CEED 2026 Exam Pattern provides a section-wise structure and a marking scheme for the exam. The official exam schedule confirms that the CEED 2026 exam will be held on January 18, 2026 with a total duration of 3 hours, divided into Part A (1 hour) and Part B (2 hours). The pattern tests both analytical aptitude and creative skills for admission into postgraduate design programmes.
CEED 2026 Exam Structure Overview
The CEED 2026 exam pattern consists of two major components with distinct formats and marking schemes. Both parts together determine the overall performance score, with Part A serving as a qualifying screening test and Part B focusing on creative and design skills.
Part A: Computer-Based Test (Objective)
Part A of the CEED 2026 Exam Pattern is a computer-based test (CBT) with objective questions. This section evaluates candidates’ analytical reasoning, visual perception, design awareness, language ability, and logical thinking.
Key features of Part A include:
- Duration: 1 hour
- Mode: Online computer-based exam
- Total Marks: 150
- Question Types:
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
The purpose of this section is to screen candidates for Part B evaluation. Only candidates who meet the qualifying cut-off in Part A are considered for Part B scoring.
CEED 2026 Part A Question Types and Marking Scheme
The objective section includes three distinct types of questions. Each type tests specific skills and has unique marking rules:
Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
NAT questions require candidates to type a numerical value as the answer, with no options provided.
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
MSQ questions have multiple correct options. Partial marks may be applied based on the number of correct options selected, and incorrect choices can lead to negative marking.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
MCQs provide four options with only one correct choice. These questions test reasoning and basic design aptitude aspects. Together, NAT, MSQ, and MCQ make up 44 objective questions totalling 150 marks for Part A.
Also Check: CEED 2026 Result Sharing Institutes Released by IIT Bombay
CEED 2026 Part B: Pen-and-Paper Test (Descriptive)
Part B of the CEED 2026 exam pattern is a pen-and-paper-based test designed to assess creative ability, drawing skills, visualisation, and problem identification. Candidates view the questions on a computer screen but must write or draw responses in an answer booklet provided at the exam centre. This part is only evaluated for candidates who clear the Part A cut-off.
Part B Structure and Marking
Part B consists of five compulsory questions. Each question assesses a different dimension of creative design ability. All questions must be answered within the allotted time. Part B questions are evaluated subjectively based on creativity, concept clarity, visual communication, and design thinking. There is no negative marking in this section.
Evaluation and Weightage in CEED 2026
The final score in CEED 2026 is calculated by combining Part A and Part B scores with a specific weightage formula. According to official guidelines, Part A contributes 25% and Part B contributes 75% to the overall score. This higher weightage reflects the emphasis on creative and design skills.
Scoring Formula
The final CEED 2026 score is computed using:Final Score = 0.25 × Part A Marks + 0.75 × Part B Marks
Also Check: CEED Syllabus 2026 (Parts A and B)
Key Features of the CEED 2026 Pattern
The CEED 2026 exam pattern combines objective aptitude evaluation with subjective creative assessment. Its distinctive structure and marking scheme aim to test both analytical reasoning and hands-on design skills.
- Objective Evaluation (Part A) focuses on design awareness, visualization, analytical logic, and general reasoning.
- Descriptive Evaluation (Part B) measures drawing ability, creativity, visualization sensitivity, and problem-solving.
Understanding Negative Marking Rules
In Part A, only MSQ and MCQ questions carry negative marking for incorrect choices. NAT questions have no negative marking. In Part B, candidates are free to attempt all questions without risk of mark deductions.
Also Check: CEED Preparation 2026: Pattern, Syllabus, Best Books, Last-Minute Tips
CEED 2026 Exam Duration and Language
- Total Exam Duration: 3 hours, with Part A for 1 hour and Part B for 2 hours.
- Medium of Exam: English.
Conclusion
The CEED 2026 exam pattern is designed to test a balance of aptitude and creativity. With a combination of objective testing in Part A and subjective design evaluation in Part B, the pattern ensures that candidates are assessed on analytical reasoning as well as creative problem-solving skills. Understanding the structure and marking rules helps aspirants plan preparation strategies that align with official exam requirements.
