Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
KEAM is conducted by CEE Kerala for admissions to undergraduate engineering courses in government colleges including CET Trivandrum, GEC Thrissur, and TKM Kollam. The engineering rank list is generated by combining the KEAM CBT score and normalized Class 12 board marks in equal 50:50 proportion.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 600 Marks| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 75 Questions | 300 Marks | 180 Mins (Integrated) |
| Physics & Chemistry | 45 Physics + 30 Chem = 75 Qs | 300 Marks | 180 Mins (Integrated) |
+4 marks for correct answer, -1 mark for wrong answer. Total 150 questions for 600 marks.
Negative Marking Rule: -1 mark for incorrect answers
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
CET Trivandrum Computer Science closes around rank 200-450 in state merit; GEC Thrissur CSE closes around rank 900-1,200.
Participating Institutes / Career Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KEAM now computer-based?
Yes, CEE Kerala transitioned KEAM from pen-and-paper to an online Computer Based Test (CBT).
Related Examinations & Pathways
Explore other national, state-level, or professional examinations in this discipline.
JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination Main)
The largest engineering entrance exam in India with over 14 lakh candidates annually. Serves as the single gateway for admission into 31 NITs, 26 IIITs, and ~38 GFTIs, and serves as the qualifying screening test for the top ~2.5 lakh candidates to appear in JEE Advanced for the 23 IITs.
JEE Advanced (IIT Entrance)
Widely considered one of the most intellectually demanding undergraduate entrance examinations in the world. Tests deep conceptual physics, multi-concept mathematical calculus, and intricate reaction mechanisms. The sole gateway to all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
BITSAT (BITS Pilani Admission Test)
Speed and accuracy based entrance exam for admission into B.E., B.Pharm, and M.Sc Integrated degrees across BITS Pilani (Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses). Features 130 core questions plus 12 unique bonus questions for candidates who finish early.