The first thing you need to understand is that anybody with an open mind and decent drawing skills can get through CEED. You don't need to be extraordinary at drawing (obviously it does help if you are extremely good at it).

Stuff about Question Paper format:

Total 100 Marks. The paper has 2 Parts.

Part A- Multiple choice. 50 Marks. It will test you on many things from General Aptitude, GK, Analytical ability. Famous architectures around the world- Bridges, buildings etc.

In CEED-2013 people got a few questions on mechanical pulleys (physics)! So there will always be surprises.

Part-B- Again divided into 2 sections. Drawing Ability and Design Problem Solving. Total 50 Marks. The 2 most time consuming things in the entire paper. Check out the previous question papers. I gave the link below.

Also the paper format may change again every year. But you will be notified on the official CEED website if that's the case.

Stuff you need to know before appearing for the exam:

1. You need to start preparing right away. Read anything you can find on Interaction Design and Visual Communication. Go as deep as you can into the subject.
   
   Check out-
   Smashing Magazine- For Professional Web Designers and Developers
   
   Complete Beginner's Guide to Interaction Design - UX Booth .
   
   Another great resource - Teacup Blog
   
   
2. Previous Question Papers- Common Entrance Examination for Design . Go through the previous question papers and try to answer as many of the questions as you can. Trust me you will learn a lot of things by answering them. Sadly I did that in the last few days. :(
   
   
3. You need decent drawing skills. By the time you write the exam, you should be able to draw fruits, vegetables and everyday objects from your mind as far as possible in 3D perspective .
   
   Check out-
   How to draw stuff, step by step, pop culture, with our FREE online drawing tutorials!
   
   Industrial Design Sketching and Drawing Video Tutorials
   
   
4. Be creative while answering the questions. What I mean to say is try to use the answer sheet to your advantage and present your points clearly and accurately. Try to think of different ways you could use the answer sheet to present your answers. This is not really that important. But its one of those good-to-know things.
   
   
5. Optional: Good sense of humor. :P
   
   Let me know if you need any more info or if I missed out on anything.

• Update 1: Similar to Abhinav Bhatt , even I have no formal exposure to designing. I have a B.E. degree in Mechanical Engg. Also I do have a lot of interest in painting, sketching, photography and Photoshop. So that helped me quite a bit.
• Update 2: NID has a separate entrance exam. But the way we prepare doesn't change for CEED or NID. I skipped NID exam.
• Update 3: I was shortlisted for the interview rounds at IDC and IISc. But couldn't make it after that. Tough luck. :(
• Update 4: D'Source | Courses, Resources, Case Studies, Galleries, Videos . This website is maintained by IDC and sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India.
• Update 5: Here's another essential blog everyone preparing for CEED should read- Design Resources on The Power of Design . Thanks to Priya P ! :)