Tentative KEAM 2026 exam dates revealed — expected to run 15–21 April 2026

Reports indicate the KEAM 2026 entrance exam, the gateway to Kerala's top engineering colleges, is tentatively scheduled for April 15–21, 2026. This marks the shift to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. While awaiting official confirmation from the CEE Kerala at cee.kerala.gov.in, aspirants must use this schedule to plan their final preparation, focusing on the new digital exam pattern. The schedule includes buffer days (April 13, 14, 22, 23) for smooth execution. Stay updated and start rigorous mock practice now.

The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, the conducting body for the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance exam, is the final authority for releasing the official exam schedule. As of mid-November 2025, while the official KEAM 2026 dates are yet to be updated on the CEE Kerala website, cee.kerala.gov.in, various reports suggest a highly probable testing window.

​According to these reports, the KEAM 2026 engineering and pharmacy entrance exam is tentatively scheduled to run for seven days, from April 15 to April 21, 2026. This schedule is crucial for the lakhs of students vying for B.Tech and B.Pharm seats in Kerala's prestigious government, government-controlled, and private self-financing colleges. Notably, the exam continues the transition to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, which was introduced in recent years. This change demands a shift in preparation strategy for aspirants, making it vital to plan the final four months (December to April) efficiently.

​ Tentative Exam Schedule and Buffer Days Explained

​The reported schedule provides a concrete timeline that students should integrate into their preparation calendars, while remaining vigilant for the official notification. The multi-day testing window is characteristic of the new computer-based format, allowing CEE to manage logistics and test a large number of candidates effectively.

• ​Core Exam Window: The KEAM 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled to be held from April 15 to April 21, 2026. This one-week period suggests that candidates will be allotted specific dates and shifts for their respective papers (likely one 3-hour session per day, as per previous patterns).
• ​Buffer Days: CEE Kerala is expected to reserve four additional days as 'buffer days': April 13, 14, 22, and 23, 2026. 
  • ​Purpose: These reserve dates are crucial for addressing any unexpected technical glitches, power failures, or logistical issues that might disrupt the smooth conduct of the CBT. They also provide flexibility for scheduling make-up tests if required for any batch of students.
• ​Registration Timeline (Expected): Though not officially confirmed, the KEAM 2026 registration process is tentatively expected to commence in February 2026 and conclude by early March 2026, marking the next administrative milestone aspirants must watch out for.

​Aspirants are strongly advised to keep checking the official website, cee.kerala.gov.in, as the dates are currently based on media reports and not on a formal CEE notification.

​ Shift to CBT: Mastering the Digital Exam Pattern

​The transition of KEAM from a paper-and-pen test to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) fundamentally changes the test-taking experience. For KEAM 2026 aspirants, adapting to this digital format is as critical as mastering the syllabus.

• ​Exam Structure: The engineering entrance exam typically consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 3 hours (180 minutes). The subjects covered are Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). 
  • ​Subject Distribution (Expected): Mathematics (75 questions), Physics (45 questions), and Chemistry (30 questions).
  • ​Marking Scheme: Candidates are awarded 4 marks for every correct answer, and 1 mark is typically deducted for every incorrect answer (negative marking).
• ​Familiarization is Key: Unlike a traditional paper test, candidates need practice navigating the digital interface, efficiently marking answers, reviewing flagged questions, and managing the on-screen clock.
• ​Mock Tests are Mandatory: The only way to master the CBT format is through rigorous practice using full-length online mock tests that accurately simulate the KEAM interface and time constraints. This practice helps candidates improve speed, accuracy, and endurance.

​Final Preparation Strategy for the April Window

​With the tentative dates pointing towards a mid-April exam, the final four months (mid-November to mid-April) demand a well-structured and highly focused preparation plan.

• ​Targeted Revision: Focus on the high-weightage topics identified from the KEAM syllabus. As per past trends, emphasis should be placed on areas like Electrostatics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Organic Chemistry (NCERT-based), and Calculus & Vectors in Mathematics.
• ​Time Management Mastery: Since the KEAM paper involves 150 questions in 180 minutes, effective time allocation per question (just over one minute) is vital. Mock tests should be used to pinpoint which subject or question type consumes the most time. Mathematics is often the most time-consuming section.
• ​Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs): Solving KEAM PYQs is indispensable. This helps students understand the difficulty level, the type of questions (conceptual vs. calculation-heavy), and the recurring themes in the exam, ensuring the preparation is aligned with CEE’s testing style.
• ​Board Exam Balance: Many aspirants appear for the CBSE/ISC or Kerala state board exams in February/March. It is crucial to create a balanced schedule that leverages board exam preparation for the KEAM syllabus without sacrificing the dedicated time required for the unique KEAM question patterns and speed.

​Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Focused

​The tentative KEAM 2026 schedule from April 15–21, 2026, serves as an urgent call to action for engineering aspirants. While the dates await official confirmation from the CEE Kerala, the likelihood of an April exam window remains high. Aspirants must not wait for the final notification; instead, they should finalize their study plan, intensify their focus on the CBT format, and commit to regular, timed mock tests.

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