CEED Syllabus 2027 is published by IIT Bombay in the official Information Brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in. The syllabus covers two parts: Part A (computer-based objective screening test) and Part B (studio-based drawing and design test). Download the official Information Brochure and build your preparation around Part B — it carries 75% of your final CEED score.
- The CEED 2027 syllabus has two parts: Part A (screening) and Part B (design skills evaluation).
- Part A tests five skill areas: Visualization, Environmental Awareness, Analytical Reasoning, Language, and Observation.
- Part B tests drawing, creativity, ideation, and visual communication through open-ended studio tasks.
- The final CEED score formula is: 25% of Normalized Part A + 75% of Normalized Part B.
- Visualization and Spatial Ability carries the highest weight in Part A (approx. 25–30%).
- The CEED 2027 exam is expected in January 2027; the Information Brochure is available at ceed.iitb.ac.in.
- CEED scores are accepted by IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Guwahati, and IISc Bangalore for M.Des admission.
Download the CEED 2027 Information Brochure before you start preparing — it contains the authoritative, up-to-date syllabus from IIT Bombay.
CEED Syllabus PDF: Download Part-wise PDFs
IIT Bombay publishes the complete CEED syllabus inside the official Information Brochure. You can access the brochure from the official CEED portal below.
| Part | CEED 2027 Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| Part A – Computer-Based Objective Test | CEED 2027 Part A Syllabus (Information Brochure) |
| Part B – Studio-Based Drawing and Design Test | CEED 2027 Part B Syllabus (Information Brochure) |
CEED Syllabus 2027: Overview
CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) is conducted by IIT Bombay. It is the national-level gateway to M.Des programmes at IITs and IISc.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Common Entrance Examination for Design |
| Conducting Body | IIT Bombay |
| Level | National (Postgraduate Design Entrance) |
| Mode | Part A: Computer-Based Test | Part B: Pen-and-Paper Studio Test |
| Total Marks | Part A: 100 marks | Part B: 100 marks |
| Score Formula | 25% of Normalized Part A Score + 75% of Normalized Part B Score |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year (typically January) |
| Accepting Institutes | IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bangalore |
| Official Website | ceed.iitb.ac.in |
CEED 2027 Important Dates
The table lists upcoming CEED 2027 events first, followed by events already completed as of today.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply Online | October – November 2026 (Expected) |
| Application Form Correction Window | November 2026 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Download | December 2026 (Expected) |
| CEED 2027 Exam Date (Part A + Part B) | January 2027 (Expected) |
| Preliminary Answer Key Release | January 2027 (Expected) |
| CEED 2027 Result Declaration | March 2027 (Expected) |
| Application Start Date | September 2026 (Over) |
*All dates are based on previous year patterns. Confirm official dates in the CEED 2027 Information Brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in.
CEED 2027 Part A Syllabus
Part A is a computer-based objective test. It includes MCQ, MSQ, and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions. You must clear the Part A qualifying cutoff — only those who qualify have their Part B evaluated.
Part A covers five sections. Each section tests a distinct design aptitude skill.
Section 1: Visualization and Spatial Ability
This section tests your ability to mentally manipulate 2D shapes and 3D objects. It typically carries the highest weight in Part A.
| Topic Area | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| 2D Shape Manipulation | Sub-topics of 2D Shape Manipulation – Click Here Rotation and reflection of flat shapes; mirror images and water images; pattern completion; symmetry detection; figure series; embedded figures; hidden figures; paper folding and unfolding |
| 3D Object Visualization | Sub-topics of 3D Object Visualization – Click Here Orthographic projections (top, front, side views); isometric views; unfolding 3D nets; shadow analysis; cross-sections of solids; assembly and disassembly of objects; dice problems |
| Spatial Reasoning | Sub-topics of Spatial Reasoning – Click Here Mental rotation of 3D objects; depth perception; spatial relationships between objects; jigsaw puzzle completion; figure–ground perception; detection of changes in spatial orientation |
Section 2: Environmental and Social Awareness
This section tests your knowledge of art, design history, Indian culture, and contemporary social issues.
| Topic Area | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| History of Art and Design | Sub-topics of Art and Design History – Click Here Indian art and craft traditions; major global design movements (Bauhaus, Art Nouveau, Modernism, Postmodernism, Memphis); evolution of product, graphic, and industrial design; famous Indian and international designers and architects; Indian architecture (ancient, medieval, colonial, contemporary) |
| Cultural and Heritage Awareness | Sub-topics of Cultural Awareness – Click Here UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India; traditional crafts (Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, Kalamkari, Phulkari); Indian textiles; folk art forms; classical and folk music instruments; Indian festivals and their visual culture; significant museums in India |
| Environmental and Social Issues | Sub-topics of Environmental and Social Issues – Click Here Climate change and design’s role in sustainability; lifecycle assessment of products; universal design and accessibility; social impact design; circular economy concepts; eco-friendly materials; contemporary environmental awareness topics |
Section 3: Analytical and Logical Reasoning
This section tests structured reasoning and data interpretation skills.
| Topic Area | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Sub-topics of Logical Reasoning – Click Here Syllogisms; analogies; number and letter series; classification; blood relations; directions and distances; coding-decoding; statement and assumptions; statement and conclusions; critical reasoning |
| Numerical and Data Reasoning | Sub-topics of Numerical Reasoning – Click Here Data interpretation from tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs; numerical series; ratio and proportion; percentages; basic arithmetic; data sufficiency; quantitative comparisons |
Section 4: Language and Creativity
This section tests verbal ability, lateral thinking, and your capacity for creative problem-solving.
| Topic Area | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal and Language Skills | Sub-topics of Language Skills – Click Here Reading comprehension passages; sentence completion; verbal analogies; synonyms and antonyms; grammar usage; vocabulary and word relationships; idioms and phrases; error spotting in sentences |
| Creativity and Lateral Thinking | Sub-topics of Creativity – Click Here Unusual uses of everyday objects; alternative functions of products; creative connections between unrelated concepts; divergent thinking questions; visual wordplay; open-ended creative reasoning tasks |
Section 5: Observation and Design Sensitivity
This section tests your awareness of design elements, visual aesthetics, and the principles of good design.
| Topic Area | Sub-topics |
|---|---|
| Design Elements and Principles | Sub-topics of Design Elements – Click Here Line, shape, form, texture, space, color; balance (symmetrical and asymmetrical); proportion; rhythm and repetition; contrast; emphasis and hierarchy; unity and variety; gestalt principles (proximity, similarity, closure, continuity) |
| Color Theory | Sub-topics of Color Theory – Click Here Primary, secondary, and tertiary colors; hue, saturation, and value; complementary, analogous, triadic color schemes; warm and cool colors; color psychology in design; simultaneous contrast; color mixing (additive and subtractive) |
| Observation and Perception | Sub-topics of Observation – Click Here Detecting hidden properties or alternate uses of objects; perception of aesthetics; visual illusions; figure–ground relationships; product semantics; ergonomics and human factors basics; typography fundamentals; visual communication principles |
CEED 2027 Part B Syllabus
Part B is a studio-based test. You work with pen and paper at the examination centre. IIT Bombay evaluates Part B answer sheets through a faculty panel.
Part B does not have a fixed topic list like Part A. The questions are open-ended design tasks. The skill areas below define what the exam evaluates.
| Skill Area | What is Tested | Typical Task Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing Ability | Freehand sketching of products, people, and environments | Sketch a product from imagination; draw a street scene; illustrate an object from multiple views |
| Creativity and Ideation | Generating original design concepts for a given brief | Design a product for a specific user group; annotated concept sketches; idea generation maps |
| Visual Communication | Using sketches, words, and diagrams to communicate ideas | Storyboarding; sequential illustration; visual narration of a scenario; poster concept layout |
| Design Problem Solving | Applying design thinking to real-world challenges | Redesign a household object; propose a wayfinding system; improve a public space |
Practice timed sketching sessions every day — Part B requires you to produce quality work within 3 hours under exam conditions.
Source: IIT Bombay CEED Official Portal
CEED 2027 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern below helps you understand how CEED 2027 is structured and how each part contributes to your final score.
| Parameter | Part A | Part B |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Computer-Based Test (Objective) | Studio Test (Subjective, Pen and Paper) |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | Open-ended drawing and design tasks |
| Total Marks | 100 marks | 100 marks |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Negative Marking | MCQ: –0.33 per wrong answer; MSQ and NAT: no negative marking | No negative marking |
| Evaluation Method | Automatic (computer-evaluated) | Evaluated by a faculty panel from IITs and IISc |
| Role in Final Score | Qualifying threshold + 25% of final CEED score | 75% of final CEED score |
CEED 2027 Score Calculation Formula
Both Part A and Part B marks are independently normalized to a scale of 100. The final CEED score uses this formula:
CEED Score = 0.25 × (Normalized Part A Score) + 0.75 × (Normalized Part B Score)
A student who scores high in Part A but low in Part B will receive a lower final score. Prioritize Part B without neglecting the Part A qualifying cutoff.
CEED 2027 Part A: Topic-Wise Weightage
IIT Bombay does not officially publish section-wise marks breakdowns. The weightage below is derived from previous year CEED paper analysis.
| Section | Approx. Weightage in Part A | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Visualization and Spatial Ability | ~25–30% | 3D object views, paper folding, orthographic projections |
| Environmental and Social Awareness | ~20–25% | Art history, Indian crafts, global design movements |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning | ~20% | Analogies, series, data interpretation from charts |
| Observation and Design Sensitivity | ~15–20% | Color theory, Gestalt principles, design elements |
| Language and Creativity | ~10–15% | Reading comprehension, lateral thinking problems |
*Percentages are indicative based on trend analysis of previous CEED papers. Actual distribution may vary.
Best Books for CEED 2027
No single book covers the complete CEED syllabus. You need subject-specific resources for Part A sections and dedicated practice for Part B skills.
| Topic / Part | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why This Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEED Full Preparation (Part A + B) | CEED/UCEED Preparation Guide | IDP CEED / Various Coaching Publishers | Covers all Part A sections with practice questions and timed mock tests |
| Drawing Skills (Part B) | Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain | Betty Edwards | Builds observational drawing skills fundamental to all Part B tasks |
| Design Fundamentals and Observation | The Elements of Design | Rowena Reed Kostellow (Gail Greet Hannah) | Covers design elements and 3D form — directly relevant to Observation section |
| Color Theory | Interaction of Color | Josef Albers (Yale University Press) | Deep-dives into color relationships essential for Design Sensitivity questions |
| Art and Design History | The Story of Art | E.H. Gombrich (Pocket Editions available) | Concise coverage of art history from ancient to modern — ideal for Environmental Awareness |
| Logical Reasoning (Part A) | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand) | Strong foundational coverage of all logical reasoning question types in Part A |
How to Download CEED 2027 Syllabus PDF
The CEED syllabus is published inside the official Information Brochure. Follow these steps to download it from the IIT Bombay CEED portal.
- Visit the official website at ceed.iitb.ac.in.
- Look for the "Information Brochure" or "Announcements" section on the homepage.
- Click on the Information Brochure link — it opens as a PDF in a new tab.
- Navigate to the Syllabus section (typically in the first few pages of the brochure).
- Press Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (Mac) to save the PDF to your device.
- Alternatively, click the download icon in your browser’s PDF viewer.
Note: If the CEED 2027 Information Brochure is not yet available, bookmark the official page and check back after the official announcement.
CEED 2027 Preparation Strategy
CEED preparation requires two parallel tracks: objective content mastery for Part A and creative skill development for Part B.
Part A Preparation
- Practice spatial visualization problems daily. Use geometry workbooks and CEED mock tests to sharpen 3D object manipulation.
- Build a reading habit around design and art content. Follow design journals, museum websites, and books on Indian craft traditions.
- Solve 20–30 logical reasoning problems per day to strengthen the Analytical section.
- Improve vocabulary and reading speed for the Language section through regular reading of English newspapers or design articles.
- Study color theory actively — learn to identify complementary schemes, Gestalt principles, and visual hierarchy in real examples.
- Attempt at least 5 full-length mock Part A tests in the 2 months before the exam to build exam-day speed.
Part B Preparation
- Sketch every day without exception. Start with 20 minutes and increase to 1–2 hours as January 2027 approaches.
- Practice object drawing, product sketching, and human figure sketching. These appear regularly in Part B.
- Work on sketching speed. Part B tasks demand quality output within 3 hours.
- Download and study previous year CEED Part B papers from the official website to understand the task format.
- Practice visual storytelling through sequential illustration — this appears in most CEED Part B papers.
- Get objective feedback on your drawings from a design mentor or peer group. Self-evaluation alone has limits.
Overall Strategy
- Spend roughly 30% of your preparation time on Part A and 70% on Part B. Part B is where the score difference is made.
- Do not neglect Part A entirely — you must cross the qualifying cutoff or Part B never gets evaluated.
- Maintain a dedicated sketchbook to document daily design observations. This builds visual vocabulary over time.
- Register well before the application deadline — CEED’s online portal may experience high traffic near the closing date.
CEED Syllabus 2027 FAQs
Ques. Is the CEED 2027 syllabus the same as the CEED 2026 syllabus?
Ans. The CEED syllabus does not change significantly from year to year. The five Part A sections and the Part B skill areas remain consistent. Any official revision will be published in the CEED 2027 Information Brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in.
Ques. Which section has the highest weightage in CEED Part A?
Ans. Visualization and Spatial Ability carries the highest weight in Part A — approximately 25–30% based on previous year paper analysis. Focus on 3D object views, paper folding, and orthographic projection problems.
Ques. What is the difference between CEED Part A and Part B?
Ans. Part A is a computer-based objective test (MCQ, MSQ, NAT) that serves as a qualifying screening test. Part B is a studio-based pen-and-paper test with drawing and design tasks. Only students who qualify Part A have their Part B evaluated. Part B carries 75% of the final CEED score.
Ques. Where can I download the official CEED 2027 syllabus PDF?
Ans. The CEED 2027 syllabus is available inside the official Information Brochure at ceed.iitb.ac.in. Go to the Downloads or Announcements section on the homepage to access the brochure PDF.
Ques. Has the CEED syllabus been revised for 2027?
Ans. No significant revision to the CEED syllabus has been announced for 2027. The five Part A sections and Part B skill areas remain as in previous years. Confirm the latest status in the official Information Brochure once published on ceed.iitb.ac.in.
Ques. Is there negative marking in CEED 2027?
Ans. Negative marking applies only to MCQ questions in Part A (–0.33 marks per wrong answer). MSQ and NAT questions carry no negative marking. Part B has no negative marking since it is evaluated by a faculty panel.
Ques. How many sections are in CEED Part A 2027?
Ans. CEED Part A has five sections. They are: Visualization and Spatial Ability; Environmental and Social Awareness; Analytical and Logical Reasoning; Language and Creativity; and Observation and Design Sensitivity.
Ques. What books should I follow for CEED 2027 preparation?
Ans. For Part A: use a CEED/UCEED guide for mock tests; R.S. Aggarwal for Logical Reasoning; E.H. Gombrich’s The Story of Art for Environmental Awareness. For Part B: Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain builds observational drawing skills. Josef Albers’ Interaction of Color is strong for Design Sensitivity. No single book covers the full syllabus — combine multiple resources.
Ques. Do I need to study art history for CEED?
Ans. Yes. The Environmental and Social Awareness section includes questions on art movements (Bauhaus, Art Nouveau, Modernism), Indian art and craft traditions, famous designers, and cultural heritage. Spend time each week reading design history and exploring museum collection websites.
Ques. Which institutes accept CEED scores for M.Des admission?
Ans. CEED scores are accepted by IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bangalore. Each institute conducts a separate interview or studio test round after CEED qualification. Check each institute’s admissions portal for programme-specific eligibility criteria.
Ques. How should I prepare for CEED Part B in 6 months?
Ans. Months 1–2: Focus on observation drawing — sketch objects, people, and environments every day. Months 3–4: Practice product sketching and ideation with written annotations. Months 5–6: Attempt timed mock Part B papers and get feedback from a mentor or peer group. Study previous year Part B papers from ceed.iitb.ac.in throughout all six months.
Ques. Is drawing required in CEED Part A?
Ans. No. Part A is fully computer-based with objective questions (MCQ, MSQ, NAT). Drawing is required only in Part B, which is a separate studio-based test conducted with pen and paper after Part A qualification.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments