The CEED Exam Pattern 2027 is expected to stay the same as previous years, since IIT Bombay has not announced any structural change for 2027. The official notification with detailed instructions is to be out on 1 October 2026.

  • CEED 2027 has 2 parts. Part A has negative marking; Part B does not.
  • The total score of the CEEd exam is 250. The score splits as 150 for Part A and 100 for Part B.
  • Part A consists of NAT (Numerical Answer), MSQ, MCQ type questions, while Part B consists of Subjective Drawing & Design Questions.
  • Total duration of the exam is 3 hours, with 1 hour for Part A and 2 hours for Part B.
  • Part B is evaluated only for students who clear the Part A cutoff.

Related Links:

CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Marking Scheme, Part A and Part B Weightage

Key Summary

  • CEED 2027 is expected to follow the existing pattern with two parts — Part A (150 marks) and Part B (100 marks). Part A is computer-based, while Part B is an offline drawing and design test.
  • Part B is evaluated only for candidates who clear the Part A cutoff. Despite lower marks, Part B carries significant importance in the final score due to its higher weightage in design evaluation.
  • Candidates should balance aptitude, reasoning, and design awareness for Part A with sketching, creativity, problem-solving, and visual communication skills for Part B.
  • CEED 2027 notification is expected on October 1, 2026, with registrations likely starting in October 2026 and the exam scheduled for January 17, 2027.

CEED Exam Pattern 2027 Overview

The CEED exam pattern 2027 is expected to stay the same as 2026, with Part A held in online computer-based mode and Part B held offline in pen and paper mode.

CEED Exam Pattern 2027 Overview
CEED Exam Pattern 2027 Overview

Source: Official CEED 2026 Portal hosted by IIT Bombay

Parameter Part A (Aptitude & Theory) Part B (Design & Sketching)
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT) Pen-and-Paper Test (Offline)
Duration 1 Hour 2 Hours
Total Marks 150 Marks 100 Marks
Question Types
  • NAT (Numerical Answer),
  • MSQ, MCQ
  • Subjective Drawing &
  • Design Questions
Negative Marking Applicable for MCQs and MSQs No Negative Marking
Evaluation Used for shortlisting candidates Evaluated only if the candidate qualifies the Part A cutoff

Ques. Has the CEED 2027 exam pattern changed from previous years?

Ans. No major change is expected in the CEED 2027 exam pattern. The exam will likely continue with 250 total marks, split as 150 for Part A and 100 for Part B.

Also Check:

What's New in CEED 2027?

Update Details
Exam Pattern No major change expected
Notification Expected 1 October 2026
Part A CBT
Part B Offline Drawing

CEED 2027: Exam Schedule

CEED 2027 is expected to be held on a single day, unlike multi-shift exams such as GATE or JEE Main.

  • Part A is conducted first as a 1-hour computer-based test, followed immediately by Part B, a 2-hour offline drawing and design test.
  • The exam runs in a single 3-hour session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with no break between Part A and Part B.
Section Official Time Duration Exam Mode
Part A 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 1 Hour Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Part B 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon) 2 Hours Offline Pen-and-Paper Booklet
Total Exam 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon) 3 Hours Combined Session
CEED 2027: Exam Schedule

Ques. Will Part B be evaluated for every student?

Ans. No, Part B is evaluated only for students who clear the Part A cutoff.

Also Read: CEED and UCEED 2027 Exam Date Announced; Detailed Notification on October 1

CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Part A Weightage

Part A includes 3 sections: NAT, MSQ, and MCQ, making a total of approximately 44 questions for a total of 150 marks:

  • A total of 8 questions are expected in the NAT section, with 4 marks each.
  • 10 questions have been asked in the MSQs section of Part A in past years, of 4 marks each.
  • 26 questions are asked in the MCQs section, of 3 marks each.
  • NAT scores don’t include negative marking, while MSQs and MCQs do.
CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Part A Weightage

Source: CEED 2026 Information Brochure

Question Type Number of Questions Total Marks
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) 8 32
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) 10 40
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) 26 78
Total 44 150

Ques. Is there negative marking in CEED 2027?

Ans. Yes, Part A has negative marking for MCQ and MSQ questions, while NAT questions and all of Part B carry no negative marking.

Also Check: CEED 2027 Exam Pattern, Check Revised Syllabus, Marking Scheme, Question Papers

CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Part B Weightage

As per the CEED 2026 exam, Part B of the exam consists of a total of 5 questions, each of a different section, for a total of 100 marks.

  • Each question will be 20 marks, with no negative marking, but partial marking is put in place.
  • Part-B answer books will be evaluated manually only for candidates shortlisted from Part-A.
  • Part A is used to shortlist candidates for Part B evaluation, while the final CEED score is calculated using the weighted scores of both Part A and Part B.
  • Since Part B carries a higher weightage, strong performance in the design section is crucial for securing a good rank.
CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Part B Weightage

Source: CEED 2026 Information Brochure

Question Skill Tested Marks
Question 1 Drawing 20
Question 2 Creativity 20
Question 3 Form Sensitivity 20
Question 4 Visual Sensitivity 20
Question 5 Problem Identification 20

Ques. How much weightage does Part B carry in the final CEED score?

Ans. Part B typically carries around 75% weightage in the final CEED score, with Part A making up the remaining 25%.

Related Link: CEED Registration 2027: Check Dates, Fees, Process & Eligibility

CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Part A Marking Scheme

In Part A, NAT and MSQs reward 4 marks for each correct answer. NAT doesn’t include Negative marking, but MSQs include partial and negative marking, and MCQs also have negative marking of -0.5 for each incorrect answer.

Part A MSQs Marking:

  • Candidates can score +4 to +1 marks based on selecting fully or partially correct option combinations without choosing incorrect options.
  • Unattempted questions receive 0 marks, allowing candidates to avoid unnecessary risks.
  • Selecting wrong options or incorrect combinations results in -1 mark.
CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Part A Marking Scheme

Source: CEED 2026 Information Brochure

Ques. How long is the CEED 2027 exam?

Ans. The CEED 2027 exam is expected to run for 3 hours in total, with 1 hour for Part A and 2 hours for Part B.

CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Part B Marking Scheme

Part B of the exam consists of 5 questions, 20 marks each, for a total of 100 marks.

  • It doesn’t include negative marking, but partial marking.
  • It is based on how correctly the solution is answered
Question Type Marks for Correct Answer Marks for Wrong Answer
NAT +4 0 (no negative marking)
MSQ Partial marking allowed -1
MCQ +3 -0.5
Part B (all 5 questions) +20 No negative marking, but partial marking

Also Read: CEED College Predictor 2026: Predict Your Admission Chances at IIT for Design

Ques. What is the validity period of the CEED 2027 scorecard?

Ans. The CEED 2027 scorecard is valid for one year from the date of result declaration and can be used for admission to eligible design programmes during that period.

CEED Exam Pattern 2027: Preparation Strategies

A successful CEED 2027 preparation plan requires equal focus on strengthening aptitude and reasoning skills for Part A while developing creative problem-solving, sketching, and design communication abilities for Part B.

  • Download and solve the last 10 years of official CEED question papers directly from the IIT Bombay portal.
Preparation Phase Timeline Key Strategy
Phase 1: Master Part A July – October Build aptitude skills through spatial reasoning, design awareness, art & design knowledge, and everyday object analysis. Maintain a design journal and practise mental rotation, paper folding, and 3D visualization.
Phase 2: Refine Part B Skills October – December Strengthen sketching, perspective, human anatomy, creative ideation, and design presentation. Practise multiple solutions for design problems and improve concept communication.
Phase 3: Speed & Exam Strategy December – January Focus on full-length mocks, time management, and exam simulation. Practise the 3-hour continuous format with structured time allocation for Part A and Part B.

Students on Reddit discuss the following regarding the CEED Preparation:

  • CEED preparation should emphasise understanding design principles, user problems, and real-world applications rather than relying only on static GK or facts.
  • Solving previous year papers, reviewing mistakes, and analysing design solutions help improve creative problem-solving, pattern recognition, and exam-time decision-making.
Reddit Discussions

Source: Reddit

Related Link: CEED Exam Centres 2027: Check the List of Test Centres & Exam Day Guidelines

CEED 2027: Syllabus

The CEED 2027 syllabus tests design aptitude rather than fixed academic concepts. It is split into 2 parts, as per the exam pattern.

  • Part A: Visualisation and spatial ability, environmental and social awareness, analytical and logical reasoning, language and creativity, observation and design sensitivity.
  • Part B: Drawing, creativity, communication, problem identification, and analytical and problem-solving skills.
Section Syllabus Area Key Topics Covered
Part A: Aptitude & Theory Visualization and Spatial Reasoning Manipulation, folding, and transformation of 2D shapes and 3D objects; Understanding spatial relationships.
Observation and Design Sensitivity Identifying hidden properties, attention to detail, critical thinking, classification, and prediction.
Environmental and Social Awareness Awareness of environmental, social, sustainable, and cultural aspects influencing design.
Analytical and Logical Reasoning Qualitative and quantitative analysis, pattern recognition, and logical sequences.
Language Reading comprehension and proficiency in standard English.
Creativity Understanding verbal/non-verbal analogies, metaphors, signs, and symbols.
Art and Design Knowledge Awareness of artifacts, products, artists/designers, art history, and global visual trends.
Practical and Scientific Knowledge Application of basic scientific principles to everyday objects.
Design Methods and Practices Knowledge of materials, media, production processes, and basic ergonomics.
Part B: Design & Sketching Drawing Freehand sketching of products, human figures, and scenes with focus on proportion, perspective, composition, line quality, and shading.
Creativity Developing innovative concepts and unconventional solutions to functional design problems.
Communication Skills Presenting design ideas through visual layouts, annotations, and brief written explanations.
Problem Identification Understanding design problems, user needs, context analysis, and appropriate use of materials.

Ques. Is CEED required for admission to all IIT Design programmes?

Ans. No. CEED scores are accepted by several institutes, but each institute may have its own admission process, including interviews, portfolios, or additional assessments.

Check: CEED Syllabus: Download PDF for Part A and B, Study Materials, Important Topics, Books

CEED 2027: Participating Institutes

CEED scores decide admission to Master of Design and PhD in Design programs at several premier institutes. Clearing CEED does not guarantee a seat directly, since every participating institute runs its own additional interview or portfolio round after the exam.

Institute Programmes Offered
IISc Bangalore M.Des, PhD
IIT Bombay M.Des, PhD
IIT Delhi M.Des, PhD
IIT Guwahati M.Des, PhD
IIT Hyderabad M.Des, PhD
IIT Kanpur M.Des, PhD
IIT Roorkee M.Des
IIT Jodhpur M.Des
IIITDM Jabalpur M.Des
IIITDM Kancheepuram M.Des

CEED Exam Pattern 2027: FAQs

Ques. How many times can I attempt CEED?

Ans. You can attempt CEED unlimited times, but the students should meet the criteria. Your CEED score is valid for 1 year from the result declaration date.

Ques. Which institutes accept CEED scores?

Ans. CEED scores are accepted by 11 institutes, including IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bangalore, etc for their design programs.

Ques. What items should I carry for Part B of the CEED exam?

Ans. You should carry 2 HB pencils along with a black or blue ballpoint pen. Students are allowed to submit their final drawings using pencils (sketching pencils like HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, etc.) and colored pencils/crayons. Pens are only required for writing your basic candidate details or text annotations, not for the artwork itself.