The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) 2027 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). It assesses candidates' design aptitude, visual perception, drawing, logical reasoning, creativity, communication and problem-solving skills for admission to postgraduate design programmes.

The CEED 2027 examination consists of two compulsory parts: Part A and Part B. The examination carries 250 raw marks in total and lasts three hours. Part A is a computer-based test, while Part B evaluates design, drawing and writing skills through answers written or drawn in a booklet.

CEED 2027 Exam Pattern: Overview

Part A will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by Part B from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Candidates must attempt both parts within their respective time limits.

CEED 2027 Part A Exam Pattern

Part A carries 150 marks and is conducted as a computer-based test. It contains three sections: Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).

Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

NAT questions require candidates to enter a numerical answer using the virtual keyboard on the computer. No answer choices are displayed.

Each correct answer carries four marks. There is no negative marking for an incorrect or unanswered NAT question.

Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)

MSQs contain four answer options, of which one or more may be correct. Candidates must select the appropriate combination.

The marking scheme awards full marks when all correct options and no incorrect options are selected. Partial marks are available for certain partially correct combinations that contain no incorrect options.

An unanswered question receives zero marks. Other incorrect combinations attract a deduction of one mark.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Each MCQ has four answer options, with only one correct answer.

A correct answer carries three marks, while an incorrect answer attracts a deduction of 0.5 marks. An unanswered question receives zero marks.

Candidates should understand the negative-marking rules before attempting uncertain answers.

CEED 2027 Part B Exam Pattern

Part B carries 100 marks and has a duration of two hours. It contains five compulsory questions designed to assess drawing, creativity, form sensitivity, visual sensitivity and problem identification.

The questions are displayed on the computer screen, but candidates must write or draw their responses in the answer booklet provided at the examination centre.

Part B is evaluated subjectively. The answer books of candidates shortlisted through Part A are evaluated manually, using the assessment criteria for the questions. Candidates should not expect a conventional objective answer key for Part B.

CEED 2027 Final Score Calculation

The final CEED score is calculated using the following formula:

Final Score = 0.25 × Part A Marks + 0.75 × Part B Marks

Although the two parts have different raw-mark totals, the final score gives greater weight to Part B. Candidates must clear the applicable Part A cut-off to have their Part B answers evaluated.

The Part A cut-off for the OPEN category is calculated from the mean and standard deviation of Part A marks. Under the 2027 rules, the cut-offs for OBC-NCL/EWS and SC/ST/PwD candidates are 0.9 and 0.5 times the OPEN-category cut-off, respectively.

There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-totalling of CEED 2027 answer scripts, and requests to view Part B answer booklets are not accepted under the published rules.

How to Prepare According to the CEED Exam Pattern

For Part A, practise visual reasoning, spatial ability, analytical and logical reasoning, observation, design awareness, language and design-method questions. Improve accuracy by solving previous-year papers under the one-hour time limit.

For Part B, focus on sketching, composition, proportions, perspective, creativity, clear communication and the ability to identify and solve design problems. Practise drawing and writing responses within the two-hour limit.

Candidates should use the official syllabus and previous-year papers to become familiar with the examination format and the expected level of design aptitude.

Frequently Asked Questions About CEED Exam Pattern

1. What is the total duration of CEED 2027?

The examination lasts three hours. Part A is conducted for one hour, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and Part B follows from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

2. How many marks are there in CEED 2027?

Part A carries 150 marks and Part B carries 100 marks, making the combined raw total 250 marks.

3. Is Part B compulsory in CEED?

Yes. Part B contains five compulsory questions that assess sketching, creativity, form sensitivity, visual sensitivity and problem identification.

4. Is there negative marking in CEED?

Yes. Incorrect MCQ responses attract a deduction of 0.5 marks. MSQs have their own partial-credit and negative-marking rules. NAT questions do not have negative marking.

5. How is the final CEED score calculated?

The final score is calculated by giving 25% weight to Part A marks and 75% weight to Part B marks: Final Score = 0.25 × Part A Marks + 0.75 × Part B Marks.

Design Admission Guidance from Eduspray India

Understanding the CEED examination pattern helps candidates plan their preparation, but they must also explore suitable M.Des. programmes and understand the admission criteria of their preferred institutes.

Eduspray India provides education counselling and admission guidance to help students compare postgraduate design programmes, review eligibility requirements and organise their admission timelines.

Our guidance can help candidates explore programme options based on their academic background, interests, career goals and preferred location.

Final eligibility and admission decisions remain with the respective institutes.

Need help choosing an M.Des. programme after CEED?

Contact Eduspray India for personalised design-admission guidance.