KEAM in short
KEAM is Kerala’s entrance exam for engineering, conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, for admission to engineering colleges in Kerala. The engineering paper is a computer-based test of 150 questions in 3 hours, worth 600 marks, with +4 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong one.
Exam pattern (engineering)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 75 | 300 |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 30 | 120 |
| Total | 150 | 600 |
- Mathematics carries half the marks, so it decides most ranks.
- Unanswered questions score zero; each wrong answer loses 1 mark.
- Your Kerala engineering rank also takes Class 12 marks into account as set out in the year’s prospectus; check the current formula before relying on any estimate.
Pattern as published in the KEAM 2026 prospectus and reported consistently. Official site: cee.kerala.gov.in.
Who should take KEAM?
KEAM is the entrance route to government, aided and self-financing engineering colleges in Kerala. Kerala candidates use it for state-quota seats. JEE aspirants from Kerala often take KEAM as a home-state option alongside JoSAA.
KEAM vs JEE Main
| KEAM (engineering) | JEE Main (Paper 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions / marks | 150 / 600 | 75 / 300 |
| Marking | +4 / −1 | +4 / −1 |
| Mathematics share | 75 of 150 questions (half the marks) | One third |
| Board marks in rank | Yes, as set in the prospectus | Not used for rank |
How to prepare for KEAM alongside JEE
- Mathematics is half the paper: build speed in algebra, calculus and coordinate geometry.
- Chemistry has only 30 questions, so each one matters; revise NCERT thoroughly.
- Use negative marking carefully: skip questions you cannot narrow to two options.
- Keep your Class 12 marks strong, as they feed into the Kerala engineering rank.
How many questions are there in KEAM engineering?
150 questions in 3 hours: Mathematics 75, Physics 45 and Chemistry 30.
What is the total mark of KEAM?
600 marks, with 4 marks per correct answer.
Is there negative marking in KEAM?
Yes. Each wrong answer deducts 1 mark; unanswered questions score 0.
Who conducts KEAM?
The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala.