KEAM
Engineering,Agriculture,Medical
Updated on 2025
The Kerala Engineering Agricultural Medical Entrance Examination (KEAM) is a State-level entrance exam conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, for admission into various undergraduate programs across government, government-controlled, and private colleges in Kerala. Held annually, typically in May, the exam tests candidates in core sections such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, serving as a gateway to top-ranked colleges in Kerala. Appearing for KEAM is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue Engineering, Agricultural, Medical, Architecture, Fisheries, and Veterinary programs at Kerala’s most reputed institutions. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple colleges across the state, making it a centralized, merit-based selection tool. KEAM is designed for undergraduate aspirants seeking admission to a diverse range of professional courses. The examination is conducted in an offline, pen-and-paper mode, ensuring a traditional test-taking experience. It comprises two papers: Paper I covering Physics and Chemistry, and Paper II focusing on Mathematics. Each paper is allotted a duration of 2.5 hours, making the total examination time five hours. Both papers consist of 120 multiple-choice questions, contributing to a total of 480 marks per paper. The questions are presented solely in English. The syllabus for KEAM is primarily based on the Kerala Higher Secondary Syllabus, equivalent to the 11th and 12th standard curriculum, ensuring relevance to the state's educational framework. This comprehensive coverage allows candidates to demonstrate their foundational knowledge and problem-solving abilities across the science disciplines. Over the years, KEAM has consistently seen a significant number of applicants, typically exceeding 100,000, vying for limited seats, reflecting its competitive nature. Cut-off scores vary annually based on factors like the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates, and seat availability across different categories and colleges. Successful candidates gain access to a wide array of opportunities within Kerala's robust higher education system, paving the way for promising careers in their chosen fields.
Full Name | Kerala Engineering Agricultural Medical Entrance Examination |
Short Name | KEAM |
Conducting Authority | Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala |
Domain | Engineering,Agriculture,Medical |
Academic Level | UG |
Acceptance Level | State |
Exam Type | State Level Entrance Exam |
Exam Mode | Offline |
Exam Frequency | Annual |
Application Period | February to March |
General Category Fee | ₹850 (for Engineering only) |
Reserved Category Fee | ₹425 (for SC/ST, Engineering only) |
Typical Exam Months | May |
Result Declaration | June to July |
Score Validity | One Academic Year |
Component | Details |
---|---|
Total Papers | 2 |
Duration per Session | 2.5 hours |
Total Questions | 120 per paper |
Total Marks | 480 per paper |
Question Types |
|
Syllabus Based On | Kerala Higher Secondary Syllabus (Plus Two level) |
Class Level Syllabus | 11th-12th |
Serves as the gateway for admissions to various professional courses including Engineering, Architecture, Medical, Agriculture, Fisheries, Veterinary in Kerala state colleges. It integrates NATA and NEET scores for Architecture and Medical admissions respectively, streamlining the process.
Centralized Single Window Allotment (SWA) process managed by CEE Kerala, considering KEAM ranks for Engineering and NEET/NATA scores for Medical/Architecture courses along with KEAM for remaining professional courses.
Counselling Body | Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala |
Domain of Acceptance | Engineering |
Qualifying KEAM opens up admission opportunities at India’s most prestigious institutions — known for their academic excellence, robust industry connections, and stellar placement records. These colleges, predominantly located in Kerala, offer a high quality of education and comprehensive placement support, contributing significantly to their strong brand value and competitive admission landscape. Among the premier institutions accepting KEAM scores are the highly reputed College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, and the Government Engineering College, Thrissur, both recognized for their strong engineering programs and research initiatives. Other top colleges include TKM College of Engineering in Kollam, known for its academic rigor, and NSS College of Engineering in Palakkad, which consistently attracts bright minds. Leading self-financing colleges such as Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science (MITS) in Ernakulam and Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology in Kochi also feature prominently, offering state-of-the-art facilities and industry-aligned curricula. Admissions to these institutions are highly competitive, with candidates needing to secure top ranks in KEAM to gain entry into their preferred programs and branches. Graduates from these colleges often land roles in leading firms like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, and UST Global, with average salary packages ranging from ₹4.5–₹8 LPA, depending on the program and individual skills. This strong placement record underscores the powerful return on investment for students who qualify KEAM and pursue their education at these esteemed institutions, setting a strong foundation for a successful professional career.
Qualifying the Kerala Engineering Agricultural Medical Entrance Examination (KEAM) opens doors to some of the most prestigious institutions in India and unlocks access to high-growth career opportunities across sectors. This state-level entrance examination serves as the gateway for admissions to various engineering, architecture, and pharmacy courses in over 160 government, aided, and private self-financing colleges throughout Kerala. Studying at these institutions offers immense value, underpinned by a strong academic reputation, experienced faculty, and modern infrastructure, ensuring a holistic learning environment. Graduates from top KEAM-accepting colleges often achieve impressive career outcomes, with average placement packages ranging from ₹4.5–₹8 LPA. Leading companies across various industries, including prominent IT service firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, along with core engineering and consulting giants such as L&T and MRF, actively recruit from these campuses. This strong industry linkage ensures a high return on investment, where the relatively affordable fee structure, especially in government colleges, translates into significant career growth. The programs offered align directly with in-demand career domains, including artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and sustainable engineering, positioning students for success in emerging sectors. Opportunities for internships, research, and collaborative projects are abundant, further enhancing practical skills and industry exposure. Beyond immediate career prospects, qualifying KEAM and securing admission to these well-regarded institutions can also lead to better chances at scholarships, international programs, or pursuing future higher studies globally. KEAM serves as a strategic launchpad for aspirants, opening up lifelong opportunities for both academic excellence and professional success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
KEAM continues to evolve each year to stay aligned with modern academic frameworks and career readiness expectations. The 2024 edition of the examination introduced several key changes that candidates should be aware of, primarily aimed at enhancing fairness, efficiency, and technological integration. For the first time, KEAM 2024 transitioned from a traditional offline OMR-based test to a Computer Based Test (CBT), marking a significant technological upgrade in its conduct. This shift brings numerous advantages, including standardized testing environments and quicker result processing. The exam pattern was also revised, now comprising two distinct papers: Paper 1 focusing on Physics and Chemistry, and Paper 2 dedicated solely to Mathematics. Each paper is allocated 120 minutes, allowing candidates ample time to attempt the multiple-choice questions. A crucial development introduced with the CBT format is the application of score normalization. This process scientifically adjusts scores across different shifts to account for variations in question paper difficulty, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. These updates were introduced to streamline the examination process, improve its transparency, and align with national examination standards. The move to CBT, along with the restructured paper format and normalization process, directly benefits aspirants by offering a more equitable and modern testing experience, ultimately improving the exam’s overall utility and reliability for admissions into prestigious professional courses in Kerala.
Official Website | https://cee.kerala.gov.in |
Official Email | ceekinfo@cee.kerala.gov.in |
Helpline Numbers | 0471-2525300 |
Information Brochure | https://cee.kerala.gov.in/keam2024/documents/Prospectus%20KEAM-2024.pdf |
Year | Applicants (in lacs) |
---|---|
2022 | 100940 |
2023 | 123602 |
2024 | 128421 |
The Kerala Engineering Agricultural Medical Entrance Examination (KEAM) is a pivotal state-level entrance examination conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala. This annual exam serves as the primary gateway for admissions into various undergraduate professional courses, including Engineering, Agricultural, Medical, and allied fields, across numerous colleges in Kerala. While the main exam assesses Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Engineering and other courses, KEAM also integrates NEET UG scores for Medical and allied courses and NATA scores for Architecture admissions, providing a streamlined admission process. The application timeline for KEAM typically opens in February and concludes by March, allowing aspiring candidates a dedicated window to register. To apply, candidates must visit the official CEE Kerala website. The eligibility verification process requires applicants to be Indian citizens, possess Kerala domicile or meet specific nativity requirements, and generally be at least 17 years old by the end of the admission year. Required documents typically include academic certificates, proof of nativity, and recent photographs. The application fee for KEAM varies based on the course choices; for Engineering courses only, the fee is generally ₹850 for General category candidates and ₹425 for SC/ST categories. Fees can be paid through various online methods. Important instructions usually emphasize meticulous form filling, accurate document uploads, and timely submission to avoid common mistakes like incorrect data entry or missing deadlines. The exam is conducted offline, with two papers, each containing 120 multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics respectively, totaling 480 marks per paper. KEAM scores are valid for the specific academic year of application. The admission process proceeds through a centralized Single Window Allotment (SWA) system managed by CEE Kerala, based on the candidate's rank in KEAM or integrated national scores, facilitating fair and merit-based admissions. Timely submission of applications and adherence to guidelines are crucial for a successful candidature.
Chat with us