• Updated on 10 Nov, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
KEAM 2026 will be conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations for admission to undergraduate engineering and pharmacy courses. According to local reports, the tentative KEAM 2026 exam dates have been announced. The exam is expected to be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) from April 15 to 21, 2026, with sessions scheduled from 2 PM to 5 PM each day. Aspirants seeking admission to engineering and pharmacy courses must register for KEAM, appear for the CBT exam, and participate in the centralised counselling process (CAP) for seat allocation.
KEAM Application Process 2026 is expected to start in February 2026 on the official CEE website. For other courses, such as medical, agriculture, forestry, veterinary, fisheries, and architecture, candidates need to register for KEAM and then participate in CAP using their respective entrance exam scores, such as NEET for medical courses and NATA for architecture. This article provides all the important details about KEAM 2026, including eligibility, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and the course-wise selection process, helping students plan their journey effectively.
Table of Contents
KEAM 2026 Highlights
The KEAM is a state-level exam conducted for admission to various architecture and medical programs in colleges across Kerala. This exam is held annually in an online format. Find more details in the table presented below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Exam |
| Conducting Body | Commissioner for Entrance Examination (CEE), Kerala |
| Exam Level | State level |
| Language | English |
| Courses covered | Architecture and Medical courses, Three-year LLB, Five-year LLB, LLM, B.Pharm (Lateral entry), PG Ayurveda, PG Homoeo, PG Nursing, PG Medical, PG Dental, PG Pharmacy, etc. |
| Application process | Online |
| Application fee | Engineering/ B.Pharm- General- 875, SC-375 Architecture/ Medical- General- 625, SC- 250 |
| Exam pattern | Computer-based test |
| Marking Scheme | 4 marks are awarded for every correct answer marks are deducted for an incorrect answer |
| Frequency | Once in a year |
| Exam mode | Online |
| Mode of Counselling | Online |
| Total question | For engineering: 150 questions For Pharmacy: 75 questions |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours for engineering 2 hours 30 minutes for pharmacy |
| Official website | https://cee.kerala.gov.in/ |
KEAM 2026 Dates
KEAM 2026 Registration will tentatively commence from February 2026 and will continue till March 2026. The expected exam dates are from April 15 to 21, 2026. Find out the tentative KEAM 2026 Dates in the table provided below:
KEAM 2026 Eligibility
Candidates applying for the exam must meet specific eligibility criteria related to nationality, educational qualifications, age, and subjects studied. Candidates can check the course-wise KEAM Eligibility Criteria for 2026:
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Only Indian citizens can apply. |
| Qualification | Candidates must have passed the Class 12th examination from a recognized board. |
| Percentage Requirement | A minimum of 45% marks is required in the qualifying examination. |
| Mandatory Subjects | Candidates must have studied Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry as core subjects. |
| Age Criteria | The minimum age to apply is 17 years. |
| Appearing Candidates | Students appearing for their final Class 12th exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply. |
For the Architecture Course
- Qualification: Candidates should have passed a higher secondary or 10+3 diploma exam.
- Marks: students must obtain at least 50% aggregate marks in qualifying exams.
- Subject: One must have physics, chemistry, and mathematics as mandatory subjects.
- Score: Applicants should have a valid NATA score to be eligible.
KEAM 2026 Application Process
KEAM 2026 Application Process is expected to start in February 2026 and will last till March 2026. The following are the courses students can get themselves enrolled in: Engineering, Architecture, B.Pharm, MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Agriculture, Co-Operation & Banking, Climate change & environmental science, B.Tech Biotechnology, Forestry, Veterinary and Fisheries. Students should ensure to apply online on or before the last date. CEE accepts applications in online mode only. Candidates can apply for the entrance exam through the official website. Other state candidates can apply for the entrance test, but the admitting authority/university will stipulate the eligibility criteria and conditions.
How to apply for the KEAM 2026?
Candidates are required to follow the steps to exercise the KEAM 2026 Application Process:
- Candidates have registered online on the official website of CEE Kerala.
- Candidates must provide their basic details and create an application number and password to register for the application form.
- To fill out the application form, candidates have to provide their personal details, educational, income, and reservation details in the application.
- Candidates are required to upload scanned photographs, signatures, and required documents.
- Candidates must pay the application fee for KEAM 2026 online using net banking, debit cards, and credit cards.
- Take a printout of the application form.
KEAM 2026 Application Fee
| Course | General | SC | ST |
| Engineering/ B.Pharm/ both | INR 875 | INR 375 | Nil |
| Architecture/ Medical and allied only/ both | INR 625 | INR 250 | Nil |
| Both (a) and (b) | INR 1125 | INR 500 | Nil |
KEAM 2026 Exam Pattern
Every year, KEAM used to be held in offline mode, in a pen-and-paper-based format. However, since 2025, the exam pattern has changed. Instead of an OMR-based entrance exam, CEE Kerala conducts a computer-based test. More details about the KEAM 2026 Exam Pattern are provided below:
- Exams will be held in computer-based mode.
- Students will get 2 hours for each paper.
- The question paper will be divided into two parts: physics, chemistry (Part 1) and Mathematics (Part 2).
- There will be 150 questions asked in the entrance exam.
- The KEAM question paper will consist of Multiple-choice questions.
- For each correct answer, four marks will be given to candidates.
- For each incorrect answer, a mark will be deducted from the exam.
KEAM 2026 Syllabus
The university authority will release the specific syllabus for KEAM on the official website. Candidates must review the KEAM 2026 Syllabus before preparing for the entrance exam. The table below mentions the syllabus of the KEAM Exam:
| Particulars | Details |
| Mathematics | Algebra Trigonometry Geometry Statistics Calculus |
| Physics | Physical world and measurement Kinetics Laws of motion Work, energy and power, Gravitation, Motion of the system of particles and rigid body Properties of bulk matter Thermodynamics The behavior of perfect gas & kinetic theory Oscillations and waves Electrostatics Current electricity Magnetic effects of current and magnetism Electromagnetic induction and alternating currents Electromagnetic waves Optics Dual nature of matter and radiation Atoms and nuclei Electronic devices Communication systems |
| Chemistry | Some basic concepts of chemistry Structure of atom Classification of element and periodicity in properties Chemical bonding and molecular structure States of matter: Gases, liquids, and solids Thermodynamics Equilibrium Redox reactions and electrochemistry Solutions Chemical kinetics Surface chemistry Hydrogen and s-block element P- block elements D and f-block elements Coordination compounds General principles & processes of isolation of elements Organic chemistry Hydrocarbons Haloalkanes and haloarenes Alcohols, phenols and ethers Aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids Organic compounds containing nitrogen Biomolecules Polymers Chemistry in everyday life Environmental chemistry |
KEAM 2026 Preparation Tips
With over 1 lakh people taking the entrance exam, hopefuls must devise a strategic plan to achieve higher scores in KEAM 2026. KEAM preparation suggestions are intended to provide adequate planning on what may be done to attain a decent score.
The basic things are:
- Know the KEAM 2026 syllabus.
- Keep up with the KEAM test pattern.
- Plan a proper timetable.
Here are some crucial tips:
- Begin with the basics.
- Make sure you study daily.
- Practice with example papers.
- Revise what you have studied.
- Avoid introducing new topics at the final minute of preparation.
- Include breaks.
KEAM 2026 Admit Card
Candidates should download the hall ticket from the University's official website by entering their registered email address and the password generated during registration. Candidates are required to carry a photocopy of the KEAM 2026 Admit Card and two passport-size recent colour photographs at the exam centre on the exam day.
How to Download the KEAM 2026 Admit Card?
Candidates can download the KEAM hall ticket 2026 by following the steps given below:
Step 1: In order to download the KEAM admit card, applicants must go to the CEE official website.
Step 2: Using the application number and password, log in to the portal.
Step 3: Click on the tab “KEAM 2026 Admit Card.” Admit cards will appear; check all the details.
Step 4: Download the admit card/ hall ticket after checking all the details.
KEAM 2026 Answer Key
CEE will release the KEAM answer key 2026 for all shifts after the exam is completed. KEAM answer keys will be issued on a daily basis for engineering and pharmacy courses. First, CEE will provide the KEAM tentative answer key, which will be subject to challenge. The KEAM 2026 tentative answer key challenges should be submitted to the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations with accompanying documents and a charge of INR 100 for each question. The KEAM answer key challenge fee must be provided in the form of a DD drawn in favour of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, payable at Thiruvananthapuram, via post or personal delivery, by the deadline.
How to Download the Official KEAM Answer Key 2026?
To download the KEAM 2026 answer key, applicants should complete the steps below:
- Step 1: Visit cee.kerala.gov.in.
- Step 2: Next, click the download KEAM 2026 answer key link.
- Step 3: Next, select an exam date.
- Step 4: The PDF of the KEAM answer key appears on the screen.
- Step 5: Download the PDF and begin calculating the score.
How to Calculate Score Using the KEAM 2026 Answer Key?
Once the KEAM 2026 answer key is out, candidates can use it to estimate their exam scores. Candidates can apply the following formula to compute their probable KEAM 2026 score:
KEAM 2026 likely score = 4 x the number of accurate responses minus 1 x the number of incorrect responses.
Steps to Follow:
- Download the KEAM answer key.
- Now match the answer key to the answers you marked on the exam.
- Count the number of correct and incorrect answers.
- Once the number of correct and erroneous answers has been determined, enter them into the formula above.
KEAM 2026 Result
The conducting body releases KEAM 2026 Results through the official website. For the year 2026, it is expected to be out in May. Once the result is out, candidates can check their percentile scores and total marks. Those candidates who qualify for the examination will be eligible to appear in the counselling session.
Steps to Check the KEAM 2026 Result
Step 1: Visit the official website
- To check the result, candidates are required to visit the official website
- Go to the homepage and click on the KEAM 2026 direct result link.
Step 2: Log in
- A login page will open
- Enter the required login credentials.
- Click on the submit button
- The result will be displayed on the screen
Step 3: Download the result
- Candidates should download the result and print a copy for future reference.
KEAM 2026 Cut-Off
The minimum rank applicants must achieve to be considered for admission to Kerala's participating colleges is known as the KEAM Cutoff. Following each round of Seat Allotment, the KEAM 2026 Cutoff, which represents the final ranks applicants must achieve to be admitted, will be made public.
Various factors are responsible for determining the KEAM cut-off 2026, which are mentioned below.
- Difficulty level of the KEAM entrance exam.
- Availability of seats for the course.
- The total number of applicants who appeared for the examination.
- Total number of students who qualified for the examination.
KEAM Counselling 2026
After the KEAM results are announced, candidates whose names appear on the CEE rank list can participate in the KEAM counselling process. KEAM counselling is conducted in three sessions, with one mop-up round. KEAM counselling assigns seats to candidates based on their preferences and the availability of seats in a specific institution and course. KEAM 2026 counselling is referred to as the consolidated admission process. The counselling procedure involves:
- KEAM 2026 Option Registration
- Trial/provisional allotment
- Final KEAM seat allotment
- Admission fees are paid at the designated colleges, and documents are verified.
The Single Window System (SWS) will be used for the Centralised Allotment Process to allocate courses and colleges in the State's Engineering/Architecture/Pharmacy/Medical streams. This is an 'Allotments Through Online Submission of Options' mechanism. The alternatives include a candidate's willingness to join a course-college combination selected based on his or her aspirations and desires after qualifying with a rank in the KEAM-2026 rank lists.
KEAM 2026 FAQs
What is KEAM 2026 and who runs it?
KEAM 2026 (Kerala Engineering, Architecture, and Medical Entrance Examination) is a state-level entrance exam administered by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) of Kerala for admission to engineering, architecture, and pharmacy programs offered by Kerala colleges.
When will the KEAM 2026 exam be held?
The KEAM 2026 test is expected to be held from April 15 to 21, 2026.
What are the eligibility requirements for KEAM 2026?
Candidates for KEAM 2026 must have completed Class 12 or equivalent with 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for engineering courses. Candidates must pass the NATA exam in order to practise architecture. There are extra domicile and reservation requirements for Kerala citizens.
What is the application process for the KEAM 2026?
Candidates can apply for KEAM 2026 online by going to the official website of CEE Kerala, filling out the application form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee. The application window is expected to open in February 2026.
Is there any negative marking in KEAM 2026?
Yes, KEAM 2026 has a negative marking. Each erroneous response will be docked one mark, while each correct answer will be rewarded four marks.
What is the KEAM 2026 syllabus?
The KEAM 2026 syllabus is based on the Kerala State Board and NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabuses, which include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics disciplines.
How does a candidate check the KEAM 2026 results?
Candidates can view the KEAM 2026 results by login into the CEE Kerala official website and entering their application number and password. The outcome will include the score and rank.
What is the KEAM 2026 cutoff?
The KEAM 2026 cutoff represents the minimum score required for admission. It varies according to college, course, and category. The cutoff will be determined when the results are announced, based on factors such as exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.
How will the KEAM 2026 counselling process work?
The KEAM 2026 counselling will take place online using the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). Eligible applicants can register, enter their preferences, and save their choices. Seats will be allocated depending on rank, preferences, and availability.