Kerala Engineering Agricultural Medical Entrance Examination Overview 2027

What is the KEAM Exam?

KEAM is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. It is for undergraduate professional degree programs.

The courses covered include engineering, architecture, pharmacy, and medical programs such as MBBS and BDS. The exam provides admission to various government and private colleges across Kerala.

KEAM 2026 Registration and Key Dates

The KEAM registration for 2026 started on January 5, 2026, and will be available until January 31, 2026. The official KEAM 2026 notification on exam dates is expected to be announced in February 2026.

• The last date to upload Class X Certificate, Date of Birth, and Nativity Proof is 06-02-2026, 05:00 PM.
• The last date to upload other required certificates or documents is 07-02-2026, 05:00 PM.
• The KEAM 2026 exam is expected to be held in April 2026.

KEAM 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)

The KEAM 2026 exam is expected to take place in the last week of April. Applications are expected to open in February, with the last date coming by early March.

Conducting Body and Admission Process

The test is conducted by the CEE (Commissioner for Entrance Examinations) under the Department of Higher Education, Govt. of Kerala. It is done through a single window system for admission to B.Tech and B.Pharm courses.

Candidates with valid NATA or JEE scores are eligible for admission to Architecture and Medical programs. This admission is managed by CEE under the centralised allotment system.

Participating Colleges and Registration Trends

More than 165 colleges in Kerala accept KEAM scores for admission into engineering and pharmacy courses. This includes government, government-controlled, and private institutions with self-financing programs.

Each year, almost 80,000 to 1.2 lakh candidates register for KEAM. They seek admission to engineering, pharmacy, architecture, and allied professional courses in Kerala. Candidates must check the official KEAM website for the latest notifications.

Key Summary

• KEAM is an entrance examination for undergrad courses in engineering, architecture, and pharmacy in Kerala.
• The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, conducts this annually.
• KEAM 2026 would be conducted in the last week of April.
• The exam is done on a computer for engineering and pharmacy, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Architecture admissions rely on NATA scores.
• Every year, over 35,000 seats belonging to government and private colleges in Kerala are filled up via KEAM.

KEAM 2026 Overview

KEAM stands for Kerala Engineering, Architecture, and Medical. The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, conducts this state-level exam.

The exam covers admission to MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Unani, and Veterinary Science courses. It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed HSC with PCB subjects. A minimum of 50% aggregate is required.

The candidate must be at least 17 years old by 31 December 2026.

KEAM 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)

The official schedule for KEAM 2026 is not available yet. The tentative dates are given for reference.

Application Timeline

Registration for KEAM 2026 has started on 5th January 2026. Candidates can submit their registration before the tentative deadline of 31st January 2026.

KEAM vs JEE

JEE is considered challenging as it tests conceptual understanding and critical thinking abilities. KEAM holds more formula-based questions that require speed and accuracy.

JEE Advanced is recognised as one of India's toughest exams. It demands problem-solving ability and effective stress management.

KEAM Registration Trends (2025–2023)

The KEAM registration data shows a variation in the number of candidates over the years.

• In 2023, around 1,78,000 students registered, which dropped by approximately 36% to 1,13,447 in 2024.
• For 2025, the total registrations went again to 1,43,866, marking an increase of about 27% compared to the previous year.

KEAM 2025 Examination Statistics

The KEAM 2025 exam was attended by 86,549 candidates in the Engineering test. Out of these, 76,230 qualified.

The final rank list for engineering had 67,505 candidates with submitted Plus Two marks. For the Pharmacy examination, 33,304 candidates came from Kerala, with 111 being outside the State.

Statistics of KEAM 2025 Engineering Examination

• Total Candidates Appeared: 86,549
• Candidate Qualified: 76,230
• Candidates in Rank List: 67,505

Statistics of KEAM 2025 Pharmacy Examination

• Candidates from Kerala: 33,304
• Candidates Outside Kerala: 111

KEAM Rank Analysis

A rank of 20,000 in KEAM is average. Such a rank may give admission in numerous colleges and courses which are popular in general, outside the top government institutes, depending upon the stream or category.

This is not considered a very good rank. However, there are still good options available, especially private colleges and certain branches of engineering.

KEAM 2025 Applicant Numbers

In KEAM 2025, 86,549 students appeared for the engineering entrance exam. Of these, 76,230 qualified, and the rank list was prepared for 67,505 candidates who submitted their Plus Two marks on time.

• Total Applicants: 86,549
• Qualified Candidates: 76,230
• Candidates in Rank List: 67,505

KEAM Rank Calculation 2025

The rank list for KEAM 2025 uses a 50:50 weighting factor. It combines the normalised scores of the entrance examination with the marks scored in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the 12th class Board Examination.

After normalisation, entrance examination scores are combined with board marks to generate the final rank list.

KEAM Year-Wise Applicant and Qualification Data

The table below shows the total applicants, appearances, and qualified candidates for engineering and pharmacy from 2020 to 2025.

KEAM 2026 Registration Fees

From 2020 to 2025, the KEAM application fees for general candidates gradually increased from ₹700 to ₹875. Fees for Architecture, Medical, and allied courses also increased during this period.

Applying to both groups simultaneously is costly, with a maximum fee of ₹1,300 in 2025 for candidates taking all streams.

KEAM Registration Fee Details

For KEAM 2026, general candidates applying for Engineering/B.Pharm or both must pay ₹875. An SC candidate pays ₹375 for the same categories.

Candidates applying for medicine, allied courses, or architecture pay ₹625 for General and ₹250 for SC. Applicants applying to both streams (Engineering/B.Pharm and Medicine/Architecture) pay a fee of ₹1,125 for General and ₹500 for SC.

KEAM Option Registration Fee Refund

For KEAM option registration fees, a refund is processed only when there is no allotment. If an allotment is made and the applicant does not take admission, the fee is non-refundable as a penalty.

Candidates eligible for a refund must provide their bank account details for processing through the KEAM Candidate Portal on the Kerala government website.

KEAM Eligibility Criteria 2026

Eligibility criteria for KEAM 2026 are determined by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. Candidates must meet the specific academic and age requirements set for the engineering and pharmacy courses.

KEAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with at least 45% marks to apply for KEAM 2026. Physics and Mathematics are mandatory subjects, and Chemistry is required for engineering courses.

Indian citizens from Kerala or other states are eligible to apply. Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year, with no upper age limit.

Course-wise Eligibility

Age and Attempts

Candidates must be 17 years of age on or before December 31 of the admission year. There is no upper age limit for KEAM.

There is no limit on the number of attempts in KEAM. Candidates can appear for the examination as many times as they want, provided they meet the basic eligibility criteria of being at least 17 years old and passing the 10+2 examinations.

KEAM 2026 Reservation Policy

Reservations are available in KEAM for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and minority community quotas. Candidates claiming reservations must attach the original supporting document, such as a Community Certificate, while applying online.

Government Seats

The total government seats in KEAM change every year, depending on courses and the seat matrix published by the Kerala Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE). For exact numbers, candidates should check the official 2025 seat matrix of KEAM or the latest CEE release for the current academic year.

KEAM Exam Pattern 2026

The KEAM exam covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The engineering paper lasts 180 minutes, while the pharmacy paper lasts 90 minutes.

KEAM 2026 Marking Scheme Overview

KEAM Ranking and Score Calculation

The KEAM ranking system uses a 50:50 weightage method. Equal importance is given to the normalised scores of the KEAM entrance exam and the normalised marks of the Plus Two (Class 12) subjects.

The total index score is calculated out of 600 marks. 300 marks come from the entrance test and 300 marks from the qualifying examination.

• Scores are standardised and rounded to four decimal places.
• This process ensures fairness and precision in the final ranking.

KEAM Previous Year Question Papers

Previous year question papers are available for download. Both the question paper and the solution PDF are provided.

Papers from earlier years are also listed.

KEAM Syllabus 2026

The KEAM Syllabus 2026 has not yet been officially released by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala. It will be published on their official website.

• Once released, the KEAM 2026 syllabus PDF can be downloaded at https://cee.kerala.gov.in/cee/.
• The syllabus covers three subjects: mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Check: KEAM Syllabus: Check and Download KEAM Syllabus for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry

KEAM Exam Pattern 2026

As per the probable pattern, the KEAM 2026 exam will be a single computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. The engineering paper will have 150 MCQs.

• 75 questions in Mathematics
• 45 questions in Physics
• 30 questions in Chemistry

The exam duration is 180 minutes. Candidates get 4 marks for every correct answer.

• 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
• No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.

KEAM Mock Test 2026

Mock tests are available for practice. They cover physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

Check: KEAM Preparation Tips

Good Score in KEAM

A score between 400 and 600 is generally considered good. Candidates in this range are typically ranked between 20,000 and 5,000.

Such scores may admit students to good government and private engineering colleges, depending on the branch and category. A score above 450 out of 600 is good.

A score above 550 is excellent, with ranks within 1,000 to 5,000.

KEAM Cutoff 2026

The KEAM 2026 cutoff is yet to be unveiled. The cutoffs will be announced after the seat allotment rounds by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala.

Candidates can get a rough idea of the expected cutoff by analysing trends from previous years.

KEAM 2025 Cutoff CSE (Expected)

The expected cutoff for Computer Science Engineering (CSE) in KEAM 2025 is not provided in the source material.

KEAM 2025 Expected Cutoff for Computer Science (CSE)

The expected KEAM 2025 cutoff ranks for Computer Science (CSE) are listed below for different colleges and categories.

KEAM 2025 Expected Cutoff for Electronics and Communication (ECE)

The expected KEAM 2025 cutoff ranks for Electronics and Communication (ECE) are provided below.

Check the KEAM Cutoff for more details.

KEAM 2025 Qualification Statistics

Out of 86,549 students who appeared for KEAM 2025, 76,230 students qualified.

67,505 students were included in the final engineering rank list.

KEAM Exam 2026 Overview FAQs

What is the normalised score in KEAM?

Normalisation in KEAM scales scores from the entrance examination to account for differences in difficulty across various days and shifts.

This makes candidate scores comparable and ensures fair ranking. The normalised score is merged with qualifying examination marks to prepare the final rank list.

How many times is KEAM conducted in a year?

KEAM is an annual entrance examination held by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations, Kerala.

The exam is conducted once a year, generally in April, for admission into professional courses including Engineering and Pharmacy.

Was KEAM 2025 tough?

The exam had varying difficulty levels. The Engineering paper was easier to moderate, especially for candidates who had gone through the NCERT syllabus.

Many found Mathematics to be a bit difficult. The Pharmacy test was generally perceived by candidates to be easier, as per reports in April 2025.

How to crack KEAM easily?

• Have a keen knowledge of the KEAM syllabus and exam pattern.
• Prepare a timetable and follow it strictly.
• Manage time well for answering questions and be accurate.
• Refer to study materials and books.
• Create notes for yourself.
• Revise the subject matter frequently.

How many attempts for KEAM?

Candidates can take the KEAM exam an unlimited number of times.

Candidates must be 17 years old or more and have passed the 10+2 examinations.

How many marks are required to clear the KEAM?

Candidates must obtain a minimum of 10 marks in each of Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the engineering entrance examination to qualify for the KEAM Rank List.

This requirement is also applicable to engineering and medical entrance examinations.

How much rank is required for B Pharmacy in KEAM?

The rank for KEAM B Pharm varies from college to college.

A top government college like Government Medical College, Kozhikode, would expect ranks below 2,500 from General Category candidates. Private colleges might accept ranks in excess of 8,000.

The final cutoff rank depends on the institution, the number of seats available, and the category (General, OBC, etc.).

Is NCERT enough for KEAM?

No, NCERT alone is generally not enough. It serves as an important foundation that covers basic concepts.

Candidates should also prepare from state board textbooks, previous year question papers of KEAM, KEAM sample papers, and mock tests to understand the question design and work on speed and accuracy.

Courses Offered Under KEAM

KEAM covers more than Engineering and Pharmacy. It also includes courses in Medical and Medical Allied fields.

The courses available are:

• All B.Tech courses
• B.Pharm
• MBBS
• BDS
• BAMS
• BUMS
• BSMS
• BHMS
• B.Sc. Nursing

The examination provides access to undergraduate professional courses. Some postgraduate programs in these disciplines are also covered in Kerala.

KEAM Fee Refund Policy

KEAM fees can be refunded based on the candidate's situation. A refund is possible if the candidate does not get allotment or if the college rules provide for a refund after cancellation.

To claim a refund, candidates should fill out an online application through the Candidate Portal of CEE Kerala. Bank details must be provided for the credit of the refund.

Normalised Score in KEAM

Normalisation of scores in KEAM is the process of scaling scores obtained in the entrance examination. It accounts for differences in difficulty across various days or shifts.

This process ensures that candidates' scores are comparable and ranked fairly. The normalised score is then merged with the qualifying examination marks to prepare the final rank list.

KEAM Conduct Frequency

KEAM is an annual entrance examination. It is held by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations, Kerala.

The examination is generally held in April. The exact dates are given every year. It is conducted once a year for eligible candidates.

KEAM 2025 Difficulty Level

The exam had varying difficulty levels across papers. The Engineering paper was easier to moderate, especially for candidates who had gone through the NCERT syllabus.

Many candidates found Mathematics to be a bit difficult. The Pharmacy test was generally perceived by candidates to be easier, as per reports in April 2025.

Number of Attempts for KEAM

Candidates can take the KEAM exam an unlimited number of times. There is no restriction on the number of attempts.

Candidates are free to take the exam as many times as they desire. Simple rules apply, such as being 17 years old or more and having passed the 10+2 examinations.

Minimum Marks to Clear KEAM

To qualify for the KEAM Rank List, candidates must obtain a minimum of 10 marks in each of Paper 1 and Paper 2. This applies to the engineering entrance examination.

The same requirement is applicable to engineering and medical entrance examinations.

Rank Required for B.Pharm in KEAM

The rank for KEAM B.Pharm varies from college to college. A top government college like Government Medical College, Kozhikode, would expect ranks below 2,500 from General Category candidates.

Private colleges might accept ranks in excess of 8,000. The final cutoff rank depends on the particular institution, the number of seats available, and the category (General, OBC, etc.).

NCERT Sufficiency for KEAM Preparation

NCERT alone is generally not enough for KEAM preparation. It serves as an important foundation that covers basic concepts.

Candidates should prepare from state board textbooks, previous year question papers of KEAM, KEAM sample papers, and mock tests. This helps understand the design of the question and work on speed and accuracy.