KCET syllabus is based on the 1st and 2nd Pre-University Course (Class 11 and 12) curriculum of the Karnataka State Board. For the Kannada language test, which is a mandatory qualifying test for certain candidates (Kannadigas from Horanadu and Gadinadu), the syllabus will be based on the 4th Standard level.
The Syllabus is divided into 4 subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
- For Engineering/Technology courses, students have to appear in PCM subjects.
- For Farm Sciences courses, students have to appear in PCMB subjects.
- For B.VSc and AH, Naturopathy & Yoga, and B.Sc (Nursing), students have to appear in PCB subjects.
- And for B-Pharma, 2nd Year B.Pharma, and Pharma-D, students have to appear in either PCB or PCM subjects.
Approximately 20-40% questions come from 1st PUC, and 60-80% come from 2nd PUC, making the latter more important for high scorers.
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Key Summary
- The syllabus overlaps with national exams like JEE MAIN and NEET, but remains state-specific in depth.
- Syllabus emphasizes practical application, with numerical problems constituting 50-60% in Physics and Mathematics.
- The biology portion leans towards theoretical recall (approx 70-80%).
- Each subject will comprise 60 questions with 1 mark each. There will be no negative marking in the exam.
What is KCET 2026 Syllabus
The Karnataka Examinations Authority prescribes the KCET syllabus, and it mainly aligns with the NCERTs. Over 70% of KCET questions have been direct concept-based, drawn from the core chapters like Organic Chemistry basics, Cell Biology, Algebra, and Electromagnetism, making NCERTs an excellent study base.
The KCET syllabus tests a student's understanding of topics studied during PUC rather than advanced problems. In 2024, there were around 45 questions that were out of the syllabus, as reported by The Indian Express.
KCET: Syllabus PDFs
KCET 2026: Detailed Syllabus
Students can find the detailed syllabus for KCET 2026, which includes all four subjects, in the table given below:
Physics
| Chapter Name (1st PUC) | Chapter Name (2nd PUC) |
|---|---|
| Physical World And Measurement | Electric Charge And Fields |
| Kinematics (Motion In Straight Line And Plane) | Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance |
| Laws Of Motion | Current Electricity |
| Work, Energy And Power | Moving Charges And Magnetism |
| Motion Of System Of Particles And Rigid Body | Magnetism And Matter |
| Gravitation | Electromagnetic Induction |
| Mechanical Properties Of Solids And Fluids | Alternating Current |
| Thermal Properties Of Matter | Electromagnetic Waves |
| Thermodynamics | Ray Optics And Optical Instruments |
| Kinetic Theory Of Gases | Wave Optics |
| Oscillations And Waves | Dual Nature Of Radiation And Matter |
| Atoms And Nuclei | |
| Semiconductor Electronics | |
| Communication Systems |
Chemistry
| Chapter Name (1st PUC) | Chapter Name (2nd PUC) |
|---|---|
| Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry | Solid State |
| Structure Of Atom | Solutions |
| Classification Of Elements And Periodicity In Properties | Electrochemistry |
| Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure | Chemical Kinetics |
| States Of Matter: Gases And Liquids | Surface Chemistry |
| Thermodynamics | General Principles And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements |
| Equilibrium | p-Bloock Elements |
| Redox Reactions | d And f Block Elements |
| Hydrogen | Coordination Compounds |
| S-Block Elements | Haloalkanes And Haloarenes |
| Some P- Block Elements | Alcohols, Phenols, And Ethers |
| Organic Chemistry (Some Basic Principles And Techniques) | Aldehydes, Ketones, And Carboxylic Acids |
| Hydrocarbons | Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen (Amines) |
| Environmental Chemistry | Biomolecules |
| Polymers | |
| Chemistry In Everyday Life |
Mathematics
| Chapter Name (1st PUC) | Chapter Name (2nd PUC) |
|---|---|
| Sets | Relations And Functions ( Inverse Trigonometric) |
| Relations And Functions | Matrices |
| Trigonometric Functions | Determinants |
| Principle Of Mathematical Induction | Continuity And Differentiality |
| Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations | Application Of Derivatives |
| Linear Inequalities | Integrals |
| Permutations And Combinations | Application Of Integrals |
| Binomial Theorem | Differential Equations |
| Sequences And Series | Vector Algebra |
| Straight Lines | Three-Dimensional Geometry |
| Conic Sections | Linear Programming |
| Introduction To Three-Dimensional Geometry | Probability |
| Limits And Derivatives | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | |
| Statistics | |
| Probability |
Biology
| Chapter Name (1st PUC) | Chapter Name (2nd PUC) |
|---|---|
| The Living World | Reproduction In Organisms |
| Biological Classification | Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants |
| Plant Kingdom | Human Reproduction |
| Animal Kingdom | Reproduction Health |
| Morphology Of Flowering Plants | Principles Of Inheritance And Variation |
| Anatomy Of Flowering Plants | Molecular Basis Of Inheritance |
| Structural Organisation In Animals | Evolution |
| Cell: The Unit Of Life | Human Health And Diseases |
| Biomolecules | Strategies For Enhancement In Food Production |
| Cell Cycle And Cell Division | Microbes In Human Welfare |
| Transport In Plants | Biotechnology: Principles And Processes |
| Mineral Nutrition | Biotechnology And Its Applications |
| Photosynthesis In Higher Plants | Organisms And Populations |
| Respiration in Plants | Ecosystem |
| Plant Growth And Development | Biodiversity And Conservation |
| Digestion And Absorption | Environmental Issues |
| Breathing And Exchange Of Gases | |
| Body Fluids And Circulation | |
| Excretory Products And Their Elimination | |
| Locomotion And Movement | |
| Neural control and coordination | |
| Chemical coordination and integration |
KCET 2026: 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.
Physics
| Chapter/Topic (Official List) | PUC Level | Estimated Weightage (%) | Expected Questions (out of 60) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical World & Measurement | 1st | 2-3% | 1-2 |
| Motion in a Straight Line/Plane | 1st | 5-7% | 3-4 |
| Laws of Motion | 1st | 5-7% | 3-4 |
| Work, Energy & Power | 1st | 4-5% | 2-3 |
| Gravitation | 1st | 7-8% | 4-5 |
| Thermodynamics | 1st | 5-7% | 3-4 |
| Oscillations & Waves | 1st | 5% | 3 |
| Electric Charges & Fields | 2nd | 6-8% | 4-5 |
| Electrostatic Potential & Capacitance | 2nd | 6-8% | 4-5 |
| Current Electricity | 2nd | 7-8% | 4-5 |
| Magnetic Effects of Current | 2nd | 4-6% | 3-4 |
| Electromagnetic Induction & AC | 2nd | 5-6% | 3-4 |
| Ray & Wave Optics | 2nd | 8-9% | 5-6 |
| Dual Nature & Modern Physics | 2nd | 6-8% | 4-5 |
| Semiconductors | 2nd | 4-5% | 2-3 |
Chemistry
| Chapter/Topic (Official List) | PUC Level | Estimated Weightage (%) | Expected Questions (out of 60) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Concepts & Structure of Atom | 1st | 4-5% | 2-3 |
| Periodic Table & Bonding | 1st | 6-7% | 4 |
| States of Matter & Thermodynamics | 1st | 5-6% | 3-4 |
| Equilibrium & Redox | 1st | 5% | 3 |
| Hydrocarbons & Organic Basics | 1st | 5-6% | 3-4 |
| Solid State & Solutions | 2nd | 7% | 4 |
| Electrochemistry & Kinetics | 2nd | 6-7% | 4 |
| p-Block & d/f Block Elements | 2nd | 10-12% | 6-7 |
| Coordination Compounds | 2nd | 5% | 3 |
| Haloalkanes/Haloarenes & Alcohols/Phenols/Ethers | 2nd | 10-12% | 6-7 |
| Aldehydes/Ketones/Carboxylic Acids & Amines | 2nd | 12-15% | 7-9 |
| Biomolecules & Polymers | 2nd | 5-6% | 3-4 |
Mathematics
| Chapter/Topic (Official List) | PUC Level | Estimated Weightage (%) | Expected Questions (out of 60) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trigonometric Functions | 1st | 8-10% | 5-6 |
| Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations | 1st | 5-6% | 3-4 |
| Straight Lines & Conic Sections | 1st | 6-7% | 4 |
| Limits & Derivatives | 1st | 6-7% | 4 |
| Probability & Statistics | 1st | 4-5% | 3 |
| Integrals & Applications | 2nd | 8-9% | 5 |
| Differential Equations | 2nd | 5% | 3 |
| Matrices & Determinants | 2nd | 6-7% | 4 |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | 2nd | 10-12% | 6-7 |
| Continuity/Differentiability | 2nd | 7-8% | 4-5 |
| Probability (Advanced) | 2nd | 6-7% | 4 |
Biology
| Chapter/Topic (Official List) | PUC Level | Estimated Weightage (%) | Expected Questions (out of 60) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diversity & Classification | 1st | 5-6% | 3-4 |
| Cell Structure & Biomolecules | 1st | 6-7% | 4 |
| Plant/Animal Morphology/Anatomy | 1st | 8-10% | 5-6 |
| Photosynthesis/Respiration | 1st | 5% | 3 |
| Human Reproduction & Health | 2nd | 6-7% | 4 |
| Genetics & Molecular Inheritance | 2nd | 18-20% | 11-12 |
| Evolution & Human Physiology | 2nd | 20-25% | 12-15 |
| Biotechnology & Applications | 2nd | 5-6% | 3-4 |
| Ecology & Biodiversity | 2nd | 15-18% | 9-11 |
KCET 2026: Changes Made in Syllabus
The syllabus for KCET 2026 has not been released yet by KEA. In 2025, some topics were added to the syllabus in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. These topics are given below:
- Experimental Skills in Physics as Unit X.
- Principles related to Practical Chemistry as Unit XI in Chemistry.
- Principles related to Experimental Biology as Unit VI in Biology.
KCET 2026: Exam Pattern
The KCET exam pattern will be similar to that of previous years, consisting of three parts: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, each with 60 marks.
- Mode of Exam: Offline ( Pen and Paper)
- Medium of exam: English and Kannada.
- Number of Sessions: 4 sessions in total: one for each subject.
- Total Questions: Each Session: 60 MCQs and 1 hour 20 minutes ( 80 Minutes) per section.
- Total Mark: (PCM): 180 marks ( 60 per subject x 1 mark each)
- Question Type: MCQs with 4 options and 1 correct answer.
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer and no negative marking for wrong answers.
KCET 2026: Best Books
The golden rule shared by toppers and experts is that students should start with NCERT textbooks as they cover 80-90% of the questions directly, and then move to KCET-specific reference books for practice.
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Physics |
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| Chemistry |
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| Mathematics |
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| Biology |
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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
- Physics: Daily numerical practice with strong conceptual understanding.
- Chemistry: Use flashcards for reactions and periodic tables.
- Mathematics: Create formula sheets and practice questions in a time-bound manner.
- Biology: Master diagrams and use mnemonics for better retention.
KCET 2026: Mock Tests
Mock tests stimulate the actual exam, helping improve time management, accuracy, identify weak areas, reduce anxiety, and build exam temperament.
Find below the KCET 2026 Mock tests:
KCET: Previous Year Papers
| KCET Papers(2025) | Kannada Language Paper |
|---|---|
| Physics | Paper 2024 |
| Chemistry | Paper 2023 |
| Mathematics | |
| Biology |
KCET 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Is the KCET syllabus 2026 the same as JEE Main?
Ans. No, the syllabus is not the same, though there is some overlap. JEE Main syllabus includes greater depth, application-based, and higher difficulty concepts, whereas KCET focuses more on fundamental concepts and direct questions.
Ques. Is Biology compulsory in KCET 2026?
Ans. No, Biology is only required for certain specific courses, such as Farm Sciences.
Ques. Where can I find the KCET 2026 syllabus?
Ans. The KCET 2026 syllabus can be found on the official website of KEA at https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
Ques. How does the KCET Biology syllabus compare to the NEET syllabus?
Ans. The syllabus is very similar to the NEET syllabus; however, in NEET, the syllabus is covered in depth and includes more analytical questions as compared to more direct and concept-based questions in KCET.
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