KEAM Counselling 2026 Begins: Option Registration Open, Phase 1 Dates

Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala has officially started the KEAM Counselling 2026 process for admission to undergraduate Engineering programmes across participating institutes in the state. The Centralised Allotment Process (CAP) is now active, and eligible candidates can complete their option registration through the official portal, cee.kerala.gov.in. Candidates who have qualified for admission under KEAM 2026 can submit their preferred colleges and engineering branches through the online option registration facility. The last date to complete the choice-filling process is July 06, 2026. Along with the commencement of counselling, CEE Kerala has also announced the complete Phase 1 counselling schedule, including the trial allotment, provisional allotment, first allotment, and fee payment dates.

KEAM Counselling 2026 Phase 1 Important Dates

CEE Kerala has released the detailed schedule for the first phase of KEAM counselling. Candidates are advised to complete every counselling activity within the prescribed timeline to remain eligible for seat allotment.

KEAM 2026 Option Registration Process

The option registration process allows candidates to prioritise their preferred engineering colleges and branches for admission. Seat allotment will be conducted based on candidates' rank, reservation criteria, seat availability, and the order of preferences submitted during counselling. To avoid last-minute issues, candidates should carefully review and lock their choices before the registration deadline. Once the option registration period closes, changes may not be permitted until the next counselling phase, subject to the authority's guidelines.

KEAM Counselling 2026 Registration Fee

Candidates participating in the counselling process are required to pay a registration fee while submitting their options. The fee varies according to the candidate's category. The fee can be paid online or through designated Head Post Offices across Kerala.

CEE Kerala has clarified that:

• The registration fee will be adjusted against the tuition fee for candidates who secure admission.
• It may also be adjusted towards the caution deposit wherever applicable.
• Candidates who do not receive any seat allotment will receive a refund of the registration fee.
• Candidates who are allotted a seat but fail to complete admission will forfeit the registration fee as a penalty.

How to Complete KEAM 2026 Option Registration?

Candidates are advised to verify all choices before final submission, as the order of preferences plays an important role in seat allotment. Candidates can complete the counselling registration by following these steps:

• Visit the official KEAM counselling portal.
• Log in using the required application credentials.
• Select the preferred engineering colleges and branches in the desired order.
• Review all entered options carefully.
• Pay the applicable registration fee.
• Submit and save the confirmation page for future reference.

What Happens After KEAM Phase 1 Option Registration?

After the option registration period ends, CEE Kerala will publish the trial allotment on July 05, 2026. The trial allotment allows candidates to understand the likely seat allocation based on their submitted preferences and rank. Following this, the authority will release the provisional allotment list on July 07, 2026, providing candidates with an opportunity to identify and report any discrepancies before the publication of the final Phase 1 allotment. The first phase seat allotment will be announced on July 08, 2026. Candidates receiving seats must complete the prescribed fee payment between July 09 and July 12, 2026 to confirm their admission. Failure to pay the admission fee within the specified deadline may result in cancellation of the allotted seat. Candidates should continue monitoring the official KEAM portal for further announcements regarding subsequent counselling rounds, document verification, reporting instructions, and admission formalities.