SEED Exam Pattern 2026: Test Components, No. of Questions, Weightage, Important Topics

Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design 2026 ( SEED )

Sayeba Naushad
Updated on May 14, 2026 14:49 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

Overview

SEED 2026 Exam Pattern - The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) 2026 is an essential test for students to pursue design courses at Symbiosis Institute of Design. The exam pattern for SEED 2026 will consist of objective-type questions designed to evaluate design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving skills and general awareness related to design.

The Symbiosis Institute of Design conducts SEED 2026 entrance exam, and candidates who qualify in the written exam have to appear in a PRPI. SEED exam pattern for each test component is explained here.

Table of contents
  • SEED Pattern Highlights
  • SEED Exam 2026 Pattern and Weightage
  • SEED Total Marks and Marking Scheme
  • SEED Exam sections and Important topics
  • FAQs on SEED Exam Pattern 2026
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SEED Pattern Highlights

Check out the highlights for the SEED Entrance Exam.

Highlights of the SEED EXAM 2026

Parameters Description
Mode  Online Proctored (PC/Laptop-based exam)
Duration of the exam 60 mins
Total number of questions 60
Type of questions  MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based and comprehension-based.
Marking Scheme 
+1 mark for every correct attempt
There is no negative marking.
Total marks 60
Exam timings 2026 (Expected) One hour between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on the test day.

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will the exam pattern of SEED 2026 be released?
A: 

The exam pattern for the SEED 2026 exam is released for B.Des. It is released online at the official website of the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) - sid.edu.in. Candidate needs to follow the updated exam pattern when preparing for the SEED 2026 exam.

Q:   Are there any specific requirement for uploading portfolio for SEED PRPI?
A: 
  • Click good quality pictures of these and compile them in a Power Point Presentation of maximum 15 slides. Convert this into a PDF of up to 5 Mb.
  • Take pictures that are different from others. Do not copy others.
Q:   Is there negative marking in SEED 2026?
A: 

There is no negative marking in SEED 2026. So, even if candidates make any wrong attempts, no marks will be deducted. SEED question paper will include a total of 60 questions that candidate has to attempt in 60 minutes. Each question will carry +1 mark. 

Given the candidate has only one minute per question, the candidate must work on their time managent. Also, even though there is no negative marking, the candidate must try to improve their strike rate or the number of correct attempts. This will help the candidate improve their changes of getting a better score and thus improve their chances of admission.

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SEED Exam 2026 Pattern and Weightage

SEED Entrance Exam will test Creative Aptitude, Observations, Visualizations, Subject-related Knowledge and Critical Thinking.

The exam pattern for SEED 2026 is given below.

  • SEED will be a 60-minute exam containing 60 questions.
  • Questions could be MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based, and comprehension-based.
  • Paper will contain a mix of questions related to Visual Sensitivity and Judgement, Observational, Perceptual, and Reasoning abilities, Problem-Solving, Basic knowledge of Logic of Science and Mathematics, Art, Craft and Culture, Design and Environment.

Subjects

No. of Questions

Max. Marks

Objective questions on color, geometry, visual observations, creative thinking abilities, general design awareness, awareness of Indian culture, craft, and traditions, etc.

60

60

SEED Portfolio Round Pattern

For the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) 2026, candidates who qualify for the SEED Test are required to participate in the Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) as part of the admission process to the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID).

SEED Portfolio Requirements

Format: Create a digital portfolio compiled into a PowerPoint presentation of up to 15 slides. Convert this presentation into a PDF file not exceeding 5 MB in size.

  • Sketches, mixed media illustrations, and digital artwork
  • Collages of images, 2D and 3D articles
  • Photography
  • 3D objects like sculptures, fabric products, gadgets, art-inspired products, etc.

Content: Your portfolio should showcase your best works, reflecting your skills, passion, and interest across various areas and techniques.

Check SEED Portfolio requirements: SID-PortfolioSpecifications 

Perform the PRPI Task. This will be shared 3 days prior to the chosen date of online PRPI. Upload the PRPI Task on the portal a day prior to the PRPI.

SEED Exam 2026 Pattern: Personal Interaction

Candidates who get shortlisted on the basis of their portfolios are required to attend this Personal Interview round. In this round, candidates are asked questions related to the program they have opted for. Also, the panel asks questions about the portfolio they have submitted or uploaded for admission to the Symbiosis Institute of Design 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When can I upload my portfolio for PRPI round of SEED 2026?
A: 

The start date for uploading portfolios has not been declared yet, but it is expected to be in the last week of March 2026. The portfolio upload link was given on the SID admission portal. The candidate needed to follow the specified guidelines when uploading the portfolio. 

The portfolio should have

  • Sketches, mixed media illustrations and digital work  

  • Collaging of images, 2D and 3D articles  

  • Photography  

  • 3D objects like sculpture, fabric products, gadgets, art inspired products etc.

Q:   What will be exam pattern of the SEED 2026 exam?
A: 

SEED 2026 exam will be conducted online. The duration of the exam will be one hour. There will be 60 questions. Question paper will include MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based and comprehension. 

Q:   Does Symbiosis Institute of Design conducts mock tests for entrance exams?
A: 

Yes, Symbiosis Institute of Design conducts mock test for SEED entrance exam. SEED Mock test will be conducted for B.Des programme for all the candidates who have filled SEED Application form.

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SEED Total Marks and Marking Scheme

SEED entrance exam for B.Des and M.Des is conducted online. Check out the number of questions and the marking scheme.

No. of Questions

Max. Marks

Marking Scheme

60

60

1 mark for each correct answer

No negative marking.

 

 

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What items must be included in the SEED 2026 portfolio?
A: 

Candidates who get shortlisted for the PRPI round have to upload a digital portfolio. The portfolio may include

  • Sketches, mixed media illustrations and digital work  

  • Collaging of images, 2D and 3D articles  

  • Photography  

  • 3D objects like sculpture, fabric products, gadgets, art inspired products etc. 

Q:   Do I need to follow the SEED exam pattern to prepare for the entrance exam?
A: 

Yes, one must follow SEED exam pattern to prepare for entrance exam. It will help to understand question types, marks, sections, difficulty level, etc. of the exam. The pattern for the exam is released on the website for B.Des and M.Des.

Q:   What is the structure of the SEED 2026 exam?
A: 

SEED 2026 written exam will be 60 minutes. The question paper will include 60 questions. Question paper will have MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based and comprehension-based questions.

SEED Entrance ExamDetails
ModeComputer based
Duration60 minutes
No. of Questions60
Question will be based on
  •  Creative Aptitude
  • Observations
  • Visualizations
  •  Subject-related Knowledge
  • Critical Thinking
SEED Logo

SEED Exam sections and Important topics

SID has not defined the sections in the SEED Entrance Exam. The question paper will be in the format of MCQs, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based and comprehension-based. 

The question paper will have questions on the following:

  • Visual Sensitivity and Judgement
  •  Observational
  •  Perceptual and Reasoning abilities
  •  Problem Solving
  •  Basic knowledge of Logic of Science and Mathematics
  •  Art
  •  Craft and Culture
  • Design and Environment

SEED Exam Topics given by SID

Some of the topics given by Symbiosis Institute of Design is given below.

1. Principles of Design: Unity, Proportion, Emphasis, Rhythm, Balance, Gestalt, Golden Ratios, etc.

2. Elements of Design: Point, Line, Shape, Form, Color, Texture, Space, Basic Geometry, Optical illusion, etc.

3. Visualization / Observations, Symbolic meanings (Semantics, Semiotics)

4. Images from Sports, Culture, Performing Arts, etc – silhouettes and profession

5. Creativity Thought Process, Brain Storming, Synectics, Reasoning, Problem solving

6. Sensitivity to environment, Cultures, Customs, Social issues & concerns

7. History / Evolution of Art & Design

8. Basic Science & Mathematics

9. Knowledge of Materials (Craft & Craft Skills)

10. Technology Awareness

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the duration of SEED 2026 Entrance Exam?
A: 

SEED Entrance Exam is of 60 minutes and will have 60 questions. The test will be conducted online in computer based mode. The test will be of one hour long and will be conducted between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the test day.

Q:   Are there any coaching classes/ preparatory classes for SEED exam preparation?
A: 

As per information on SID website, the institute does not promote or is aware of any coaching classes/preparatory classes. So, the candidate can decide whether they want to join any coaching institute or not. Note that there are many coaching institutes that offer preparation classes for exams like NIFT, NID DAT, etc.

Candidates can also download online study material after paying the charges.

Q:   What kind of questions will be asked in the SEED Entrance Exam 2026?
A: 

In SEED Entrance Exam, MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based and comprehension-based questions can be asked.

The question paper will contain a mix of questions related to Visual Sensitivity and Judgement, Observational, Perceptual and Reasoning abilities, Problem Solving, Basic knowledge of Logic of Science and Mathematics, Art, Craft and Culture, Design and Environment.

SEED Logo

FAQs on SEED Exam Pattern 2026

Check out the important FAQs related to the SEED 2026 exam pattern below.

Q:   What items must be included in the SEED 2026 portfolio?
A: 

Candidates who get shortlisted for the PRPI round have to upload a digital portfolio. The portfolio may include

  • Sketches, mixed media illustrations and digital work  

  • Collaging of images, 2D and 3D articles  

  • Photography  

  • 3D objects like sculpture, fabric products, gadgets, art inspired products etc. 

Q:   Can a handmade portfolio be presented at the time of PI round for SEED 2026?
A: 

Candidates who have prepared a handmade portfolio will have to click pictures of best work, compile it in and upload PDF. Showcasing the handmade portfolio during PI round is not allowed. It is compulsory to upload the work before the allocated slot for interaction. Also, the size of the digital portfolio must not be more than 5 MB. Also, the portfolio must be in the form of a PowerPoint Presentation of a maximum of 15 slides.

Q:   What will be exam pattern of the SEED 2026 exam?
A: 

SEED 2026 exam will be conducted online. The duration of the exam will be one hour. There will be 60 questions. Question paper will include MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based and comprehension. 

Q:   Do I need to follow the SEED exam pattern to prepare for the entrance exam?
A: 

Yes, one must follow SEED exam pattern to prepare for entrance exam. It will help to understand question types, marks, sections, difficulty level, etc. of the exam. The pattern for the exam is released on the website for B.Des and M.Des.

Q:   What is the fee structure for the B.Des programme through SEED 2026?
A: 

The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) offers a Bachelor of Design (B. Des) of four years duration. Admission to the course is conducted through the SEED entrance exam and PRPI rounds. The fee structure for the B.Des programme is given in the table below.

SEED- Tuition Fees for the B.Des program

Particulars

Indian Students [All Category] Fees Per Annum [in INR]

1 st Installment

2 and Installment

Academic Fees

Rs. 2,33,500

Rs. 2,33,500

Security Deposit (Refundable)

Rs. 20,000

-

Total

Rs. 2,53,000

Rs. 2,33,500

Q:   When will call letters be issued for SEED 2026 Personal Interview?
A: 

The call letters for the personal interview (PRPI admit card) will be issued in the last week of March 2026. The admit card will be issued only to candidates who complete the slot booking process. 

Note that hard copies of the call letter are sent to the candidate.

On the day of the PRPI, the candidate will have to display the admit card on demand. Any candidate failing to do so will not be allowed to sit in the exam.

Q:   How should I prepare the portfolio for SEED 2026?
A: 

Ideally, a digital portfolio should be a compilation of the best works showcasing the candidate's skills, passion and interest in a variety of areas and techniques. One must make sure to include the work he/ she is the proudest of. Try to be different and include unique and interesting things. Note that if the admission committee feels that any unfair means was adopted in the making of your portfolio, the candidature of the candidfate may be cancelled. The maximum size of the portfolio should be 5 MB. Click good quality pictures of these and compile them in a Power Point Presentation of maximum 15 slides.

Q:   Where can I find SEED Sample Papers for entrance exam?
A: 

You can find SEED Sample papers on the website of Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID). The sample papers are available on the SID website.

Q:   What is the structure of the SEED 2026 exam?
A: 

SEED 2026 written exam will be 60 minutes. The question paper will include 60 questions. Question paper will have MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image-based and comprehension-based questions.

SEED Entrance ExamDetails
ModeComputer based
Duration60 minutes
No. of Questions60
Question will be based on
  •  Creative Aptitude
  • Observations
  • Visualizations
  •  Subject-related Knowledge
  • Critical Thinking
Q:   Is portfolio required to get admission to SEED B.Des Programme?
A: 

Yes, a portfolio is required to get admission to SEED B.Des and M.Des programmes. You are required to present a digital portfolio that should contain all of your best work. Portfolio should be in the form of a PDF. 

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Answered 2 months ago

Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) has released the updated syllabus for the SEED 2026 exam. You can download the syllabus online at the website.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can download the syllabus of SEED 2026 from the official website of the Symbiosis Institute of Design.

  • Go to the homepage of SID,
  • click on Admission Process under Programmes.
  • The window that opens will contain information on the SEED syllabus.
  • The candidate can note down the syllabus.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

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