How to Prepare for CEED 2026 in 6 Months? - Check Month Wise Study Plan Here

How to Prepare for CEED 2026 in 6 Months? - Check Month Wise Study Plan Here

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CEED Exam Date:18 Jan' 26 - 18 Jan' 26

Ritika JonwalUpdated on 01 Jul 2025, 10:25 AM IST

The Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) is a design entrance exam for postgraduate students to gain an MDes degree in design. This exam is held annually for admission into all Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Students preparing for the CEED 2026 exam must have a clear idea of the requirements of the entrance exam. The exam is comprehensive and tests a student’s scholastic abilities, with a special focus on logical reasoning and analytical ability, and three-dimensional, drawing capabilities; hence a strong preparation strategy to crack CEED 2026 is needed. Since the CEED exam few months away, this article will help students how to prepare for CEED in 6 months.

This Story also Contains

  1. CEED Exam Pattern 2026
  2. CEED Syllabus 2026
  3. How to Crack CEED in 6 months? - Study plan/ Timetable
  4. General Tips on How to Prepare for CEED in 6 months 2026
  5. Best Books for CEED 2026
How to Prepare for CEED 2026 in 6 Months? - Check Month Wise Study Plan Here
How to Prepare for CEED in 6 Months

CEED Exam Pattern 2026

The CEED exam pattern consists of parts A and B. Part A consists of 150 marks and comprises the NAT section along with MSQ, and MCQ sections which have negative markings.
Part B comprises Drawing-based questions testing design, Sketching, and Communication Skills, Form Sensitivity, Visual Sensitivity and is held for a total of 100 marks. Duration: 2 hours

CEED Syllabus 2026

There has been an evolution in the CEED exam syllabus each year. For how to prepare for the CEED exam students must understand that the type of topics tested is equipped to help students in terms of real-world applications and processes. This practical Syllabus is broken down and important topics for CEED are given for students to prepare accordingly:

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Important Topics for CEED Exam PART A

  1. Visualization and spatial reasoning

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  1. Practical and Scientific knowledge

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  1. Observation and design sensitivity

  1. Analytical and Logical reasoning

  1. Art and Design Knowledge

Important Topics for CEED Exam PART B

Sketching Abilities: Proportion, Perspective, Daily objects, Anatomy, Nature, etc.

Also Read:

How to Crack CEED in 6 months? - Study plan/ Timetable

Here is a month-wise strategy for preparing for CEED in 6 months. Students can refer to this timetable and it might help if followed diligently. Remember that it is important to be consistent and stick to the schedule. The timetable has been distributed according to the two parts. Here is the first timetable for Part A

Study Plan for CEED Exam - Part A

Months

Quantitative Aptitude

(Class 10th)

Reasoning/Design Aptitude

General Awareness







MONTH 1

Percentage

Mechanical Reasoning Aptitude

Lever, Pulleys, Springs, and Gears fundamentals

LOGOS: For different Governmental Agencies, Banks, Automotive Brands and Famous Companies of India

Ratio & Proportion

Elementary Topics of Civics like Fundamental Rights & Duties

Time & Work

Fundamental Design Principles and Applications

like Balance, contrast, Harmony, etc.

Fundamentals of Type Design, Typography & Logo Design for emerging font styles in India

(Percentage is the most crucial, to begin with)





MONTH 2

Simple & Compound Interest

Observation and Design Sensitivity Skills


Plan and Elevation

History and future of Daily life Objects

History of Art and Its Evolution

Fundamentals of Photography and Image Manipulation Techniques

Profit and Loss

(all topics at least 10th basics and SSC level)

Blood Relations


Image Analysis: For a given Scenario or Picture

Animations Principles

like Squash and Stretch etc.

Signs And Symbols like Road Signs, Emojis and their Interpretation

Speed, Time & Distance Problems

Spatial Ability

Visualization of Movement & Transitions, Visual Comparison of figures

Color Theory Fundamentals

Psychology of Colors

Color Terminologies

Graphic Design Concepts, like Grids, Margins, Runt, Orhan & Window, etc.









MONTH 3









Time & Work Questions up to 10th Class Level

Sitting Arrangements

Linear, Circular, and Data Sufficiency Based

Different Paper Size, Types, and Dimensions

Like size of A4 Sheet ( 210X297 mm)

Simplification



Geometry, Solids foundations

Fundamental of Various Shapes calculating the Area, Volume & Perimeter

Abstract Type Reasoning

Patterns Presented in Diagrammatic Forms

Spotting the difference between two similar Images

NEWS: Major Headlines in regard to International Politics, Economy, Art & Culture Etc.

Geometry: Volume and Area

Cubes/ Dice Arrangements for

Counting the Surface, Edges & Points

Indian Art & Culture

Indian Painters & Paintings









MONTH 4

REVISION EXERCISE 01:


Percentage

Ratio & Proportion

Time & Work



Patterns & Symbols related

Coding & Decoding

e.g. Hidden faces of a given cube with a given texture or print on each side

Books & Authors

Famous books and Authors

both Indian And International

Permutation & Combination

Paper Cutting/ Folding and Unfolding Techniques


TANGRAM PUZZLES

Significant Art Movements like cubism, Dadaism, etc.

Important Inventions and Their Inventors

Probability Fundamental

Series Completions

National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation, Ecology Parks





MONTH 5

REVISION EXERCISE 01 : Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss

Cause and Effect

Rivers and Lakes Significant to Tourism

Clock and Calendar-Based Questions

Surface Counting for Cubes, Platonic Solid Arrangements, Organic Volumes, etc.

Environmental awareness includes layers of earth, wind effects, greenhouse effect, cosmic activities, polar skies, the flowers and fauna of India, major rituals, important days, etc.




MONTH 6

Revision 02: Surface Area and Volumes Formulas and Concepts

Sequential Arrangements of the Words for Making Logical Statements

Data Interpretation: Graphs, Pie Charts & Syllogism

Odd- one Out classifications from given Options

Latest News & Events: GK Today

Study plan for CEED Exam - Part B

Skills like sketching involve the development of muscle memory that develops over long spans of practice and exposure. The timetable below is aimed at helping students achieve expertise at beginner and intermediate levels for the mentioned skills. Students must practice these diligently as it will help them lay a foundation for all their ideas:

MONTH

TOPICS

Month 1

To begin With Start sketching with, "Straight Lines Circles, Ellipses Squares, and Rectangles"

Freehand Curved Lines (Newspaper Sheet Size)


Fundamental of 2D Geometric Shapes & Freehand Doodling

Month 2

Human Anatomy for 08 Head Drawings: Movements and Postures, Walk, Run, Jump Cycles.

Human Product Interaction for Everyday Life Objects


Exercise 01: 10 Sketches of Human Hand and Half body holding, moving, pushing, and Throwing Objects in Daily Life like a Ball, Jug, Mouse, etc.

Exercise 02: Human in Different Activities like Jumping, Twisting, etc.

Month 3

Outdoor Sketching for a Given Scenario or Situation: Exercises that engage you in understanding Perspective for both Indoor and Outdoor Scapes.


Exercise 01: 05 Scenarios from the Current happening depicting both positive and neutral aspects of the Situation

E.g. Positive Side: Sceaniors like mass testing of people for COVID-19, depicting the facial expressions of patients and doctors in PPE Kit.

Months 4 & 5

FORM EXPLORATION: Make 10 objects each combining the Cubes, Spheres Cylinders, etc., and then merge them to make a product/concept of your choice.

Exercise 01: Make 10 products by using any one of the geometric volumes only

Exercise 02: Make a composition in the form of a Human Figure using Cylinders and Spheres Only.

Exercise 03: Make Insects and Insect-inspired mobility solution Using any solid Geometric volumes and their intersections.

Month 6

Imagining the Cut, Section & Exploded of the given objects


Exercise 01: Practise the Exploded views of the daily objects like radio, table fans, torch, etc.

Exercise 02 : Developing the Secton or cut view of Vegetables, Fruits, and Other Edible items (Free Form Section)

General Tips on How to Prepare for CEED in 6 months 2026

Students must now have a clear idea of the CEED 2026 Syllabus and how to prepare for it. Here are some additional tips that can be used while preparing for the exam:
1. Students can start from topics that require good muscle memory or memorisation. Sketching, GK, and mathematical formulae fall under this.

2. Solving topic-related questions from CEED sample paper while preparing. This ensures that students become familiar with the type of questions asked from a particular topic and don't waste time on unnecessary theory. Students are advised to also solve CEED previous year's question for better accuracy and time management preparation.

3. Always put concept before formula as the MSQ section requires this skill to attempt questions. Surficial knowledge of a topic is bound to fail here as each question might have multiple correct answers and it may not necessarily be a single fact or formula that might give the answer.

4. Do not confuse yourself with multiple study books. Select a few of the best books for CEED preparation and study well from them. It will help students not to waste their time and in smooth preparation.

Best Books for CEED 2026

Since there is no prescribed study guide or compulsory CEED study material for CEED preparation tips, students must spend some time choosing appropriate study material. The study material must be intensive and must offer multiple examples of concepts for a clear understanding of theory and application. Here are some reliable, picked-out CEED preparation books recommended by qualified topper candidates and experts:

CEED Books

Author/Publisher

Design Drawing

Francis DK Ching

CEED (MDes) Test Series

TRENDZ ACADEMY

Perspective Drawing Handbook

Joseph D’Amelio

Art Perception

David Cycleback

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How should I start preparing for CEED?
A:
  • Start early preparation 
  • Understand the syllabus very well
  • Know that there is a -0.5 negative marking for every wrong answer
  • Be cautious about your attempts and strategically study question-wise and not subject-wise, when you are solving mock tests and question papers.  
Q: How to improve my sketching skills for CEED?
A:
  • It is not emphasized enough that everyday sketching is absolutely important
  • It is like trying to get fit in the gym, you need important muscle memory to develop this skill. 
  • Practice the variety of sketching techniques, you can do one from each set every day Categorize them into 5-6 categories, and by the end of each week, you must ideally have about 35-40 sketches. 
  • The number is important while practicing. Do free-hand illustrations and anatomical drawings as many times as possible
Q: Is CEED exam difficult to crack?
A:

The CEED exam has been rated moderate to difficult. It is a highly competitive exam.

Q: How long does it take to prepare for CEED?
A:

Preparing for the CEED typically takes about 4-6 months of focused study. However, the exact duration can vary based on an individual's background, proficiency in design concepts, and dedication to practice.

Q: Can I crack ceed in 6 months?
A:

Yes, students can crack CEED in 6 months with a structured study plan, consistent practice, and a strong focus on key areas such as design concepts, sketching, and problem-solving.

Q: What type of drawing questions are asked for CEED?
A:

Students can expect advanced-level questions related to perspective, product sketching, proportion, and shading. In part B, students can also expect.

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Questions related to CEED

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CEED ?

Hii

Common Entrance Examination for Design is a test includes design aptitude, your creativity, visualisation, problem-solving, and also analytical ability.

CEED exam structure is divided in 2 parts (PART A & PART B) and you can check what to study and syllabus of CEED on career360 https://design.careers360.com/articles/ceed-syllabus-2025


CEED syllabus includes:

Visualization and spatial ability

Design thinking and problem solving

Drawing skills

Creativity

Communication skills

Analytical and logical reasoning

Environmental and social awareness

Observation and design sensitivity Also includes topics on form, function, aesthetics, and technical drawing.


Hello Anushka,

Thanks for reaching out!

You can definitely prepare for CEED to pursue UI/UX design.since you're not from design background you'll need 4-6 months of focused prepration.

Focus on:

Sketching

Visual communication

Design concepts

User experience basics

Problem - solving skills

Past CEED papers.

Practice drawings, story boarding, Idea generation daily.

You can also take online courses to learn design fundamentals and tools.

Consistency and practice matter most!

get all the detailed info here:

https://design.careers360.com/articles/ceed-syllabus

All the best!


Hello sir,

Thanks for reaching out!

Yes, you still have a good chance even with a mid CEED score, if the rest of your profile is strong. While the CEED score is important, most of the institutes use full selection process that includes your CEED score(Part A and B), Portfolio and often an interview or studio tests.Your 6 years of experience, strong portfolio and relevant coursera certificates can add significant value during admission in IITDM, Srishti etc which consider the overall profile not just the rank.


You can get free study material for the CEED (Common Entrance Exam for Design) from several reliable sources. Here's a simple list of where to find it:

Official CEED Website
Go to the CEED official site (ceed.iitb.ac.in) for previous year question papers and sample papers. They are the best for understanding the exam pattern.

NID and CEED Prep YouTube Channels
Many educators and toppers upload free tutorials, sketching tips, design aptitude tricks, and analysis of previous papers.

Telegram Groups
Search for “CEED preparation” on Telegram. Many groups share PDFs, notes, sketching practice sheets, and mock tests.

Free Blogs and Websites
Look for blogs like Pahal Design, BRDS, and Design Aspirants. They often post free reading material, tips, and past year questions.

Reddit and Quora
On platforms like Reddit or Quora, search for CEED preparation threads. Toppers often share their notes and resources.