KEAM Exam 2026: Date, Eligibility, Admit Card, Result, Counselling

KEAM Exam 2026: Date, Eligibility, Admit Card, Result, Counselling

Written By Sneha Ramchandani

Updated on – 22 Dec, 2025

The Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) 2026 exam is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. KEAM 2026 is the primary gateway for admission into BTech, BArch, BPharm, Medical and Allied Health Science courses offered by government and private colleges in Kerala.

Every year, over 1 lakh students appear for KEAM, making it one of the most competitive state entrance exams in India. If you are planning to study engineering, pharmacy, or architecture in Kerala, this KEAM 2026 guide will give you everything you need to know—from application to admission.

What is KEAM 2026?

KEAM 2026 is an entrance examination used to prepare merit lists for undergraduate professional courses in Kerala.
The exam is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode and evaluates a candidate’s knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Courses Offered Through KEAM 2026

  • BTech (Engineering)

  • BPharm

  • BArch (NATA score required)

  • Medical and Allied Courses (Merit prepared using NEET scores)

KEAM 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

EventExpected Date
KEAM 2026 NotificationFebruary 2026
Online Application StartFebruary 2026
Last Date to ApplyMarch 2026
Admit Card ReleaseApril 2026
KEAM 2026 Exam DateApril–May 2026
Answer Key ReleaseMay 2026
Result DeclarationJune 2026
Counselling (CAP) BeginsJuly 2026
Dates will be updated after official notification by CEE Kerala.

Eligibility Criteria for KEAM 2026 

Before applying for KEAM 2026, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions:

Educational Qualification

  • Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

  • Minimum 45% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories)

Age Limit

  • Candidate must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026

  • No upper age limit

Nativity Criteria

  • Keralite

  • Non-Keralite Category I (NK-I)

  • Non-Keralite Category II (NK-II)

How to Apply for KEAM 2026 

The KEAM 2026 application form will be available online at the official CEE Kerala website.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Online registration

  2. Fill personal and academic details

  3. Upload photograph, signature and documents

  4. Pay KEAM 2026 application fee

  5. Submit and download confirmation page

Application Fee (Expected)

  • General: ₹875

  • SC/ST: ₹375

  • Architecture (additional): ₹500

KEAM 2026 Exam Pattern

Understanding the KEAM exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.

SectionQuestionsMarks
Physics45180
Chemistry45180
Mathematics90360
Total180720
  • Exam Duration: 3 hours

  • Question Type: MCQs

  • Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, –1 for incorrect

KEAM 2026 Syllabus

The KEAM 2026 syllabus is strictly based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum.

Subject-wise Syllabus Overview

Physics

  • Mechanics

  • Heat and Thermodynamics

  • Optics

  • Electricity and Magnetism

  • Modern Physics

Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Inorganic Chemistry

  • Physical Chemistry

  • Chemical Bonding

  • Thermodynamics

Mathematics

  • Algebra

  • Calculus

  • Trigonometry

  • Coordinate Geometry

  • Probability and Statistics

KEAM 2026 Admit Card

The KEAM 2026 admit card will be released online by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala a few days before the exam date. Candidates can download the admit card by logging into the official KEAM portal using their application number and password.

The admit card is a mandatory document for appearing in the KEAM 2026 examination. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre without a valid admit card.

Details Mentioned on KEAM 2026 Admit Card

The KEAM admit card will contain the following important information:

  • Candidate’s name, photograph, and roll number

  • KEAM 2026 exam date and reporting time

  • Complete address of the allotted test centre

  • Subject-wise exam schedule

  • Important exam day instructions and guidelines

Candidates must carefully verify all details on the admit card. In case of any discrepancy, they should immediately contact CEE Kerala for correction.

Documents Required at Exam Centre

  • Printed copy of KEAM 2026 admit card

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport)

KEAM 2026 Result and Merit List

The KEAM 2026 result will be declared online in the form of a scorecard on the official website of CEE Kerala. Candidates can check their result by logging in with their credentials.

The scorecard will display:

  • Subject-wise marks obtained

  • Total KEAM score

  • Qualifying status

KEAM 2026 Merit List Preparation

CEE Kerala prepares a normalized rank list to ensure fairness among all candidates. The final KEAM rank is calculated by giving equal weightage (50:50) to:

  • KEAM 2026 entrance exam marks

  • Class 12 (Plus Two) marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Separate rank lists are prepared for different courses:

  • Engineering rank list

  • Pharmacy rank list

  • Architecture rank list (based on NATA score)

  • Medical and Allied courses rank list (based on NEET score)

Only candidates included in the KEAM merit list are eligible to participate in the counselling process.

KEAM 2026 Counselling Process (Centralised Allotment Process – CAP)

The KEAM 2026 counselling process is conducted through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP), which is completely online and transparent. All eligible candidates must register for CAP to secure admission in participating colleges.

Step-by-Step KEAM Counselling Process

  1. Online Registration – Candidates register for CAP using their KEAM login credentials.

  2. Document Verification – Verification of certificates such as Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, category certificate, nativity certificate, etc.

  3. Choice Filling – Candidates select and arrange preferred colleges and courses in order of priority.

  4. Seat Allotment Rounds – Seats are allotted in multiple rounds based on rank, choices filled, reservation policy, and seat availability.

  5. Fee Payment – Candidates must pay the admission fee to confirm the allotted seat.

  6. Reporting to College – Final reporting to the allotted institute for admission confirmation.

Seat allotment depends on KEAM rank, category, college preference, and availability of seats.

KEAM Engineering Cut Off: Past Trends and Expected 2026 (General Category)

The KEAM 2026 cutoff refers to the minimum rank required to secure admission to a particular course and college. Cutoff ranks vary every year and are released after each counselling round.

College / CategoryBranch2024 Cut OffExpected 2026
CET, TrivandrumCSE1 – 11001 – 1000
CET, TrivandrumMechanical2300 – 40002000 – 3800
GEC ThrissurCSE1400 – 30001300 – 2800
GEC ThrissurElectrical4000 – 62003800 – 6000
TKM College, KollamCSE2600 – 50002400 – 4800
TKM College, KollamMechanical6000 – 105005800 – 10000
GEC Barton HillCivil8800 – 145008500 – 14000
GEC KozhikodeMechanical12500 – 1850012000 – 18000
Top Private CollegesAll Branches16000 – 3200015000 – 30000
Other Private CollegesAll Branches33000 – 7500030000 – 100000+

Note:

  • Cutoffs vary by category, counselling round, and seat availability.

  • Government colleges consistently have higher cutoff ranks than private colleges.

  • Actual KEAM 2026 cutoffs may change based on exam difficulty and number of applicants.

KEAM 2026 Preparation Tips

A well-planned preparation strategy is essential to score a good rank in KEAM 2026.

Subject-wise Preparation Strategy

  • Follow NCERT textbooks strictly, as most questions are based on NCERT concepts.

  • Mathematics carries 50% weightage, so allocate more study time to calculus, algebra, and coordinate geometry.

  • Practice previous year KEAM question papers to understand exam trends and difficulty level.

  • Attempt full-length mock tests regularly to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.

  • Revise important formulas, reactions, and concepts on a weekly basis to strengthen retention.

Consistency, revision, and regular practice are key to cracking KEAM with a high rank.

Why Choose KEAM for Engineering Admission?

KEAM is one of the most preferred state-level engineering entrance exams due to its structured admission process and quality education opportunities.

Benefits of KEAM

  • Admission to top government and aided engineering colleges in Kerala

  • Transparent and merit-based counselling process

  • Affordable tuition fees compared to national-level private institutions

  • Availability of multiple engineering and pharmacy specializations

  • Strong academic reputation and placement opportunities

KEAM FAQs

KEAM 2026 is expected to be conducted in April or May 2026. The official exam date will be announced through the KEAM 2026 notification by CEE Kerala.

Yes, KEAM is mandatory for admission to BTech courses offered by government, aided, and most private engineering colleges in Kerala.

Yes, non-Keralite candidates can apply for KEAM 2026 under Non-Keralite Category I (NK-I) and Non-Keralite Category II (NK-II), subject to eligibility conditions.

The KEAM 2026 admit card is expected to be released a few days before the exam. Candidates can download it online using their application number and password.

There is no limit on the number of attempts for KEAM, provided the candidate meets the eligibility criteria.

All official notifications, updates, and announcements related to KEAM 2026 are published on the CEE Kerala official website.
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