CUET Chemistry Syllabus 2025: Chapter-Wise Topics, Difficulty Level, Preparation Tips & Books

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Sahaj Anand

Content Writer | Journalism Graduate | Updated 3+ months ago

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the CUET Chemistry Syllabus 2025, which will be used for the Chemistry exam in CUET UG 2025, which will take place from May 8 to June 1, 2025.

This year, more than 15 lakh students are expected to appear for CUET, making it one of India's biggest undergraduate entrance exams.

The Chemistry syllabus, which consists of 16 units in Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, is aligned with NCERT Class 11 and 12.

  • Physical Chemistry: Includes Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Surface Chemistry, which accounts for 10-15% of the Chemistry syllabus.
  • Organic Chemistry: Consists of Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Biomolecules, which make up approximately 40% of Organic Chemistry.
  • Inorganic Chemistry: Deals with p-Block, d- and f-Block Elements, and Coordination Compounds, which is 25-30% of the syllabus.

“In CUET 2024, the Chemistry paper was moderate to difficult, with 561,719 students appearing for the exam. To achieve a 99th percentile, students required a minimum of 150/200 marks, highlighting the competitive aspect of the test.”

CUET 2025 Chemistry Exam Pattern

The CUET Chemistry 2025 exam is objective-based, where students are tested in Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. The marking scheme is +5 for a correct answer and -1 for an incorrect answer.

CUET Chemistry 2025 Exam Pattern Overview

Feature Details
Mode of Exam Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions 50
Time Duration 45 minutes
Total Marks 200
Marking Scheme (+5) for correct, -1 for incorrect answer
Sections Covered Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry

Check, the latest updates related to CUET 2025:

CUET 2025 Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage

The CUET Chemistry 2025 syllabus is categorized into Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, with different weightage for each chapter. From the trends of previous years, chapters such as Electrochemistry, Coordination Compounds, and Organic Reactions have more weightage.

The following is the estimated chapter-wise weightage of marks:

Section Chapter Expected Weightage (%)
Physical Chemistry Solid State 5-7%
Solutions 7-9%
Electrochemistry 8-10%
Chemical Kinetics 7-9%
Surface Chemistry 5-7%
Organic Chemistry Haloalkanes & Haloarenes 7-9%
Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers 8-10%
Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids 9-11%
Biomolecules 5-7%
Inorganic Chemistry p-Block Elements 8-10%
d- and f-Block Elements 7-9%
Coordination Compounds 9-11%

Is NCERT enough for CUET?

Yes, NCERT is the key study material for CUET Chemistry, as the syllabus itself is taken from NCERT Class 11 and 12 books. Questions are mostly concept-based, so there needs to be a thorough understanding of NCERT theories, equations, and reactions.

Can I take 5 subjects in CUET?

Yes, CUET UG 2025 allows candidates to select a maximum of 6 subjects, including a combination of domain subjects, language, and a general test. Selection of 5 subjects is also permissible and must comply with the eligibility criteria of the target university and course.

Possible Combination of Subjects for 5 subjects in CUET:

  • Option 1: 3 Domain Subjects + 1 Language + General Test
  • Option 2: 4 Domain Subjects + 1 Language
  • Option 3: 4 Domain Subjects + General Test
  • Option 4: 2 Domain Subjects + 2 Languages + General Test
  • Option 5: 3 Domain Topics + 2 Languages

CUET Chemistry 2025 Topic-wise weightage

The CUET Chemistry 2025 syllabus is divided into Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, with all sections having different weightage. From past trends, Physical Chemistry accounts for about 35%, Organic Chemistry about 40%, and Inorganic Chemistry about 25% of the overall Chemistry questions.

Physical Chemistry Topic-Wise Weightage

Both numerical and conceptual issues are covered in physical chemistry, with the most emphasis given to electrochemistry and chemical kinetics.

Topic Expected Weightage (%)
Solid State 5-7%
Solutions 7-9%
Electrochemistry 8-10%
Chemical Kinetics 7-9%
Surface Chemistry 5-7%
Thermodynamics 6-8%
Atomic Structure 6-8%

Organic Chemistry Topic-Wise Weightage

The main topics of organic chemistry include biomolecules, functional groups, and reaction processes; the most important of these are aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.

Topic Expected Weightage (%)
Haloalkanes & Haloarenes 7-9%
Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers 8-10%
Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids 9-11%
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen 7-9%
Biomolecules 5-7%
Polymers 4-6%
Chemistry in Everyday Life 3-5%

Inorganic Chemistry Topic-Wise Weightage

The most common topics in inorganic chemistry are p-Block and coordination compounds, which require conceptual comprehension.

Topic Expected Weightage (%)
p-Block Elements 8-10%
d- and f-Block Elements 7-9%
Coordination Compounds 9-11%
Periodic Table & Trends 5-7%
General Principles of Metallurgy 6-8%

What is the Level of Chemistry in CUET?

The difficulty level of Chemistry in CUET is moderate to challenging, with questions from the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus. Physical Chemistry has numerical-based questions, while Organic and Inorganic Chemistry are more conceptual and require reaction mechanisms.

Past trends show that approximately 60-70% of the questions are direct NCERT-based, and the remaining questions might need more understanding.

CUET Chemistry 2025 Difficulty Level Analysis

Section Difficulty Level (Based on CUET 2024 Trends) Expected Question Distribution (%) Key Features
Physical Chemistry 40% easy45% moderate15% difficult 35-40% Numerical-based, requires formula application and problem-solving skills
Organic Chemistry 35% easy50% moderate15% difficult 40-45% Focuses on reaction mechanisms, conversions, and functional groups
Inorganic Chemistry 50% easy40% moderate10% difficult 20-25% Mostly conceptual and memory-based, periodic trends and coordination compounds

CUET 2025 Chemistry Important Topics

For CUET Chemistry 2025, focusing on high-weightage topics is crucial for scoring well. Based on previous trends, topics like Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Aldehydes & Ketones, and Coordination Compounds are frequently asked.

Below is a section-wise breakdown of the most important topics for CUET Chemistry 2025:

Section Important Topics Expected Weightage (%)
Physical Chemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Solutions
30-35%
Organic Chemistry
  • Aldehydes & Ketones
  • Alcohols & Phenols
  • Biomolecules
  • Haloalkanes & Haloarenes
40-45%
Inorganic Chemistry
  • Coordination Compounds
  • p-Block Elements
  • d- and f-Block Elements
  • Metallurgy
20-25%

Is chemistry easy in CUET?

CUET Chemistry is relatively easy with 60-70% of questions based on NCERT. Physical Chemistry contains 35-40% numerical problems, whereas Organic and Inorganic Chemistry are all about concepts and remembering. With good NCERT-based preparation, a score of more than 150/200 is guaranteed.

CUET Chemistry 2025: 2-Month Preparation Plan

A systematic 2-month study schedule can ensure the best CUET Chemistry scores. As 60-70% of questions are NCERT-based, one needs to have a mix of theory revision, numerical practice, and mock tests.

CUET Chemistry 2 Months Study Plan

Week Focus Areas Recommended Study Hours/Day Key Tasks
Week 1-2 NCERT-based theory revision (Physical + Inorganic) 3-4 hours Cover Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds
Week 3-4 Organic Chemistry & reaction mechanisms 4-5 hours Rewrite Alcohols, Aldehydes, Haloalkanes, Biomolecules, practice conversions
Week 5 Numerical practice & formula revision (Physical) 5 hours Solve Thermodynamics, Solutions, Electrochemistry numerical problems
Week 6 Full syllabus revision + PYQ solving 5-6 hours Try 100+ MCQs a day, review weak points
Week 7 Mock Tests + Error Analysis 6 hours Attempt 5-7 full-length mock tests, practice weak areas
Week 8 Final revision + Quick notes 4-5 hours Focus on high-weightage topics, last-minute formula/mnemonic revision

CUET Chemistry 2025: Detailed Syllabus

The CUET Chemistry 2025 syllabus is derived from NCERT Class 11 and 12 Chemistry, including Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.

The syllabus is structured in units, topics, and sub-topics, with a combination of theory, numerical concept-based, and application-based questions.

The detailed syllabus breakdown is given below:

Physical Chemistry Syllabus

Unit Topics Sub-Topics Detailed Explanation
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Mole Concept, Stoichiometry
  • Molar mass
  • Empirical formula
  • Law of chemical combination
Fundamental equations and computations concerning chemical equations and atomic structure.
Atomic Structure Bohr’s Model, Quantum Numbers
  • Electronic configuration
  • Orbitals
  • Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
Comprehending the atomic structure, wave-particle duality, and quantum mechanical model.
Thermodynamics First & Second Law, Enthalpy, Entropy
  • Gibbs Free Energy
  • Hess’s Law
  • Spontaneity
Emphasize heat transfer, system energy change, and reaction spontaneity.
Equilibrium Chemical & Ionic Equilibrium
  • Le Chatelier’s Principle
  • Buffer Solutions
  • pH calculations
knowing the principles of acid-base balance, reversible reactions, and solubility products.
Chemical Kinetics Rate Law, Order of Reaction
  • Activation Energy
  • Arrhenius Equation
  • Catalyst Mechanism
involves figuring out reaction speed, rate calculations, and the impact of temperature.
Electrochemistry Electrochemical Cells, Redox Reactions
  • Nernst Equation
  • Electrolysis
  • Conductance
covers galvanic cells, electrochemical series, and oxidation-reduction reactions.

Organic Chemistry Syllabus

Unit Topics Sub-Topics Detailed Explanation
Basic Organic Chemistry Hybridization, Isomerism, Nomenclature
  • Resonance
  • Inductive Effect
  • Hyperconjugation
Comprehension of organic molecule structure and naming, and stability effects.
Hydrocarbons Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes
  • Electrophilic Addition
  • Free Radical Substitution
  • Polymerization
Covers basic properties, bonding, and industrial uses.
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Nucleophilic Substitution
  • SN1 & SN2 Reactions
  • Stereochemistry
Reaction pathways and reactivity patterns in halogenated hydrocarbons.
Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers Physical & Chemical Properties
  • Williamson Synthesis
  • Lucas Test
  • Kolbe’s Reaction
Alcohol preparation, reaction, and conversion study.
Aldehydes & Ketones Nucleophilic Addition, Oxidation-Reduction
  • Tollens’ Test
  • Fehling’s Test
  • Aldol & Cannizzaro Reaction
condensation reactions, identification tests, and the reactivity of carbonyl compounds.
Carboxylic Acids Acidity, Decarboxylation EsterificationSubstituted Acids analysis of reactions, synthesis techniques, and acidity trends.
Biomolecules Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids
  • DNA/RNA
  • Enzymes
  • Polysaccharides
The importance of macromolecules in biology and the connections between their structure and function.

Inorganic Chemistry Syllabus

Unit Topics Sub-Topics Detailed Explanation
Periodic Table & Periodicity Atomic Radius, Ionization Energy
  • Electron Affinity
  • Electronegativity Trends
Interpreting element properties in terms of periodic trends.
Chemical Bonding VSEPR, Valence Bond Theory
  • Hybridization
  • Molecular Orbital Theory
Molecular geometry, nature of bonding, and resonance study.
p-Block Elements Group 15-18 Elements
  • Oxides
  • Hydrides
  • Halides
  • Interhalogen Compounds
Properties and uses of elements from nitrogen to noble gases.
d- and f-Block Elements Transition & Inner Transition Metals
  • Color
  • Magnetic Properties
  • Lanthanoid Contraction
Covers oxidation states, coordination chemistry, and properties of complex ions.
Coordination Compounds Ligands, Nomenclature, Isomerism
  • Crystal Field Theory
  • Chelation
  • Spectrochemical Series
Study of metal-ligand interactions and their applications in medicine and industry.
Metallurgy Extraction of Metals
  • Roasting
  • Smelting
  • Refining Techniques
Investigation of metal extraction processes and purification procedures.

CUET Chemistry Important Books

CUET Chemistry Books Author / Publisher
Class 12 Chemistry NCERT
A Textbook of Physical Chemistry Dr. R.K. Gupta
A Textbook of Inorganic Chemistry Dr. O.P. Tandon
Comprehensive Chemistry Dr. B. Kapila & Dr. N. K. Verma
A Textbook of Organic Chemistry Dr. O.P. Tandon
Guide for CUET (UG) Chemistry with 10 Practice Sets & 5 Previous Years Question Papers Amazon.in
NTA CUET(UG) Common University Entrance Test Chapterwise and Topicwise Oswaal Books

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

CUET 2025 : 4 Answered Questions

Ques. My CUET total score is 280 out of 750, so which colleges should I go to?

Scoring 280 out of 750 in CUET will restrict your choices among the highly competitive central universities to some extent. But you have many more opportunities waiting for you at state, private, and part of the central universities—if you are willing to accept a range of courses and destinations. 280 out of 750 is equal to approximately 37%. Top-tier colleges such as DU, BHU, and JNU typically have their cutoffs significantly higher, typically even beyond 600, which makes it impossible to secure admission into their more demanding courses with this marking. But this doesn't leave you with nothing! There are plenty of other decent colleges with lower cutoffs and equally good education. Some Central and State Universities have comparatively lower competition, like the Central University of Haryana, Central University of Karnataka, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (Sagar), Mahatma Gandhi Central University etc. They can offer admissions in general courses like BA, BSc, or BCom. Private Colleges and Universities The majority of the best private colleges accept CUET scores and offer relaxed cutoffs. Examples are colleges like KCC Institute of Technology & Management and other state board-associated private universities. University Type Likelihood of Admission Courses Likely Available Top Central Universities (DU, BHU, JNU, AMU) Very unlikely None (cutoffs much higher) Mid-/Lower-Tier Central/State Universities Possible General BA, BSc, BCom, etc. Private Universities/Colleges Good Wide range, including vocational Keep visiting the official university websites for the latest CUET cutoffs and admission rules. Applying to more than one university can work in your favor. Get ready to accept alternative campuses and pathways; sometimes the best opportunities can surprise you....Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 27 Jun 25
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Ques. Which subject is considered for determining the CUET cutoff for admission to HNBGU?

The subjects considered for the CUET cutoff at HNBGU depend on the course you’re applying for.  – For B.Tech courses: Your CUET scores in Physics, Chemistry, and Math are considered.  – For B.Sc. (like Agriculture, Horticulture, Biology, etc.): Subjects like Biology, Agriculture, Chemistry, or Math will be used—whichever is relevant to the course.  – For BA/B.Com or other non-science courses: The university verifies particular subjects needed for that course (listed in their subject mapping). Example:  B.Sc. Horticulture ? CUET score in Biology or Agriculture B.Tech CSE ? CUET score in PCM BA (any subject) ? Depends on the subject you select (like History, Political Science, etc.) Admission Type Eligible After Entry Year Notes Regular BCA 10+2 or Diploma 1st Year Any stream; some colleges require math/CS. Lateral Entry BCA 3-yr Diploma (CS/IT) 2nd Year Depends on the college’s rules & recognition...Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 27 Jun 25
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Ques. VIPS give preference through Cuet 2025 rank

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS ) , Delhi, does not give direct preference to CUET 2025 ranks for admission in the first round.  The Common Entrance Test (CET), administered by GGSIPU for the majority of courses, is the main method of admission. CUET Rankings Used: VIPS uses the merit list based on CUET scores to fill any open seats after the CET merit list has been exhausted. Courses offered Course Duration Eligibility Entrance Exam Total Fees (Approx.) B.Tech (CSE, AI & ML, etc.) 4 years 10+2 with PCM JEE Main/IPU CET 5.3–5.6 lakh BCA 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.9–3.1 lakh BBA 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 3.1–3.2 lakh B.A. LL.B. 10+2 with 50% CLAT/IPU CET 5.1–5.3 lakh BBA LL.B. 5 years 10+2 with 50% CLAT/IPU CET 5.1–5.3 lakh B.Com (Hons.) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.99 lakh BA (Hons.) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.99 lakh BAJMC (Journalism) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 3.1–3.2 lakh MCA 2 years Graduation with 50%, Math at 10+2 or UG level IPU CET/NIMCET 2.8–3.0 lakh MBA 2 years Graduation with 50% CAT/CMAT/IPU CET 2.8–3.0 lakh LL.M 1 year LL.B. with 55% IPU CET 1.39 lak...Read More
Answer By Vinima Bhola 03 Jul 25
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Ques. I got low marks in CUET, but my UG marks and board marks fit the eligibility criteria. Is there any way I can get into NIT?

No, NIT admissions are not based on CUET scores. NITs accept only JEE Main scores for UG courses such as B.Tech. No matter how well you've done in your Class 12th board and have fulfilled the eligibility criteria, CUET is not acceptable for NIT admission. Here’s what you need to know: Criteria NIT Admission Requirement Entrance Exam JEE Main only CUET Score Not accepted Class 12th Marks Minimum 75% or top 20 percentile in respective board If your goal is to get into an NIT, appearing for JEE Main is a must.   If you have performed decent in CUET, you can attempt to get admission to top central universities and other colleges that accept CUET scores for B.Tech or other undergraduate degrees.  – Delhi University (DU)  – Banaras Hindu University (BHU)  – Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University  = Aligarh Muslim University and similar institutions....Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 25 Jun 25
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