- We’re on your favourite socials!
Search for best colleges, Courses, Exams and Education updates
Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 05 Aug, 2025 17:38
IIT Bombay will conduct the CEED 2026 exam in the third week of January 2026 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The overall CEED exam analysis shows that the difficulty level of the exam was moderate. Check section-wise difficulty level as per student reactions right here.
Get CEED Sample Papers For Free
IIT Bombay will conduct the CEED 2026 exam in the third week of January 2026, from 9 am to 12 noon. The overall difficulty level of the CEED 2026 exam can be expected to be moderate with Part B being slightly more difficult than Part A. Additionally, the paper can be lengthy and time-consuming. The detailed CEED 2026 paper analysis containing all important information overall, as well as the section-wise difficulty faced, types of questions, probable cutoff scores and an estimate of good attempts, will be updated here. Based on the anticipated scores, you can guess your performance and status for potential admissions into the MDes programs in various CEED 2026 participating institutes across India. Stay tuned for a detailed CEED 2026 exam analysis to help assess your standing and the next steps involved in the admission process.
After the CEED 2026 entrance exam, candidates can find a detailed CEED 2026 paper analysis on this page. CEED is a computer-based test designed to measure a candidate's skills and aptitude in design. The exam has two sections: Part A is conducted online, while Part B takes place offline. This analysis will break down the test, covering the difficulty level, question types, and overall student performance. Such insights are valuable for future aspirants, helping them understand the CEED 2026 exam pattern and plan their study strategies accordingly. Here is a brief overview of the CEED paper analysis 2026 for your reference, which will be updated soon:
Category | CEED Paper Analysis 2026 |
|---|---|
Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
Difficulty Level of Part A | Moderate |
Difficulty Level of Part B | Slightly Difficult |
Expected Number of Good Attempts | To be updated |
Was the Paper Time Consuming? | Yes |
Check out the expected CEED 2026 exam analysis for Part A and Part B below:
Sections | Number of Questions | Marks if Correct | Marks if Wrong | Total Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NAT | 8 | 3 | 0 | 24 | Moderately Difficult |
MSQ | 10 | 3 | − 0.2 | 30 | Moderately Difficult |
MCQ | 23 | 2 | − 0.5 | 46 | Easy |
Total | 41 | - | - | 100 | Moderately Difficult |
Section | Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Sketching | 1 | To be updated |
Visual Sensitivity | 1 | To be updated |
Problem Identification | 1 | To be updated |
Creativity | 1 | To be updated |
Form Sensitivity | 1 | To be updated |
Total Number of Questions | 5 | To be updated |
The CEED 2026 paper analysis delves into important factors to provide you with a better knowledge of what to expect and how to measure your performance. The following are the important factors that will be covered:
Also Read:
The question paper was found to be engaging, since the candidates faced some challenges while answering the questions. The question paper was also observed to be lengthy. The overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate. However, Part B was observed to be slightly more difficult than Part A. There was a question on human-animal interaction using blocks which was tricky and difficult to answer. Addtionally, few questions had printing errors. Check out the detailed CEED 2025 exam analysis for Part A and Part B below:
Sections | Number of Questions | Marks if Correct | Marks if Wrong | Total Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NAT | 8 | 3 | 0 | 24 | Moderately Difficult |
MSQ | 10 | 3 | − 0.2 | 30 | Moderately Difficult |
MCQ | 23 | 2 | − 0.5 | 46 | Easy |
Total | 41 | - | - | 100 | Moderately Difficult |
Section | Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Sketching | 1 | To be updated |
Visual Sensitivity | 1 | To be updated |
Problem Identification | 1 | To be updated |
Creativity | 1 | To be updated |
Form Sensitivity | 1 | To be updated |
Total Number of Questions | 5 | To be updated |
A comprehensive analysis of the CEED 2024 exam for both Part A and Part B will be provided shortly after the successful completion of the exam on January 21, 2024. Stay tuned for the updated insights and breakdown of the paper.
Sections | Number of Questions | Marks if Correct | Marks if Wrong | Total Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NAT | 8 | 3 | 0 | 24 | Moderately Difficult |
MSQ | 10 | 3 | − 0.2 | 30 | Moderately Difficult |
MCQ | 23 | 2 | − 0.5 | 46 | Easy |
Total | 41 | - | - | 100 | Moderately Difficult |
Section | Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Sketching | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Visual Sensitivity | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Problem Identification | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Creativity | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Form Sensitivity | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Total Number of Questions | 5 | Moderately Difficult |
The CEED 2023 paper analysis is mentioned below in the table.
Aspect | CEED 2023 Paper Analysis |
|---|---|
Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
Difficulty Level of Part A | Difficult |
Difficulty Level of Part B | Moderate |
Expected Number of Good Attempts | TBU |
Was the Paper Time Consuming? | Yes |
Students Reaction:
Here’s a detailed paper analysis of the CEED 2023 exam for Part A and Part B:
Sections | Number of Questions | Marks if Correct | Marks if Wrong | Total Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NAT | 8 | 3 | 0 | 24 | Moderately Difficult |
MSQ | 10 | 3 | − 0.2 | 30 | Moderately Difficult |
MCQ | 23 | 2 | − 0.5 | 46 | Easy |
Total | 41 | - | - | 100 | Moderately Difficult |
Section | Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Sketching | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Visual Sensitivity | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Problem Identification | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Creativity | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Form Sensitivity | 1 | Moderately Difficult |
Total Number of Questions | 5 | Moderately Difficult |
IIT Bombay released the Question and Answer sheet on January 24th, 2023. We have updated the CEED 2023 question paper PDF here as soon as it is out.
| CEED 2023 Question Paper PDF |
|---|
CEED 2022 exam was held on January 23, 2022. The difficulty level of the paper was counted as moderate last year. The exam was divided into two parts: Part A was computer-based, while Part B was offline mode. Negative marking was available for MCQs and MSQs, but not for NAT. Part B was conducted to assess the student's creativity, drawing, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Last year CEED 2021 was successfully held on January 17, 2021. All candidates who appeared for the exam can find the detailed exam analysis of CEED 2021 here. The overall difficulty level of CEED 2021 was moderate to difficult. Candidates reported time to be a major constraint in Part A while Part B was a bit confusing. The MCQ questions in Part A were relatively easy while both NAT and MSQ were moderately difficult
CEED 2020 exam was successfully conducted on January 18 by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for Master in Design and PhD aspirants. The main purpose of providing the CEED 2020 pre-exam analysis is to give the CEED 2020 aspirants a glimpse of the entrance exam.
The CEED 2020 paper was divided into two parts and the performance of the candidates in both the parts of the CEED 2020 exam will be taken into consideration during the preparation of the CEED 2020 merit list. The CEED 2020 Part A was conducted online and part B was a pen and paper-based test. Both the parts comprised 100 questions each. In Part A of the question paper, the candidates found objective-type questions and the B part evaluated the sketching and designing ability of the candidates. The CEED 2020 exam analysis has been given below.
The CollegeDekho team interacted with a number of CEED 2020 candidates. Let's see what they thought of the exam.
One of the candidates from Gurugram said that CEED 2020 was easier than last year. While Part A of the question paper was tricky, it was quite scoring at the same time. Part Bhad questions from multiple areas like Industrial Design, Animation and Graphic Design.
Candidates who could attempt all the MCQs should be able to obtain good marks in CEED 2020, said another candidate. She also added that Part A of the paper did not have knowledge related questions and had more logical reasoning and analytical questions. A test-taker found Part B of CEED 2020 moderate. This year, the paper did not see any optional questions.
As the exam pattern was the same, candidates found CEED 2020 easier than last year. However, there were also a few who thought that the paper was a bit lengthy as compared to CEED 2019. The candidate found Part B or the drawing section easier than Part A.
CEED 2020 Part A consisted of 42 questions which were primarily based on odd one out, visual puzzles, series and sequences, rotation-based visual puzzles, etc.
Shadow-based questions were asked to solve, which had a product with two light sources falling on it. The candidate was asked to answer how shadows and light would act on the product. There was another similar question that asked the behaviour of shadow on a person.
All in all, candidates shared that Part A was comparatively easier than last year scoring in which must have been easier for well-practised candidates.
This section included a total of 5 questions of 20 marks each. The questions were reported to be easy and straight-forward that required basic drawing skills. It basically focused on the fundamentals of drawing and visualisation.
The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2019 was conducted on January 19, 2019 by IIT Bombay from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The duration of the exam was three hours and it was conducted in English language. CEED is divided into two parts - Part A is meant to test candidates for Part B. On the basis of candidates' performance in Part B, the CEED merit list is prepared. While Part A is conducted in online mode, Part B requires the candidates to attempt the examination on an answer sheet. Candidates get an hour to attempt Part A (from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and two hours to take Part B (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM ). In Part A, students have to face objective type questions (MCQ, MSQ and NAT). On the contrary, Part B consists of questions that test candidates' designing and sketching ability. Only part B of CEED is considered for preparing the merit list. Only those candidates who are shortlisted based on part A can take Part B of the examination.
In case candidates face any technical issues at the exam venue, then the exam is conducted again from 2 PM to 5 PM on the same day for the candidates affected in the reserved session.
CEED is conducted for students who wish to pursue M.Des courses offered at the prestigious institutes such as IITs and IISc Bangalore.
The Common Entrance Exam for Design (CEED) exam was on the same lines as the previous year's CEED exam in terms of the difficulty level. The paper was quite straight forward and candidates were, therefore, able to complete their paper on time.
CEED is a three hours examination, which is conducted in an online mode for one hour for the segment having MCQ format. Students found the computer-based part of the test easy to attempt. It is followed by a paper-based drawing test of two hours where students were asked interesting questions.
The topics covered in the exam were pretty much the same as expected by test takers but the questions asked in the paper were mixed. Mental Ability, Visual-Spatial Ability, and Logical Reasoning, and Mathematics had more weightage as compared to General knowledge.
The questions on General Knowledge were more application based, and knowledge of photography, printing, audio video terminology (screen resolutions), etc., were some of the topics covered in the paper.
Now let’s take a look at the CEED exam pattern for part A. The table below lists the sections and the number of questions for each section
Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
MSQ | 10 |
NAT | 10 |
MCQ | 25 |
Total | 45 |
Given below is the marking scheme for CEED 2019
Section | Marks for Incorrect Answers | Marks for unattempted questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
MSQ | 0 | 0 | 20 |
MCQ | -0.6 | 0 | 50 |
NAT | 0 | 0 | 30 |
Mentioned below is the section-wise exam analysis for Part A of the exam
The kind of questions that this section had were
The questions that were there in this section were
The type of questions for this section are listed below
The table below lists sections, number of questions and total marks
Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
Creativity Question | 1 | 20 |
Visualisation Question | 1 | 20 |
Sketching Question | 1 | 20 |
Discipline Specific Question | 5 | 40 |
Total | 8 | 100 |
Part B had separate questions for different design specialisations
This section had questions such as
The Indian cricket team to play against England in Wales in 2019. If India wins this, it will be the third time. Candidates had to design a campaign idea to encourage people to support India
For this
During monsoons, people use their doors and furniture to dry clothes. Students had to create a product to help the user dry clothes indoors. Something which uses a fan, was lightweight, foldable, easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Candidates needed to
They had to
Evaluation Criteria for this section
The evaluation criteria for this section was
This section had the following questions
A mobile company designed a device for bicycles. It didn't have a touch screen but had 7 buttons, a speaker, internet/wifi connection and a microphone
Candidates had to
In rural areas, people use their vehicles for more than one purpose, like for carrying cattle agro equipment and people from one place to another. Most of the vehicles are not designed for such extreme usage. Candidates had to design a vehicle to be used in hilly rural areas, which could help carry heavy equipment and machines, cattle. If the vehicle is not carrying heavy equipment, machinery or cattle, it should be able to carry at least 6 people comfortably.
Candidates had to create
People in rural areas use their vehicles for multiple purposes, for carrying cattle agro equipment and people from one place to another. Most of the vehicles are not designed for such rough usage. Candidates need to design a vehicle to be used in rural areas, which can carry machines, cattle and heavy machinery/equipment. It should be able to carry at least 6 people.
For this, candidates will have to create
3D view of the final design
Side elevation to be rendered
4 concept drawings
Vehicle’s interior
Explain all the design decisions and materials in 10 points
Sketching Question in CEED-Candidates had to show an interior perspective drawing of a kitchen with 2 pans, cutlery, stove, utensils, dish rack, freshly cut vegetables on the counter and any two kitchen containers or appliances from the view of the height of a person of 5.5 feet. Candidates will be given marks on the basis of composition, completeness, texture, and shadow.
Creativity Question in CEED-5 panels were there out of which 4 had straight lines, squiggly li, es and some geometric shapes. The student was supposed to create a unique drawing including the shapes given in the panel. The 5th panel was blank and the candidate had to use any 3 elements of the previous 4 panels and come out with an interesting creative drawing.
Visualisation Question in CEED 2019-The top half of an S shape was there and the candidate was supposed to complete the other half, and also enlarge the entire image so that it reached a height of 15 cms.
Note: The paper was found to be lengthy overall and having a good speed is important in terms of sketching and idea generation.
CEED 2018 was held on January 20 by IIT Bombay in 20 cities across India. 11 colleges accepted CEED scores for admission in the year 2018. The exam paper consists of two parts- A and B both of which need to be attempted by the candidates to qualify it. Part A of the exam was a computer-based test which evaluated candidates on the basis of spatial ability, visualisation, logical reasoning, analytical, environmental and social awareness, observation, design sensitivity and language and creativity. Part B tests analytical and problem-solving skills along with the candidate's drawing, creativity and communication skills.
While Part A has been said to be a screening test Part B was for candidates to be shortlisted on the basis of their performance. Weightage allotted for Part A was 25 per cent and that for Part B was 75%.
Now, let's find how the CEED 2018 Part A of the question was divided into various sections.
Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Number Answer Type (NAT) | 2 |
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | 2 |
Number Answer Type (NAT) | 2 |
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | 6 |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) | 25 |
Mentioned below is the section-wise exam analysis for Part A of the exam.
The NAT section is a combination of logic and counting and 5 out of 8 questions were based on counting skills like 2D patterns and English words, complex 3D objects. Rest of the questions from this paper were based on logic like chess board related puzzle, Hue for yellow, pawns on chess boards by knight.
For the questions, students had to figure out the minimum moves which took a certain amount of the exam time. The weightage of the question in this section was slightly higher than the other sections. The section also did not carry negative markings.
The MSQ section of CEED 2018 was called a bit confusing and the toughest of all. However, the questions were relatively easier in 2018 wherein the candidates had to comprehend the given paragraphs or statements properly. For the same, there could be more than one or two correct options.
As usual, the MCQ section was a blend of multiple view selection, art movement, history, animation, fonts, designs and logos, pulleys, observational skills, etc. Every year this section is the easiest and candidates found this section the easiest in 2018 as well. Most candidates found Part A of CEED 2018 easier than the previous years.
Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
Drawing Question | 1 out of 5 | 50 |
Sketching Question | 1 | 20 |
Creative Thinking | 1 | 20 |
Visualisation Question | 1 | 10 |
Total | 4 | 100 |
Students were given 2 hours for this part of the exam which gave around an hour that could be spent on the first question. The choices given in the first question included Industrial Design, Animation Design, Vehicle and Mobility Design, Communication Design and Interaction Design. As per candidates who appeared for the exam, the part demanded them to be well prepared in order to understand the questions properly and avoid mistakes.
Although the questions were said to be diverse the paper was relatively easier than previous years. CEED 2018 focused on higher creative thinking, strong aptitude and a wide scope of knowledge and better drawing skills with overall good speed.
CEED 2017 was conducted on January 22, 2017 from 10 AM to 1 PM by IIT Bombay. The result for the same was announced on March 10, 2017. CEED comprised of two sections containing objective and subjective type questions respectively. Following are the student reactions to the exam.
Disclaimer: All details related to analysis have been gathered from various sources, and are subject to change. Candidates must cross-check with the official website of the examination before taking a final decision.
Want to know more about CEED
There are two sections to the CEED exam. Part A is an hour-long computer-based exam. Part B takes place offline and lasts for 2 hours. As a result, the CEED exam lasts 3 hours in total.
CEED Part A tests for visual and logical reasoning, creativity, and observation. Prepare with questions on visualization (2D to 3D, image analysis), logical deduction (series, patterns), general awareness (design, art)and language understanding. It may also test the numerical ability. There is more emphasis on aptitude rather than the knowledge of any particular subject.
The aptitude test in CEED Part A is not based on any prior knowledge but rather on testing visualization, spatial reasoning, logical reasoning, and observation skills. No specific preparation is required; however, the exam pattern can be familiarized, and practising similar questions can improve speed and accuracy. Difficulty is subjective, but with focused practice, most aspirants can handle Part A.
CEED Part B evaluates drawing, visual perception, and problem-solving skills. It demands creative thinking and design aptitude. Difficulty is subjective, based on individual strengths. If someone is comfortable with sketching and design concepts, it will not be a big issue. But for others, it may be a problem. Consistent practice and understanding of the exam pattern are essential to passing.
The two parts of the CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) exam are Part A, a computer-based exam of MCQs and Part B, a drawing-based exam. For the CEED exam, one compulsory sketching question is included in Part B of the exam. This exam tests the candidate's ability to represent form, proportion, and detail through their drawing skills. For this question in CEED, the marks allocated are 20.
The objective section of the CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) uses MCQs for testing visual aptitude, logical reasoning, and basic design knowledge. These questions check skills such as visual perception, pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving within design contexts. They may involve image-based questions, analytical reasoning, and an understanding of design principles.
Understanding the pattern, question types, and difficulty level is very important in CEED paper analysis. Previous years' papers help one to identify frequent topics asked so that focused preparation is done on the same. This also helps one to practice time management and assess one's strengths and weaknesses to improve performance and, consequently, enhance the chances of getting through the CEED exam.
The CEED is moderately difficult. It assesses visual aptitude, drawing ability, logical reasoning, and design sensitivity. No prior training in design is necessary, but the understanding of fundamental design principles is very important along with consistent practice. Competition is very high, and a well-rounded preparation strategy focusing on both creative and analytical abilities is necessary.
Part A is the least complicated component of CEED, according to the paper analysis from past years. Part A is a computer-based assessment of applicants' visual and spatial abilities, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical thinking, language, observation, and design sensitivity.
CEED evaluates design ability in two sections. Section A is computer-based, which tests visual and logical reasoning and quantitative skills. Section B tests drawing, design sensitivity, and problem-solving. Recent analyses indicate that the overall level is moderate to difficult at times, and sometimes Part B is more challenging. Specific questions may be easy or difficult, but a well-rounded preparation covering all areas is important for success.
Typical response between 24-48 hours
Get personalized response
Free of Cost
Access to community
