• Updated on 10 Nov, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
KEAM 2026 Exam Pattern is set by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE). The exam will be conducted in a computer-based format and will consist of a single paper. For BTech aspirants, the paper will include three sections: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, while for BPharm candidates, there will be two sections comprising Physics and Chemistry. Knowing the exam pattern for KEAM 2026 is important for students to prepare effectively, as it gives a clear idea of the question types, marking scheme, and weightage of each section. Understanding the structure of the paper helps aspirants manage their time better and plan their preparation according to the syllabus.
Table of Contents
KEAM 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
The KEAM 2026 Exam will be conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, for admission to Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture courses. It tests candidates on the Class 11 & 12 syllabus through a computer-based test (CBT) with multiple-choice questions. Engineering aspirants attempt a single combined paper with Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry, while Pharmacy aspirants answer only Physics & Chemistry questions. The key highlights of KEAM 2026 exam pattern are:
Get detailed information on KEAM 2026 Application Process
KEAM 2026 Exam Pattern: Question Paper Structure
The KEAM 2026 exam uses a new single-paper format introduced in 2024 to check students’ knowledge of Class 11 and 12 subjects. Engineering aspirants attempt all three subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) in one combined paper, while pharmacy candidates appear only for Physics and Chemistry. Each question is multiple-choice with five options, and only one is correct. Here’s how the KEAM 2026 question papers is structured:
KEAM 2026 Marking Scheme
The KEAM 2026 exam follows a negative marking scheme to ensure accuracy. Each question has five answer options, and only one is correct. Candidates are awarded marks for correct responses and penalised for incorrect attempts. Unanswered questions do not affect the score.
KEAM 2026 Qualifying Marks
To be included in the KEAM 2026 rank list, candidates are required to secure a minimum qualifying score as prescribed by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. Meeting the qualifying marks is necessary for participating in the counselling process, but qualifying alone does not guarantee a seat, as allotment depends on merit and availability.
Read: KEAM 2026 Eligibility Criteria
KEAM 2026 Syllabus Overview
The KEAM 2026 syllabus is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum of the Kerala State Board, but it is largely similar to CBSE and other state syllabi. It aims to test candidates’ conceptual clarity and problem-solving ability in core subjects. For Engineering aspirants, all three subjects, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, are included. For Pharmacy aspirants, only Physics and Chemistry are considered. Here’s a subject-wise overview:
Check: KEAM 2026 Syllabus
KEAM 2026 Preparation Tips
Preparing for KEAM 2026 becomes easier to plan after the single-paper CBT format was introduced in 2024. The exam covers Class 11 and 12 topics in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, so students who follow the official syllabus and understand the exam pattern have a better chance of scoring well.
- Follow the official KEAM syllabus to stay focused and avoid irrelevant topics.
- Study Class 11 & 12 NCERT/SCERT textbooks thoroughly for strong conceptual clarity.
- Prioritise high-weightage chapters like Calculus, Mechanics, Electricity, and Organic Chemistry.
- Limit your resources to NCERT/SCERT books and one or two trusted reference books.
- Solve previous year KEAM papers to understand question trends and difficulty levels.
- Attempt full-length mock tests in the actual exam duration to improve speed and time management.
- Create short notes for formulas, diagrams, and important concepts for quick revision.
- Make a structured study timetable dividing time effectively among Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Revise weak areas regularly and keep track of commonly made mistakes.
- Stay updated through the official website for exam-related notifications.
- Maintain a calm routine with breaks to avoid burnout and last-minute stress.
KEAM 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs
Who conducts the KEAM 2026 exam?
The KEAM 2026 exam is organised by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. It is the official state-level entrance test for Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture courses.
How is KEAM 2026 conducted?
KEAM 2026 is held as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) to make the process smoother and more efficient. It features multiple-choice questions with five answer options for each question.
Will there be one paper or two papers for KEAM 2026?
Unlike previous years, KEAM 2026 follows a single-paper format, introduced in 2024. Engineering aspirants attempt one combined paper, and Pharmacy aspirants attempted one paper with only two subjects.
What subjects are included for Engineering aspirants?
Engineering aspirants will have questions from Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry in one paper. Mathematics carries the highest weightage with 75 questions, followed by Physics and Chemistry.
What subjects are included for Pharmacy aspirants?
Pharmacy aspirants only attempt Physics and Chemistry, skipping the Mathematics section. This paper is shorter and carries a total of 300 marks.
How many questions are asked in KEAM 2026 for Engineering?
There will be 150 questions in total: 75 from Mathematics, 45 from Physics, and 30 from Chemistry. Each question carries 4 marks, making the paper worth 600 marks overall.
What is the total duration of KEAM 2026?
Engineering aspirants will be given 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the paper. Pharmacy aspirants will be given 1.5 hours (90 minutes) for their shorter paper.
What marking scheme does KEAM 2026 follow?
Candidates are awarded +4 marks for each correct answer and penalised -1 mark for every wrong attempt. No marks will be deducted for leaving a question unanswered.
Will there be a minimum score required to qualify for KEAM 2026?
Yes, General category candidates will have to score at least 50% (240 marks), while SC/ST candidates need 40% (192 marks). Additionally, General candidates need at least 10 marks in each subject.
Which syllabus will KEAM 2026 be based on?
The KEAM syllabus will be based on Class 11 and 12 Kerala State Board curriculum, which is almost the same as CBSE. It focused on conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability.
Does qualifying KEAM 2026 guarantee a seat?
No, qualifying only make candidates eligible for the counselling process. Final seat allotment depends on rank, merit, and availability of seats in the preferred colleges.