key for Part A is scheduled for release on 20 January 2026, with an objection window open till 22 January 2026. The final key is expected by 28 January 2026, while the CEED result announcement is planned for early March 2026.
Preparing for CEED Aspirants
Aspiring design candidates awaiting results can use the emerging analysis to evaluate their performance and prepare for admission processes. Reviewing question patterns and difficulty trends helps estimate probable scores and expected cut-offs, aiding strategic next steps for admissions into M.Des programmes.