How Does KEAM Differ From KCET- Opportunities and Scope
KEAM and KCET are the two sought-after state level entrances for admission to the best colleges in the states of Kerala and Karnataka respectively into various courses. Qualifying candidates can bag seats in diverse fields like Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, Medical Sciences, Ayurveda, Homeopathy etc. The two entrances differ in terms of scope and opportunities and the same have been mentioned below.
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The article sheds light on the scope and opportunities of the two exams thereby clearing your confusion as which one to opt for. You may also be acquainted with the eligibility criteria, level of difficulty, exam pattern and others such.
Opportunities
KEAM is the entry level exam held in the state of Kerala and helps provide admission to aspirants in the best architecture colleges of the state. While admissions to Engineering and Architecture colleges of the state is dependent upon JEE and NEET respectively. On the other hand, KCET is also entry level examination which enables candidates to get admitted in the state colleges that offer courses in diverse fields like Architecture, Engineering, Pharmacy, Medical sciences, Ayurveda, Homeopathy etc.
Level of Difficulty
Both KCET and KEAM share almost similar level of difficulty. KEAM is known to be moderately difficult and Mathematics section of the same is mostly lengthy. Paper 2 is found to be comparatively tough. Also, there is a provision for negative marking.
KCET which is conducted separately for all the four subjects on two alternate days with two exams on each day is moderate-highly difficult with more inclination towards the moderate side.
However, for both the examinations, it is imperative to appear in paper 1 as well as paper 2 or else the final result will not be made. With sound basics and enough practice, both the exam can be tackled very well.
Eligibility Criteria
Both the exams have set up a separate eligibility criteria for the candidates. The eligibility criteria for KCET are as follows:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 examinations with Physics and Chemistry as the main subjects and English as the language subject.
- They must have studied biology/biotechnology/computer science as an elective subject in class XII.
- A minimum of 45% marks in class XII examinations, if belonging to the General category is required. For reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, the minimum requirement of marks is of 40% in class XII.
The eligibility criteria for KEAM are as follows:
- Candidate must be a citizen of India.
- A score of 50% in Mathematics separately and 50% marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics collectively is essential
- Candidates with 45% marks in mathematics, physics and chemistry/ biology/ biochemistry/ computer science etc. will get admission in the management quota seats in Private Self-Financing Engineering colleges/ Government Controlled Self-Financing Engineering colleges.
Exam Pattern
Both KCET and KEAM have a specific exam pattern. There is negative marking for every wrong answer in KEAM wherein 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. On the other hand, KEAM is an objective examination conducted in the offline mode. The exam pattern is as under:
| Paper | Subject | Number of Questions | Duration | Marks |
| Paper 1 | Physics & Chemistry | 120 | 150 minutes | 480 |
| Paper 2 | Mathematics | 120 | 150 minutes | 480 |
| Total | 240 | 960 |
KCET is also an objective examination carried out in the pen-paper mode. The exam pattern of KCET is stated below:
| Paper | Subject | Number of Questions | Duration | Marks |
| Paper 1 | Physics & Chemistry | 120 (60+60) | 120 minutes | 120 |
| Paper 2 | Mathematics & Biology (optional) | 120 (60+60) | 120 minutes | 120 |
| Total | 240 | 240 |
Registration Fee
Both the exams have a different fee for different categories. The registration fee for KEAM is tabulated below.
| Course | General | SC |
| Engineering/Pharmacy/Both | INR 700 | INR 300 |
| Architecture/Medical & Allied/Both | INR 500 | INR 200 |
| Both | INR 900 | INR 400 |
The registration fee of KCET exam for general and OBC category candidates is INR 650 while those belong to SC/ST category have to pay INR500 as an application fee.
However, candidates residing outside the state of Karnataka have to pay INR 750 and INR 5,000 in case of candidates residing outside India.
Therefore, KCET and KEAM are almost similar type of examinations with the same difficulty level providing entry to the candidates seeking to enter the professional courses in Karnataka and Kerala respectively. These exams are at the undergraduate level and with clear basics and religious practice, both the exams can be tackled well. So, candidates can choose from any of the two as per their preference.