As CEED 2026 is now over, the question arises: What is a good score in CEED 2026? The definition of a "good score" is tricky as it is dependent on various factors. However, according to historical cutoff trends for IITs, a score of 50 or more is regarded as a good score in CEED for the open category. IIT Bombay will publish the CEED 2026 cutoff marks for Part A on February 5, 2026 , in the form of mean and standard deviations. The mean and standard deviation for Part A can be expected at 45.48 and 16.98, respectively. The CEED 2026 results will be declared on March 4, 2026.
The CEED 2026 exam will be conducted on January 18, 2026 , marks the important gateway for all aspiring designers for their entry to the prestigious M.Des program in top design colleges in India . Of course, it is not easy to predict the score precisely, but some aspects can help give an idea of what one should aim for. Breaking down the components of an exam and understanding what factors influence the marks can indeed help candidates prepare better for success. This guide will allow you to understand what constitutes a competitive CEED 2026 score and how it should be interpreted aptly. So, let's delve in and explore together.
Factors Determining a Good Score in CEED 2026
There is not a single, universally defined "good" score for the CEED 2026 exam. Yet, targeting a score of 30 or more in the General category or 25 or more in reserved categories positions you strongly in the competition. A good score in the CEED 2026 exam is a variable target influenced by various factors, such as category, exam difficulty level, number of test takers, chosen institute, and previous year’s cutoff trends. Let us discuss each factor in detail:
Category
The cut-off marks, determining qualification and ranking, vary depending on your category (General, OBC/EWS, SC/ST/PwD). Here are the expected qualifying marks for CEED 2026 for each category:
Categories | CEED Minimum Qualifying Marks | Minimum Percentage Required in Part A for Shortlisting |
|---|---|---|
Open | 27.30 | 10% |
OBC-NCL/EWS | 24.57 | 9% |
SC/ST | 13.65 | 5% |
PwD | 13.65 | 5% |
Exam Difficulty
If the CEED question paper is more challenging, the cut-offs may decrease to adjust. On the other hand, an easier paper might result in higher cut-off scores.
Number of Test-Takers
A higher number of candidates competing for limited seats can raise the cut-offs, making a higher score considered "good."
Desired Institute
Each CEED 2026 participating college has its own preferences and admission criteria. Aiming for a top-tier institute might require a significantly higher score compared to less competitive ones.
Previous Years’ Cut-off Trends
Looking at cut-off trends from CEED previous year question papers is helpful. It gives valuable insights into historical benchmarks and helps understand how difficult the exam is overall for different categories and institutes.
Also Read: CEED Marks vs Rank 2026
How to Calculate CEED Cutoff 2026?
The cutoff for the Part A exam is decided using a specific formula. You can see the formula used to determine the CEED 2026 cutoff for candidates in various reservation categories in the table below. The formula for calculating the CEED cutoff for 2026 is provided below:
Categories | CEED Cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|
Cutoff marks for the Open category | The formula to calculate CEED cutoff marks (y) is given by x + (z/2), where x represents the average marks, and z stands for the standard deviation of the distribution of marks obtained by all candidates in CEED Part-A. Both x and z are rounded off to two decimal places. |
Cutoff marks for the OBC-NCL category | The cutoff for OBC-NCL category candidates will be 0.9*y |
Cutoff marks for ST, SC, and PWD category | The cutoff SC, ST, and PWD categories will be 0.5*y |
How to Calculate CEED 2026 Final Score?
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Before figuring out what is a good score in CEED 2026 exam is, let's first learn the CEED score structure. As per the CEED exam pattern 2026 , the exam has two parts: Part A (General Aptitude) and Part B (Design Aptitude). To calculate a candidate's overall score, we take a weighted average of their scores in both parts. Part A contributes 75%, and Part B contributes 25%.
Parts | Weightage |
|---|---|
A | 25% |
B | 75% |
Total | 100% |
Hence, what signifies a good score in CEED 2026 is not a fixed number; it is a unique calculation based on your goals, the competition, and your strengths. Although cut-offs offer a starting point, aim for a score that showcases your capabilities and distinguishes you from others.
Also Read:
Keep visiting CollegeDekho for the latest updates on the CEED 2026 exam. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to connect with us in the QnA Zone .
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FAQs
Increase your CEED 2026 with these three simple strategies.
- Attend mock tests, know how to analyze errors, and focus more on accuracy rather than speed.
- Hone up design skills through the same process! Draw daily, do exercise programs in design, and try out varied software with clarity and problem-solving capabilities.
- Learn the syllabus, know the design trends, and use authentic CEED study resources.
The minimum score for the reserved categories in CEED 2026 is calculated based on a formula of mean and standard deviation of all the candidates' scores.
This formula is:
- OBC-NCL/EWS: Mean + 0.9 * Standard Deviation
- SC/ST/PwD: Mean + 0.5* Standard Deviation
The actual cut-off scores are declared after the test. So, these formulas provide an approximate idea of the same.
It is very difficult to define the exact cut-off for the General category in CEED 2026. This is a function of various factors, among which are:
- Paper difficulty: A tough paper will lower the cutoff and vice versa.
- Candidate performance: A higher average score will increase the cut-off.
- In case there are more applicants than limited seats in a particular place, the cut-off may increase.
- Considering previous trends and the expectations this year, the cut-off might range around 50 for the General category in CEED 2026.
The CEED cut-off is calculated using a formula (average + 2 standard deviations of Part A scores), deciding Part B and potential M.Des admission qualification. It adapts to factors such as applicant numbers, exam difficulty, and historical trends. Reserved categories typically have lower cut-offs.
A "good" CEED score varies as it is not a fixed numerical number. In the General category, 25+ is okay for Part B, but aiming for 30+ is safer for top colleges. Reserved categories can target 23+ (OBC/EWS) & 13+ (SC/ST/PWD) to qualify. Ultimately, excelling in both parts secures admission to a good design college in India. However, keep in mind that Part B holds 75% weightage. Therefore, irrespective of the category, a genuinely "good" score relies on performing well in both parts.
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