SEED 2026 Exam Preparation - SEED Entrance Exam for B.Des was conducted on March 22, 2026. SEED M.Des Exam was on May 03, 2026. Candidates appearing in SEED entrance exam must ensure that their preparation is comprehensive and covers all the necessary bases.
For SEED Exam Preparation, candidates must not only read textbooks prescribed for the exam but also solve sample papers and practice mock tests. It is because such exercises will help the candidate test their progress and improve problem-solving and time-management capabilities.
The timing of the exam preparation also matters, especially when one starts and how much time one has, which also depends on the trajectory and planning of the preparation. According to the official SEED 2026 exam pattern, the SEED question paper will comprise 60 questions that candidates must attempt within 60 minutes. This means you have 1 minute per question.
- SEED Exam Prep Overview
- Topic-Wise SEED Preparation Strategy 2026
- Books for SEED Exam
- SEED Mock Test 2026
- SEED Question paper
- FAQs on SEED Preparation Tips
SEED Exam Prep Overview
Check out the overview for SEED Preparation.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SEED (Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online Proctored) |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes |
| Question Type | Objective and visual aptitude-based questions |
| Sections Covered | Design Aptitude, Observation Skills, Visual Perception, Analytical Ability, Creativity, General Awareness, Problem Solving |
| Drawing Section | No separate drawing test in the written exam |
| Portfolio Required | Yes, shortlisted candidates submit a portfolio |
| Interview Required | Yes, Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction (PRPI) round |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Competition Level | Moderate to High |
Commonly asked questions
SEED 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.
The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) will release the first merit list on April 21, 2027 (tentative).
Topic-Wise SEED Preparation Strategy 2026
Design Aptitude Test is expected to have questions on design-related topics like Visualisation, Observational & Reasoning Ability, Creative & Problem Solving Abilities, Applications on Science and Mathematics etc. SEED exam evaluates aspirants on the basis of their aptitude in design. Aspirants can go through indicative topics from which questions might be asked in SEED.
SEED Syllabus: Visualisation
Understanding and visualisation of simple and complex 2D & 3D geometric shapes, their manipulations and spatial relationships through representations in pictorial and geometric forms.
SEED Syllabus: Observational, perceptual and reasoning abilities
Ability to read and see objects and information beyond obvious details, make connections, make comparisons, form opinions, draw meanings & conclusions. Analyze your observations, express your point of view, and present in a systematic and structured manner.
SEED Syllabus: Creative and problem-solving abilities
Ability to visualise and relate images around us. Ability to identify a problem and attempt to provide solutions.
SEED Syllabus: Application of basic knowledge of Science and Mathematics
Observing the application of basic principles of science and mathematics taught up to the 10th standard in the day-to-day activities & objects and finding interesting relevance.
SEED Syllabus: Art, craft, culture, design and environment
General awareness of Art, Craft, Culture, Design and Environment in Indian as well as in the Global context. Various topics and subtopics related to people, material, tools, techniques, issues & concerns, influences, period, and contemporary trends.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
The call letters for the personal interview (PRPI admit card) will be issued in the last week of March 2027. The admit card will be issued only to candidates who complete the slot booking process.
SEED Results will be announced in March 2027. The results will be declared online on the SID website.
Books for SEED Exam
Check out some of the books for SEED. These are some common books that are used to prepare for Design
| Books | Authors/Publication |
|---|---|
| Arihant NIFT/NID Entrance Exam 2026 16 Years’ Solved Papers (2025–2010) For NIFT, NID & IIFT UG & PG Entrance | Arihant |
| Self Study Guide for NID | Ashok Goel and Arjun Kamal |
| 101 Design Challenges preparatory book for NID, UCEED & NIFT UG & PG Entrance | Activities focused of Design Problem solving (PART-B) | Gurunath Sabnis |
| NID DAT Sample Papers for B.Des | Creative Edge |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Candidates have to upload a digital portfolio as part of admission process at SID. It must be candidate’s best works that show skills, passion and interest in a variety of areas and techniques. When uploading portfolio, candidate must follow rules and guidelines issued.
SEED Portfolio must contain
- 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.
SEED 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 Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer based |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| No. of Questions | 60 |
| Question will be based on |
|
A key feature of sample papers is that they contain questions that are similar to the ones that are asked in the entrance exam. For instance, they are of almost the same difficulty level and cover the official syllabus. Consequently, solving SEED question papers will help the candidates understand the exam pattern and know the types of questions asked. It will also help them know question-wise weightage of topicsm, and learn the tricks to solve them.
The candidate can download the official sample papers of SID at sid.edu.in.
SEED Mock Test 2026
The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) conducts online mock tests for the SEED Entrance Exam. SEED 2026 mock tests help candidates get information about the difficulty level of the exam and learn time management.
Symbiosis Institute of Design shares the link for B.Des Mock Test for SEED Entrance Exam. The links are activated on the website of the SID. It is only available for candidates who have filled the application form.
| SEED Mock Test | Link |
|---|---|
| SEED Mock Test | sid.edu.in |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
- SID doesn't offer any short term/distance courses. The institute presently offers only full-time undergraduate degree courses.
- At the UG level, the institute offers a regular B.Des program, while a hybrid M.Des program is offered at the PG level.
The syllabus for the design aptitude test is prescribed by the exam conducting authority, the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID). With this, the exam pattern is also decided by it. The candidate must note that SID reserves the right to make any changes it deems necessary to the exam syllabus. So, the candidate must consult the updated exam pattern when starting their exam preparation.
The exam pattern for the SEED exam is released for B.Des. It is released online at the official website of the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) - sid.edu.in. Candidates need to follow the updated exam pattern when preparing for the SEED exam.
SEED Question paper
Candidates must solve the SEED Question Paper and sample paper to get the idea of the SEED paper pattern, Question type, marking scheme, etc. To practice mock tests for SEED Entrance exam, the candidate should solve question papers and sample papers.
| SEED Sample Paper |
Also Read:
FAQs on SEED Preparation Tips
Here are a few important FAQs on SEED 2026 preparation.
Yes, Candidates seeking admission to the B.Desprogrammeneed to compulsory appear in the SEED 2026 exam. The scores of the SEED exam will be next shortlisted for a Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction round. Note that the final merit list will be prepared by considering the cumulative performance of the candidate in the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED), Portfolio Review, PRPI Task, and Personal Interaction (PRPI).
So, any candidate who appears in the SEED but doesn’t appear in the PRPI will not be considered for admission.
The B.Des is a 4-year course carrying 160 credits.
The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International University. The exam is conducted twice a year. The SEED exam is conducted as a home-proctored exam that candidates can take from the comfort of their home.
Admission to the B.Desprogramme offered by the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) will be in the following sequence:
Filling of online application - Eligible candidates need to fill out the SEED 2026 application form before the last date.
Appear in SEED 2026 exam - The candidate has to download the admit card and appear in the SEED 2026 entrance exam on the designated day.
Declaration of results and shortlist - The results will be declared around the 4th week of January, followed by the release of shortlist for PRPI.
Upload PRPI Task and Portfolio - Eligible candidates will have to upload their portfolio and PRPI task within the given deadline.
Appear in Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction round.
Declaration of first merit list - The merit list will be prepared by considering the cumulative performance of the candidate in Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED), Portfolio Review, PRPI Task and Personal Interaction.
SEED 2026 written will have 60 questions and will be of 60 minutes. The questions will include MCQ, Match the Columns, Fill in the blanks, image based and comprehension based.
Further, the 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.
The Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) does not have any provisions for direct admission to second year. So, candidates have to compulsory take admission in the first year of the B.Des program. Note that admission to the B.Des is only through the SEED 2026 exam.
Scores of the qualifying exam will not be considered for admission to the B.Des program. Neither does SID accept scores of other popular entrance exams like NIFT, NID DAT, etc.
Candidates who are included in SEED waiting list will be considered for admission only if there are any vacancies. The seat allotment for waiting list candidates will be conducted if any vacant seats remain.
The allotment of seats in this case will be based on SEED merit ranks.
For any admission-related queries, the candidate can contact the admission officials at the following numbers:
- +91 020 - 26557200
- S.No. 231/ 3A-4, Viman Nagar, Pune- 411014, Maharashtra, India
Admission to the SEED M.Des programme will be conducted based on the performance of the candidate in
- Studio Test & Portfolio Review
- Personal Interaction
SEED First Merit List for B.Des will be announced in April. The merit list for M.Des will be announced in May.
The seat reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD are as follows:
| Category | Reservation % |
|---|---|
| Within the sanctioned intake | |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| Differently abled | 3.0% |
| Over and above sanctioned intake | |
| Kashmiri Migrants | 2 Seats |
| International Students ( For B. Des. ) | 15% |
| International Students ( For M. Des. ) | 20% |
There are a total of 207 seats in the Symbiosis Institute of Design for B.Des programme.
| SEED Specialization | Indian Students | International Students | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Design | Graphic Design | 80 | 12 | 92 |
| User Experience Design | ||||
| Animation Film Design | ||||
| Video Film Design | ||||
| Industrial Design | Product Design | 45 | 7 | 52 |
| Interior Space Design | ||||
| Fashion Design | 29 | 4 | 33 | |
| Fashion Communication | 26 | 4 | 30 | |
| Total | 180 | 27 | 207 |
Design exams you must check out
Exams which are to be conducted soon
1 Jul '26 - 20 Aug '26
SEED Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?3 Institutes accepting SEED
4.7Symbiosis International University's SET- Symbiosis ...
Rangareddy, Hyderabad • Private
Explore more Design exams with upcoming dates
NIIFT 2026 Application form Mar '26 - Aug '26 IIAD 2026 - Application 1 Sep '25 - 31 Aug '26 Pearl Academy Application Form 2026 Sep '25 - Aug '26 NIFT 2027 application form OPEN (Regular fees) Dec '26 - Jan '27