KEAM 2026 Exam Begins- Check Live Updates


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Chanpreet Kaur

Senior Content Strategist | MBA Professional | Updated On - Apr 18, 2026

The KEAM 2026 April 18 (Engineering) exam is ongoing. Stay tuned for live updates on exam analysis, difficulty level, good attempts, and student reactions.

The Commissioner of Entrance Exams, Kerala, is conducting the KEAM 2026 from tomorrow, 17 April to 22 April 2026.

The engineering exam will be held from 17 -22 April, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, while the pharmacy exam will take place from 18 - 20 April, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM in CBT mode.

On April 18, 2026, there are 2 exams, KEAM 2026 for pharmacy from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, and KEAM 2026 engineering will be conducted from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

The KEAM 2026 April 17 Engineering exam is over from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The exam was of a moderate difficulty level, similar to previous years.

Candidates must arrive at the exam center at least 1 hour early to complete security checks, biometric verification, and document validation smoothly before the exam.

It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid ID proof to get entry to the exam center.

  • The KEAM exam for engineering will have 150 MCQs from 3 sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Maths in 3 hours (180 minutes) with a total of 600 marks
  • The Pharmacy exam will be for 1.30 hours for 75 MCQs from Physics and Chemistry only, with a total of 300 marks.

KEAM 2026 is expected to be moderately difficult, with Mathematics having the highest weightage (45–50%) and a good attempt around 90- 110 questions for 500+ marks.

Related Links:

KEAM 2026 Exam Analysis Live Updates

KEAM 2026 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

Paper and Exam Date Question Paper PDF Solution PDF
KEAM 2026 Engineering Question Paper April 17 Download PDF Check Solution
KEAM 2026 Pharmacy Question Paper April 18 Download PDF Check Solution
KEAM 2026 Engineering Question Paper April 18 Download PDF Check Solution
LIVE UPDATE
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Pharmacy Total Questions and Marks
Particular Details
Total Questions 75 Questions
Subjects Physics (45) + Chemistry (30)
Total Marks 300 Marks
Marks per Question +4 for correct answer
Negative Marking –1 for wrong answer
Exam Duration 90 minutes
Question Type MCQs (Objective)
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: April 18 Shift 1 (Pharmacy) Question Paper

The KEAM 2026 April 18 Shift 1 pharmacy Question Paper with Solution PDF is available to download. Collegedunia created the question paper after reviewing all the candidates’ feedback and collecting memory-based questions.

Check: KEAM 2026 Pharmacy April 18 Question Paper: Download Answer Key with Solutions PDF : Available Here

KEAM April 18 Shift 2 Exam LIVE: Exam Started @2:00 PM

The KEAM 2026 April 18 shift 2 (Engineering) exam has started now @2:00 PM. The exam will follow a similar pattern to the previous years. 

KEAM April 18 Shift 2 Exam LIVE: Gates Closing @1:30 PM

The gates of the exam centers of the KEAM 2026 April 18 Shift 2 Engineering exam have been closed at around 1:30 PM, as the exam is about to start at 2:00 PM.

KEAM April 18 Shift 2 Exam LIVE: What to carry to the exam hall?

It is mandatory for all students appearing for the KEAM 2026 examination today to report to their venues as scheduled on their admit cards. Admission to the hall requires both a hard copy of the admit card and an original photo identification document (e.g., Aadhaar, Driving License, or Voter ID).

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: April 18 Shift 2 Exam Centre Gates are Open

The exam centre gates of the KEAM 2026 April 18 (Shift 2) exam are now open. The exam will commence sharply at 2 pm.

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: April 18 Shift 2 Engineering expected difficulty

Overall, the paper is expected to be lengthy rather than very tough, as per the last shift of engineering.

  • Mathematics likely to be time-consuming and lengthy
  • Physics expected to include concept + numerical mix
  • Chemistry remains most scoring section
     
CEE KEAM result 2026 release date

The CEE will publish the 2026 KEAM results on their official website, cee.kerala.gov.in, no later than May 10.

KEAM 2026 Live Updates: April 18 (Day 2) Pharmacy exam is over

The KEAM 2026 April 18 (Day 2) pharmacy exam is now @11:30 AM. The exam followed a similar pattern of previous years and maintained a balanced difficulty.

KEAM 2026 Live Updates: Engineering Qualifying Cutoff Marks
  • The candidates who fail to answer at least one question in the examination will be disqualified and will not find a place in the Engineering Rank list.
  • To qualify in the Engineering Entrance Examination and thereby become eligible to figure in the Engineering rank list, a candidate must secure a minimum normalised score of 10 in the Engineering Entrance Examination. The candidates who do not secure the minimum stipulated score will not find a place in the rank list.
  • Exemption: For SC/ST candidates, there is no requirement for a minimum score in the Engineering Entrance Examination. However, the candidates who fail to answer at least one question will be disqualified.
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: KEAM Marks vs Ranks - Expected

KEAM Score (Boards + KEAM exam) after standardisation

 KEAM 2026 Ranks expected

550+

1 to 5000

450+

5001 to 20000

350+

20001 to 50000

250 and below

50000+

KEAM 2026 April 18 Exam Live Updates: Exam started @10:00 AM

The KEAM 2026 April 18 Pharmacy exam has started from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM 

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Expected Difficulty

The KEAM 2026 Pharmacy exam is expected to be moderate and will follow the similar pattern as previous years

Subject Expected Difficulty Trend Insight
Physics Moderate to Tough Numerical-heavy, concept-based
Chemistry Easy to Moderate Mostly NCERT-based, direct questions
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Documents to Carry with Admit card

Mandatory Documents

Document Details
KEAM Admit Card Printed copy (mandatory for entry)
Valid Photo ID Proof Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Passport / Voter ID
Passport-size Photograph Same as uploaded in application form (keep 1–2 copies)
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Exam Center Gates open

The gates of the KEAM exam center of the pharmacy exam are open @8:00AM, as the exam will start from 10:00 AM. 

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Pharmacy Reporting Time

The KEAM 2026 April 18 Pharmacy exam will start from 10:00 AM. So it is advised that the candidates arrive at their exam center at least 1 or 1.5 hours early to avoid any issues.

Particular Details
Reporting Time 8:30 AM (Noon)
Exam Timing 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Entry Closing Time Usually before exam start (strict entry rules)
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Admit Card link

The KEAM 2026 Admit Card link is still active. Candidates have a chance to download their KEAM admit card to avoid disqualification.

Check here – KEAM Admit Card 2026: Release Date, Direct Link at cee.kerala.gov.in, Steps to Download & Guidelines
  

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Sectional Distribution

KEAM 2026 Pharmacy: Sectional Distribution 

Subject No. of Questions Marks
Physics 45 180
Chemistry 30 120
Total 75 300
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Update: Pharmacy Last Minute Topics (Chemistry)

Chemistry: Last-Minute Important Topics

Priority Topic Key Subtopics Focus Area
High Mole Concept Stoichiometry Numerical practice
High Thermodynamics Enthalpy, Entropy Formula and concepts
High Chemical Equilibrium Le Chatelier’s Principle Concept clarity
Medium Chemical Kinetics Rate law, Order Formula-based
High Electrochemistry Nernst Equation Numericals
High Organic Basics (GOC) Inductive effect, Resonance Concept building
High Hydrocarbons Alkanes, Alkenes Reactions
High Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones Functional groups Named reactions
Medium Periodic Table Trends NCERT-based facts
Medium Chemical Bonding Hybridization, VSEPR Concepts
Medium Coordination Compounds Ligands, Bonding Theory
Medium d and f Block Properties Memory-based
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Update: Pharmacy Last Minute Topics (Physics)

Physics: Last-Minute Important Topics

Priority Topic Key Subtopics Focus Area
High Laws of Motion Newton’s Laws, Friction Formula and Numericals
High Work, Energy and Power Work-energy theorem, Conservation Problem-solving
High Gravitation Gravitational force, Escape velocity Direct formulas
High Kinematics 1D and 2D Motion, Graphs Concept and Graphs
Medium Thermodynamics Laws, Heat transfer Formula-based
High Electrostatics Electric field, Potential Numericals
High Current Electricity Ohm’s Law, Circuits Circuit solving
Medium Magnetism and EMI Magnetic field, Induction Key formulas
Medium Optics Mirrors, Lenses Ray diagrams
High Modern Physics Photoelectric effect, Nuclei Direct questions
KEAM 2026 Eam Live Updates: Exam Day Guidelines

The CEE has released some mandatory exam day guidelines for the KEAM Exam.

KEAM 2026 Exam day guildelines
KEAM 2026 Eam Live Updates: Upcoming Exam Dates

Check upcoming exam dates for the KEAM exam:

KEAM Exam Date 2026 Engineering Exam Timings Pharmacy Exam Timings
April 18, 2026 2 to 5 PM 10 to 11:30 AM
April 19, 2026 2 to 5 PM 10 to 11:30 AM
April 20, 2026 2 to 5 PM 10 to 11:30 AM
April 21, 2026 2 to 5 PM No exam
April 22, 2026 2 to 5 PM No exam
KEAM 2026 April 17 Exam LIVE: Less Direct and More Tricky Questions

In the KEAM 2026 exam today, there were fewer direct questions. Most of the questions were tricky as per the initial reaction from some students.

KEAM 2026 April 17 Analysis: Chemistry Paper Easy to Moderate

The KEAM 2026 chemistry paper today was moderate to easy in overall difficulty.

KEAM 2026 April 17 (Day 1) Exam Analysis LIVE: Maths section lengthy

Maths was moderate and calculus-heavy. This section was lengthy, which made time management difficult for students.

KEAM 2026 April 17 Live Update: Exam Analysis

As per the initial reaction of the candidates, the KEAM 2026 exam today was overall moderate. However, a few students reported difficulty with time management

KEAM 2026 April 17 Exam Live Updates: Question Paper is Available

The KEAM 2026 April 17 (Day 1) Question Paper with Solution PDF is available to download. Collegedunia created the question paper by taking feedback and memory-based questions from the students.

Check Here: KEAM 2026 Question Paper (Available): Download Question Paper With Solutions PDF

KEAM 2026 April 17 Exam Live Updates: Exam is over @5:00 PM

The KEAM 2026 April 17 (Day 1) Engineering exam is over at 5:00 PM. The exam followed a similar pattern as previous years, with 150 MCQs maintaining a moderate difficulty level.

KEAM 2026 April 17 Exam Live Updates: Is 450 a good score in KEAM?

Yes, a score of 450 in KEAM is considered a good score; it will place you around 5,000-20,000 rank, but it’s not a top-tier score.

Colleges with 450 Marks in KEAM
KEAM 2026 April 17 Exam Live Updates: Which Subject is expected to be difficult?

Based on past trends and early expectations, Physics and Mathematics are likely to be the toughest sections in today’s exam.

  • Physics: Moderate to difficult, more numerical and concept-based
  • Mathematics: Moderate to difficult and lengthy (time-consuming)
  • Chemistry: Easy to moderate, mostly NCERT-based, and scoring

Overall, the paper is expected to be moderate in difficulty, with students finding Maths lengthy and Physics tricky.

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Is KEAM only for Kerala students?

No, the KEAM Exam is not only for Kerala Students. The KEAM is also open to candidates from all over India.

However, there are some important eligibility and admission nuances you should know.

  • Students from any state in India can apply for KEAM
  • You must meet the academic eligibility criteria (Physics, Chemistry, Maths in Class 12)
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Which year was KEAM tough?

As per the previous years' trends, KEAM 2023 was considered the toughest exam; many students reported time management was the main issue.  

Where maths was lengthy and calculation-heavy, physics had tricky, concept-based questions.

  • Lengthy Papers: 2022 and 2023 were notable for being extremely lengthy, causing significant time management issues for students.
  • Recent Trend (2024-2025): The exam is shifting towards a moderate level with a focus on NCERT concepts and application-based questions, though with increasing conceptual depth.


 

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Total Marks for KEAM Engineering Exam

The total marks for the KEAM 2026 Engineering exam are: 600 marks

Marks Distribution (Subject-wise)

  • Mathematics: 300 marks (75 questions)
  • Physics: 180 marks (45 questions)
  • Chemistry: 120 marks (30 questions)

Marking Scheme: +4 Marks will be given for each correct answer, -1 mark of each incorrect answer. 

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: KEAM April 17 Engineering exam started @2:00 PM

The CEE has started the KEAM 2026 on April 17, the Engineering exam from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The exam will be moderate in difficulty, by maintaining a balanced mix of questions.

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Gates are closed @1:30

The KEAM 2026 April 17 Exam is about to start at 2:00 PM. The gates of the KEAM exam centers will close by 1:30 PM. 

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Exam Centre Gates are Open

The exam centre gates of the KEAM 2026 exam are now open. The exam will commence sharply at 2 pm.

Do I need to carry a black and white or colour copy of the KEAM admit card?

CEE has mentioned that a colour printout of the KEAM hall ticket is preferable for proper identification of the candidates.

KEAM 2026 Exam LIVE: Is there negative marking in the exam?

Yes, in KEAM, for each wrong answer, 1 marks will be deducted.

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Important Topics Based on Past Trends

As per historical trends and analysis of the KEAM exam, the topics that might carry high weightage in KEAM 2026 are:

  • Physics: Electrostatics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Magnetism, Modern Physics
  • Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Bonding & Coordination, Organic reactions
  • Maths: Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Algebra, Probability, Derivatives/Integrals
KEAM 2026 Exam Live: April 17 Expected Difficulty Level of the Exam Based on Past Trends
  • Physics: Physics can be moderate to tough, as per previous year trends. 
  • Chemistry: Chemistry can be expected to be the easiest of all three. The questions can be directly from NCERT, and hence, candidates are recommended to go through the NCERT chemistry books thoroughly.
  • Maths: Maths can be challenging and the most time-consuming.

Check Here: KEAM 2026 Exam Analysis: Expected Paper Trends Based on Previous Year Analysis

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: How to Calculate Scores Using KEAM Answer Keys?

Candidates can use the KEAM 2026 answer keys and calculate their expected scores. To do so, there is a fixed method and formula to be applied. The same has been given below.

  • Use the KEAM 2026 memory-based answer key provided here and compare your response with it.
  • Note down the number of correct and incorrect answers.

Once you have the numbers, put them in the following formula:
4*(Number of Correct Answers) - 1*(Number of Wrong Answers) = Candidate’s Scores

The output becomes the expected scores in the KEAM 2026 exam.

KEAM April 17 Exam Today from 2 pm; Report by 12 Noon
  • Reporting Time: Report to the centre by 12:00 PM to avoid a last-minute rush.
  • Late Entry: No candidate will be allowed into the exam hall after the start of the exam.
  • Exam Timing: The exam is held from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM.
KEAM April 17 Exam LIVE: What to carry to the exam hall?

Students are required to report to the examination centre today, with the KEAM 2026 admit card at the time mentioned on it. Also, students appearing for the examination today must bring a photo ID (any one of the following: Aadhaar card/Voter ID/Driving license/PAN card, passport, etc.).

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: When is the KEAM 2026 exam for Pharmacy candidates?

The KEAM 2026 exam for pharmacy candidates will be held on April 18, 19, and 20 from 10 am to 11:30 am.

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: April 17 Day 1 Exam from 2 PM

CEE will conduct day 1 of the KEAM 2026 exam. The exam today is scheduled for engineering aspirants only from 2 pm to 5 pm.

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Is KEAM easier than JEE?

Yes, KEAM is easier than JEE. KEAM has more direct and formula-based questions, while JEE (especially Advanced) is more difficult and concept-based. Also, KEAM has state-level competition, whereas JEE is at the national level, making it tougher.

KEAM vs JEE

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Is 7000 a good rank in KEAM?

A 7000 rank in KEAM 2026 is generally considered a good (but not top-tier) rank, placing you in a competitive position for many engineering colleges. A score of 450+ in KEAM can get this rank

What You Can Get:

  • Good private and aided engineering colleges
  • Some government colleges (lower branches or later rounds)
  • Branches like: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Lower-demand CSE/ECE in some colleges
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Last-Minute Chemistry Topics (Engineering)

Chemistry is the easiest section with high accuracy

  • Organic Chemistry (Reactions & Named Reactions)
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Thermodynamics
  • Coordination Compounds
  • p-Block Elements
  • Mole Concept

Tip: Revise NCERT-based facts & reactions

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Last-Minute Physics Topics (Engineering)

Physics is often considered moderate, but Scoring

  • Mechanics (Laws of Motion, Work, Energy)
  • Current Electricity
  • Electrostatics
  • Optics (Ray + Wave)
  • Modern Physics
  • Thermodynamics

Tip: Focus on formula-based numericals

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Last-Minute Maths Topics (Engineering)

Maths has the highest weightage of around 50%. So it is suggested to focus on scoring along with the frequently asked topics:

  • Calculus (Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration)
  • Matrices & Determinants
  • Probability & Statistics
  • Vectors & 3D Geometry
  • Trigonometry (identities & equations)
  • Complex Numbers

Tip: Prioritize formulas + previous year questions (PYQs)

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Admit Card

The KEAM 2026 Admit Card is available on the official website – cee.kerala.gov.in. Candidates can still download their KEAM Admit Card 2026 by using their application number and password.

KEAM 2026 Login window

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Exam Pattern (Pharmacy)
  • The KEAM 2026 Pharmacy exam will be conducted in CBT mode and will consist of 75 MCQs from Physics and Chemistry.
  • The total duration of the exam is 1.5 hours (90 minutes), carrying a maximum of 300 marks.

Section-wise Distribution of Questions

Subject Number of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Physics 45 4 180
Chemistry 30 4 120
Total 75 300
Collegedunia wishes All the Best to all KEAM 2026 candidates!
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Exam Pattern (Engineering)
  • The KEAM 2026 Engineering exam will be conducted in CBT mode and will consist of 150 MCQs from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • The total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes), carrying a maximum of 600 marks.

Section-wise Question Distribution

Subject Number of Questions Marks per Question Total Marks
Mathematics 75 4 300
Physics 45 4 180
Chemistry 30 4 120
Total 150 600
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Reporting Time

The KEAM 2026 reporting time is a crucial part of the exam-day process, as candidates must complete multiple formalities before the exam begins.

Exam Exam Timing Expected Reporting Time Entry Closing Time Key Notes
Engineering 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ~1:30 PM Peak rush between 12–1 PM; arrive early
Pharmacy 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Around 8:00 AM ~9:30 AM Early reporting recommended
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: KEAM Marking Scheme

The Official Marking Scheme for the KEAM is given below: 

Response Type Marks Awarded
Correct Answer +4 marks
Wrong Answer −1 mark
Not Attempted 0 marks
KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Exam Day Instructions

The exam day instructions for the CBT exam have been released by the Commissioner of Entrance Exams, Kerala, on its official website, cee.kerala.gov.in. The official instructions are given below: 

Important Instructions for Candidates:

  • Candidates must report to the exam centre at the time mentioned in the admit card downloaded from the official website.
  • After the reporting time ends, a Mock Test will be conducted to familiarize candidates with the computer-based test system. The actual exam will follow.
  • Candidates must bring a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Driving License / PAN Card / Passport, etc.).
  • Electronic devices such as calculators, mobile phones, smartwatches, etc. are strictly prohibited. Once inside the exam hall, candidates cannot leave before the exam ends.
  • Parents/guardians are not allowed inside the examination building.
  • Candidates must bring the necessary stationery (pen, pencil, etc.). Sharing of items in the exam hall is not allowed.
  • Candidates must sit only in the seat allotted to them.
  • Instructions given by invigilators must be strictly followed.
  • Candidates must reach the exam centre at the reporting time mentioned in the admit card.
KEAM 2026 Reporting time

Source: KEAM Official Public Notice  

KEAM 2026 Exam Live Updates: Expected Marks vs Rank (Pharmacy)

The KEAM 2026 marks vs Rank of Pharmacy, shows that 255+ marks can get you a top rank within 2,500.

Marks (Out of 300) Expected Rank
255+ 1,001 – 2,500
162 – 254 2,501 – 8,000
100 – 161 8,001 – 20,000
Below 100 20,000+
KEAM 2026 Live Updates: Expected Marks vs Rank (Engineering)

The KEAM 2026 marks vs rank for engineering shows that scoring 550+ marks can get you a top 5,000 rank, while 500+ marks is very good for top colleges.

Marks (Out of 600) Expected Rank Performance Level
550+ 1 – 5,000 Excellent
500 – 549 5,001 – 10,000 Very Good
450 – 499 10,001 – 20,000 Good
400 – 449 20,001 – 30,000 Above Average
350 – 399 30,001 – 40,000 Average
300 – 349 40,001 – 50,000 Below Average
250 – 299 50,001 – 60,000 Low
Below 250 60,000+ Very Low
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