CEED Exam Analysis 2026 (Expected), Good Score, Student Reaction

CEED Exam Analysis 2026 is crucial for candidates appearing for the Common Entrance Examination for Design. The exam is scheduled to be conducted on January 18, 2026 (Sunday) from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. CEED is conducted by IIT Bombay for admission to postgraduate design programmes such as M.Des and PhD in Design.

Based on previous year trends, teachers expectations, and student feedback from earlier exams, the CEED 2026 paper is expected to test a candidate’s design aptitude, creativity, visual perception, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This analysis provides a detailed expected review of the paper difficulty, section-wise structure, Part A and Part B focus areas, expected cutoff, good score range, and student reactions.

CEED Exam Analysis 2026

The CEED 2026 exam date is January 18, 2026. The exam will be conducted in offline mode and divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. The total duration of the exam is three hours.

The provisional CEED answer key 2026 is expected to be released on January 20, 2026, allowing candidates to evaluate their performance and raise objections if required.

CEED 2026 Section-Wise Analysis Expected

The CEED question paper is divided into two main sections: Part A and Part B. Both sections are equally important and test different skill sets.

CEED Part A Analysis 2026 (Expected)

Part A is expected to consist of objective-type questions, including NAT (Numerical Answer Type), MSQ (Multiple Select Questions), and MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions). This section generally carries 100 marks and is time-bound.

Based on previous trends, CEED 2026 Part A is expected to test:

• Visual reasoning and spatial ability
  
  

• Pattern recognition
  
  

• Logical reasoning
  
  

• Analytical thinking
  
  

• Environmental and social awareness
  
  

• Basic design aptitude
  
  

The difficulty level of Part A is expected to be moderate, with a few tricky questions requiring deeper thinking. Negative marking may apply to some question types, making accuracy important.

CEED Part B Analysis 2026 (Expected)

Part B is descriptive in nature and focuses on drawing and design-based questions. This section usually includes five questions, each carrying 20 marks, for a total of 150 marks.

The CEED Part B 2026 questions are expected to test:

• Creativity and originality
  
  

• Drawing and sketching skills
  
  

• Visual communication
  
  

• Problem-solving ability
  
  

• Design thinking and innovation
  
  

Candidates may be asked to design a solution to a real-life problem, illustrate a concept, or visually narrate a situation. Time management is crucial, as Part B is lengthier and requires structured answers.

Overall, Part B is expected to be challenging but scoring for candidates with strong creative skills.

CEED 2026 Paper Review (Expected)

The CEED 2026 paper review is expected to reflect a well-balanced design aptitude test. The exam is likely to avoid direct repetition of previous questions but may follow similar themes such as human–environment interaction, everyday problem-solving, and visual interpretation.

Like earlier years, the paper is expected to reward candidates who think creatively and logically rather than those relying only on memorisation.

CEED 2026 Memory-Based Questions (Expected)

Based on past exams, CEED 2026 memory-based questions may include:

• Visual puzzles based on symmetry or pattern completion
  
  

• Scenario-based design problems
  
  

• Observation-based illustrations
  
  

• Logical arrangement or sequence questions
  
  

• Design challenges related to public spaces or social situations
  
  

These questions often test how well candidates observe details and apply design thinking.

CEED 2026 Student Reaction (Expected)

The CEED 2026 student reaction is expected to be mixed. Many students may find Part A intellectually demanding due to reasoning-heavy questions. Part B is likely to be appreciated by candidates with strong creative and sketching abilities.

Overall feedback is expected to describe the exam as thought-provoking, conceptual, and time-intensive, similar to previous years.

CEED 2026 Expected Cutoff

The CEED 2026 expected cutoff is likely to remain close to previous years. For the general category, the qualifying cutoff may fall in the range of 25 to 30 marks out of 200. Reserved category cutoffs are expected to be lower.

The final cutoff for admission will depend on institute-wise requirements and overall performance of candidates.

CEED 2026 Good Score (Expected)

A good score in CEED 2026 is expected to be:

• 45+ marks for a safe qualification
  
  

• 55+ marks for strong chances in top institutes
  
  

• 65+ marks for highly competitive programmes
  
  

Actual admission depends on institute preferences and portfolio performance.

CEED Previous Years’ Exam Analysis Comparison

Here are CEED Previous Years’ Exam Analysis Comparison: 

CEED Exam Analysis 2025

The CEED 2025 exam was reported as smooth and moderately difficult. Students found all sections manageable, with some questions requiring pattern recognition and deeper thinking. A unique question involving a bear scaring two children stood out for its creativity.

CEED Exam Analysis 2024

CEED 2024 was moderately difficult and time-consuming. Part A included 41 objective questions across NAT, MSQ, and MCQ formats. Part B focused on drawing and design, with some challenging real-world interaction problems.

CEED Exam Analysis 2023

CEED 2023 had moderate to high difficulty. Part A tested analytical thinking, while Part B was considered relatively easier for creatively inclined students. The paper strongly focused on innovation and problem-solving.