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CEE has not yet released the KEAM Chemistry syllabus 2026 on its official website: cee.kerala.gov.in. However, until the KEAM Chemistry syllabus 2026 PDF is released by CEE, candidates can refer to the KEAM exam syllabus from the previous session to prepare.
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The KEAM Chemistry syllabus 2026 is based on the Class 11 and 12 curriculum.
- The KEAM Chemistry syllabus 2026 covers topics from the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum, divided into Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry.
- Key areas include
- Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics, Solutions),
- Inorganic Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, p-Block, d-Block, and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds), and
- Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, and Biomolecules).
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Key Summary
- The KEAM (Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical) is a test conducted by CEE Kerala, where chemistry plays an important role in determining ranks.
- KEAM Engineering is a very competitive exam with approximately 86,549 students participating in the year 2025..
- The Chemistry syllabus 2026 includes Class 11 and 12 NCERT topics, which concern Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.
- The weightage of Organic Chemistry is highest, with chapters such as Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, and Biomolecules.
- The core of the study material is based on the NCERT books, which are supported by Arihant, GKP, and O.P. Tandon. This will help the students to study the topics and practice MCQ problems as well.
- The exam pattern will consist of 150 questions in Engineering (75 Maths, 45 Physics, 30 Chemistry), where +4 and -1 are given respectively on a correct and incorrect response.
- CBT mode involves proper time management and knowledge of the online mode of test.
- An effective combination of concept learning and solving numerical questions from previous year papers is a strategy that will help maximise the marks.
- The syllabus had no significant changes in the year 2025, so the students can rely on standard references.
- Chemistry can be described as a rank booster because it has an equal combination of conceptual and scoring topics.
What is the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
A list of topics included in the KEAM Chemistry syllabus is officially mentioned by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala (CEE), for the chemistry portion. It includes Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. This will help the students to prepare accordingly.
- This includes covering the major units of chemistry for both Class 11 and Class 12; hence, a candidate's preparation needs to be very comprehensive in terms of basic as well as advanced subjects.
- The given syllabus should be considered by the students as the ultimate scope of the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus. Failure to do so will result in the students being caught off guard by the unpredictable study material in the exams.
Check:
Ques. Is the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 based on the NCERT curriculum?
Ans. Yes. The KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus. It covers all key topics such as Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry and thus the students using NCERT books can easily study the exam.
Ques. Is the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 the same as 2025?
Ans. There are no big changes in the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026. However, the students must always visit the official website for any notification by CEE Kerala before starting the preparation to know any minor changes or clarifications.
KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 Important Topics
The syllabus is distributed between Class 11 and 12, which helps the students to revise all the NCERT topics thoroughly and accordingly.
- Organic chemistry has the highest weightage, with topics such as Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, and Biomolecules.
- Inorganic Chemistry emphasises conceptual clarity, which includes topics such as the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, and Coordination Compounds.
- The chemistry syllabus is structured according to the NCERT pattern, which implies that students who are using NCERT textbooks are at a greater advantage.
| Unit No. | Unit Title | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry | Matter & its nature; Laws of chemical combination; Mole concept; Empirical & molecular formula; Concentration calculations; Stoichiometry. |
| 2 | Structure of an Atom | Discovery of e⁻, p⁺, n⁰; Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr models; Quantum numbers; Electronic configuration; Aufbau, Pauli, Hund rules. |
| 3 | Classification of Elements & Periodicity in Properties | Modern periodic table; Periodic trends (atomic/ionic radii, ionisation energy, electronegativity); Anomalies; Periodic properties of s-, p-, d- and f-block elements. |
| 4 | Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure | Ionic, covalent bonding; Lewis structures; VSEPR theory; Hybridisation; Molecular Orbital Theory (qualitative); Hydrogen bonding; Bond parameters. |
| 5 | States of Matter | Gases, liquids and solids; Ideal gas laws; Real gases; Liquids & types of solids; Properties like viscosity, surface tension. |
| 6 | Thermodynamics | System, surroundings; First law (ΔU, ΔH); Enthalpy of reaction; Hess’s law; Entropy concept; Gibbs free energy and spontaneity; Brief Third law. |
| 7 | Equilibrium | Chemical equilibrium; Physical equilibrium; Law of mass action; Le Chatelier’s principle; Ionic equilibrium (acid-base, salts); pH & buffers; Solubility product concept. |
| 8 | Redox Reactions & Electrochemistry | Oxidation states; Redox reactions; Electrolysis; Conductance; Galvanic cells; EMF, Nernst equation (qualitative); Fuel cells; Corrosion. |
| 9 | Solutions | Types of solutions: Concentration units (molarity, molality); Raoult’s law; Colligative properties (boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, osmotic pressure); Abnormal molecular mass. |
| 10 | Chemical Kinetics | Rate of reaction; Order and molecularity; Rate laws; Factors affecting rate; Activation energy; Arrhenius equation (qualitative). |
| 11 | Surface Chemistry | Adsorption; Catalysis; Colloids; Emulsions; Surface phenomena (though may be reduced/modified in recent syllabus) |
| 12 | Hydrogen & S-Block Elements | Hydrogen: isotopes, allotropes, hydrides; s-block (alkali & alkaline earth metals): general properties, preparation and uses of compounds. |
| 13 | P-Block Elements | Groups 13-18: general trends; specific elements (B, Al, C, Si, N, P, O, S, halogens, noble gases); Important compounds. |
| 14 | D- and F-Block Elements (Transition Elements) | Characteristics of transition metals; Oxidation states; Magnetic properties; Lanthanoids & actinoids: contraction, reactivity. |
| 15 | Coordination Compounds | Ligands; Coordination number; Bonding (VBT, CFT – qualitative); Nomenclature; Isomerism; Colours and magnetic properties; Importance in industry/biology. |
| 16 | Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles & Techniques | IUPAC nomenclature; Homologous series; Isomerism (structural & stereoisomerism); Electronic effects (inductive, mesomeric); Methods of purification & qualitative analysis of organics. |
| 17 | Hydrocarbons | Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes – preparation, properties, mechanisms (free radical halogenation); Aromatic hydrocarbons: benzene, its structure, electrophilic substitution. |
| 18 | Haloalkanes & Haloarenes | Nomenclature; C-X bond nature; Preparation & properties of haloalkanes/haloarenes; Environmental/industrial aspects of halogen compounds. |
| 19 | Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers | Preparation, properties, uses of alcohols, phenols, ethers; Mechanisms of reactions (acid/base, oxidation, dehydration); Identification tests. |
| 20 | Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids | Structure, methods of preparation, reactions, uses; Important derivatives (acid halides, esters, amides). |
| 21 | Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen | Amines, diazonium salts, nitro compounds: preparation, properties & uses; Cyanides & isocyanides. |
| 22 | Biomolecules, Polymers & Chemistry in Everyday Life | Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, nucleic acids; Polymers; Some key environmental chemistry and everyday-life chemicals (may vary year to year. |
KEAM Chemistry 2026 Chapter-wise Weightage
| Unit / Chapter | Approx. No. of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Concepts of Chemistry & Atomic Structure | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure | 3 – 4 | 8 – 10% |
| States of Matter (Gaseous & Liquid) | 2 | 5% |
| Thermodynamics & Thermochemistry | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| Equilibrium (Ionic & Chemical) | 3 – 4 | 8 – 10% |
| Redox Reactions & Electrochemistry | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| Chemical Kinetics | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| Surface Chemistry | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4% |
| Solid State | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4% |
| Solutions & Colligative Properties | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4% |
| Classification of Elements & Periodicity | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4% |
| Hydrogen & s-block Elements | 1 – 2 | 3 – 4% |
| p-block Elements (Group 13–18) | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| d- and f-block Elements | 3 – 4 | 8 – 10% |
| Coordination Compounds | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| General Principles & Processes of Isolation of Elements (Metallurgy) | 1 | 2 – 3% |
| Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| Hydrocarbons & Haloalkanes / Haloarenes | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers | 2 | 5% |
| Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids | 2 – 3 | 6 – 8% |
| Amines & Diazonium Compounds | 2 | 5% |
| Biomolecules & Polymers | 2 | 5% |
| Chemistry in Everyday Life & Environmental Chemistry | 1 | 2 – 3% |
Check:
Ques. What is the most important part of the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
Ans. Organic Chemistry has the highest weightage, which is followed by Physical Chemistry. Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Thermodynamics and Equilibrium. These are some of the topics that are commonly asked. By concentrating on reaction mechanisms and conceptual numericals, it can be a great idea to score higher points on the Chemistry paper.
Ques. What is the best way to cover the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
Ans. Begin with NCERT textbooks to develop solid fundamentals. Note down formulae, reactions and exceptions in brief. Regular practice of past year KEAM papers and mock tests will help determine significant areas to be covered.
KEAM Chemistry Syllabus Books
NCERT books are still the major source for the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 since it is based on Class 11 and 12 topics.
- GKP and Arihant books are KEAM-specific, which is ideal for direct practice of exams and the new pattern.
- The O.P. Tandon series assists the students in enhancing conceptual and numerical knowledge, particularly in hard subjects.
- Morrison & Boyd is suitable for students who are interested in mastering organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
- Quick revision and daily MCQ practice should be done with a crash course and objective books (MTG, Dinesh).
- NCERT, KEAM book and a reference book are the most effective methods of scoring high in Chemistry.
| Book Title | Author / Publication | Best For | Key Features | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCERT Chemistry Class 11 & 12 | NCERT | Concept foundation | Covers all topics in the KEAM syllabus; simple language; directly aligned with the CEE Kerala syllabus | Must-read for all aspirants |
| GKP KEAM Chemistry Guide | G. K. Publications | Comprehensive KEAM coverage | Full syllabus-based theory + practice sets + previous year papers | Ideal for concept + practice combo |
| Arihant KEAM Solved Papers (with Chemistry Section) | Arihant Publications | Previous year questions | Includes the last 10+ years of solved KEAM papers with explanations | Best for exam pattern understanding |
| Objective Chemistry for KEAM | GKP / Disha Experts | MCQ practice | 2000+ objective questions; topic-wise solutions; mock tests | Improves speed and accuracy |
| O.P. Tandon – Physical Chemistry | G.R. Bathla Publications | Concept clarity & numericals | Detailed theory, formulae, solved numericals | Best for Physical Chemistry mastery |
| O.P. Tandon – Inorganic Chemistry | G.R. Bathla Publications | Concept understanding | Comprehensive inorganic coverage with NCERT alignment | Excellent for coordination & periodicity |
| Morrison and Boyd – Organic Chemistry | Pearson | Advanced concept & mechanisms | Deep explanation of organic reactions and mechanisms | For students aiming for high accuracy |
| MTG 30 Days Crash Course – KEAM Chemistry | MTG Editorial Board | Revision before the exam | Chapter-wise quick revision notes + practice tests | Great for last-month preparation |
| Dinesh Chemistry Objective | S. Chand Publications | Mixed-level MCQs | NCERT-based multiple-choice practice | Suitable for daily practice |
| Trueman’s Elementary Chemistry | Trueman | Balanced reference | Covers both theoretical & application-based problems | Good for both concept & exam-level questions |
Check:
Ques. Are NCERT books enough for KEAM Chemistry 2026?
Ans. Yes, the NCERT books of Classes 11 and 12 have about 90% of the KEAM Chemistry syllabus. Nevertheless, to have a more effective practice and faster results, students are also recommended to answer the objective questions of KEAM or Arihant guidebooks and study the past years' papers regularly.
Ques. What is the best book to practice numerical problems?
Ans. In case of numerical and concept-based questions, O.P. Tandon's Physical Chemistry and Arihant Objective Chemistry are the most appropriate. They contain formula-based questions, numerical problems and step-wise solutions, which enhance the accuracy and time management of the students.
KEAM Exam Pattern 2026
The engineering stream (75 of the 150 questions) mainly contains the highest weightage, and therefore, good preparation in maths is essential.
- Physics and Chemistry contain fewer yet important questions (45 and 30, respectively), and therefore, they cannot be disregarded.
- The +4/-1 marking scheme is used to reward accuracy and penalise guessing. Thus, the students are advised not to mark the answers with which they are not confident.
- The Pharmacy paper is less time-consuming (75 questions, 90 minutes) and requires a quicker speed and a smaller error margin.
- The mode is CBT, so knowledge of a computer-based test environment can come in handy (e.g. navigation, marking answers to review).
- Since the pattern is quite consistent, it is possible to plan the preparation of subjects.
| Course | Mode | Duration | Subjects | No. of Questions (Engineering) | Total Marks | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 180 minutes (3 hours) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Mathematics 75 + Physics 45 + Chemistry 30 = 150 questions | 600 marks | +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer |
| Pharmacy / B.Pharm | CBT | 90 minutes | Physics, Chemistry | Physics 45 + Chemistry 30 = 75 questions | 300 marks | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong |
Ques. How many questions are there in the Engineering paper?
Ans. The total number of questions in the Engineering paper is 150, which includes 75 on Mathematics, 45 on Physics, and 30 on Chemistry. Every response is awarded 4 marks, and a negative marking of 1 mark is deducted for any incorrect answer. The exam takes a total of 3 hours.
Ques. What is the marking scheme of the exam?
Ans. The exam has a +4/ -1 marking pattern. Each correct answer will be awarded 4 marks, and each wrong answer will be awarded 1 mark. For the questions that are not answered, no marks are awarded. This trend does not encourage guessing.
KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. What is the KEAM Chemistry Syllabus 2026 based on?
Ans. The KEAM Chemistry syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum. It covers Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, including Thermodynamics, Hydrocarbons, Coordination Compounds, and Chemical Equilibrium, so that students of both the state and CBSE boards can be well prepared.
Ques. Which Chemistry section has the most weight in KEAM 2026?
Ans. The weightage of Organic Chemistry is the greatest in KEAM 2026, followed by Physical Chemistry. Subjects such as Alcohols, Hydrocarbons and Biomolecules are frequently questioned. Students need to learn the mechanisms of reactions and practice NCERT-based MCQs to become more accurate and score a better rank.
Ques. What are the best books to study for KEAM Chemistry 2026?
Ans. NCERT Class 11 and 12 Chemistry, O.P. Tandon Series and KEAM Chemistry Guide by Arihant are the best books. NCERT assists in the construction of the concept, and Arihant and GKP provide topic-wise practice. In the case of numericals, it is strongly suggested to practice from O.P. Tandon's Physical Chemistry.
Ques. How many Chemistry questions appear in the KEAM Engineering paper?
Ans. There are 30 questions on Chemistry, which is included in the KEAM Engineering paper, out of 150 questions. Every right answer scores 4 marks and every wrong answer scores -1 mark. Questions are conceptual, covering both theory and numericals from Classes 11 and 12.
Ques. How should I prepare for KEAM Chemistry effectively?
Ans. A student should start their preparation from the NCERT books, as they will help build a base. It should then be followed by Arihant or GKP KEAM Guides as a form of objective practice. Repeatedly revise formulas, reactions, and mechanisms. Practice past 10 years papers and solve sample tests to enhance accuracy, speed and conceptual clarity.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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