Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) Examination

Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) Examination

Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) Examination

The Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) Examination is a state-level entrance test conducted by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE), Government of Kerala. It serves as a gateway for admissions to engineering, architecture, and pharmacy programs in various government, aided, and private colleges across Kerala. Originally, KEAM also facilitated medical admissions, but since 2016, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has become the sole qualifying exam for medical and allied health sciences courses in the state.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance Examination (KEAM)

Conducting Body

Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala

Exam Level

State-Level

Courses Offered

Engineering (B.Tech), Architecture (B.Arch), Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

Mode of Examination

Offline (Pen-and-Paper Based Test)

Medium of Exam

English

Exam Duration

2 Hours 30 Minutes per paper

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Marking Scheme

  • 4 marks for correct answers, -1 mark for incorrect answers (negative marking)

Total Marks

960 (Engineering), 480 (Pharmacy)

Official Website

www.cee.kerala.gov.in

Contact Information:

  • Helpline Numbers: 0471-2332123, 2339101, 2339102, 2339103, 2339104
  • Email ID

Recent Updates:

  • Continued use of offline mode to ensure accessibility for all candidates across Kerala.
  • Emphasis on integrating board exam marks (50%) with KEAM scores (50%) for final rank list preparation, ensuring a balanced evaluation.
  • Streamlined online application and counselling processes through the Centralized Allotment Process (CAP) for greater transparency.

KEAM facilitates admission to the following professional courses in Kerala-based colleges:

Course

Duration

Compulsory Internship

  • B.Tech (Engineering)

4 Years (8 Semesters)

Not Required

  • B.Arch (Architecture)

5 Years

6 Months

  • B.Pharm (Pharmacy)

4 Years

1 Semester

Note: For medical and allied health sciences programs such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BVSc & AH, and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture/Forestry, candidates must qualify through NEET. KEAM is no longer applicable for these courses.

To appear for KEAM, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Nationality and Domicile Criteria

Criteria

Details

Nationality

Indian citizens are eligible to apply. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) can apply but are not eligible for reservation benefits.

Domicile Categories

  •  Keralite: Candidates with Kerala origins (eligible for all benefits).
  • - **Non-Keralite Category I (NK-I)**: Candidates who have studied in Kerala for at least 5 years or whose parents are government employees in Kerala.
  • - **Non-Keralite Category II (NK-II)**: Candidates not falling under the above categories (eligible only for management quota seats). |

2. Age Criteria

Criteria

Details

Minimum Age

Candidates must be at least 17 years old by the end of the admission year.

Upper Age Limit

No upper age limit for KEAM as per the latest guidelines.

3. Educational Qualification

Course

Minimum Qualification Required

  • B.Tech (Engineering)

Passed 10+2 or equivalent with 50% marks in Mathematics and 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Reserved category candidates are eligible for relaxation as per norms.

  • B.Arch (Architecture)

Passed 10+2 or equivalent with 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics OR completed a 10+3 Diploma with 50% marks. Additionally, a valid NATA score may be required for architecture admissions.

  • B.Pharm (Pharmacy)

Passed 10+2 with 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics. Reserved category candidates are eligible for relaxation as per norms.

Additional Notes:

  • Candidates seeking admission to medical and allied health sciences programs must qualify through NEET.
  • Candidates under sports quota can apply for reserved seats based on documented sports achievements, subject to CEE guidelines.

The Government of Kerala provides reservation benefits to various categories of candidates as per state policies:

Category

Reservation Percentage (%)

Scheduled Castes (SC)

8%

Scheduled Tribes (ST)

2%

Ezhava (EZ)

9%

Muslim (MU)

8%

Other Backward Hindu (BH)

3%

Latin Catholic and Anglo Indian (LA)

3%

Viswakarma and related communities (VK)

2%

Dheevara and related communities (DV)

2%

Kusavan and related communities (KN)

1%

Other Backward Christian (BX)

1%

Kudumbi (KU)

1%

Additional Reservation:

  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates receive a 5% seat reservation as per government norms.
  • Other special reservations (e.g., ex-servicemen, sports quota) may apply based on CEE notifications.

KEAM consists of two separate papers for engineering aspirants, while pharmacy aspirants need to attempt only one paper. The detailed structure is as follows:

Paper

Subjects Covered

No. of Questions

Marks

Duration

Paper I

Physics & Chemistry

120

480

2 Hours 30 Minutes

Paper II

Mathematics

120

480

2 Hours 30 Minutes

Total (B.Tech)

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

240

960

5 Hours

For B.Pharm

Only Paper I (Physics & Chemistry)

120

480

2 Hours 30 Minutes

Marking Scheme:

  • Correct Answer: +4 marks
  • Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (negative marking applicable)
  • Unattempted Questions: No marks deducted

Medium of Examination: KEAM is conducted exclusively in English.

Note: Architecture candidates must appear for both Paper I and Paper II (similar to engineering) and may additionally require a valid NATA score for B.Arch admissions, as per college-specific requirements.

The KEAM syllabus is aligned with the 10+2 level curriculum of recognized boards in Kerala. It covers the following subjects and key topics:

Subject

Key Topics

Physics

Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves and Oscillations, Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics

Chemistry

Physical Chemistry (States of Matter, Solutions), Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding), Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Functional Groups)

Mathematics

Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Statistics and Probability

Note: Candidates for B.Pharm can focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (if chosen over Mathematics) from the 10+2 syllabus. Detailed topic-wise syllabi are available on the official CEE website for reference. Candidates are encouraged to focus on conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills.

The application process for KEAM is conducted online, generally beginning in the month of April. The steps are as follows:

  • Online Registration: Visit the official website () and register using personal details.
  • Filling the Application Form: Enter academic details, course preferences, and other required information.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or offline via e-challan at designated banks.
  • Uploading Documents: Upload scanned copies of a recent photograph, signature, and relevant certificates (e.g., category, domicile).
  • Final Submission: Review the form and submit it. Download the confirmation page for future reference.

Category

Fee (INR) (Engineering/Architecture)

Fee (INR) (Pharmacy Only)

General/SEBC

₹700

₹500

SC

₹300

₹200

ST

Exempted

Exempted

Note: Fees are subject to change based on updates from CEE. Additional charges may apply for Dubai exam centers (if opted). Candidates are advised to check the official website for the latest fee structure.

  • The admit card for KEAM is released online on the official website approximately two to three weeks before the exam, typically in the month of May.
  • Candidates must download it using their application number and password and carry a printed copy to the exam center along with a valid photo ID.
  • The admit card contains essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center, and exam timings.

  • KEAM results are typically declared in the month of June on the official website.
  • Candidates can check their scores using their application number and password.
  • The rank list is prepared by combining 50% weightage from KEAM scores and 50% weightage from 12th board exam marks (standardized as per CEE norms).
  • Separate rank lists are published for Engineering, Architecture, and Pharmacy courses.

  • Counselling Process: The Centralized Allotment Process (CAP) for KEAM is conducted online, generally in the months of July and August, to allocate seats in various colleges across Kerala.
  • Candidates are called for counselling based on their rank in the merit list.
  • During counselling, candidates must choose their preferred course and college based on availability.
  • Seat allotment is finalized after document verification and fee payment.

Document

Purpose

KEAM Admit Card and Scorecard

Proof of examination and rank

Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets and Certificates

Academic verification

Domicile Certificate

Proof of residency (for Kerala candidates)

Category Certificate (if applicable)

For SC/ST/OBC/EWS reservation claims

Transfer Certificate (TC) and Character Certificate

Institutional and conduct verification

Passport-sized Photographs

Identification and records

Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)

Identity verification

To excel in KEAM, candidates should adopt a strategic approach to preparation:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the syllabus and prioritize high-weightage topics in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • Be Mindful of Negative Marking: Practice accuracy as incorrect answers deduct marks; avoid guesswork.
  • Practice Mock Tests: Solve past years’ question papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and time constraints.
  • Focus on Fundamentals: Strengthen core concepts using NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Revise Regularly: Allocate time for periodic revision of formulas, concepts, and problem-solving techniques.
  • Stay Updated: Keep track of official notifications on the CEE website for any changes in exam pattern or eligibility criteria.

KEAM scores are accepted by numerous government, aided, and private colleges in Kerala for admission to Engineering, Architecture, and Pharmacy programs. Some prominent institutions include:

College Name

Location

Courses Offered

College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET)

Thiruvananthapuram

  • B.Tech, B.Arch

Government Engineering College, Thrissur

Thrissur

  • B.Tech

TKM College of Engineering

Kollam

  • B.Tech, B.Arch

Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology

Kochi

  • B.Tech

Government College of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Kozhikode

  • B.Pharm

Note: The complete list of participating colleges and seat availability is published annually on the CEE website during the counselling process.