Common Entrance Examination for Design Application Process 2026
Common Entrance Examination for Design Application Process
CEED Registration 2026 Dates
CEED Registration 2026 has started on 1st October 2025. The last date to register with regular fees is 31st October 2025, and with late fees it is 7th November 2025.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration start date | 1st October 2025 |
| Last date with regular fees | 31st October 2025 |
| Last date with late fees | 7th November 2025 |
| CEED 2026 exam date | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
The exam is conducted by IIT Bombay. The official website is ceed.iitb.ac.in/2026/.
CEED Registration Process
CEED Registration is an online process. Candidates have to register online, fill in personal and academic details, upload documents, select the exam centre and pay the registration fees.
To complete the registration, the steps are:
- Register online on the official website
- Fill in personal and academic details
- Upload required documents
- Select the exam centre
- Pay the registration fees
Documents Required for CEED Registration
The following documents are required to fill the CEED Application form:
- Scanned photograph
- Signature
- Qualifying degree certificate or final year proof
- Valid category or PwD certificate
CEED Registration Statistics
In 2025, around 13,000 candidates registered for the CEED Exam. This shows a growing interest in design-related fields courses.
How to Apply for CEED 2026
Eligible candidates should fill out the CEED Application form at an early stage. The direct link to register for CEED 2026 is available on the official website.
For any latest update regarding the CEED Schedule, admit card, syllabus, answer key and result, candidates should regularly check the CEED Official website, ceed.iitb.ac.in/2026/.
CEED 2026 Registration Dates
CEED 2026 registration began on October 1, 2025, at 01:00 pm on the official website, ceed.iitb.ac.in.
Registration without late fees closes on October 31, 2025. The last date with late fees is November 7, 2025.
CEED 2026 Registration Schedule
| Particulars | Details (CEED 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Exam Name | Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) |
| Registration Start Date | October 1, 2025 (01:00 pm) |
| Last Date for Registration (Regular Fee) | October 31, 2025 |
| Last Date with Late Fee | November 7, 2025 |
| Mode of Registration | Online at ceed.iitb.ac.in |
| Application Fee | ₹4,000 (General/OBC); ₹2,000 (SC/ST/PwD/Women); ₹500 late fee extra |
| Documents Required | Passport-size photo, Signature, Degree certificate/final year proof, Category/PwD certificate |
| Exam Date & Time | January 18, 2026 (Sunday), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm |
| Participating Institutes | IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad, IISc Bangalore |
| Expected M.Des Intake | ~250–300 seats (varies by IIT) |
| CEED 2025 Registrations | ~13,000 candidates |
| Result Date | March 4, 2026 |
| Scorecard Availability | March 10 – July 31, 2026 |
| Counselling | No centralised counselling; institute-wise admission process |
What is the Use of the CEED Exam?
The CEED exam tests design aptitude, creativity and problem-solving skills. The CEED score is required for admission into M.Des and PhD programmes.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Assess design aptitude, creativity, visualisation, and problem-solving |
| Use | Required for admission to M.Des and PhD programmes in IITs and other institutes |
| Scope | Applicable for design streams such as Industrial Design, Product Design, Communication Design, and Mobility & Vehicle Design |
Does IIT Accept CEED?
All IITs offer design courses and accept CEED scores for admission. Candidates are evaluated on their CEED score, interviews, portfolio and institute-based tests.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance | Accepted by IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, and IIT Roorkee |
| Admission Criteria | CEED score + Interview / Portfolio / Additional Tests |
| Programmes | M.Des, PhD in Design |
What are the Jobs after CEED?
Candidates who qualify CEED can pursue careers in design, product development, UI/UX design and research-related roles. They can also work in startups, design studios and academic organisations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Options | Industrial Design, Product Design, UI/UX Design, Graphic Design, Design Research |
| Employment Sectors | Startups, MNCs, Design Studios, Academic & Research Institutes |
| Additional Benefits | CEED qualification enhances portfolio credibility and access to higher studies or scholarships |
CEED 2026 Important Dates
CEED 2026 will be held on January 18, 2026. The exam is conducted once a year by IIT Bombay for admission to M.Des and PhD programs at IITs and other participating universities.
| Date & Time | Event |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2025 (01:00 pm) | Start of Online Registration (Regular Fee) |
| October 31, 2025 | Last Date for Registration (Regular Fee) |
| November 1 – 7, 2025 | Registration with Late Fee |
| January 2, 2026 | Admit Card Release |
| January 18, 2026 (Sunday), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | CEED 2026 Exam Date |
| January 20, 2026 | Draft Answer Key (Part A) |
| January 22, 2026 | Last Date for Objections |
| January 28, 2026 | Final Answer Key Release |
| February 5, 2026 | Cutoff (Part A) |
| March 4, 2026 | CEED 2026 Result |
| March 10 – July 31, 2026 | Scorecard Download Window |
CEED Exam Overview
CEED is held once a year. The conducting body is IIT Bombay.
- Frequency: Once a year
- Conducting Body: IIT Bombay
- Purpose: Admission to M.Des. and PhD programs in design
- Validity of Score: Valid for one year from the date of the result
- Exam Mode: Part A: Online (Computer-Based Test); Part B: Offline (Pen-and-Paper Test)
- Number of Cities: Conducted in multiple cities across India
CEED 2025 Rank 1
Rohit Ravindra Waghmare secured AIR 1 in the CEED 2025 common rank list.
| Rank | Name | CEED Score | Institute Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Ravindra Waghmare | 82.38 | IIT Bombay |
CEED Registration Process
The CEED registration process is conducted online on the official website, ceed.iitb.ac.in. Candidates must log in, fill in academic and personal details, select the exam centre, upload required documents, and pay the application fees.
The registration process is complete only after the fee payment is made.
CEED 2026 Registration Fees
The CEED application fee depends on the candidate's category. Candidates who apply after the regular deadline must pay an additional late fee.
| Category | Registration Fee (Regular) | With Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (Male) | ₹4,000 | ₹4,500 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
| All Women Candidates | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
CEED Registration Statistics
Registration statistics show the number of candidates who applied, appeared, and qualified in previous exams. This helps analyse the competition level for design courses in India.
- The number of registrations was the same in the last 2 years at 6,037 for 2024 and 2025.
- The number of candidates who appeared decreased from 4,910 in 2024 to 4,371 in 2025.
CEED Registration Statistics 2024 and 2025
The number of candidates who registered for CEED remained the same in 2024 and 2025. The qualification rate improved in 2025.
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates | Qualified Candidates | Qualification Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6,037 | 4,910 | 1,886 | 38.4% |
| 2025 | 6,037 | 4,371 | 1,848 | 42.3% |
How Many People Qualify for CEED?
Only some students qualify for CEED, based on the minimum cutoff marks in Part A. Around 30–40% of the candidates who appear qualify.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification Criteria | Minimum cutoff in Part A of the CEED exam |
| Total Qualified Candidates | Around 30–40% of the candidates |
| Category-wise Cutoff | Different for General, OBC, SC/ST/PwD |
| Purpose | Eligible candidates can apply for M.Des. and PhD admissions at IITs and IISc. |
Which IIT Has the Lowest Fee for CEED Admissions?
IIT Guwahati has the lowest fees among the top IITs that offer admission on the basis of the CEED score. Fees for the M.Des program differ for each IIT.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| IIT with Lowest Fees | IIT Guwahati |
| Approximate Annual Fee (General) | ₹2–2.5 lakh |
| Fee for SC/ST/PwD/Women | Subsidised or lower as per norms |
| Other Notes | Fees may vary depending on the hostel, mess, and additional charges |
CEED Registration 2026: Documents Required
Candidates must upload scanned documents in the prescribed format and size to complete CEED registration. Uploading correct documents is important to verify identity, eligibility and category; incorrect uploads can lead to application rejection.
| Document | Format | Size / Specifications | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport-size Photograph | JPG / JPEG / PNG | 5 KB – 100 KB | Recent colour photo, clear face visibility |
| Signature | JPG / JPEG / PNG | 2 KB – 50 KB | Signed on white paper, scanned |
| Degree / Final Year Certificate | ≤ 1 MB | Proof of qualification or enrollment in the final year | |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | ≤ 1 MB | SC / ST / OBC / PwD certificate as per the government norms | |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | ≤ 1 MB | Required for PwD category candidates | |
| Additional Certificates (if required) | ≤ 1 MB | Any other supporting documents requested by CEED |
What Are the Requirements for the CEED Exam?
Candidates must meet educational and document requirements to appear in CEED. There is no age restriction, and both Indian and foreign nationals can apply.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (3 years or more) or Master’s degree in any stream; final year students are eligible |
| Age Limit | No age restriction |
| Nationality | Indian and foreign nationals |
| Documents Required | Passport-size photo, signature, degree/final year certificate, category/PwD certificate if applicable |
| Registration Requirement | Must register online, pay the application fee, and complete document upload |
Does CEED Require a Portfolio?
CEED itself does not require portfolio assessment. However, some participating universities will require a portfolio for admission through CEED.
Candidates should submit their portfolio during the interview or selection process if the university asks for it.
CEED Portfolio Submission
Most IITs require a portfolio submission during admissions for CEED. The portfolio demonstrates creativity, design skills, and prior work experience.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Portfolio submission is required by most IITs during admissions |
| Purpose | Demonstrates creativity, design skills, and prior work experience |
| Format | Physical or digital portfolio, as per institute guidelines |
| CEED Exam Role | CEED score + portfolio evaluation + interview used for final selection |
CEED Registration: Eligibility
The CEED Eligibility Criteria will show who can apply for the CEED Exam according to their educational qualification. The Candidate should meet these required criteria to get admission in M.Des. and PhD admissions at the participating universities.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (B.Des, B.Arch, B.Tech, B.Sc, BFA, etc.) or equivalent of 3 years or more duration after 10+2; or Master’s degree of 2 years or more |
| Final Year Students | Candidates in the final year of their qualifying degree are eligible to apply |
| Age Limit | No age restriction |
| Nationality | Indian and foreign nationals can apply; foreign nationals may need equivalent qualifications |
| Additional Notes | Institutes may have specific requirements for certain categories or courses; candidates should check individual institute criteria |
FAQs for CEED Registration 2026
Who is Eligible for the CEED Exam 2026?
The CEED Exam is for candidates who meet certain educational criteria. Both Indian and foreign candidates, including final year students, can apply.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (3+ years) or Master’s degree in any discipline; final year students are eligible |
| Age Limit | No age restriction |
| Nationality | Indian and foreign nationals |
| Purpose | Admission to M.Des. and PhD programs at IITs and IISc |
What is the Last Date to Apply for CEED 2026?
The CEED Registration process will be open till 31st October 2025 for regular fee candidates, with the late fees it is accepted till 7th November 2025.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Registration | October 1, 2025 |
| Last Date (Regular Fee) | October 31, 2025 |
| Last Date (With Late Fee) | November 7, 2025 |
What is the Registration Fee for CEED 2026?
The CEED Registration fee will differ according to the candidate's category and gender, with a late fee if submitted after the deadline.
| Category | Fee (Regular) | Fee (With Late Fee) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (Male) | ₹4,000 | ₹4,500 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
| Women Candidates | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 |
Is CEED Tougher than JEE?
The CEED and JEE are both completely different types of exams, so their difficulty depends on the candidate’s strengths. The CEED will test creativity, visualization, and design aptitude, whereas JEE focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- The CEED Exam focuses on innovation, drawing, and problem-solving skills.
- The JEE Main is more focused on conceptual and numerical-based questions, including engineering eligibility.
What is the Counselling process for CEED?
After the declaration of CEED Results, qualified candidates have to participate in the counselling/admission process separately for each participating institute.
Note: CEED does not conduct centralized counselling; admissions are handled by IITs and IISc based on CEED score, portfolio, and interview.
Admission Process After CEED
Qualifying CEED is the first step. Candidates must then apply to individual institutes for admission to M.Des or PhD programs.
The admission process has several stages. Each institute manages its own selection after the CEED result.
Stages of Admission
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Check Eligibility | Only candidates who qualify CEED can apply to M.Des or PhD programs at participating institutes. |
| Institute Application | Apply separately to institutes (IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, IISc Bangalore) using CEED scores. |
| Portfolio Submission | Most institutes require a design portfolio demonstrating creativity, prior projects, or work experience. |
| Interview / Additional Test | Institutes conduct interviews or written tests to assess aptitude, creativity, and problem-solving skills. |
| Seat Allocation | Based on CEED score, portfolio evaluation, and interview performance, institutes release admission lists. |
| Fee Payment & Admission | Selected candidates pay the institute-specific fee and complete admission formalities. |