How to Prepare for CEED 2026 in 6 Months? - Check Month Wise Study Plan Here
Upcoming Event
CEED Exam Date:18 Jan' 26 - 18 Jan' 26
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
- CEED Exam Pattern 2026
- CEED Syllabus 2026
- How to Crack CEED in 6 months? - Study plan/ Timetable
- General Tips on How to Prepare for CEED in 6 months 2026
- Best Books for CEED 2026
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:
Important Topics for CEED Exam PART A
Visualization and spatial reasoning
CEED 2026 High Weightage and Most Scoring Topics
CEED 2026 aspirants can access the free PDF on High-Weightage Topics from here. Covering these topics will help enhance preparation and improve exam readiness.
Download EBookPractical and Scientific knowledge
Observation and design sensitivity
Analytical and Logical reasoning
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 |
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: 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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Focus Areas: Creative Aptitude, General Ability, Situation Test.
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.
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