KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Check Detailed Syllabus, Weightage, Books, & Preparation Tips

Content Writer | Journalism Graduate | Updated on - Nov 6, 2025

The KCET 2026 syllabus will be released soon at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The KCET syllabus 2026 follows the Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 and includes four core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

KCET Physics syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on the Mechanics, Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Waves, Oscillations, Electrostatics, Magnetic Effects, Electricity, Optics, and Modern Physics.
The physics section of the KCET Exam Pattern consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking present. A total duration of 80 minutes would be given to attempt the Physics section.
For the KCET Physics Syllabus 2026, around 20% weightage is given to topics from 1st PUC (Class 11), while 80% weightage comes from 2nd PUC (Class 12) Physics.

Effective preparation demands a strategic understanding of chapter-wise weightage and syllabus breakdown into topics. The KCET syllabus is listed below in a subject-wise manner.

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In this article, we talk about the KCET Physics Syllabus 2026, including important topics, weightage, books, and preparation tips. KCET syllabus 2026 follows the Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 and includes four core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. KCET Physics syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on the Mechanics, Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Waves, Oscillations, Electrostatics, Magnetic Effects, Electricity, Optics, and Modern Physics. The KCET Exam Pattern for the physics section consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking present. A total duration of 80 minutes would be given to attempt the Physics section. Around 20% weightage is given to topics from 1st PUC (Class 11), while 80% weightage comes from 2nd PUC (Class 12) Physics.

Key Summary

In this article, we talk about the KCET Physics Syllabus 2026, including important topics, weightage, books, and preparation tips.
KCET syllabus 2026 follows the Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 and includes four core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
KCET Physics syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on the Mechanics, Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Waves, Oscillations, Electrostatics, Magnetic Effects, Electricity, Optics, and Modern Physics.
The KCET Exam Pattern for the physics section consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking present. A total duration of 80 minutes would be given to attempt the Physics section.
Around 20% weightage is given to topics from 1st PUC (Class 11), while 80% weightage comes from 2nd PUC (Class 12) Physics.

Table of Contents

What is the KCET Physics Syllabus 2026?
1.1 KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Overview
KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Detailed
2.1 KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Topics from 1st PUC

2.2 KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Topics from 2nd PUC

2.3 KCET Physics Syllabus 2026 Deleted Topics
KCET Exam Pattern 2026
3.1 KCET 2026 Marking Scheme
KCET Physics Syllabus 2026 Chapter-Wise Weightage
Best Books for KCET Physics Syllabus 2026
KCET Physics Exam Preparation Tips
KCET Previous Year Questions
KCET Physics Syllabus 2026 FAQs

What is the KCET Physics Syllabus 2026?

For the KCET Physics Syllabus 2026, around 20% weightage is given to topics from 1st PUC (Class 11), while 80% weightage comes from 2nd PUC (Class 12) Physics.

KCET Physics syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on the Mechanics, Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Waves, Oscillations, Electrostatics, Magnetic Effects, Electricity, Optics, and Modern Physics.
The physics section of the KCET Exam Pattern consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking present. A total duration of 70 minutes would be given to attempt the Physics section.

KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Overview

Particulars	Details
Subject Name	Physics
Exam Name	Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026
Conducting Authority	Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA)
Syllabus Based On	Karnataka 1st PUC & 2nd PUC Physics syllabus
Weightage Distribution	1st PUC – 20% and 2nd PUC – 80%
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	Moderate (based on PUC syllabus concepts and numericals)
Key Topics Covered	Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics, Semiconductor Electronics

Ques. Are all PUC chapters equally important?

Ans. No. According to trends, 2nd PUC chapters carry a higher weightage (around 70–75% of questions).

PUC Level	Weightage (%)	Important Topics to Focus on
1st PUC (Class 11)	25–30%	Laws of Motion Work–Power–Energy Gravitation Thermodynamics Oscillations & Waves
2nd PUC (Class 12)	70–75%	Electrostatics Current Electricity Magnetism EMI & AC Optics Atoms & Nuclei

Ques. Does KCET Physics follow the JEE pattern?

Ans. KCET questions are simpler than JEE Main — they are direct, formula-based, and concept-oriented, with less emphasis on lengthy calculations.

Aspect	KCET Physics	JEE Main Physics
Question Type	Direct and formula-based	Conceptual and application-based
Difficulty Level	Moderate	Moderate to High
Calculation Length	Short and quick	Often lengthy and multi-step
Concept Focus	Basic understanding and speed	Deep conceptual clarity
Syllabus Source	Karnataka PUC (Class 11 & 12)	NCERT (Class 11 & 12) + Some advanced topics
Best Strategy	Revise formulas, solve PYQs, and focus on accuracy	Practice mixed-level numericals and tricky concepts

KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Detailed

The KCET Physics Syllabus comprises topics from PUC I as well as PUC II. The main topics are tabulated below.

KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Topics from 1st PUC

The section includes topics from the 11th class or PUC 1st Year included in the KCET Syllabus. The detailed list of topics is given below.

Chapter	Key Topics Covered
1. Physical World	What is physics Fundamental forces in nature
2. Units and Measurements	SI units Measurement of length/mass/time Errors Significant figures Dimensions Dimensional analysis
3. Motion in a Straight Line	Position Displacement Velocity Acceleration Kinematic equations Relative velocity
4. Motion in a Plane	Scalars & vectors Vector addition Motion in a plane Projectile & circular motion
5. Laws of Motion	Newton’s laws Momentum Equilibrium Friction Circular motion
6. Work, Energy & Power	Work, kinetic & potential energy Work-energy theorem Conservation of energy, power, and collisions
7. System of Particles & Rotational Motion	Center of mass Torque Angular momentum Moment of inertia Rotational dynamics Rolling motion
8. Gravitation	Universal law Acceleration due to gravity Potential energy Escape velocity Satellites
9. Mechanical Properties of Solids	Stress, strain Hooke’s law Elastic moduli
10. Mechanical Properties of Fluids	Pressure Bernoulli’s principle Viscosity Surface tension
11. Thermal Properties of Matter	Temperature Expansion Calorimetry Specific heat Black body radiation Newton’s cooling law
12. Thermodynamics	Laws of thermodynamics Heat, work, internal energy Carnot engine
13. Kinetic Theory	Molecular nature of gases Ideal gas law Equipartition of energy Mean free path
14. Oscillations	SHM Energy Damping Forced oscillations Resonance
15. Waves	Wave motion Transverse & longitudinal waves Superposition, reflection, and beats

Also Check: KCET Practice Papers

KCET Physics Syllabus 2026: Topics from 2nd PUC

The section includes topics from the 12th class or PUC 2nd Year included in the KCET 2024 Syllabus. The detailed list of topics is given below.

Chapter	Key Topics Covered
1. Electric Charges and Fields	Coulomb’s law Electric field & potential Field lines Dipole Gauss’s law
2. Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance	Potential due to charge systems Equipotential surfaces Capacitance Energy in a capacitor
3. Current Electricity	Ohm’s law Resistivity Combination of resistors EMF Kirchhoff’s laws Wheatstone bridge Potentiometer
4. Moving Charges and Magnetism	Magnetic force Motion in a magnetic field Biot–Savart law Ampere’s law Solenoid Toroid
5. Magnetism and Matter	Magnetic properties of materials Earth’s magnetism Bar magnet Magnetic field lines
6. Electromagnetic Induction	Faraday’s laws Lenz’s law Eddy currents Self & mutual induction Energy stored in an inductor
7. Alternating Current	AC voltage RMS values Phase difference LCR circuit Resonance Transformers
8. Electromagnetic Waves	Displacement current Electromagnetic spectrum Characteristics & applications
9. Ray Optics and Optical Instruments	Reflection & refraction Mirror & lens formula Total internal reflection Optical instruments
10. Wave Optics	Interference Diffraction Polarization Young’s double slit experiment
11. Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	Photoelectric effect De Broglie hypothesis Wave-particle duality
12. Atoms	Atomic models Bohr’s model Hydrogen spectrum
13. Nuclei	Properties of the nucleus Radioactivity Nuclear energy Fission & fusion
14. Semiconductor Electronics	Intrinsic & extrinsic semiconductors Diodes Transistors Logic gates & applications
15. Communication Systems	Elements of communication Modulation & demodulation Bandwidth and applications

KCET Physics Syllabus 2026 Deleted Topics

The table below shows the KCET Physics syllabus deleted topics:

Chapters	Detailed Portion
Physical World	Physics – Scope and excitement Physics – Technology and society Nature of physical laws
Motion in a Straight Line	Frame of reference: Position-time graph, speed, and velocity
Laws of Motion	Intuitive concept of forces Inertia Newton’s first law of motion: momentum Newton’s second law of motion: impulse Newton’s third law of motion
System of Particles and Rotational Motion	Statement of the parallel and perpendicular axes theorem and its applications
Gravitation	Kepler’s law of planetary motion Acceleration due to gravity
Mechanical Properties of Solids	Elastic behavior Shear modulus of rigidity Poisson’s ratio Elastic energy
Thermal Properties of Matter	Heat and temperature Heat transfer Conduction Convection Radiation
Thermodynamics	Heat engine Refrigerator

Ques. Are numerical questions asked in KCET Physics?

Ans. Yes. The Physics paper includes both conceptual theory-based questions and numerical problems, mainly from Mechanics, Electricity, and Thermodynamics.

Question Type	Main Topics Covered	Nature of Questions
Conceptual / Theory-based	Optics Modern Physics Magnetism	Direct concept or formula-based MCQs
Numerical / Problem-solving	Mechanics Electricity Thermodynamics	Calculation-based, requiring formula application

Ques. Is Modern Physics part of KCET 2026?

Ans. Yes. Topics like Atoms, Nuclei, Dual Nature of Matter, and Electronic Devices are included from the 2nd PUC syllabus.

Chapter (Modern Physics)	Expected No. of Questions	Approx. Weightage (%)	PUC Level
Atoms	2–3	4–5%	2nd PUC
Nuclei	2–3	4–5%	2nd PUC
Dual Nature of Matter	2	3–4%	2nd PUC
Electronic Devices	3–4	5–6%	2nd PUC

Ques. Are NCERT books enough for KCET Physics preparation?

Ans. Yes, NCERT 11th and 12th textbooks are the primary source, but you should also solve KCET previous year papers and reference books like HC Verma or D.C. Pandey for extra practice.

Book Type	Recommended Books / Sources
Main Textbooks	NCERT Class 11 & 12 Physics
Reference Books	Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma
Reference Books	Understanding Physics series by D.C. Pandey (Arihant)
Previous Year Papers	KCET Past Year Question Papers
Practice Material	KCET mock tests & sample papers

Check More:

KCET Exam Pattern 2026

The physics section of the KCET Exam Pattern consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking present. A total duration of 80 minutes would be given to attempt the Physics section.

Aspects	Details
Mode of KCET 2024	Pen and Paper-based Test
Duration of the exam	80 Minutes for each paper
Medium of the Question Paper	English and Kannada
Type of Questions	MCQs
Number of Questions	60 MCQs in each paper
Marking Scheme	+1 Mark for Every Correct ResponseNo Negative Marking
Subjects	Physics

KCET 2026 Marking Scheme

The physics section of the KCET exam marking scheme contains +1 mark each for a correct answer, and no negative marking is present.

Particulars	Marks
Total Marks	60 Marks for each section
Correct Answer	+1 mark will be awarded
Incorrect Answer	No negative marking

Check: KCET Paper Analysis

KCET Physics Syllabus 2026 Chapter-Wise Weightage

The table below shows the chapter-wise weightage for the KCET physics syllabus for 2026 for 1st and 2nd PUC:

Chapters like Kinetic Theory, Thermodynamics, Communication System, and Current Electricity carry the highest weightage (4–5%), making them must-prepare topics.
Moderate-weight chapters such as Oscillation, Law of Motion, Magnetism & Matter, Wave Optics, and Semiconductor Electronics contribute 3–4% each.
Overall, focusing more on Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electricity-related chapters gives a higher-scoring advantage in KCET Physics.

Chapters from 1st PUC	Weightage in Percentage	Chapters from 2nd Year PUC	Weightage in Percentage
Kinetic Theory	4 to 5 %	Communication SYstem	4 to 5%
Thermodynamics	4 to 5 %	Current Electricity	4 to 5%
Oscillation	3 to 4%	Wave Optics	3 to 4%
Law of Motion	3 to 4%	Semiconductor Electronics	3 to 4%
Motion in a plane	3 to 4%	Magnetism & Matter	3 to 4%
Motion in a Straight Line	3 to 4%	Electromagnetic Waves	2 to 3%
Waves	3 to 4%	Ray Optics and Optical Instruments	2 to 3%
Work, Power & Energy	3 to 4%	Electrostatic potential	1 to 2%
Mechanical Properties of Solid	2 to 3%	Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter	1 to 2%
Particles System and Rotational Motion Gravitation	2 to 3%	Atoms	1 to 2%
Physical World	0 to 1 %	Moving Charges and Magnetism	1 to 2 %

Ques. What is the best strategy to prepare according to the chapter-wise weightage?

Ans. Prioritize high-weightage chapters first, then revise moderate topics, and finally do quick formula reviews for low-weightage chapters to ensure complete coverage.

Priority	Chapter Type	Examples	Focus
High (4–5%)	Most asked	Thermodynamics, Current Electricity, Kinetic Theory	In-depth study & numericals
Medium (3–4%)	Moderate	Laws of Motion, Oscillations, Magnetism, Wave Optics	Concept + PYQs
Low (1–2%)	Basic	Units, Motion in 1D, Ray Optics	Quick formula revision

Ques. Which sections of Physics are the most scoring in KCET 2026?

Ans. Mechanics, Electricity, and Thermodynamics are the most scoring sections and should be revised thoroughly with formulas and previous year questions.

Section	Key Chapters
Mechanics	Laws of Motion Work–Energy–Power Gravitation Oscillations Rotational Motion
Electricity	Electrostatics Current Electricity Magnetism EMI & AC
Thermodynamics	Thermodynamics Kinetic Theory

Best Books for KCET Physics Syllabus 2026

Pradeep’s Physics book is also a good study material. Candidates can refer to S. Chand, too.

Book Title	Authors
Pradeep’s New Course Physics Class 12 Vol. 1 & 2	K. L. Gomber & K. L. Gogia
Principles of Physics	V. K. Mehta & Rohit Mehta (S. Chand Publication)
Disha GoTo Guide for KCET Physics 2026	Disha Experts
Vinesh Karnataka CET Physics (Vol I & II)	Vinesh Publications

KCET Physics Exam Preparation Tips

Some of the effective KCET physics exam preparation tips for those who are appearing for the KCET exam 2026 are given below:

Preparation Focus	Action Plan
NCERT Mastery	Complete Class 11 & 12 NCERT Physics in 20 days (2 chapters/day)
Formula & Concept Notes	Make 1 formula sheet/chapter Revise every 3 days
PYQs Practice	Solve 10 years KCET PYQs
Chapter-wise MCQs	Attempt 100+ MCQs per chapter from MTG/Vinesh
Mock Tests	Take 15 full-length KCET mock tests
High-Weightage Topics	Allocate an extra 2–3 hours/week to Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, Communication System, and Current Electricity
Weak Area Analysis	Track performance weekly Aim for 80%+ accuracy in weaker topics
Time Practice	Practice 60 questions in 75 minutes
Revision Plan	Last 15 days = 70% revision + 30% test-solving

Check: KCET Preparation Tips

KCET Previous Year Questions

KCET past question papers are also useful in preparation because they enable students to know the patterns of questions.

Year	Availability of Question Papers	Link
2024	Available on the KEA website	Official Link: Click Here
2025	Available on the KEA website	Official Link: Click Here

Or you can also check: KCET 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

KCET 2025 Paper	Download PDF	Solutions PDF
KCET 2025 Kannada Question Paper with Answer Key	Download	Check Solution
KCET 2025 Physics Question Paper	Download	Check Solution
KCET 2025 Chemistry Question Paper	Download	Check Solution
KCET 2025 Biology Question Paper	Download	Check Solution
KCET 2025 Mathematics Question Paper	Download	Check Solution

Also Check: KCET Physics Mock Test

KCET Physics Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Ques. What is the syllabus of KCET 2026 in Karnataka?

Ans. The KCET syllabus 2026 follows the Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 and includes four core subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Subject	Syllabus Coverage
Physics	11th & 12th PUC topics – Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Waves, Gravitation, Electrostatics, Current & Magnetism, EMI & AC, Optics, Atoms, Nuclei, Electronic Devices.
Chemistry	Physical, Inorganic & Organic Chemistry – Atomic structure, Bonding, Periodicity, States of matter, Equilibrium, Kinetics, d-& f-block, Hydrocarbons, Functional groups.
Mathematics	Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Vectors, 3-D Geometry, Relations & Functions, Probability.
Biology	Cell Biology, Genetics & Evolution, Plant & Human Physiology, Ecology (Class 11 & 12 PUC).

Ques. What are the high-weightage chapters for Physics KCET 2026?

Ans. The table below shows the important chapters for the KCET Physics syllabus 2026:

Chapter	Approx. Number of Questions / % Weightage
Electrostatics	~7 questions (~11.67%)
Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism	~7 questions (~11.67%)
Current Electricity	~6 questions (~10.00%)
Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Currents	~6 questions (~10.00%)
Optics	~6 questions (~10.00%)
Atoms & Nuclei	~5 questions (~8.33%)
Thermodynamics	~3 questions (~5.00%)

Ques. How many questions are in the KCET physics?

Ans. The physics section of the KCET Exam Pattern consists of 60 questions, one mark each, with no negative marking present. A total duration of 80 minutes would be given to attempt the Physics section.

For KCET 2026 (Engineering/PCM stream):

Physics paper = 60 questions (each 1 mark) = 60 marks
No negative marking.

Therefore, you must aim to attempt all 60 carefully, with high accuracy.

Ques. What is the rank for 70% in KCET?

Ans. KCET for PCM stream = 180 marks (60 + 60 + 60), 70% of 180 = 126 marks

Based on previous years’ KCET Marks vs Rank Analysis, here’s an approximate range:

KCET Score (out of 180)	Expected Rank Range	Remarks
150 – 180	1 – 1,000	Excellent (top colleges like UVCE, RVCE, BMSCE)
130 – 149	1,000 – 5,000	Very Good (top 10 colleges possible)
120 – 130	5,000 – 10,000	Good Rank; can get good colleges/branches
90 – 119	10,000 – 25,000	Decent range; moderate colleges possible
Below 90	25,000 +	Lower-tier colleges/branches

Ques. Is a 30,000 rank good in KCET?

Ans. A rank of 30,000 in KCET is considered average to decent, not top-tier, but you can still get admission to good private or regional government colleges.

Parameter	Details
Rank Range	25,000 – 35,000
Performance Level	Average (middle range among candidates)
College Options	Decent private colleges and government colleges outside Bengaluru may accept this rank.
Branch Options	Easier to get Civil, Mechanical, ECE, or Biotechnology; harder for CSE/ISE in top colleges.
Top Colleges (possible with this rank)	Dayananda Sagar College, Acharya Institute, Reva University, KSIT, Presidency University (non-core branches).

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

Categories	State
General	750
sc	500