SEED Preparation Tips 2026: Step-wise Preparation Tips, Strategy, Important Topics & Last Minute Tips

Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design 2026 ( SEED )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 12 Jan '26 - 12 Mar '26

Sayeba Naushad
Updated on Feb 8, 2026 23:45 IST

By Sayeba Naushad, Assistant Manager

SEED 2026 Exam Preparation - SEED Entrance Exam for B.Des will be conducted on January 11, 2026. SEED M.Des Exam will be 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.

Latest update:

Table of contents
  • Refer to the SEED 2026 Exam Pattern
  • Follow the SEED 2026 Exam Syllabus
  • SEED 2026 Last week Prep Tips
  • Topic-Wise SEED Preparation Strategy 2026
  • FAQs on SEED Preparation Tips
SEED Logo

Refer to the SEED 2026 Exam Pattern

SID has released the exam pattern on its official admission portal.

Per the official pattern, the SEED 2026 question paper will include 150 objective-type questions that have to be answered in 180 minutes.  

Parameters

Description

Mode

Online, Computer-based test

Duration of the exam

2.5 hours

Total number of questions

150

Type of questions

Objective type

Marking Scheme

+1 mark will be awarded for a correct attempt.

There is no negative marking.

Total marks

150

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   If I am included in the waiting list, will I be considered for SEED 2026 admission?
A: 

Candidates who are included in the waiting list will be considered for admission only if there are any vacancies. The seat allotment for waiting list candidates will be conducted if there are any vacant seats left.

The allotment of seats in this case will be based on SEED 2026 merit ranks.

For any admission related queries, the candidate can contact admission officials at the following numbers:

020-26557210 / 203.

Q:   What is the SEED 2026 admission process for M.Des program?
A: 

Admission to the M.Des programme will be conducted based on performance of the candidate in

  • Studio Test & Portfolio Review

  • Personal Interaction

M.Des application 2026 is open.

SEED Logo

Follow the SEED 2026 Exam Syllabus

The syllabus for SEED 2026 includes topics like Visualisation, Observational, perceptual & reasoning abilities, Creative & problem-solving abilities, and Application of basic knowledge of Science & Mathematics.

Candidates should check the website for the latest syllabus given by SEED. Some of the important topics which candidates can study are

  • Visualization and spatial reasoning: The question will be based on ability to visualise and transform 2D shapes and 3D objects and their spatial relationships.
  • Practical and scientific knowledge: The question will be on the basic scientific principles and everyday objects, like dining table, bookshelves, etc.
  • Observation and design sensitivity: Questions will be based on detail, classification, analysis, inference and prediction.
  • Environment and society: This part of the syllabus will have topics from general awareness of environmental, social and cultural connections with design
  • Analytical and logical reasoning: Question will include analytical and logical reasoning.
  • Language: Reading comprehension passage, vocabulary, antonyms and synonym. Etc.
  • Creativity: Questions on analogies, metaphors, signs and symbols.

Also read:

 

 

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Are there any coaching classes/ preparatory classes for SEED exam preparation?
A: 

As per the information given on SID website, SID does not promote or is aware of any coaching classes/preparatory classes. Candidates have the choice to decide whether they want to join any coaching institute or not. Many coaching institutes offer preparatory classes for exams like NIFT, NID DAT, etc.

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.
View Syllabus
SEED Logo

SEED 2026 Last week Prep Tips

 

  1. Revise whatever you have studied. Take time to revise daily.
  2. Solve as many sample papers as you can. This will help you to find your weakness and strength.
  3. Mock test help you to practice questions that can come in the exam.
  4. Don’t start any new topics. It is too late to start any new topics. It is because it will take up a lot of time that you otherwise could use for revising already touched topics.
  5. Be positive. You need to be positive frame of mind. 
  6. Stay healthy, as a healthy body and mind will help you retain more and perform better. To stay healthy, eat healthy foods, take proper rest, sleep well and drink sufficient water.

How to Attempt SEED Question Paper?

  • Sove atleast one SEED previous year question paper after completing SEED syllabus of selected subjects. 
  • Focus on questions which are not attempted and revise those topics
  • Create different exam-taking strategy which each question paper until perfect
  • Note SEED most repeated questions subject wise
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where do I upload my Portfolio for SEED 2026?
A: 

Portfolio submission is the 2nd stage of the SEED 2026 admission process. Candidates who are shortlisted for the PRPI need to upload portfolio and PRPI task starting in the last week of March 2026.

The portfolio and PRPI upload link will be available on the SID website after the candidate has booked the Personal Interaction slots.

Q:   What should be included in the SEED 2026 Portfolio?
A: 

Candidates have to upload a digital portfolio as part of the admission process at SID. Digital portfolio must show the best works, skills, passion and interest of candidate.

SEED portfolio may 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 Logo

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.

Benefits of Solving SEED Question Papers

Advantages of solving SEED question paper are:

  1. Helps understand pattern and difficulty level.

  2. Certain SEED topics are repeated each year. By solving SEED papers of previous years, students can know important topics

  3. Helps improve management skills.

  4. Helps analyse preparation level

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   When will SEED 2026 application form open for M.Des?
A: 

The application form of SEED 2026 is open for the M.Des program. The application form has to be submitted online at sid.edu.in (application link also given on this page).

As part of the application filling process, the candidate has to get registered, fill in the form, upload documents, and pay the application fee. The SID admission registration fee is Rs. 3250/- (Rs. 2250 for SEED & Rs. 1000 for SID)

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.

SEED Logo

FAQs on SEED Preparation Tips

Here are a few important FAQs on SEED 2026 preparation.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is SEED 2026 exam compulsory for admission to the B.Des program?
A: 

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.

Q:   How many times is the SEED exam conducted in a year?
A: 

The Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED) is a national level entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International University. The exam is conducted once a year. The SEED exam is conducted as a home-proctored exam that candidates can take from the comfort of their home. The scores of the exam are considering for admission to the B.Desprogrammeoffered by participating colleges.

The application form for SEED 2024 will open around the 1st week of September 2023.

Q:   What is the admission process for SEED 2026?
A: 

Admission to the B.Desprogramme offered by the Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) will be in the following sequence:

  1. Filling of online application - Eligible candidates need to fill out the SEED 2026 application form before the last date.

  2. 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.

  3. Declaration of results and shortlist - The results will be declared around the 4th week of January, followed by the release of shortlist for PRPI.

  4. Upload PRPI Task and Portfolio - Eligible candidates will have to upload their portfolio and PRPI task within the given deadline.

  5. Appear in Portfolio Review and Personal Interaction round.

  6. 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.

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

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.

Q:   I have done foundation program/Diploma from another institute. Do I need to appear in SEED 2026 or I can get direct admission?
A: 

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.

Design exams whose registrations are closing soon

Register now and prepare to increase your chances at top colleges which accept these exams

Registration ends soon
Exam D-day soon
MAH CET B.Design Registration

22 Jan '26 - 24 Feb '26

View allDesign exams
qna

SEED Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 weeks ago

SEED B.Des round 2 will be conducted on March 22, 2026. It will be in online mode. Exam timing will be one hour between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the test day. It will have 60 questions.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

SEED B.Des registration process for Round 2 is open now. The last date to fill the application form is March 15, 2026, Sunday. SEED Exam 2026 for B.Des Round 2 will be conducted on March 22nd, 2026, Sunday.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The total seats offered by Symbiosis through B.Des programme is 207. For communication design, it is 92, for industrial design, it is 52, for fashion design 33 and for fashion communication, it is 30.

 

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The seat intake of the M.Des programme through SEED 2026 is 24. 20 seats are for Indian students and 4 seats are for International students. Intake is subject to approval from the SIU.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

SEED 2026 Exam will be of 60 minutes. It will be on January 11, 2026, Sunday. It will be from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. SEED Entrance Exam will be conducted online for all candidates.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, there will be no Mock Test for SEED M.Des. No dates are given for M.Des Mock test in the schedule released by the SID. If Mock test is to be conducted, the information will be updated hered.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

SEED Mock test was conducted on January 7, 2026, on Wednesday. It was conducted online. All candidates who have filled application form were able to give SEED mock test.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

3 Institutes accepting SEED

  • 18.68 Lakh
  • 4 years
  • |
  • Full Time

ITM IDM - Institute Of Design & Media

Andheri West, Mumbai Private

ITM IDM -
      • 4 years
      • |
      • Full Time

      Explore more Design exams with upcoming dates

      NID DAT 2026 (Prelims) - Results Recheck for M.Des 12 Feb '26 - 14 Feb '26
      MAH CET B.Design Registration 22 Jan '26 - 24 Feb '26
      Last date to apply for March Attempt 27 Feb '26
      MITID DAT 2026 application 17 Oct '25 - 28 Feb '26
      WUD DAT 2026 Registration START Date 10 Oct '25 - 28 Feb '26

      News & Updates

      Latest NewsPopular News