The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) prescribes the Physics syllabus for KCET 2026 strictly in accordance with the latest NCERT textbooks of Class 11 (1st PUC) and Class 12 (2nd PUC). As per the most recent KEA guidelines and continuing trends, there are no major deviations from the NCERT framework, and candidates are not required to study topics outside the prescribed syllabus.
This document presents a clear, exam-oriented overview of the KCET 2026 Physics syllabus, including included topics, deleted portions, and preparation-focused observations.
Key Highlights of KCET 2026 Physics Syllabus
- The syllabus is fully aligned with NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 Physics textbooks
- No extra or advanced topics beyond NCERT are included
- Certain topics removed in previous years continue to remain deleted
- Questions may test conceptual application rather than direct formula substitution
- Some questions may integrate concepts from both 1st and 2nd PUC
Class 11 (First PUC) Physics Syllabus – KCET 2026
1. Units and Measurements
- Need for measurement
- Dimensions of physical quantities
- Dimensional formulae and equations
- Dimensional analysis and applications
Note: Error analysis is not included in the syllabus.
2. Kinematics
- Motion in a straight line
- Motion in a plane
- Scalars and vectors
- Projectile motion
- Uniform circular motion
3. Laws of Motion
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Friction and its types
- Applications of laws of motion
4. Work, Energy, and Power
- Work-energy theorem
- Conservative and non-conservative forces
- Power and efficiency
5. Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body
- Centre of mass
- Rotational motion
- Moment of inertia
6. Gravitation
- Universal law of gravitation
- Acceleration due to gravity
- Variation of g with altitude and depth
- Orbital velocity and satellite motion
7. Properties of Bulk Matter
- Mechanical properties of solids and liquids
- Elasticity, viscosity, and surface tension
- Newton’s law of cooling
8. Thermodynamics
- Thermal equilibrium
- Heat, work, and internal energy
- First and second laws of thermodynamics
- Isothermal and adiabatic processes
Note: Refrigerator-related concepts remain excluded.
9. Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory
- Gas laws
- Kinetic theory of gases
10. Oscillations and Waves
- Simple harmonic motion
- Wave motion and wave properties
Class 12 (Second PUC) Physics Syllabus – KCET 2026
1. Electrostatics
- Electric charges and fields
- Electrostatic potential and capacitance
2. Current Electricity
- Electric current and drift velocity
- Ohm’s law and resistance
- Kirchhoff’s laws and applications
Note: Meter bridge and colour code are not included.
3. Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
- Moving charges and magnetism
- Biot–Savart law and Ampere’s law
Note: Earth’s magnetism and hysteresis are excluded.
4. Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current
- Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction
- Self and mutual induction
- Alternating current
- Transformers
5. Electromagnetic Waves
- Displacement current
- Electromagnetic spectrum
6. Optics
- Ray optics
- Wave optics
- Young’s double-slit experiment
Note: Detailed numerical calculations related to fringe width are omitted.
7. Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
- Photoelectric effect
- Experimental observations
8. Atoms and Nuclei
- Atomic models
- Nuclear forces and binding energy
- Radioactivity (types of decay: alpha, beta, gamma)
Note: Numerical problems on radioactivity are not included.
9. Electronic Devices
- Semiconductors
- p-n junction diode
Note: Logic gates are not part of the KCET 2026 syllabus.
Deleted Topics for KCET 2026 Physics (As Per KEA Pattern)
- Error analysis (Class 11)
- Refrigerator-related numerical concepts
- Earth’s magnetism and hysteresis
- Meter bridge experiments
- Detailed fringe-width calculations in YDSE
- Numerical problems on radioactivity
- Logic gates
KCET 2026 Physics Topic-wise Weightage & Preparation Strategy
The KCET Physics paper consists of 60 MCQs carrying 60 marks. Based on previous KCET trends, questions are distributed across both 1st PUC and 2nd PUC topics, with higher weightage given to Class 12 concepts.
High-Weightage Topics in KCET 2026 Physics (4–6 Questions)
| Chapter | Expected Questions | Expected Marks | Focus Areas | Strategy |
| Current Electricity | 4–5 | 4–5 | Drift velocity, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws | Practice numericals from NCERT examples |
| Electrostatics | 4–5 | 4–5 | Electric field, potential, capacitance | Strong formula clarity and applications |
| Magnetic Effects of Current | 4–5 | 4–5 | Biot–Savart law, force on charges | Focus on derivations and MCQs |
| Optics | 4–6 | 4–6 | Ray diagrams, YDSE concepts | Practice conceptual + diagram-based questions |
| Thermodynamics | 4–5 | 4–5 | Laws of thermodynamics, processes | Conceptual understanding over formulas |
Medium-Weightage Topics in KCET 2026 Physics (2–3 Questions)
| Chapter | Expected Questions | Expected Marks | Focus Areas | Strategy |
| Kinematics | 2–3 | 2–3 | Equations of motion, graphs | Practice basic numericals |
| Laws of Motion | 2–3 | 2–3 | Newton’s laws, friction | Revise free-body diagrams |
| Work, Energy and Power | 2–3 | 2–3 | Energy conservation | Formula-based practice |
| Electromagnetic Induction & AC | 2–3 | 2–3 | Faraday’s laws, AC circuits | Focus on standard problems |
| Dual Nature of Matter | 2–3 | 2–3 | Photoelectric effect | Learn observations and graphs |
Low-Weightage Topics in KCET 2026 Physics (1 Question)
| Chapter | Expected Questions | Expected Marks | Focus Areas |
| Units and Measurements | 1 | 1 | Dimensions, units |
| Motion of System of Particles | 1 | 1 | Centre of mass |
| Gravitation | 1 | 1 | Satellite motion |
| Properties of Bulk Matter | 1 | 1 | Elasticity, viscosity |
| Oscillations and Waves | 1 | 1 | SHM, wave properties |
| Atoms and Nuclei | 1 | 1 | Atomic models |
| Electronic Devices | 1 | 1 | Diodes, semiconductors |
Important Exam Observations for KCET 2026 Physics
- All questions are strictly NCERT-based
- Conceptual understanding is more important than rote learning
- KEA may combine Class 11 and Class 12 concepts in a single question
- Some questions may be linked to experimental or practical-based understanding
Last 30 Days Revision Plan for KCET 2026 Physics
This 30-day revision plan is designed to strengthen concepts, improve numerical solving speed, and enhance exam readiness.
Days 1–7: Core Class 12 Topics
- Revise Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current
- Solve NCERT examples and previous year KCET questions
- Maintain a formula and mistake notebook
Days 8–14: Remaining Class 12 Topics
- Revise Optics, Electromagnetic Induction, Dual Nature, Atoms and Nuclei
- Practice ray diagrams and conceptual MCQs
- Attempt sectional mock tests
Days 15–20: Class 11 High-Scoring Topics
- Revise Thermodynamics, Kinematics, Laws of Motion
- Practice numericals and conceptual questions
Days 21–25: Remaining Class 11 Topics
- Revise Work Energy Power, Gravitation, Oscillations and Waves
- Quick revision of low-weightage chapters
Days 26–30: Final Polishing
- Full-length mock tests and analysis
- Formula revision and light practice
- Focus on accuracy and calmness
Frequently Asked Questions – KCET 2026 Physics
Q1: Is KCET Physics strictly based on NCERT?
Yes. KCET 2026 Physics questions are entirely based on NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 textbooks.
Q2: How many questions come from Class 12 Physics in KCET?
Approximately 60–65% of the Physics paper is based on Class 12 topics.
Q3: Is KCET Physics easier than JEE Physics?
Yes. KCET Physics is comparatively easier and more formula- and concept-based than JEE Physics.
Q4: What is a safe score in KCET 2026 Physics?
A score of 45+ out of 60 is considered very competitive.
Q5: Are numerical problems important for KCET Physics?
Yes. Most KCET Physics questions are numerical or concept-based applications of formulas.
Final Preparation Recommendation for KCET 2026 Physics
- Study NCERT textbooks thoroughly for both theory and examples
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising formulas
- Practice numerical problems directly from NCERT examples and exercises
- Avoid reference books that introduce out-of-syllabus content
Sticking to the official KCET 2026 Physics syllabus and preparing in a structured manner will help students maximise their score and avoid unnecessary confusion during preparation.
Soumik Mukhopadhyay
Physics Teacher, YouTube @ Deeksha
M.Sc in Physics, JNU, New Delhi
14+ Years of experince in Physics teaching and Content developement
Specialised in NEET/KCET/JEE Mains
‘There is no shortcut for Hardwork’
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