CEED
CEED
Common Entrance Examination for Design
Conducted by
IIT Bombay
Level
M.Des (after graduation) · PhD in Design
When
Held in January every year, same week as UCEED
Colleges
IIT Bombay · IIT Delhi · IIT Guwahati · IIT Hyderabad · IIT Kanpur · IIT Roorkee · IIT Jodhpur · IIITDM Jabalpur · IISc Bengaluru
What the exam is
CEED is the M.Des entrance for the IITs and IISc. It is designed for graduates from any background — a big share of CEED toppers every year are engineers who never formally learned to draw.
Like UCEED, it is a three‑hour, two‑part exam. Part A is a computer‑based aptitude section; Part B is a drawing and design section on paper. The CEED score is valid for one year and each institute holds its own interview or studio round after shortlisting.
Working professionals prepare for CEED in three to four months with a focused plan. The trick is not to try to become an artist — it is to learn to sketch clearly and think like a designer.
Exam pattern
Part A — 100 marks, computer‑based: NAT, MSQ and MCQ questions on visualisation, spatial reasoning, observation, design sensitivity, analytical and language skills.
Part B — 100 marks, on paper: drawing, creativity, communication and problem‑identification questions, evaluated manually.
Total 200 marks, 3 hours. Part A is used for shortlisting; Part B decides the final CEED score.
After results, each IIT runs its own portfolio review, test or interview for admission.
Who can apply
A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline — engineering, architecture, design, fine arts or a four-year science programme. Final-year students can apply.
Mentor’s tip
CEED Part B is heavier than UCEED’s. Your sketching needs to communicate an idea, not just look nice.
Prepare with DDM
Live batches, mock series with Part B evaluation, and a free 15-minute call to plan your months.