KEAM 2027: Type 1 Diabetes Candidates to Get 20 Minutes Extra Time Per Hour

In a recent move, the Kerala state government has given students suffering from Type 1 diabetes more time for the KEAM entrance exam. In the latest development, those who fulfill the requirements would get an extra 20 minutes for each hour of the examination.

On November 12, 2026, Roji M John, the Kerala Higher Education Minister, made the announcement. Those applying for this benefit need to show proof in the form of a medical certificate. The provision will be included in the prospectus of the KEAM 2027.

Those suffering from Type 1 diabetes will be allowed to take into examination halls diabetes care equipment such as insulin pens, glucose tablets, monitoring devices, water, and snacks.

KEAM 2027 Extra Time Rules for Diabetic Students

This extra time is meant to make it easier for students to cope with any health problems that may arise during their exams. Type 1 diabetes often leads to irregularities in blood sugar levels, and this sometimes needs urgent medical or food attention.

The Kerala government made this concession possible after taking into consideration a representation made by the Type One Diabetes Foundation, and the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations report.

This concession was also approved by the Finance Department and the Chief Minister. Previously, Kerala had already made this provision for its examination held by universities and professional colleges.

The table below shows some of the announced KEAM 2027 concessions.

Medical Supplies Allowed in KEAM Examination Halls

Along with additional examination time, eligible candidates can carry certain medical supplies and food items into examination halls after security checks.

The announced list of permitted items includes:

• Insulin pens for administering insulin.
• Insulin pumps used for diabetes management.
• Glucose tablets for managing low blood sugar.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS).
• Drinking water.
• Snacks and fruits required during examinations.

These facilities are intended to help students manage their condition without unnecessary disruption. Candidates should check the KEAM 2027 prospectus for final instructions on carrying medical devices and food items.

Why Students With Type 1 Diabetes Need Extra Time

Type 1 diabetes is a disorder that leads to insufficient insulin production. Insulin therapy is required for the treatment of type 1 diabetes patients along with frequent blood glucose checks.

During tests, candidates may suffer from either hypoglycaemia, a state of low blood sugar or hyperglycaemia, high blood sugar. The two states may influence the concentration of students and even their well-being.

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that low blood sugar may lead to shivering, sweating, fainting, hunger and confusion. In some cases, help is needed at once.

Students may require checking their glucose, eating right food or taking insulin before continuing their test. All of those activities will take up a certain amount of time.

The additional-time arrangement offered by Kerala acknowledges the above interruptions and allows eligible students extra time for writing examinations.

How KEAM Rules Compare With JEE Main

Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main organised by National Testing Agency (NTA) allows compensatory time according to the provision made for disabilities.

JEE Main 2027 bulletin contains provisions for candidates with disabilities who are eligible for examination assistance. Candidates with specific disabilities that are less than 40% and have problems writing may also be eligible, based on certain certification conditions.

Eligible candidates will be provided with 20 minutes of compensatory time for every examination hour. But there are no provisions for providing extra time to candidates suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

This forms an important difference between JEE Main and KEAM 2027. In KEAM, Kerala has included Type 1 diabetes as a disease for which extra time can be provided.

JEE Advanced and Other Entrance Examination Rules

There is also the possibility of provision of extra examination time because of disability in JEE Advanced. According to the JEE Advanced 2026 brochure, there is provision of extra one hour for every three hour paper for those candidates that qualify for eligibility.

The candidates who have disabilities less than 40 percent and find it hard to write can also be considered eligible if they fulfill the criteria prescribed. The provision of extra time for Type 1 diabetes is not specifically stated in the 2026 brochure.

Such provisions exist in some other entrance examinations for engineers conducted at the state level.

WBJEE and MHT CET

Compensatory time is provided for WBJEE 2026 and MHT CET 2026 examinations to those applicants whose qualifications fall within certain conditions with regards to disabilities.

An extra 20 minutes for every hour of the examination could be allotted to qualified applicants according to the guidelines concerned.

However, Type 1 diabetes is not included among the criteria of awarding extra time in 2026 examinations guidelines of both of the above examinations.

COMEDK UGET

Scribes are offered to the candidates who are handicapped for COMEDK UGET 2026 under the condition that proper documentation is carried out by the candidate himself.

No extra time is mentioned to be granted to candidates having Type 1 diabetes in the brochure of this test.

CBSE Facilities for Students With Type 1 Diabetes

Medical needs of diabetic (Type 1) candidates appearing for 10th and 12th board examinations have been acknowledged by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

In accordance with the CBSE circular dated 21st February, 2017, diabetic students can carry sugar tablets, chocolates, candies, fruits, sandwiches, and a water bottle to examination centers.

Students will have to produce a certificate of a doctor specializing in diabetes stating the candidate’s medical background and requirement for snacks. Certificate is to be sent to the CBSE via the school principal.

Under this circular, permissible food items will be kept with the invigilators at the examination center. They will be provided whenever necessary to the candidates.

But it is to be noted that such provision is only for managing blood sugar levels and not extra writing time to the candidates.

NEET UG Rules for Diabetic Candidates

Facilities are also provided by the NEET UG examination board for diabetic students in the examination.

In accordance with the NEET UG 2026 exam guidelines, students suffering from diabetes can have sugar tablets and fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges as well as a clear water bottle.

Nevertheless, the permission does not guarantee an additional examination duration for Type 1 diabetes patients.

Hence, the new announcement of KEAM 2027 is different from those offering medical assistance and foods.

How to Check KEAM 2027 Diabetes Concession Guidelines

Concession will be included in KEAM 2027 by the Kerala Commissioner for Entrance Examination. Students are advised to refer to the official website for further documentation and examination details.

1. Access the CEE Kerala official website through cee.kerala.gov.in.
2. Check for the KEAM 2027 prospectus or any other official notifications issued there.
3. Get acquainted with the eligibility criteria for those who have Type 1 diabetes.
4. Learn about the medical certificates required along with the procedure of submission.
5. Keep the official prospectus and act as per the instructions therein.

It has been made clear by the authorities that a physician’s certificate will have to be produced by each of the candidates. The exact method of application and submission of certificate can only be known from the official prospectus.

Those students who qualify for this concession can also go through the regulations for the day of the examination before appearing in the test center.

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