Kerala Engineering Agricultural Medical Entrance Examination Eligibility Criteria 2026

KEAM 2025 Eligibility Criteria Highlights

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala decides the KEAM 2025 eligibility criteria. Candidates seeking admission to Engineering and Pharmacy programs in Kerala must meet these requirements.

The minimum academic qualification is passing or appearing in Class XII or Higher Secondary examination with at least 50% marks. Candidates must appear for both Paper 1 (Physics and Chemistry) and Paper 2 (Mathematics).

Eligibility certificates and documents can be uploaded up to 15.03.2025, 5.00 PM.

Category-wise Eligibility

• Keralite: Candidates must provide proof of Kerala origin through valid documents like SSLC certificate, passport, or birth certificate.
• Non-Keralite Category I (NK I): Candidates who studied in Kerala and are children of Central/State government employees posted in Kerala are included in this category.
• Non-Keralite Category II (NK II): Candidates who do not fall into the above categories can apply for Government/Management quota seats in Engineering, Architecture, Siddha, and Unani courses in private institutions but are not eligible for Government medical seats.

Academic Qualification

• MBBS/BDS: Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology at the Higher Secondary level.
• BAMS/BHMS: Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. BHMS does not accept Biology/Biotechnology as an additional subject.
• BSMS: Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with Tamil as a language at the 10th or 12th level or studied during the first year.

KEAM 2025 Exam Dates

The KEAM 2025 exam has been scheduled from April 24, 2025 to April 28, 2025 in a single shift on all the days.

KEAM 2025 Detailed Eligibility Criteria

KEAM is a single-tier entrance exam conducted in Kerala for admission to Architecture, Engineering, and Medical courses. Candidates can also seek admission to allied courses like B.Sc. (Hons.), Veterinary and Fishery.

Candidates must fill the KEAM Application form or required entrance form according to the course they choose to apply for.

Age and Nativity Requirements

Only Indian citizens are eligible for admission to professional courses. OCI/PIO cardholders are treated as Indian citizens for admission but do not qualify for reservations.

Candidates are categorized into Keralite, Non-Keralite Category I (NK I), and Non-Keralite Category II (NK II) based on their nativity. Keralite candidates, including children of All India Service (AIS) officers in Kerala cadre, are eligible for reservations and fee concessions.

A candidate should complete 17 years of age on December 31, 2025. The candidate must have passed the HSC exam of Kerala or its equivalent with 50% marks in Mathematics or Biology. Candidates from the socially backward category will have 5% relaxation.

For more details, read the official PDF: KEAM Online 2025 Notification.

KEAM 2025 Age Limit

Candidates must be 17 years old as of December 31, 2025. There is no relaxation for the minimum age and no upper age limit for the exam.

Academic Qualification for Medical and Allied Courses

The minimum academic qualification for any course is passing Class XII or higher secondary examination with science subjects. Candidates appearing for the exam can also apply for KEAM 2025. The academic qualifications differ for various medical and allied courses.

MBBS, BDS, BSMS

• Pass higher secondary examination of "Board of Higher secondary education, Kerala" with 50% marks in Biology/Biotechnology, Physics and Chemistry put together.
• Secure 50% marks in Biology separately.
• In the absence of Biology, Biotechnology will be considered as a relevant subject.
• Only NEET qualifiers for the same academic session are eligible to apply.

BAMS and BHMS

• Pass higher secondary examination of "Board of Higher secondary education, Kerala" with 50% marks in Biology/Biotechnology, Physics and Chemistry put together.
• Secure 50% marks in Biology separately.
• In the absence of Biology, Biotechnology will not be considered as a subject.
• Only NEET qualifiers for the same academic session are eligible to apply.

BUMS

• Pass higher secondary examination of "Board of Higher secondary education, Kerala" with 50% marks in Biology/Biotechnology, Physics and Chemistry put together.
• Secure 50% marks in Biology separately.
• Pass 10th standard with Urdu, Arabic or Persian language as a subject, or clear the Urdu entrance examination conducted by Kerala Government.
• Only NEET qualifiers for the same academic session are eligible to apply.

B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry, BF Sc. Courses

• Pass higher secondary examination of "Board of Higher secondary education, Kerala" with 50% marks in Biology/Biotechnology, Physics and Chemistry put together.
• Secure 50% marks in Biology separately.
• In the absence of Biology, Biotechnology will not be considered as a subject.

BVSc. and AH Course

• Pass higher secondary examination of Board of Higher secondary education, Kerala with 50% marks in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and English put together.

B.Sc. Degree Holders

• Pass a B.Sc. degree (three-year course) with Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany or Biotechnology as main, and 2 of the above subjects as subsidiaries.
• Secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in main and subsidiaries together.
• Qualify the higher secondary education with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects.

Academic Qualification for Engineering Courses

Candidates for engineering courses must meet the following criteria.

• Pass higher secondary examination of Board of Higher secondary education, Kerala with 50% marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry put together.
• Secure 50% marks in Mathematics separately.
• Pass higher secondary examination from the Board of Higher secondary education, Kerala with 45% marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry put together for admission under management quota.
• If Chemistry was not studied, marks in Computer Science will be considered.
• If Chemistry and Computer Science were not studied, marks in Biotechnology will be considered.
• If Chemistry, Computer Science and Biotechnology were not studied, marks in Biology will be considered.

Academic Qualification for Architectural Courses

Candidates for architectural courses must meet the following criteria.

• Qualify the higher secondary examination or any other equivalent examination.
• Qualify a 10+3 diploma in any stream with Mathematics as one of the subjects.
• Qualify NATA 2025 examination with minimum eligibility marks.

Academic Qualification for Pharmacy Courses

Admission to pharmacy courses is based on marks in the Physics and Chemistry paper and the rank list prepared from it. Candidates must meet the following criteria.

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Pass the higher secondary examination with 50% marks in Biology/Mathematics separately and Biology/Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry put together.

KEAM 2025 Eligibility on the Basis of Nativity

All candidates appearing for KEAM 2025 must be of Indian nationality. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are treated as Indian citizens but cannot claim reservations.

Candidates are placed in one of three categories for admission to professional courses: Keralite, Non-Keralite Category I (NK I), and Non-Keralite Category II (NK II).

Keralite Category

A candidate is considered a Keralite if they are of Kerala origin. Children of All India Service (AIS) Officers who are Non-Keralites but are allotted to the Kerala Cadre are also treated as Kerala Origin, though they are not eligible for any reservation.

• To prove Kerala Origin, candidates must produce a certificate showing that their father or mother was born in Kerala.

Non-Keralite Category I (NK I) Eligibility

A candidate who is not of Kerala origin can be placed in Non-Keralite Category I if they meet any of the following conditions.

• The candidate has completed the qualifying course in Kerala and is a son or daughter of a Non-Keralite person working in a government or Defence sector post in Kerala.
• The candidate has completed the qualifying course in Kerala and is a son or daughter of a Non-Keralite person who has served the Government of Kerala for at least 2 years.
• The candidate is a resident of Kerala for 5 years within a 12-year period of study.
• The candidate has studied in Kerala from Standard 8th to 12th.

Note: Non-Keralite Category I candidates are not eligible for any reservation or fee concession.

Non-Keralite Category II (NK II) Eligibility

Candidates who do not fall under the Keralite or Non-Keralite Category I are placed in Non-Keralite Category II. These candidates can take admission in government or self-financing Engineering colleges in Kerala, either through a government seat or a management seat.

• Non-Keralite Category II candidates are considered for government seats in government-controlled self-financing colleges only when no Keralite or Non-Keralite Category I candidates are available.
• Non-Keralite Category II candidates are not eligible for special or communal reservations or fee concessions.

Documents to Prove Nativity for KEAM 2025

Candidates must submit a printed copy of the application form during KEAM Counselling. Those applying under the Keralite or Non-Keralite category must also submit documents confirming their nativity.

Documents Required for Keralite Category

Candidates must submit any one of the following documents along with the application printout to prove Keralite status.

• True copy of SSLC certificate showing place of birth in Kerala.
• True copy of SSLC certificate of either parent showing place of birth in Kerala.
• True copy of the Passport of the candidate or either parent showing place of birth in Kerala.
• Birth Certificate of the candidate showing place of birth in Kerala.
• Certificate from Village Officer or Tehsildar showing place of birth in Kerala.
• Certificate from a competent authority showing that either parent is an All India Service Officer.

Documents Required for Non-Keralite Category I (NK I)

Candidates must submit any one of the following documents along with the application printout to prove Non-Keralite Category I status.

• Certificate from the Head of Organisation where the candidate's parent works, and a Certificate from the Head of the Institution where the candidate is studying.
• Certificate from the Village Officer showing that the candidate has been a resident of Kerala for 5 years.
• Certificate from the Head of the Institution showing that the candidate has studied from Standard VIII to XII.

Documents Required for Non-Keralite Category II (NK II)

Candidates must bring a "Certificate of Completion of Qualifying examination" to prove nativity. They must also bring a copy of their Passport.

KEAM 2025 Eligibility FAQs

Ques. I am a Non-Keralite candidate. Can I apply for KEAM 2025?

Ans. Yes. Non-Keralite candidates are eligible to apply for KEAM 2025. Non-Keralites are divided into two categories: NK I and NK II. Non-Keralite Category I candidates are not considered for any reservation or fee concession. Non-Keralite Category II candidates are also not eligible for special or communal reservations or fee concessions.

Ques. What is the age limit for KEAM 2025?

KEAM 2025 Age Limit

Applicants must be 17 years old as of December 31, 2025, to apply for KEAM 2025. There is no relaxation for the minimum age and no upper age limit for the exam.

Minimum Marks for Engineering Courses

Candidates need 50% marks in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry combined for engineering courses in KEAM 2025. Candidates must also secure 50% marks in Mathematics separately.

For Medical and architecture courses, candidates should have passed NEET and NATA, respectively. Any changes in minimum marks for KEAM 2025 will be updated here.

Relaxation for Backward Classes

Yes, candidates from the socially backward category get a 5% relaxation in marks for KEAM 2025 eligibility.

Mathematics Requirement for Engineering

Candidates need at least 50% marks in mathematics in their higher secondary exams to be eligible for engineering courses through KEAM 2025.

Academic Qualifications for MBBS

The following academic requirements must be met for admission to MBBS courses through KEAM 2025:

• Pass the higher secondary examination of the "Board of Higher Secondary Education, Kerala" with 50% marks in Biology/Biotechnology, Physics, and Chemistry combined.
• Secure 50% marks in Biology separately.
• In the absence of Biology, Biotechnology will be considered as a relevant subject.
• Only NEET qualifiers for the same academic session are eligible to apply for the exam.

Eligibility for Candidates Outside India

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) are eligible for KEAM 2025 along with other Indian nationals.

Documents for Keralite Category

Candidates applying under the Keralite eligibility category for KEAM 2025 need to provide the following documents:

• True copy of SSLC certificate showing place of birth in Kerala.
• True copy of SSLC certificate of either parent showing place of birth in Kerala.
• True copy of the Passport of the candidate or either parent showing place of birth in Kerala.
• Birth Certificate of the candidate showing place of birth in Kerala.
• Certificate from Village Officer/Tehsildar showing place of birth in Kerala.
• Certificate from a competent authority showing either parent is an All India Service Officer.