How CBSE revaluation delays could affect KEAM 2026 admissions

The decision by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to open the revaluation window for Class 12 students considering concerns over the newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has brought relief to many candidates. However, for many of engineering aspirants in Kerala, the move have come too late as it can impact their admission prospects through the Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical, KEAM.

The matter has grabbed attention as the CBSE revaluation schedule overlaps with the deadline set by Kerala's Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) for submitting Class 12 marks. While CBSE has asked the students to apply for revaluation until June 6, the CEE has fixed June 7 as the deadline to submit marks. Therefore, students who are hoping for an increase in their scores through revaluation will not receive their revised marks by then. Due to this, their current marks will be considered for the KEAM admission process.

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CBSE students seek revaluation

The controversy began after CBSE introduced the On-Screen Marking system for evaluating Class 12 answer sheets. Under this digital process, examiners assess scanned copies of answer scripts instead of physical answer books. Soon after declaration of results, students from across the country reported unexpectedly low marks and discrepancies in subject-wise scores. Several students and parents alleged that the new evaluation system have led to marking errors. This prompted widespread demands for rechecking and revaluation. CBSE opened a revaluation window and allowed students to challenge their scores and seek corrections.

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KEAM admissions link with board marks

Unlike other engineering entrance processes that rely solely on entrance test performance, KEAM uses a combined ranking methodology. The final engineering rank list is prepared by giving equal weightage to entrance examination scores and Class 12 marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

It means that students' performance in board examination directly influences a candidate's position in KEAM merit list. Even a small increase in CBSE Class 12 marks through revaluation can improve a student's rank. It can potentially increase their chances of securing admission to their preferred engineering college.

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Therefore, students awaiting revised CBSE scores fear that they may be disadvantaged if the updated marks are not considered before the KEAM rank list is prepared. Students and parents have submitted representations to the Kerala government seeking an extension of the June 7 deadline. Some parent groups have also suggested reducing the weightage given to Class 12 marks for this year's admissions.

Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John is expected to step in and the government may examine the issue before taking a decision.