The KCET 2026 biology syllabus has been released on the official website. The Syllabus for the exam follows the Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, also known as 1st PUC and 2nd PUC.
- The Biology exam will be conducted on 24th April 2026 from 02:30 pm to 03:50 pm.
- KCET biology syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on topics such as Genetics & Evolution, Human Physiology, Reproduction in Organisms, Biotechnology, Cell: Structure & Function etc.
- The biology section consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking. A total duration of 80 minutes would be given to attempt the biology section.
- For the KCET Biology Syllabus 2026, around 40% weightage is given to topics from 1st PUC (Class 11), while 60% weightage comes from 2nd PUC (Class 12) Physics.
In B.VSc & AH, top seats close at 100-1,000 ranks requiring around 170+ marks. Veterinary College, Hebbal (Bangaluru) is the highest demanded college for B.VSc& AH and it requires top 50-100 ranks.
Biology marks have majorly contributed in scores of toppers such as Harishraj DV who scored 179/180 in 2025.
Watch the revision session by Deeksha Karnataka on KCET biology to score 60/60. You can also watch the one shot videos for concept understanding and MCQ practice.
Related Articles:
- KCET Biology Previous Year Questions
- KCET Biology Best Books 2026
- KCET Biology Chapter-Wise Weightage
Key Summary
- The syllabus overlaps with national exams like JEE MAIN and NEET, but remains state-specific in depth.
- For Farm Sciences courses, students have to appear in PCMB subjects.
- And for B-Pharma, 2nd Year B.Pharma, and Pharma-D, students have to appear in either PCB or PCM subjects.
- Biology is a scoring subject as questions are fact-based and on the easier side as compared to other subjects.
KCET 2026 Biology: Download PDF
Given below is the official syllabus for biology released on the official website.
What is KCET Biology Syllabus?
The Karnataka Examinations Authority prescribes the biology syllabus for admission into various professional courses, such as Farm science courses, Animal husbandry and Veterinary courses, etc.
For B.VSc and A.H, Naturopathy & Yoga, and B.Sc (Nursing), student must have to appear with biology as subject in KCET 2026.
KCET 2026: Biology Syllabus Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject Name | Biology |
| Exam Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
| Syllabus Based On | Karnataka 1st PUC & 2nd PUC Biology syllabus |
| Weightage Distribution | 1st PUC – 40% and 2nd PUC – 60% (Approx) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions (Physics) | 60 questions |
| Marks per Question | 1 mark each |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper-based) |
| Exam Duration (Physics Paper) | 80 minutes (approx.) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Key Topics Covered | Genetics & Evolution, Human Physiology, Reproduction in Organisms, Biotechnology, Cell: Structure & Function etc. |
KCET 2026 Biology: Important Topics
| 1st PUC Important Topics | 2nd PUC Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Diversity in Living World & Biological Classification | Human Reproduction & Reproductive Health |
| Cell: Unit of Life & Biomolecules | Genetics & Evolution (Molecular Basis of Inheritance) |
| Plant/Animal Kingdom | Human Physiology ( Neural, Circulatory, Excretory) |
| Morphology & Anatomy of Flowering Plants | Biotechnology & Applications |
| Structural Organisation in Animals | Ecology (Organisms, Populations, Ecosystems) |
| Photosynthesis & Respiration in Plants | Plant Physiology |
KCET 2026 Biology: Syllabus
| Unit Name (1st PUC) | Unit Name (2nd PUC) |
|---|---|
| Diversity in the Living World | Reproduction |
| Structural Organization in Plants and Animals | Genetics and Evolution |
| Cell Structure and Functions | Biology in Human Welfare |
| Plant Physiology | Biotechnology and its Applications |
| Human Physiology | Ecology and Environment |
1st PUC
I. Diversity in the Living World
Chapter-1: The Living world: Biodiversity; Need for classification, Taxonomy & Systematics; Binomial nomenclature; Concept of species and taxonomical hierarchy.
Chapter-2: Biological Classification: Three domain of life, five kingdom classification; Salient features and classification of Monera; Protista and Fungi into major groups; Lichens; Viruses and Viroids.
Chapter-3: Plant Kingdom: Salient Features and Classification of plants into major groups- Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms.
Chapter-4: Animal Kingdom: Salient features and classification of animals- non chordate up to phyla level and chordate up to classes level (3 to 5 salient features and at least two examples).
II. Structural Organization in Plants and Animals
Chapter-5: Morphology of Flowering Plants: Morphology and functions of different parts of flowering plants-Root, stem, leaf, inflorescence- cymose and racemose, flower, fruit and seed (To be dealt along with the relevant practical of the Practical Syllabus). Semi-technical description of a typical flowering plant; Family Solanaceae features and its economic importance.
Chapter-6: Anatomy of Flowering Plants: Tissue systems; Anatomy of Root, stem and leaf (Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous plants).
Chapter-7: Structural Organisation in Animals: Morphology, anatomy and functions of different systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous and reproductive) of frog. (Brief account only).
III. Cell Structure and Functions
Chapter-8: Cell: The Unit of Life - Cell theory and cell as the basic unit of life; Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell; Plant cell and animal cell; Cell envelope, cell membrane, cell wall; Cell organelles- structure and function; Endomembrane system- endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, vacuoles; mitochondria, ribosomes, plastids, microbodies; Cytoskeleton, cilia, flagella, centrioles (ultra structure & function); Nucleus-nuclear membrane, chromatin, nucleolus.
Chapter - 9: Biomolecules: Chemical constituents of living cells; structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids; Enzymes- Types, properties, enzyme action.
Chapter-10: Cell Cycle and Cell division: Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and their significance.
IV. Plant Physiology
Chapter-11: Photosynthesis in Higher Plants: Photosynthesis as a means of Autotrophic nutrition; Where does photosynthesis take place; How many pigments are involved in Photosynthesis (Elementary idea); Photochemical and biosynthetic phases of photosynthesis; Cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation; Chemiosmotic hypothesis; Photorespiration; C₃ and C₄ pathways; Factors affecting photosynthesis
Chapter-12: Respiration in Plants: Exchange of gases; Cellular respiration – glycolysis, fermentation (anaerobic), TCA cycle and electron transport system (aerobic); Energy relations – Number of ATP molecules generated; Amphibolic pathways; Respiratory quotient.
Chapter-13: Plant Growth and Development: Seed germination; Phases of plant growth and plant growth rate; Conditions of growth; Differentiation, dedifferentiation and redifferentiation; Sequence of developmental process in a plant cell; Growth regulators–auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ethylene and ABA.
V. Human Physiology
Chapter-14: Breathing and Exchange of Gases: Respiratory organs in animals (recall only); Respiratory system in humans; Mechanism of breathing and its regulation in humans– Exchange of gases, transport of gases and regulation of respiration, Respiratory volumes; Disorders related to respiration-Asthma, Emphysema, Occupational respiratory disorders.
Chapter-15: Body Fluids and Circulation: Composition of blood, blood groups, coagulation of blood; Composition of lymph and its function; Human circulatory system– Structure of human heart and blood vessels; Cardiac cycle, cardiac output, ECG; Double circulation; Regulation of cardiac activity; Disorders of circulatory system-Hypertension, Coronary artery disease, Angina pectoris, Heart failure.
Chapter-16: Excretory Products and their Elimination: Modes of excretion –Ammonotelism, ureotelism, uricotelism; Human excretory system–structure and function; Urine formation, Osmoregulation; Regulation of kidney function– Renin-angiotensin, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, ADH and Diabetes insipidus, Role of other organs in excretion; Disorders-Uraemia, Renal failure, Renal calculi, Nephritis; Dialysis and artificial kidney.
Chapter-17: Locomotion and Movement: Types of movement – ciliary, flagellar, muscular; Skeletal muscle – contractile proteins and muscle contraction; Skeletal system and its functions (To be dealt with the relevant practical of Practical syllabus); Joints; Disorders of muscular and skeletal system- Myasthenia gravis, Tetany, Muscular dystrophy, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout.
Chapter-18: Neural Control and Coordination: Neuron and nerves; Nervous system in humans– central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and visceral nervous system; Generation and conduction of nerve impulse.
Chapter-19: Chemical Coordination and Integration: Endocrine glands and hormones; Human endocrine system- Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Pineal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonads; Mechanism of hormone action (Elementary Idea); Role of hormones as messengers and regulators, Hypo- and hyperactivity and related disorders (Common disorders e.g. Dwarfism, Acromegaly, Cretinism, goiter, exopthalmic goiter, diabetes, Addison's disease).
Important: Diseases related to all the human physiology systems to be taught in brief.
2nd PUC
I. Reproduction
Chapter-1: Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants: Flower structure; Development of male and female gametophytes; Pollination-types, agencies and examples; Outbreeding devices; Pollen-Pistil interaction; Double fertilization; Post fertilization events- Development of endosperm and embryo, Development of seed and formation of fruit; Special modes- apomixis, parthenocarpy, polyembryony; Significance of seed and fruit formation.
Chapter-2: Human Reproduction: Male and female reproductive systems; Microscopic anatomy of testis and ovary; Gametogenesis- spermatogenesis & oogenesis; Menstrual cycle; Fertilisation, embryo development upto blastocyst formation, implantation; Pregnancy and placenta formation (Elementary idea); Parturition (Elementary idea); Lactation (Elementary idea).
Chapter-3: Reproductive Health: Need for reproductive health and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD); Birth control- Need and Methods, Contraception and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP); Amniocentesis; Infertility and assisted reproductive technologies – IVF, ZIFT, GIFT (Elementary idea for general awareness).
II. Genetics and Evolution
Chapter-4: Principles of Inheritance and Variation: Mendelian Inheritance; Deviations from Mendelism- Incomplete dominance, Co-dominance, Multiple alleles and Inheritance of blood groups, Pleiotropy; Elementary idea of polygenic inheritance; Chromosome theory of inheritance; Chromosomes and genes; Sex determination- In humans, birds, honey bee; Linkage and crossing over; Mendelian disorders in humans – Sex linked inheritance (Haemophilia and Colour blindness) and Autosome linked inheritance (Sickle cell anaemia, Phenylketonuria and Thalassemia); Chromosomal disorders in humans (Down's syndrome, Turner's and Klinefelter's syndromes).
Chapter-5: Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Search for genetic material and DNA as genetic material; Structure of DNA and RNA; DNA packaging; DNA replication; Central dogma; Transcription, genetic code, translation; Gene expression and regulation- Lac Operon; Genome and human genome project; DNA fingerprinting.
Chapter-6: Evolution: Origin of life; Biological evolution and evidences for biological evolution (Paleontological, comparative anatomy, embryology and molecular evidence); Darwin's contribution, Modern Synthetic theory of Evolution; Mechanism of evolution- Variation (Mutation and Recombination) and Natural Selection with examples, types of natural selection; Gene flow and genetic drift; Hardy-Weinberg's principle; Adaptive Radiation; Human evolution.
III. Biology in Human Welfare
Chapter-7: Human Health and Disease: Pathogens; parasites causing human diseases (Malaria, Filariasis, Ascariasis, Typhoid, Pneumonia, common cold, amoebiasis, ring worm); Basic concepts of immunology-vaccines; Cancer, HIV and AIDs; Adolescence, drug and alcohol abuse.
Chapter-8: Microbes in Human Welfare: In household food processing, industrial production, sewage treatment, energy generation and as biocontrol agents and biofertilizers.
IV. Biotechnology and its Applications
Chapter-9: Biotechnology: Principles and Processes: Genetic engineering (Recombinant DNA technology).
Chapter-10: Biotechnology and its Applications: Application of Biotechnology in health and agriculture; Human insulin and vaccine production, gene therapy; Genetically modified organisms-Bt crops; Transgenic Animals; Biosafety issues- Biopiracy and patents.
V. Ecology and Environment
Chapter-11: Organisms and Populations: Population- Population attributes-Growth, birth rate, death rate, age distribution; Population interactions-mutualism, competition, predation, parasitism and commensalism.
Chapter-12: Ecosystem: Patterns, components; productivity and decomposition; Energy flow; Pyramids of number, biomass and energy.
Chapter-13: Biodiversity and Conservation: Concept of Biodiversity; Patterns of Biodiversity; Importance of Biodiversity; Loss of Biodiversity; Biodiversity conservation; Hotspots, endangered organisms, extinction, Red Data Book, biosphere reserves, National parks and sanctuaries.
KCET 2026 Biology: Chapter-Wise Weightage
Knowing the topic/chapter-wise weightage helps students prepare the syllabus strategically. It will help you focus on high-weightage topics, and you can make your study plan more efficient and aligned with the exam pattern.
1st PUC
| Chapter Name | Expected Weightage (%) | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Neural Control and Coordination | 5–6% | 3–4 |
| Photosynthesis in Higher Plants | 5% | 3 |
| Respiration in Plants | 4–5% | 2–3 |
| Plant Growth and Development | 4–5% | 2–3 |
| Biomolecules | 4–5% | 2–3 |
| Plant Kingdom | 4% | 2–3 |
| Cell: The Unit of Life | 4% | 2–3 |
| Morphology of Flowering Plants | 3–4% | 2 |
| Digestion and Absorption | 3–4% | 2 |
| Breathing and Exchange of Gases | 3% | 1–2 |
| Excretory Products and their Elimination | 2–3% | 1–2 |
| Body Fluids and Circulation | 2–3% | 1–2 |
| Living World / Biological Classification | 2–3% | 1–2 |
2nd PUC
| Chapter Name | Expected Weightage (%) | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Human Reproduction / Reproduction in Organisms | 6–7% | 4 |
| Genetics and Evolution | 7–8% | 4–5 |
| Biotechnology: Principles & Processes + Applications | 5–6% | 3–4 |
| Ecology and Environment / Ecosystem / Biodiversity & Conservation | 5–6% | 3–4 |
| Chemical Coordination and Integration | 4–5% | 2–3 |
| Animal Kingdom / Structural Organisation in Animals | 4–5% | 2–3 |
| Microbes in Human Welfare | 3–4% | 2 |
| Molecular Basis of Inheritance | 4% | 2–3 |
| Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production | 3% | 1–2 |
KCET 2026 Biology: Recent Changes
In 2025, KEA added a new unit Principles related to practical biology, as this unit is included in both NEET UG and JEE Main.
KCET 2026 Biology: Best Books
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Biology |
|
KCET and NEET Biology Syllabus Comparison
| Unit / Chapter Name | KCET Syllabus | NEET Syllabus | Key Differences / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diversity in Living World | The Living World, Biological Classification (3 domains, 5 kingdoms), Plant Kingdom (Algae to Gymnosperms), Animal Kingdom (non-chordate to class level) | Living World, Biological Classification (5 kingdoms), Plant Kingdom, Animal Kingdom (similar classification) | Very similar; KCET has more detailed classification of Monera/Protista/Fungi. |
| Structural Organisation in Plants & Animals | Morphology of Flowering Plants (root/stem/leaf/flower/fruit/seed + Solanaceae family), Anatomy of Flowering Plants, Structural Organisation in Animals (frog systems) | Morphology & Anatomy of Flowering Plants, Structural Organisation in Animals (cockroach) | Big difference: KCET uses frog (vertebrate) for animal organisation; NEET uses cockroach (invertebrate). KCET has Solanaceae family. |
| Cell: Structure & Function | Cell: Unit of Life (prokaryotic/eukaryotic, organelles), Biomolecules (proteins/lipids/carbs/nucleic acids, enzymes), Cell Cycle & Division | Cell Structure & Function (same topics + enzyme classification, central dogma basics) | Almost identical; KCET has more detailed enzyme types/properties. |
| Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis (C3/C4, photorespiration, factors), Respiration (glycolysis/TCA/ETS, RQ), Plant Growth & Development (regulators: auxin/gibberellin etc.) | Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant Growth & Development (same topics) | High overlapping; both cover C3/C4 and regulators. |
| Human Physiology | Breathing & Gases, Body Fluids & Circulation, Excretory Products, Locomotion & Movement, Neural Control, Chemical Coordination (all human systems + disorders) | Breathing, Circulation, Excretion, Locomotion, Neural Control, Chemical Coordination (same + detailed disorders) | Very similar but NEET gives slightly higher weightage (~20%). Both cover human disorders. |
| Reproduction | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants (pollination/double fertilization), Human Reproduction, Reproductive Health (contraception/MTP/infertility/IVF) | Reproduction in Organisms, Flowering Plants, Human Reproduction, Reproductive Health | Almost same but NEET includes “Reproduction in Organisms” |
| Genetics & Evolution | Principles of Inheritance & Variation, Molecular Basis of Inheritance (Lac Operon, DNA fingerprinting), Evolution (Darwin, modern theory, Hardy-Weinberg) | Heredity & Variation, Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Evolution (same topics + gene flow/drift) | NEET has slightly more on gene flow/genetic drift. High weightage in both. |
| Biology in Human Welfare | Human Health & Disease (pathogens/immunology/vaccines/cancer/HIV), Microbes in Human Welfare (food/sewage/biofertilizers) | Human Health & Disease, Microbes in Human Welfare (similar + improvement in food production) | KCET has less on food production; NEET includes strategies for food enhancement. |
| Biotechnology & Applications | Principles & Processes (genetic engineering), Applications (insulin/vaccines/gene therapy/Bt crops/transgenic animals/biosafety/biopiracy) | Principles & Processes, Applications (same topics + biosafety issues) | both cover Bt crops, gene therapy, biopiracy. |
| Ecology & Environment | Organisms & Populations, Ecosystem (pyramids), Biodiversity & Conservation (hotspots/Red Data Book/reserves) | Organisms & Populations, Ecosystem, Biodiversity & Conservation, Environmental Issues (pollution) | Very similar; NEET includes “Environmental Issues” (pollution) which KCET omits. |
KCET 2026 Biology: Preparation Tips
KCET 2026 requires a disciplined preparation for at least 6 months. Given below is a plan for six months.
Timeline Division:
- Months 1-2: Build strong fundamentals using NCERT textbooks and clear the basic concepts.
- Months 3-4: Focus on advanced problem-solving and mastering important topics.
- Months 5-6: Intensive revision, full-length mocks, error analysis, and PYQs.
Daily Routine: Study consistently for 6-8 hours, giving around 2 hours per subject.
Subject-Specific Tips
- Must have to complete NCERT thoroughly as most of the questions are NCERT based.
- Memorisation is more important than logic in biology as it is a fact heavy subject with lot of names to remember.
- Must do high weightage chapters like Genetics and evolution, Human Physiology etc.
- Diagrams are extremely important biology as diagram based questions are consistent every year.
KCET 2026 Biology: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Is the KCET 2026 Biology syllabus the same as JEE Main?
Ans. No, KCET is strictly limited to the Karnataka PUC syllabus, while JEE Main has a broader scope, which includes more advanced topics. However, there is overlap in core topics such as Cell, Photosynthesis, Human Physiology, etc.
Ques. How many diagram based questions can I expect in KCET 2026 Biology?
Ans. Around 7-13% of the questions in the Biology paper are diagram based, especially from topics like Morphology of Flowering Plants, Structural Organisation in Animals and Human Physiology.
Ques. Are there any new topics added to the KCET 2026 Biology syllabus?
Ans. The official syllabus has not been announced yet, so if there are any new additions to the syllabus, KEA will soon announce them on the official website.
Ques. How should I prioritise Biology chapters for KCET 2026 to score 50+ Marks?
Ans. To score 50+ marks, you have to focus on high-weightage topics like Genetic & Evolution, Human reproduction & Reproductive Health, Human Physiology, Photosynthesis etc, first and then move to low-weightage topics. You should complete the whole syllabus thoroughly and give multiple mock tests.
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