KEAM row: Kerala govt on tightrope as report suggests even cabinet ministers opposed last-minute change

Thiruvananthapuram: The controversial last-minute revision to the KEAM 2025 ranking formula has drawn sharp criticism from multiple quarters. Emerging reports suggest that several ministers within the Kerala cabinet had opposed the move before the rank list was released on July 1. The decision was finalised at the cabinet meeting held on June 30, just a day ahead of the publication. The meeting reportedly saw stiff resistance to the abrupt shift in criteria.

Law and Agriculture Ministers among dissenters

The Law Minister and Agriculture Minister were among those who reportedly expressed concern, warning that an unexpected change in criteria could create problems. Despite the objections, a majority of CPM ministers backed the change, insisting it should be implemented this year.

The KEAM prospectus did not include any reference to a formula change. This omission reportedly triggered apprehension among ministers that the rank list could be subject to legal challenge.

Although an expert committee had recommended a change in the formula, it had not advised immediate implementation. Critics argue that the government rushed the process, further complicating an already delayed exercise.

The presumption that a Supreme Court verdict could take months—adding to student stress and intensifying criticism—reportedly discouraged the government from challenging the Kerala High Court division bench ruling. As a result, the rank list was eventually released based on the existing formula.

Complaints from state syllabus students prompted review

The decision to review the ranking method stemmed from widespread complaints that the current formula was a disadvantage to students from the state syllabus. In response, the government appointed an expert committee whose findings formed the basis for the proposed changes, also contributing to the delay in the release.

High Court’s decision

On Thursday, the Kerala High Court upheld a single judge’s ruling that struck down the late-stage revision to the KEAM prospectus. A division bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S dismissed the state government's appeal, observing it found "absolutely no reason to interfere with the decision of the single judge".