KEAM 2026 – Complete Information Guide
The Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance Examination (KEAM) 2026 is a state-level entrance examination conducted for admission to various Undergraduate professional and specialised degree programmes in Kerala for the academic year 2026–27.
KEAM acts as a centralised admission mechanism for programmes across Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Agriculture and allied disciplines, Veterinary and Fisheries sciences, offered by Government, Aided, Self-financing, and Private institutions in the state of Kerala.
Conducting Authority of KEAM 2026
KEAM 2026 is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, under the supervision of the Government of Kerala. The examination and the subsequent Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) ensure a transparent, merit-based, and rule-governed admission process across participating institutions.
Role of KEAM in Admissions
KEAM functions both as an entrance examination and a centralised admission process, depending on the course. For certain programmes, KEAM scores are used directly, while for others, national-level examination scores are utilised and KEAM acts as the admission gateway.
Key Features of KEAM 2026
- Single-window admission process for multiple professional degree programmes.
- Centralised application, rank list preparation, and seat allotment.
- Applicable to Government, Aided, Self-financing, and select Private institutions in Kerala.
- Use of KEAM / NEET / NATA / Pharmacy Entrance scores, as applicable.
Important Note for Candidates
Mere submission of a KEAM application or appearance in an entrance examination does not guarantee admission. Candidates must fulfil course-specific eligibility conditions, nativity requirements, and admission rules as prescribed in the official prospectus.
Role of Conducting Authority (CEE Kerala)
For KEAM 2026, the responsibility for conducting the examination and administering the admission process lies with the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, functioning under the Government of Kerala. CEE Kerala is the competent authority notified in the official prospectus for managing all stages of the KEAM process, from application submission to final seat allotment.
The role of CEE Kerala includes the following core responsibilities:
- Inviting and processing online applications for KEAM 2026 within the notified schedule.
- Conducting the KEAM Engineering and Pharmacy Entrance Examinations, where applicable.
- Receiving and validating national-level examination scores such as NEET and NATA for courses where KEAM entrance exams are not conducted.
- Preparing and publishing rank lists for various courses in accordance with the prospectus.
- Implementing the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) for seat allotment.
- Verifying eligibility conditions, nativity status, reservation claims, and uploaded certificates.
- Issuing allotment orders and publishing admission-related schedules and instructions.
Important Dates and Examination Schedule for KEAM 2026
The key dates and examination-related schedules for KEAM 2026 have been officially notified in the “Information at a Glance” section of the prospectus issued by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. Candidates are advised to carefully note all timelines related to the application process, document submission, admit card availability, examination schedule, and declaration of results, as non-adherence to deadlines may lead to disqualification.
Application and Document Submission Schedule
- Commencement of Online Application:
From 05 January 2026 (Monday) - Last Date for Online Application & Fee Payment:
31 January 2026 up to 05:00 PM (Saturday)
- Last Date for Online Submission of Supporting Documents:
07 February 2026 (Saturday) - Availability of Admit Cards:
Eligible candidates can download admit cards after verification.
Downloading of Online Admit Cards Begins: 01 April 2026 onwards
KEAM 2026 Engineering Entrance Examination Schedule
The Engineering Entrance Examination under KEAM 2026 will be conducted over multiple days to accommodate all eligible candidates.
- Dates of Examination:
13 April 2026 to 25 April 2026
- Venue of Examination:
As indicated on the Admit Card
Time Schedule for the Examination (IST)
Candidates must strictly adhere to the time schedule. Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances.
- Reporting to Examination Centre: 12:00 PM
- Entry to Examination Hall: 01:30 PM
- Mock Test: 01:45 PM
- Last Entry to Examination Hall: 01:50 PM
- Commencement of Examination: 02:00 PM
- End of Examination: 05:00 PM
Declaration of Results and Rank Lists
- Result of Engineering / Pharmacy Entrance Examination:
On or before 10 May 2026
- Publication of Rank Lists (Engineering & B.Pharm):
On or before 20 June 2026
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official CEE Kerala website for updates related to results, rank lists, and commencement of the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP).
KEAM 2026 Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for KEAM 2026 prescribe the conditions under which candidates can apply for the examination and participate in the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). Eligibility is multi-layered, involving nativity status, academic qualification, age requirements, and course-specific conditions. All eligibility conditions are verified by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, and non-compliance may result in rejection of candidature or cancellation of admission.
Nativity Eligibility
For KEAM 2026 admissions, candidates are classified into the following nativity categories:
| Category | Eligibility / Notes |
|---|
| Keralite | Eligible for reservation benefits, fee concessions, and seats under communal or special reservation categories of the Government of Kerala. |
| Non-Keralite Category I (NK-I) | Eligible for admission to a limited number of seats as specified in the prospectus. Not eligible for reservation benefits. |
| Non-Keralite Category II (NK-II) | Eligible only for unreserved seats. No reservation or fee concessions. |
Important: Nativity status is determined strictly based on certificates uploaded during the application process and verified at the time of admission. Candidates must ensure the correctness of all documents to avoid cancellation of candidature.
Academic Eligibility
Candidates must have passed the Higher Secondary Examination (Class 12) of Kerala or an equivalent examination recognized by competent authorities. Candidates appearing for the qualifying examination are also eligible to apply, subject to passing the examination before admission.
Academic eligibility is course-specific, and candidates must satisfy the prescribed subject combinations and minimum qualification requirements applicable to the programme they seek admission to, including:
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Pharmacy
- Medical and Allied Health Science courses
- Agriculture and allied disciplines
- Veterinary and Fisheries sciences
Only candidates who satisfy the prescribed academic requirements for the respective course are considered for inclusion in the rank list and allotment through CAP.
Age Criteria
- Applicants should have completed 17 years of age as on 31st December 2026.
- No relaxation in the minimum age will be allowed.
- There is no upper age limit for Engineering, Architecture, B.Pharm, BAMS, BSMS, BHMS, and BUMS Courses.
- For MBBS and BDS courses, the upper age limit will be as per the Information Bulletin of NEET(UG)-2026.
- For other Medical Allied courses, the age limit prescribed by the respective Central Councils will be applicable.
Eligibility Based on Entrance Examinations
- Engineering: Admission based on the KEAM Engineering Entrance Examination
- Pharmacy (B.Pharm): Admission based on the KEAM Pharmacy Entrance Examination
- Architecture: Admission based on NATA score, with mandatory KEAM application and CAP participation
- Medical and Allied Health Science Courses: Admission based on NEET (UG) score, with KEAM acting as the centralized admission and allotment platform
Candidates must submit valid scores of the applicable entrance examination within the timelines prescribed by CEE Kerala.
Additional Eligibility Conditions
- Eligibility is verified at multiple stages, including application scrutiny, rank list preparation, and admission.
- Submission of incorrect, incomplete, or false information or certificates may lead to rejection of candidature or cancellation of admission at any stage.
- Admission is strictly subject to:
- Fulfilment of eligibility conditions
- Nativity status
- Reservation rules
- Rank position and option priority in CAP
- Availability of seats
Candidates are strongly advised to carefully read the eligibility provisions in the official KEAM 2026 prospectus and ensure full compliance before applying.
Institutions Covered under KEAM 2026
Admissions through KEAM 2026 are applicable to a wide range of institutions offering undergraduate professional and specialised degree programmes in the state of Kerala. The institutions covered under KEAM include Government, Government Aided, Self-financing, and Private institutions, with admissions regulated through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.
It is important for candidates to understand that KEAM does not operate as a university-specific entrance test. Instead, it functions as a centralised admission framework, under which eligible institutions are grouped based on governance, funding pattern, and regulatory control.
Categories of Institutions Covered
- Government Institutions: Colleges and institutions fully owned and funded by the Government of Kerala. Admissions are strictly regulated through KEAM rank lists, reservation norms, and CAP procedures.
- Government Aided Institutions: Institutions receiving government aid but managed by private bodies or trusts. Admissions to aided seats are carried out through KEAM, following Government reservation policies and allotment rules.
- Self-Financing Institutions: Colleges offering professional degree programmes participate in KEAM admissions through CAP. Admission is governed by KEAM rank lists, seat category rules, and applicable fee structures notified separately.
- Private Institutions: Select private institutions offering courses covered under KEAM participate in the centralised admission process, subject to approval by regulatory authorities and inclusion in the prospectus.
Courses Covered under KEAM 2026
KEAM 2026 covers a wide spectrum of undergraduate professional and specialised degree programmes offered by institutions in Kerala. The examination and admission framework integrates state-level entrance examinations and approved national-level examinations, with admissions regulated through the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.
The courses covered under KEAM are grouped by discipline for clarity:
- Engineering Programmes: Undergraduate Engineering programmes leading to B.Tech., admission based on KEAM Engineering Entrance Examination and CAP participation. Offered by Government, Government Aided, Self-financing, and Private institutions.
- Architecture Programme: Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) admission based on valid NATA scores. KEAM application and CAP participation mandatory for seat allotment.
- Pharmacy Programmes: Undergraduate B.Pharm. courses, admission based on KEAM Pharmacy Entrance Examination and CAP allotment.
- Medical and Allied Health Science Programmes: Includes MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Nursing and other allied courses. Admission based on NEET (UG) scores with KEAM facilitating CAP and rank list preparation.
- Agriculture and Allied Science Programmes: Admissions to Agriculture and allied disciplines regulated through KEAM application and CAP.
- Veterinary and Fisheries Science Programmes: Admissions carried out through KEAM application and CAP, following eligibility and university regulations.
Application Process for KEAM 2026
The application process is conducted entirely online by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. All candidates must complete the online application within prescribed timelines to participate in the Centralised Allotment Process (CAP). Late or incomplete applications are liable to be rejected.
Application Fee for KEAM 2026
Candidates are required to pay the prescribed application fee. Payment is mandatory for submission, and applications without successful payment are invalid. SC/ST candidates have reduced or waived fees according to the course. General category candidates are charged full fee.
- Engineering: General: ₹925 | SC: ₹400 | ST: Nil
- B.Pharm: General: ₹925 | SC: ₹400 | ST: Nil
- Architecture: General: ₹650 | SC: ₹260 | ST: Nil
- Medical & Allied Health Science: General: ₹650 | SC: ₹260 | ST: Nil
Special Provisions
- Children of Inter-Caste Married Couples: Eligible for SC/ST fee benefits if one parent belongs to SC/ST. Must declare in the application and upload valid inter-caste marriage certificate issued by the Tahsildar.
- UAE Examination Centre: Additional fee of ₹16,000 applicable. Candidates should provide a local contact number in the application form.
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