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KEAM 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility, Registration, Previous Year Question Papers, Syllabus, Mock Test

Exam Level: StateState: KeralaExam Date: --

Last Updated on 29th August 2025

Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical

KEAM Exam Overview

KEAM Exam Latest Updates

  • The revised MBBS Provisional Allotment List released on 16 August 2025. 
  • KEAM 2025 Round 3 counselling allotment for Engineering concluded and candidates who got the seats must join their colleges by August 12.
  • Kerala High Court cancels last-minute change to KEAM 2025 prospectus and orders a reissue of the rank list citing the alteration as arbitrary
  • KEAM results and revised rank list have been published which highlights toppers and adjusted ranking.
  • Counselling registration began in July 2025.
  • Option entry, provisional and final allotments occurred in July and early August.
  • Phase 3 provisional allotment released around August 9 2025.

Over 1.2 lakh students appeared for the KEAM exam 2025. All of them are chasing the same dream, getting into Kerala’s top medical and engineering colleges. If you’re planning the same KEAM journey then knowing the KEAM exam date, application process, syllabus and results is your survival kit. And here we will walk you through the details.

Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical (KEAM) 2026 exam is your stepping stone to prestigious medical institutions in Kerala. It is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE). This state-level entrance test determines admission to various professional degree courses

  • MBBS
  • BDS
  • Ayurveda
  • Homoeo
  • Siddha
  • Unani
  • Veterinary Science
  • BTech


KEAM Exam: Quick Highlights

The table below highlights some very important KAEM exam details:

Aspect

Details

Full Form

Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical (KEAM)

Conducting Body

Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala

Exam Level

State-level

Courses Covered

MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Homoeo, Siddha, Unani, Veterinary Science

KEAM Application Date

3rd week Feb – 2nd week Mar 2026 (Tentative)

KEAM Exam Date

4th week April 2026 (Tentative)

Admit Card Release

2nd week April 2026 (Tentative)

KEAM Result

2nd week May 2026 (Tentative)

Engineering Rank List Release

June 2026 (Tentative)

Counseling Start Date

June 2026 (Tentative)

Mode

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Subjects

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Duration

90 minutes per paper

Eligibility

Passed HSC with PCB, 50% aggregate, ≥17 years by Dec 31, 2026

Official Website

cee.kerala.gov.in/keam2026


What is KEAM Exam?

Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala conducts KEAM (Kerala Engineering, Architecture, and Medical) exam for the students eyeing admission in professional degree courses in Kerala, including:

  • Medical: MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Veterinary Science
  • Engineering and Architecture: BE/BTech, BArch

KEAM is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for engineering and paper-based for some medical streams. Subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Biology for medical students and Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics for engineering folks.

Duration and marking are standard like other exams. You will get 90 minutes per paper, +4 for correct answers, -1 for wrong answers.


KEAM Exam Details 2026

Details related to the KEAM exam such as important dates, key events, counselling and application dates, etc have been listed below.


When is KEAM 2026?

KEAM exam dates for 2026 are not out yet. KEAM counselling 2025 is going on and it is in its third phase. Here we have listed all the important events with their expected timeline for KEAM exam 2026:

Event

Expected Date

Application Start

Mid-February 2026

Application Deadline

Mid-March 2026

Document Submission Deadline

Late March 2026

Correction Window

Early April 2026

Admit Card Release

Mid-April 2026

Exam Date

Fourth Week of April 2026

Answer Key Release

Late April to Early May 2026

Results Announcement

Second Week of May 2026

Rank List Release

Second Week of June 2026

Counselling Begins

June-July 2026

Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical

KEAM Exam Major Changes

There have been some major changes in KEAM exam pattern since 2024. We have highlighted some major ones in the table below:

Aspect

Previous Format (Pre 2024)

Current Format (2025)

Mode of Examination

Pen-and-paper (Offline)

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Number of Papers

Two separate papers: Paper I (Physics and Chemistry), Paper II (Mathematics)

Single combined paper

Subjects Covered

  • Paper I: Physics and Chemistry
  • Paper II: Mathematics
  • Mathematics (75 questions)
  • Physics (45 questions)
  • Chemistry (30 questions)

Total Questions

240 questions (120 per paper)

150 questions (75 Mathematics, 45 Physics, 30 Chemistry)

Total Marks

480 marks (240 questions × 2 marks each)

600 marks (150 questions × 4 marks each)

Duration

2 hours 30 minutes per paper

3 hours

Marking Scheme

  • +2 for correct answer
  • no negative marking
  • +4 for correct answer
  • -1 for incorrect answer

Medium of Exam

English

English

Conducting Mode

Offline at designated centers

Online CBT mode conducted in multiple shifts

Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical

KEAM Exam Details

KEAM Exam: Eligibility Criteria 2026

KEAM exam is held for admission to engineering, architecture and medical/allied courses in Kerala. Age, nationality, domicile and academic qualifications are some major criteria for KEAM eligibility. In the table below, we have given a simplified version of KEAM qualifications:

KEAM Eligibility Criteria

Details

Age Limit

  • Minimum 17 years old by December 31, 2025. 
  • No upper age limit for most courses.

Nationality and Domicile

  • Indian citizens
  • PIO
  • OCI 

Candidate Categories

  • Keralite: Kerala origin, eligible for all seats including reservations.
  • Non-Keralite I (NK I): Studied in Kerala or children of Kerala govt employees, limited seats, no reservation.
  • Non-Keralite II (NK II): Others, mainly eligible for private management quota seats, not government medical seats.

Academic Qualification (Engineering)

  • Passed or appearing for Class XII with Physics and Mathematics
  • Minimum 50% in Mathematics 
  • 50% aggregate in PCM.

Academic Qualification (Architecture)

  • Passed Class XII with 50% in PCM or 10+3 Diploma with Mathematics (50% marks)
  • Must meet minimum NATA score; no relaxations.

Academic Qualification (Medical/Allied Courses)

  • Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology at Higher Secondary level.
  • Specifics may vary by course.


KEAM Exam: Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026

KEAM 2026 exam for engineering admission has a single paper with questions from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The exam follows a defined marking scheme. The KEAM exam questions are multiple-choice based on Class 12 topics from the Kerala State Board or any equivalent syllabus:

Subject

Number of Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Mathematics

75

4

300

Physics

45

4

180

Chemistry

30

4

120

Total

150


600


KEAM Exam: Syllabus

KEAM exam syllabus 2026 is crafted to test conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills of aspirants with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics topics from Classes 11 and 12. The syllabus is based on NCERT curriculum. Some topics carry higher weightage such as mechanics in Physics and calculus in Mathematics. These are important so that students can plan their strategy effectively. Here we have provided a clearcut breakdown of each subject in KEAM exam 2026:

Subject

Topics 

Mathematics

Algebra: 

  • Sets
  • Relations
  • Functions
  • complex numbers
  • sequences and series
  • Permutations and combinations
  • Binomial theorem
  • Matrices and determinants
  • linear inequalities

Trigonometry: 

  • Trigonometric functions
  • Inverse functions
  • Multiple and submultiple angles

Geometry: 

  • Lines
  • Conic sections
  • Vectors
  • 3D geometry

Calculus: 

  • Functions
  • Limits and continuity
  • Differentiation and applications
  • Iintegration
  • Linear programming

Statistics and Probability: 

  • Mean
  • Variance,
  • Standard deviation
  • Probability rules
  • Bayes’ theorem.

Physics

Mechanics: 

  • Kinematics
  • Laws of motion, work/energy/power
  • Rotational motion
  • Gravitation
  • Properties of solids and fluids
  • Electricity and Magnetism: 
  • Electrostatics
  • Current electricity
  • Magnetic effects of current
  • Heat and Thermodynamics
  • Oscillations and Waves
  • Optics
  • Modern Physics (atoms, nuclei, semiconductors).

Chemistry

Physical Chemistry: 

  • States of matter
  • Chemical thermodynamics
  • Chemical equilibrium
  • Chemical kinetics, solutions
  • Electrochemistry
  • Surface chemistry.

Inorganic Chemistry: 

  • Chemical bonding
  • p-/d-/f-block elements
  • Coordination compounds
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Periodic table.

Organic Chemistry: 

  • Principles
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Haloalkanes/haloarenes
  • Alcohols, phenols, ethers, aldehydes and ketones
  • Carboxylic acids and derivatives
  • Amines
  • Biomolecules
  • Polymers.

Also Read: BTech Course


KEAM Exam Future Syllabus Changes

  • Continued computer-based format: KEAM will remain CBT (Computer-Based Test) with potential future upgrades like adaptive testing and advanced online proctoring.
  • Minor syllabus changes: No major syllabus changes expected soon but small annual adjustments in weightage can continue.
  • More alignment with national exams: Future KEAM patterns may align more with exams like JEE Main making preparation easier and standardized.


KEAM Exam Answer Key 

KEAM answer key is published few days post-exam by CEE Kerala. Students can verify their answers with official solutions and estimate the score before result declaration. You can also challenge the provisional answer key if you identify flaws within the given period with valid evidence.


KEAM 2025 Results

KEAM results are generally released 3-4 weeks after the exam. KEAM 2025 exam results are released along with the rank list and scorecards. The initial KEAM 2025 rank list was published on July 1, 2025 for both engineering and pharmacy. Due to some legal issues a revised rank list was issued on July 10, 2025. It reshuffled top rankings based on the older, traditional normalization formula. Here is the key information about KEAM exam results:

  • Mode of Release: Online
  • Result Format: Published as a rank list/scorecard.
  • Contents of Result: Marks obtained, rank secured, qualifying status.
  • Rank List Method (Engineering):

50% weightage from KEAM entrance exam score.

50% weightage from Class 12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics marks (as per normalization).

  • Tie-Breaking Rule: 

Preference is given in order of higher marks in Mathematics then Physics then Chemistry

Followed by age, older candidates ranked higher.

  • Post-Result Process: 

Qualified candidates participate in the counselling and seat allotment process as per schedule.


Steps to Check KEAM Exam Results

  • Visit the official CEE Kerala website (cee.kerala.gov.in)
  • Log in using your application number and password.
  • Click on KEAM Result link on the dashboard.
  • Your scorecard is displayed on the screen.
  • Download and save the result for counseling and future use.


KEAM Counselling 2026

KEAM counselling process in Kerala is conducted online (Single Window System, SWS) through Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). CAP is managed by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala for admissions to professional courses like engineering, architecture, pharmacy, medical and allied fields. 

Dive Deeper into: NEET Counselling


Essential Steps in KEAM 2025 Counselling Process

  • Registration: 
  1. Eligible candidates must register on KEAM Candidate Portal on cee.kerala.gov.in using their application number and password. 
  2. This starts about two to three weeks after results are declared.
  • Document Upload: 
  1. Candidates need to upload required documents such as 10+2 marksheet, certificates and ID proof.
  • Option Entry (Choice Filling): 
  1. Registered candidates log in to the portal to select and prioritize their preferred colleges and courses. 
  2. The system displays only eligible combinations for each candidate, and choices must be made in order of preference.
  • Review and Print: 
  1. Candidates are advised to review and take a printout of their selections.
  • Trial Allotment: 
  1. A trial seat allotment is conducted before final closure of the option entry phase, meant to give candidates an idea of their chances of seat allocation
  2. It does not guarantee a seat.
  • Final Seat Allotment: 
  1. Once option entry closes, CEE publishes the seat allotment results online.
  2. Candidates receive allotment memos detailing the allotted college and applicable fees.
  • Payment of Fees and Reporting: 
  1. Candidates allotted seats must pay the required fee within the stipulated time and report to their allotted institute.
  2. Failure to pay fees or to report in time results in forfeiture of allotted seats.
  • Further Rounds and Spot Admissions: 
  1. Subsequent rounds may be conducted for vacant seats. 
  2. Spot admissions are generally held in September for remaining seats


KEAM 2026 Application Process

  • Mode of Application: Online only, through the official portal - cee.kerala.gov.in
  • Application Timeline 2026:

Start Date: Will be announced

Last Date: Will be announced


KEAM Exam 2026: Steps to Apply

  1. Registration: Enter personal, academic and domicile details.
  2. Upload Documents: Photograph, signature and required certificates.
  3. Fee Payment: Pay application fee online.
  4. Final Submission: Submit the application and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.


KEAM Exam 2026: Admit Card

  • Candidates who complete registration can download their KEAM 2026 admit card from the official portal.


KEAM 2026 Exam Accepting Colleges

KEAM exam is accepted by some of the top institutions in Kerala for admissions in professional courses. This table highlights the colleges, rankings and their seat breakdown:

College Name

NIRF 2025 Rank

Approx. Seats (Engineering)

NITC

23

1,200

IIST

42

350

Government Engineering College, Thrissur

101-150 band

750

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Kottayam

151-200 band

700

Government College of Engineering, Kannur

151-200 band

600

TKM College of Engineering, Kollam

201-250 band

700

NSS College of Engineering, Palakkad

201-250 band

600

Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

251-300 band

600

Model Engineering College, Kochi

251-300 band

450

College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET)

251-300 band

900


KEAM Previous Year Question Papers

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala provides past-year KEAM question papers and solutions. These are available for years 2014-2020 including both Paper I and Paper II. These pacers help students get familiar with KEAM exam pattern and type of questions asked. 

KEAM Exam Paper

KEAM Exam Paper Link

KEAM Question Paper Set 1

Paper 1

KEAM Question Paper Set 2

Paper 2


KEAM Exam Cutoff

CEE releases the KEAM cutoff after the exams. KEAM cutoff for 2026 is not out yet because the exams are yet to be conducted. Students can get insights into the previous year cutoff to understand the target numbers to get into their desired course, branch and college. This section enumerates the previous year KEAM cutoff alongside the expected ones.

Check Out: NIT Cutoff


KEAM Exam Cutoff Year-wise

Look at this table for cutoff analysis of KEAM previous year cutoff:

College

2019

2020

2021

TKM College of Engineering

1173

1366

1269

Government Engineering College, Thrissur

1407

976

784

Government College of Engineering, Kannur

3547

3453

2493

NSS College of Engineering

3691

3016

2507

RSET - Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology

5343

5839

3729

Mar Athanasius College of Engineering

2265

1965

1686

Government Engineering College, Sreekrishnapuram

5349

3362

2396

Government Engineering College, Idukki

10210

4464

855

College of Engineering, Trivandrum

479

£466

481

Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering

4,718

– 

2982

Government Engineering College, Mananthavady

6,772

4243

665

MEC Kochi - Government Model Engineering College

1,305

1459

1117

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Kerala

2691

2554

2019


KEAM Exam Cutoff 2024

This table highlights the 2024 cutoff rank of KEAM exam:

College

2024 Cutoff Rank

College of Engineering, Cherthala (CEC)

25709

College of Engineering, Karunagappally, Kollam (KNP)

29627

College of Engineering, Perumon, Kollam (PRN)

19941

University College of Engineering, Thodupuzha (UCE)

37747

Al-Ameen Engineering College, Palakkad (AAP)

52144

Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kottayam (AJC)

25,824

AWH Engineering College, Kozhikkode (AWH)

49,053

Eranad Knowledge City Technical Campus, Malappuram (EKC)

47485

Gregorian Institute of Technology, Kanjirampara, Kottayam (GIK)

49,938

Holy Grace Academy of Engineering, Thrissur (HGW)

48,855

Ilahia College of Engineering & Technology, Ernakulam (ICE)

38,426

Jyothi Engineering College, Thrissur (JEC)

28,608


College-wise and Branch-wise KEAM Closing Ranks (2025, Expected)

Here we have given expected college wise and branch wise cutoff of KEAM exam:

College

CSE

ECE

EEE

Mech Engg.

Civil Engg.

CET Trivandrum

350-400

600-700

1,100-1,300

2,500-3,000

3,500-4,000

TKM College of Engineering, Kollam

1,000-1,200

1,800-2,000

3,000-3,500

6,000-6,500

7,000-7,500

Govt Model Engg College (MEC)

1,200-1,400

2,500-2,800

3,500-4,000

8,000-9,000

-

MA College of Engineering

1,500-1,700

2,800-3,000

4,000-4,500

9,000-10,000

-

Thrissur (GEC)

500–800 (CSE)[5]

up to 1,200

-

4,000-7,000

Beyond 7,000


KEAM Exam Difficulty Trends

If you want to crack KEAM, then first, know the trend. Past KEAM papers show a mix of moderate and tough levels. Maths and Physics are usually tricky and time-eating. Chemistry is mostly easy, straight from NCERT, scoring too. Each year CEE throws small surprises, but patterns repeat. You need to spot them and use them. That is how you can smart prep. Look at the each subject to understand the repeated trends in KEAM exam:


Mathematics

  • Moderate, lengthy, calculation-heavy. 
  • Mostly NCERT-based.
  • Key topics: Relations, Permutations, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra.


Physics

  • Moderate to tough, often longest section. 
  • Concept + formula mix.
  • Key topics: Modern Physics, Thermodynamics, EMI, Mechanics, Current Electricity.


Chemistry

  • Easiest, direct NCERT-based
  • Scoring
  • Key topics: Everyday Life, Polymers, Organic Chemistry.


Overall Patterns

  • At least one tough section (often Physics/Maths) while Chemistry stays easier.
  • NCERT is dominant for Chemistry and Maths.
  • Papers are time-consuming, especially Physics and Maths.
  • Difficulty varies year to year
  • Trend in application-based questions, in Physics.

Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical

KEAM 2026 Exam Dates

KEAM exam dates for 2026 are not out yet. KEAM counselling 2025 is going on and it is in its third phase. Here we have listed all the important events with their expected timeline for KEAM exam 2026:

Event

Expected Date

Application Start

Mid-February 2026

Application Deadline

Mid-March 2026

Document Submission Deadline

Late March 2026

Correction Window

Early April 2026

Admit Card Release

Mid-April 2026

Exam Date

Fourth Week of April 2026

Answer Key Release

Late April to Early May 2026

Results Announcement

Second Week of May 2026

Rank List Release

Second Week of June 2026

Counselling Begins

June-July 2026

Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical

KEAM Exam vs. NEET Exam: A Comparative Analysis

KEAM is mainly for engineering and pharmacy while NEET is only for medical admissions, It is now serving as the sole exam for medical UG candidates in Kerala. Here we will compare NEET and KEAM exam on the basis of difficulty and syllabus. 

  • KEAM: For Engineering, Pharmacy.
  • NEET: For Medical (MBBS, BDS, Allied Health).
  • Kerala medical seats: only NEET scores count.


KEAM vs NEET: Syllabus Difference

Exam

Target Courses

Subjects

Style

KEAM

  • BTech
  • Pharmacy
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Maths
  • More factual, direct
  • NCERT + Kerala State books

NEET

  • MBBS
  • BDS
  • Allied Health
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Conceptual, deduction-based
  • NCERT core


KEAM vs NEET: Difficulty Level

Exam

Level

Question Type

Time Pressure

KEAM

Easy to Moderate

Direct, calculative

Moderate (lengthy maths slows)

NEET

Moderate to Hard

Conceptual, reasoning

High (speed critical)


Best Books For KEAM Exam Preparation

KEAM preparation requires a focused and smart approach. The syllabus is vast and needs to be covered with revision. Here we have provided separate books for each subject with author name to ease the research of the best book for your prep. 


Best Books for KEAM Physics

Here you will find best Physics books for KEAM exam preparation:

Book Title

Author

Concepts of Physics (Vol I and II)

H.C. Verma

Fundamentals of Physics

Halliday, Resnick and Walker

Objective Physics

D.C. Pandey (Arihant)

NCERT Physics (Class 11 and 12)

NCERT


Best Books for KEAM Chemistry

This table enumerates best Chemistry books for KEAM exam:

Book Title

Author(s)

NCERT Chemistry (Class 11 and 12)

NCERT

Organic Chemistry

Morrison & Boyd

Concise Inorganic Chemistry

J.D. Lee

Physical Chemistry

O.P. Tandon

Objective Chemistry

R.K. Gupta (Arihant)


Best Books for KEAM Mathematics

Here you will find the best maths books for your KEAM exam preparation:

Book Title

Author

NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 and 12)

NCERT

Problems in Calculus of One Variable

I.A. Maron

Higher Algebra

Hall and Knight

Objective Mathematics

R.D. Sharma

Mathematics Series

Cengage


KEAM Exam Preparation Tips and Strategies

KEAM is not about being the smartest in the room. It’s about being the most consistent. Many small daily efforts will beat last-minute rush every time. Experts say that your foundations need to be solid and at least 6 months should be devoted to the prep, so yes you can prepare for KEAM in 6 months if you work diligently. Look at these KEAM preparation tips:

  • Know the syllabus. Stick to NCERT first. Especially Chemistry because it’s scoring.
  • Maths is lengthy. Practice daily. Focus on speed, not just accuracy.
  • Physics needs concepts. H.C. Verma + past papers. Don’t skip numerical.
  • Revise regularly. Small chunks. Quick notes. Formula sheets work wonders.
  • Mock tests are key. Familiarity with exam pressure. Time yourself.
  • Previous year papers are a must do. They repeat patterns.
  • Balance subjects. Don’t overdo one, ignore another.
  • Last month's strategy. Only revision + mock tests. Nothing new.


FAQs About KEAM Exam


Ques 1. What career can I step into after KEAM exam?

Ans. After KEAM you can look forward to engineering, architecture, pharmacy and allied fields. If you aim for the right branch and college, you can go for jobs in IT, civil services, R&D, government sectors or higher studies abroad.


Ques 2. What are the top engineering colleges accepting KEAM scores?

Ans. Some of the best include:

  • College of Engineering, Trivandrum
  • Government Engineering College, Thrissur
  • Model Engineering College, Kochi
  • TKM College of Engineering, Kollam


Ques 3. What is KEAM exam application deadline?

Ans. The KEAM application deadline is usually in March-April every year. For KEAM 2026, exact dates will be announced on the CEE Kerala website. 


Ques 4. What is the KEAM exam eligibility criteria in Kerala?

Ans. Basic KEAM criteria:

  • Indian citizen (Kerala origin preferred for reservations).
  • Completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
  • Minimum 50% marks in Mathematics and overall in PCM subjects.


Ques 5. How to apply for the KEAM exam?

Ans. Here is the application process

  • Visit CEE Kerala official portal.
  • Register, fill in details, and upload documents.
  • Pay the application fee online.
  • Print the confirmation page for safety.
AcronymKerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical
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