Symbiosis B.Des SEED Exam Guide 2026 – Complete Admission Process, Syllabus, Dates, NRI & Direct Category Guidance

The SEED Exam (Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design) is the official entrance test for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) programmes at Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID Pune) and other Symbiosis design schools. If you are planning to apply for Communication Design, Product Design, Fashion Design, UX/UI, Animation or Industrial Design, the SEED exam is the first and most crucial step.

This comprehensive guide by Balaji Admission explains the entire SEED 2026 exam process—eligibility, exam pattern, portfolio tips, studio test, important dates, NRI category, institute-level admission and more.

What is SEED Exam?

SEED is the official design entrance test conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to:

• ● Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID Pune)
• ■ Symbiosis School of Visual Arts & Photography (SSVAP Pune)
• ▸ Other design-related Symbiosis schools (based on academic year rules)

The exam evaluates creativity, visualization skills, design aptitude, problem-solving and basic aesthetic sense.

SEED Exam Eligibility – 2026

• ● Passed 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board
• ■ Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates)
• ▸ No restrictions on stream – Science/Commerce/Arts students can apply
• ○ Foreign/NRI students follow a separate category process

SEED 2026 Exam Process – Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Online Registration

• ● Register on the official SEED portal
• ■ Upload documents & fill SID Pune preference

Step 2 – Download SEED Admit Card

• ▸ Contains exam centre and essential instructions

Step 3 – Appear for SEED Online Exam

• ○ Tests creative aptitude & logical thinking

Step 4 – Shortlisting for Studio Test + Portfolio Review

• ▪ Only SEED-qualified candidates are called

Step 5 – Personal Interaction

Final selection based on:

• ● SEED score
• ■ Portfolio quality
• ▸ Creativity & idea thinking
• ○ Final interview

SEED Exam Pattern (Latest Updated Format)

SEED Exam Syllabus – Key Topics

• ● Visualization & Spatial Ability
• ■ Design Thinking & Creative Ideation
• ▸ Observation & Problem Solving
• ○ Art & Aesthetic Sensibility
• ▪ Basics of Geometry & 2D/3D Forms
• ● Color Theory & Composition
• ■ General Design Awareness
• ▸ Creative Writing (sometimes required in studio test)

Studio Test & Portfolio – What Happens After SEED?

Studio Test Includes:

• ● Sketching tasks
• ■ Model making
• ▸ Visualization problems
• ○ Creative solution exercises

Portfolio Guidelines:

• ▪ Drawing & sketches
• ● Digital artwork
• ■ Photography work
• ▸ Craft, clay models, DIY prototypes
• ○ UI/UX samples (if any)

A strong portfolio can significantly improve final selection chances.

SEED 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

• ● SEED Registration Opens – August/September 2025
• ■ Admit Card Release – December 2025
• ▸ SEED Exam Date – January 2026
• ○ Studio Test & PI – February/March 2026
• ▪ Final Merit List – April 2026

NRI & International Category – B.Des Admission (SID)

Many NRI families abroad prefer Symbiosis for design because of:

• ● Structured NRI category
• ■ Strong global recognition
• ▸ Excellent creative + academic environment

For NRI Applicants:

• ○ Separate merit list
• ▪ SEED requirement may differ based on guidelines
• ● Additional documentation (passport, NRI proof)

How Balaji Admission Supports NRI Students:

• ■ Eligibility & Category Verification
• ▸ Paperwork Guidance
• ○ SEED / Portfolio Process Explanation
• ▪ End-to-End Admission Support

Direct & Institute-Level Admission – Symbiosis B.Des

Within Symbiosis University’s guidelines, certain categories like NRI / International / Institute-Level may exist depending on the academic year.

These categories are usually explored when:

• ● SEED score is below expected cutoff
• ■ Portfolio is strong
• ▸ Families want clarity on transparent admission routes

Balaji Admission helps with:

• ○ Category mapping
• ▪ Document preparation
• ● Admission planning & timelines

Useful Internal Links

• ● SID Pune B.Des Admission 2026
• ■ Symbiosis B.Des Admission Guide
• ▸ Symbiosis M.Des Admission
• ○ Symbiosis NRI & Institute-Level Admission Guide

FAQs – SEED Exam & B.Des Admission 2026

Q1. Is SEED mandatory for SID Pune?
Yes, SEED is compulsory for Indian category B.Des admission.

Q2. Can NRI students get admission without SEED?
NRI/International rules may differ; Balaji Admission provides clarity.

Q3. Is portfolio required?
Yes, portfolio plays an important role in the final studio test & PI.

Q4. What is the difficulty level of SEED?
Moderate – focuses more on creativity than formulas.

Q5. Can Balaji Admission help in the full admission process?
Yes, from SEED guidance to NRI categories, documentation and counselling.