The KCET Maths exam will be conducted on 24th April 2026 from 10:30 to 11:50 am. The Syllabus for the exam follows the Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) curriculum for Classes 11 and 12.

  • KCET Mathematics syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, and Calculus.
  • The Mathematics section consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking. A total duration of 80 minutes would be given to attempt the Mathematics section.
  • For the KCET Mathematics Syllabus 2026, around 30% weightage is given to topics from 1st PUC (Class 11), while 70% weightage comes from 2nd PUC (Class 12) Mathematics.

Mathematics is considered the toughest subject among all four subjects of the KCET exam. Calculation-based questions account for 70% of the paper. The average score in mathematics is around 40-45.

Watch the Playlist by Ankit sir on KCET Maths to score 60/60 in KCET 2026. This playlist includes concept lectures, daily multiple-choice questions, and weekly mock tests.

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Key Summary

  • The syllabus overlaps with national exams like JEE MAIN and NEET, but remains state-specific in depth.
  • Trigonometry from 1st PUC appears in the exam almost every year. It accounts for 5-6 questions from Identities, Equations, and Inverse Functions.
  • Calculus is the dominant section in Mathematics with 25-30% weightage.
  • 10-15% of the questions are diagram-based, mainly from Coordinate Geometry, Vectors, 3D Geometry, and Conic Sections.

What is KCET 2026 Mathematics Syllabus?

The Karnataka Examinations Authority prescribes the Mathematics syllabus for admission into various professional courses.

Mathematics is not a compulsory paper like Physics and Chemistry. It is required for specific courses such as Engineering/Technology courses, Farm science courses, B-Pharma, 2nd year B.Pharma, and Pharma-D.

KCET 2026 Mathematics: Download PDF

Given below is the official syllabus for Mathematics released on the official website.

KCET 2026 Mathematics: Important Topics

1st PUC Important Topics 2nd PUC Important Topics
Trigonometric Functions Integrals & Applications of Integrals
Sets, Relations & Functions Differential Equations
Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations Matrices & Determinants
Straight Lines & Conic Sections Vectors & 3D Geometry
Probability & Statistics Continuity, Differentiability & Applications of Derivatives
Limits & Derivatives Probability (Advanced)
Permutations, Combinations & Binomial Theorem

KCET 2026 Mathematics: Chapter-Wise Weightage

1st PUC: Key Observations

  • Trigonometric Functions with 8-10% weightage is the single highest contributor in the paper.
  • Straight Lines & Conic Sections shows coordinate geometry has consistent weightage every year.
  • Complex Numbers, quadratic Equations, P&C, and Binomial Theorem together contribute around 25%, making Algebra unavoidable.
  • Sets, Relations & Functions has lower weightage, but easy, direct questions increase the accuracy potential.
KCET 2026 Mathematics: Chapter-Wise Weightage

2nd PUC: Key Observations

  • Integrals & Applications with 9-10% weightage is the single most dominant chapter across the entire syllabus.
  • Continuity & Differentiability, combined with Applications of Derivatives, contribute around 15%, making the backbone of Calculus.
  • Matrices & Determinants (7-9%) stand out as a non-Calculus high-return chapter.
  • Vectors & 3D Geometry with 6-8% weightage is consistent and formula-based.
  • Linear Programming has low weightage, but the questions come almost every year and are easy to solve.
KCET 2026 Mathematics: Chapter-Wise Weightage

KCET 2026 Mathematics: Detailed Syllabus

Unit (1st PUC) Topic (1st PUC) Unit (2nd PUC) Topic (2nd PUC)
Sets And Functions
  • Sets
  • Relations And Functions
  • Trigonometric Functions
Relations And Functions
  • Relations And Functions
  • Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Algebra
  • Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations
  • Linear Inequalities
  • Permutations And Combinations
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Sequence And Series
Algebra
  • Matrices
  • Determinants
Coordinate Geometry
  • Straight Lines
  • Conic Sections
  • Introduction To Three-Dimensional Geometry
Calculus
  • Continuity And Differentiability
  • Application Of Derivatives
  • Integrals
  • Application Of Integrals
  • Different Equations
Calculus
  • Limits And Derivatives
Vectors And Three-Dimensional Geometry
  • Vectors
  • Three-Dimensional Geometry
Statistics And Probability
  • Statistics
  • Probability
Linear Programming
Probability

KCET 2026 Mathematics: Best Books

Subject Recommended Books
Mathematics
  • NCERT Mathematics Textbooks (Class 11 & 12)
  • Objective Mathematics – R.D. Sharma
  • Higher Algebra – Hall & Knight

KCET and JEE Main Maths Syllabus Comparison

Aspect KCET Mathematics JEE Main Mathematics
Syllabus Base Karnataka 1st & 2nd PUC (NCERT-based) NCERT + higher conceptual depth
Algebra Matrices, Determinants, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Progressions Same topics + deeper problem-solving, tougher questions
Calculus Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations Same topics but more advanced applications and multi-step problems
Coordinate Geometry Straight Lines, Circles, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola Same topics with higher difficulty and trick-based questions
Trigonometry Trigonometric Functions, Identities, Equations, Heights & Distances Same topics with more complex identities and transformations
Vectors & 3D Geometry Vectors, Direction Cosines, Planes, Lines Same topics with higher analytical depth
Probability & Statistics Basic Probability, Mean, Variance, Standard Deviation Same topics, probability questions slightly tougher
Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate Moderate to High
Question Style Direct, formula-based Conceptual, application-based
Depth of Questions Straightforward Multi-concept and time-consuming
Preparation Focus Speed + accuracy Conceptual clarity + problem-solving

KCET 2026: 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

  • Focus on the highest weightage areas, such as Calculus (Integration, application, and Derivatives). It accounts for 15-18 questions almost every year.
  • Some of the chapters, like Integrals, Matrices& Determinants, Vectors & 3D Geometry, are scoring as they are direct formula-based.
  • Students should practice numericals to build accuracy and speed since 60-70% of questions are calculation-based.

KCET 2026 Mathematics: Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Which chapter has the highest number of questions in KCET Mathematics?

Ans. The most important chapter is Integrals & Application of Integrals, with consistent weightage of around 8-9%.

Ques. Are there any new chapters or changes in the KCET 2026 Mathematics 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 can I score 50+ marks in Mathematics in KCET 2026?

Ans. To score 50+ marks in Mathematics, students should focus on high-weightage topics such as Calculus, Geometry, and Algebra.

Ques. Why is Mathematics the toughest subject in the KCET exam?

Ans. Mathematics is the toughest because of the number of calculation-based questions, which makes the paper lengthy and time-consuming.