CEED 2025 Selection Process: Step-by-Step Guide from Application to Admission

Step 1: Understand the CEED 2025 Exam Structure

Before I explain the process of selection, let me remind you about the pattern of the exam. CEED is divided into two parts:

1. Part A: It is a computer-based test focusing on general aptitude, visual and spatial ability, environmental awareness, and also analytical and logical reasoning.
2. Part B: This is a hand test for drawing, creativity skills, and design thinking.

The final score of CEED will be a summation of Part A and Part B. According to the official website, Part A carries 25% weightage, while Part B carries 75%.

Key Components of Part A:

1. Numerical answer type questions (NAT)
2. Multiple select questions (MSQ)
3. Multiple choice questions (MCQ)

Key Components of Part B:

1. Drawing question
2. Creativity and problem-solving questions

Eligibility Criteria:

One must have completed a degree, diploma, or post-graduate program of at least 3 years after 10+2, or one must appear for the final exam of such a program by July 2025 to be eligible to apply for CEED 2025.

Step 2: Register for CEED 2025

The first official move in the CEED 2025 selection process is registration. Typically, registration starts in the last week of September. One needs to access the official CEED portal at ceed.iitb.ac.in and fill the online application form..

Required Documents:

1. Photocopy of your photo and signature: These should be photocopied clearly and in good quality, and according to the size requirements indicated in the application form.
2. Qualifications: Attach certificates of the degree that has led to a qualification and other relevant academic documents.
3. Category Certificate: You may produce the latest valid certificate if you belong to the SC/ST/OBC-NCL category.
4. PwD Certificate: A candidate who is somehow disabled should provide a certificate of PwD.

Registration Fee:

The registration fee varies by category, which is usually INR 3,600 for a candidate and INR 1,800 for SC/ST/PwD and women candidates.

Step 3: Admit Card Release and Exam Day Preparation

Once the online application process is over, download your admit card for CEED 2025 from the official website in early January 2025. This admit card will contain all the details of your exam regarding the date, time, and the exam center in particular where you may have to sit for the test. You are required to carry this admit card accompanied by a valid photo ID while going for the test

Exam Day Tips:

1. Note down the address of the exam center: Visit the center on the day before in order not to forget the center on the exam day.
2. You should set up your stationery, since part B requires you to draw so you will need to carry with you pencils, and pens, among others.
3. Time management: Part A will be a computer-based test and time-bound. So, mock tests will be a must for improved speed along accuracy.

Step 4: Appear for the CEED 2025 Exam

CEED 2025 generally happens in late January. As discussed above, it is of two parts. On the day of the exam you would take Part A first for an hour and then onwards would take part B for two hours.

How to Approach the Exam:

• For Part A: Focus on accuracy and speed. Remember that this section primarily tests your general aptitude, so you should attempt as many questions as you can while maintaining precision.

For Part B: This is where your creativity and drawing skills are tested. Pay attention to detailing, perspective, and originality in your sketches.

Step 5: Results Declaration

The date on which CEED 2025 results are going to be announced is expected to come in March 2025. You are required to use the email ID and password with which you had registered, while signing into the official website of CEED to check your result.

How Results Are Calculated:

The CEED score is calculated based on the combination of your performance in Part A and Part B. Your raw scores are normalized to ensure that there is no discrimination during evaluation, and the final score is out of 100. Part A has a weightage of 25%, while Part B holds a weightage of 75%.

Score Card:

Once the results are out, you can download your score card, which will be valid for one year. The score card will detail your performance in both parts and provide an overall score. However, it’s important to note that qualifying in CEED does not guarantee admission to any particular institution.

Step 6: Understand the Admission Process

After receiving your CEED score card, the next step in the selection process is applying for admission to the participating institutes. CEED scores are accepted by IITs, IISc Bangalore, and other design schools across India.

Applying to Institutes:

Each institute has its own admission process, which typically includes:

• A separate application form: You will need to apply to each institute separately through their official websites.
• Portfolio submission: Many institutes require a design portfolio showcasing your work. This portfolio can include sketches, illustrations, product designs, and any other creative work that demonstrates your skills.
• Interview or additional test: Some institutes may conduct personal interviews or additional tests to assess your suitability for the program.

Portfolio Tips:

• Keep your portfolio diverse, showcasing different aspects of your design skills such as sketching, typography, product design, and even digital work if applicable.
• Be prepared to explain the thought process behind each project during interviews.

Step 7: Shortlisting and Interviews

After the applications for the institutes in which admission is to be taken are submitted, a candidate may get shortlisted based on the CEED score as well as the portfolio submitted. The institute uses different shortlisting policies, but generally, it is all set with cut-off marks, the CEED score, and the quality of the portfolio submitted by the candidate.

Personal Interview:

Once shortlisted, you may be called for a personal interview. During the interview, the panel may ask you questions about your portfolio, your interest in design, and your creative process. In some cases, you may also be asked to solve a design problem on the spot.

Interview Tips:

1. Make your philosophy very clear, including how you design and how you would approach a problem in any given way.
2. Let your passion for design shine through, and convey confidence in speaking to people about your process.
3. Anticipate how to respond to typical questions, such as "What inspires you?" and "Why do you want to have a career in design?

Step 8: Admission Offers

Admission Offers to Successful Candidates Institutes send admission offers to the selected candidates after an interview process. Each institute declares in advance its schedule of admitting students, so watch the official websites of the institutions.

Seat Allotment:

1. In some institutes, the seat allotment procedures can be centralised; however, in others every institute will conduct an admission procedure of its own.
2. Admitted students will have to confirm their acceptance within the timeframe stipulated and pay the fees necessary to take up their seats.

Step 9: Prepare for M.Des. or PhD Programs

Once you have secured admission, you can begin preparing for the M.Des. or PhD program. Each design school has its own curriculum, but generally, these programs will build on the skills tested in CEED, focusing on advanced design theory, practical design projects, and research.

What to Expect:

1. Design Studios: In nearly all of the programs, there will be studio classes and design projects in which you, along with your fellow students, will work on real-world design challenges.
2. Workshops and Internships: Various programs offer workshops and internships with top design firms that give you exposure to the industry.
3. Research Opportunities: In the case of pursuing a PhD, the student will focus on design research and innovation, hence contributing to the designing world through a thesis