KEAM 2026: Key dates, pattern and exam-day rules
KEAM 2026 engineering exam began on 17 Apr 2026 and will be conducted through 22 Apr 2026 , daily 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM . The pharmacy test is scheduled 18–20 Apr 2026 , from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM each day.
KEAM 2026 exam schedule and important dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| KEAM 2026 engineering exam window | 17 Apr 2026 - 22 Apr 2026 |
| KEAM 2026 engineering day 1 | 17 Apr 2026 |
| KEAM 2026 pharmacy exams | 18 Apr 2026 - 20 Apr 2026 |
| Admit cards available online (official) | 08 Apr 2026 |
Report to the centre at least one hour before your slot to complete document checks and biometrics. Gates close at around 1:30 PM for engineering; no entry after the start of the test.
KEAM 2026 exam pattern and marking scheme
The KEAM tests are Computer Based Tests (CBT). Use the formula below to calculate your raw score.
| Exam | Questions | Duration | Total marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | 150 MCQs | 180 minutes | 600 |
| Pharmacy | 75 MCQs | 90 minutes | 300 |
Engineering sectional split:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 75 | 300 |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 30 | 120 |
Pharmacy sectional split:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 30 | 120 |
Marking scheme: +4 for each correct answer, −1 for each wrong answer, 0 for unattempted.
Mathematics carries the highest weight — roughly 45–50% of the engineering paper. Good attempts are estimated at 90–110 questions for a 500+ score in engineering.
On exam day: admit card, reporting time and rules
Bring a printed admit card (colour printout preferable) and a valid photo ID. You must sit in your allotted seat and follow invigilator instructions.
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators and smartwatches are prohibited. Parents or guardians are not allowed inside the exam building.
A mock test will be held at centres before the actual test to familiarise candidates with the CBT interface.
Expected marks vs rank (benchmarks)
Official rank cutoffs and seat allotment dates are released later by the exam authority. Early benchmarks indicate:
- 550+ marks : likely top 5,000 ranks
- 500+ marks : very good (5,000–10,000 range)
- 450+ marks : good (approx. 10,000–20,000 range)
These are broad estimates; final ranks depend on overall performance and tie‑breaking rules.