Quick answer: The KEAM exam is Kerala’s entrance examination for engineering and pharmacy, conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. The same KEAM application is used for medical, allied and architecture admissions in Kerala, which use NEET-UG and NATA scores. Since 2024 the engineering test has been held as a computer-based test. Your engineering rank combines your entrance score with your Plus Two marks.
For Plus Two science students in Kerala, the the exam is the main route to government and private engineering colleges in the state. It is also the application gateway for many other professional courses. This guide explains how the the entrance test works, who is eligible, how ranks are calculated and how to prepare. Rules change every year, so always read the current prospectus on the CEE Kerala website.
Table of Contents
What does the KEAM exam cover?
| Course stream | Admission based on |
|---|---|
| Engineering (B.Tech) | KEAM engineering exam score plus Plus Two marks |
| Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | KEAM pharmacy score (Physics and Chemistry) |
| Medical and allied (MBBS, BDS, BAMS and others) | NEET-UG score, applied through the KEAM portal |
| Architecture (B.Arch) | NATA score plus qualifying exam marks, applied through the KEAM portal |
The key point: even if you are writing NEET or NATA, you must still submit the KEAM application to get a Kerala state quota seat.
KEAM exam eligibility
- Pass or appear in Plus Two (or equivalent) with the subjects required for your course. Engineering needs Physics and Mathematics, with Chemistry or another listed subject.
- Meet the minimum marks in the qualifying exam set by the prospectus.
- Kerala-quota candidates must prove nativity. See our nativity certificate Kerala guide.
KEAM exam pattern
The engineering paper covers Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in objective multiple-choice format, with negative marking for wrong answers. Mathematics usually carries the most weight. Check the prospectus for the current number of questions, marking scheme and duration.
How the KEAM engineering rank is calculated
Your engineering rank is not based on the entrance score alone. CEE combines your the entrance test score with your Plus Two marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, after normalising marks across different boards. The exact weightage has changed in recent years, so read the current prospectus. The takeaway is simple: your Plus Two board marks matter as much as your entrance preparation.
KEAM exam application: step by step
- Watch for the KEAM notification on cee.kerala.gov.in, usually early in the year.
- Register on the KEAM portal with your mobile and email.
- Fill the application and choose all streams you may want: engineering, pharmacy, medical, architecture.
- Upload photo, signature and certificates, including nativity and community certificates if claiming quota or reservation.
- Pay the fee and submit.
- Download the admit card when released and write the exam.
- After results, take part in CEE’s online counselling (option registration) for seat allotment.
Tip: Selecting a stream later is often not possible. If you might want medical or architecture seats, tick them in the KEAM application even if you are unsure.
How to prepare for the KEAM exam
- Master the NCERT and state syllabus first. Most questions test core concepts.
- Give Mathematics extra time. It decides most ranks.
- Practise previous papers under timed conditions to get used to negative marking.
- Do not ignore Plus Two board exams. They count in your rank.
- Get certificates ready early: nativity, income and community.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducts the KEAM exam?
The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.
Is KEAM needed for MBBS in Kerala?
Medical ranks are based on NEET-UG, but you must apply through the KEAM portal to be considered for Kerala state quota seats.
Is the KEAM exam online?
Since 2024 the engineering exam has been conducted as a computer-based test. Check the current prospectus for the latest mode.
Do Plus Two marks count in KEAM?
Yes. The engineering rank combines the KEAM score with normalised Plus Two marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Is there negative marking in the KEAM exam?
Yes, wrong answers carry negative marks. Check the prospectus for the exact scheme.