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KEAM (Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical entrance) is the admission process run by the Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. Its entrance test leads to engineering and pharmacy admissions in Kerala’s government, aided and self-financing colleges. CEE also uses the KEAM application to allot medical and architecture seats, based on NEET and NATA scores.
The KEAM engineering test is now a computer-based paper with 150 questions for 600 marks in 3 hours, with negative marking. The engineering rank combines your normalized KEAM score and your Class 12 marks in equal parts, so both need attention.
KEAM at a glance
| Full name | Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical Entrance |
| Conducted by | Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala |
| Exam level | State (Kerala) |
| Held | Once a year, in recent years usually around April |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Subjects | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Total marks | 600 (150 questions) |
| Negative marking | Yes, 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Languages | English |
| Leads to | B.Tech and B.Pharm in Kerala; the same application is used for NEET- and NATA-based allotments |
| Official website | cee.kerala.gov.in |
KEAM important dates
These dates update automatically from Kosuki’s exam calendar. “Announced” dates come from the official notice; “Expected” months are based on past years.
- Registration opensExpected January 2027 Expected
- Last date to applyExpected February 2027 Expected
- Admit cardExpected April 2027 Expected
- ExamExpected April 2027 Expected
- ResultExpected May 2027 Expected
Used for admissions in Kerala. Conducted by Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala. Official website. Always confirm dates on the official website. Report a wrong date.
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What is KEAM?
KEAM is both an entrance test and a single application for several professional courses in Kerala. The KEAM entrance test is used for engineering (B.Tech) and pharmacy (B.Pharm). For medical and allied courses, CEE prepares rank lists from NEET scores. For architecture, it uses NATA scores and Class 12 marks. In all cases, you must apply through the KEAM application to be considered for Kerala’s state-allotted seats.
The exam moved from two pen-and-paper papers to a single computer-based test a few years ago. The current format is described below.
KEAM eligibility
Eligibility is set in the KEAM prospectus each year. For B.Tech, the recent requirements were broadly:
- Class 12 or equivalent passed with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, plus Chemistry or another approved subject.
- A minimum of 45% in Mathematics and 45% in the three subjects combined, with relaxations for reserved categories as listed in the prospectus.
- Keralite status or other nativity categories determine eligibility for state-quota and reserved seats. Non-Keralite candidates can apply for some seats.
- A minimum age, as listed in the prospectus.
- You must also meet the minimum score in the entrance test to be included in the rank list.
KEAM exam pattern
The engineering test is a single 3-hour computer-based paper. Mathematics has the largest share, half of the questions. All questions are multiple choice and carry equal marks.
150 questions in 180 minutes gives you 72 seconds per question. The paper is in English.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 75 | 300 |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 30 | 120 |
| Total | 150 | 600 |
KEAM marking scheme and rank list
Negative marking makes careful choices important, and the rank formula makes Class 12 marks as important as the entrance score.
- Correct answer: +4 marks.
- Wrong answer: minus 1 mark.
- Unanswered question: 0 marks.
- Engineering rank: 50% weight to your normalized KEAM score and 50% to your Class 12 marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
- For the latest cycle, news reports said Class 12 marks would be combined in a 5:3:2 ratio for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, similar to the Tamil Nadu method. Confirm the final method in the current prospectus.
- You must submit your Class 12 marks through the CEE portal. Candidates who do not submit them are not ranked.
KEAM syllabus
The syllabus is based on the Kerala Higher Secondary (Class 11 and 12) curriculum, which follows NCERT closely. CEE publishes it as part of the prospectus.
- Mathematics: algebra (sets, functions, complex numbers, quadratic equations, sequences, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, matrices and determinants), trigonometry, coordinate geometry, vectors and 3D geometry, statistics and probability, and calculus including differential equations.
- Physics: measurement, kinematics, laws of motion, work and energy, rotational motion, gravitation, properties of matter, thermodynamics, oscillations and waves, electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, AC, electromagnetic waves, optics, dual nature, atoms and nuclei, semiconductor electronics.
- Chemistry: basic concepts, atomic structure, classification of elements, bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, redox, solutions, electrochemistry, kinetics, block elements, coordination compounds, and organic chemistry through biomolecules.
KEAM result, rank list and allotment
CEE first publishes the KEAM entrance scores. After collecting Class 12 marks, it publishes the engineering rank list. Pharmacy and other rank lists are published separately. Medical rank lists come after NEET results.
Seats are allotted online by CEE in phases. You register options for colleges and courses, and seats are allotted by rank, category and nativity. Colleges accepting KEAM ranks include government engineering colleges, aided colleges, university-run colleges and self-financing colleges across Kerala.
How to prepare for KEAM
Mathematics is half the paper and Class 12 marks are half the rank. Plan for both from the start of Class 12.
- Give Mathematics the most practice time. 75 questions worth 300 marks will decide most of your entrance score.
- Keep your Class 12 board marks high, especially in Mathematics, which carries the largest share of the board component.
- Use the negative marking rule wisely. At +4 and minus 1, a guess is worth it only when you can rule out at least one or two options.
- Physics has 45 questions, Chemistry 30. Chemistry questions are usually quicker, so finish them fast to save time.
- Use NCERT and Kerala Higher Secondary textbooks as your base, then add previous KEAM papers.
- Practice full-length CBT mocks at 72 seconds per question. Track mock scores and weak chapters in Kosuki to see steady progress.
How to apply for KEAM
- Visit the CEE Kerala website and read the KEAM prospectus.
- Register and fill in the online application, selecting all courses you want (engineering, pharmacy, medical, architecture).
- Upload your photo, signature and certificates for nativity, category and income, if applicable.
- Pay the fee online.
- Download your admit card before the exam.
- After Class 12 results, submit your marks on the CEE portal so you can be ranked.
KEAM FAQs
Is there negative marking in KEAM?
Yes. Each correct answer gets 4 marks and each wrong answer loses 1 mark. Unanswered questions get zero.
What is the KEAM exam pattern?
The engineering test has 150 questions (75 Mathematics, 45 Physics, 30 Chemistry) for 600 marks in 3 hours, as a computer-based test.
How is the KEAM rank calculated?
The engineering rank gives 50% weight to your normalized KEAM score and 50% to your Class 12 marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Do I need KEAM for MBBS in Kerala?
You do not take the KEAM test for MBBS, but you must apply through KEAM. CEE Kerala uses NEET scores to prepare the medical rank list.
Is KEAM online or offline?
KEAM is now a computer-based test held at centers.
What happens if I do not submit my Class 12 marks?
You will not appear in the engineering rank list. Class 12 marks must be uploaded on the CEE portal within the given window.
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Sources
- cee.kerala.gov.in
- www.collegepicker.in/blog/keam/keam-exam-pattern
- news.kollegeapply.com/news/kerala-keam-2026-to-use-tamil-nadu-style-normalisation-formula
- www.shiksha.com/engineering/articles/keam-rank-list-blogId-20741
Last reviewed September 2026 against the official Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala notice and information brochure. Exam rules can change from year to year, so always confirm details on the official website before you apply. Kosuki is independent and is not connected with any exam body. Spotted something out of date? Write to contact@kosuki.com.