Introduction
The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2026 is a crucial milestone for students aiming to secure admission to top engineering, medical, agriculture, and pharmacy colleges across Karnataka. With thousands of aspirants competing for limited seats in elite institutions, understanding the syllabus and weightage distribution becomes the foundation of smart preparation. Unlike random study routines, a strategic approach—built on what to study, how much to study, and when to revise—can make a massive difference.
This guide by Deeksha Vedantu offers you a comprehensive breakdown of the KCET 2026 syllabus as prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka, along with data-driven insights into chapter-wise weightage. Whether you’re starting early or doing a focused revision, this resource will help you optimize your learning path.
KCET 2026 Syllabus Overview
The KCET syllabus is completely aligned with the 1st and 2nd year PUC curriculum. Subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (for specific streams). The question paper follows an objective multiple-choice format, testing both conceptual clarity and speed of solving.
Each subject has equal weightage, and questions are generally direct but require in-depth conceptual understanding. The syllabus is derived from:
- 1st PUC (Class 11) syllabus
- 2nd PUC (Class 12) syllabus
Let’s explore each subject in detail.
Physics
Physics is a mix of theory, formula-based problems, and application-driven questions. Conceptual clarity is essential.
| 1st PUC Topics: | 2nd PUC Topics: |
|---|---|
| Physical World | Electric Charges and Fields |
| Units and Measurements | Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance |
| Motion in a Straight Line | Current Electricity |
| Motion in a Plane | Moving Charges and Magnetism |
| Laws of Motion | Magnetism and Matter |
| Work, Energy, and Power | Electromagnetic Induction |
| System of Particles and Rotational Motion | Alternating Current |
| Gravitation | Electromagnetic Waves |
| Mechanical Properties of Solids | Ray Optics and Optical Instruments |
| Mechanical Properties of Fluids | Wave Optics |
| Thermal Properties of Matter | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter |
| Thermodynamics | Atoms |
| Kinetic Theory | Nuclei |
| Oscillations | Semiconductor Electronics |
| Waves |
Chemistry
Chemistry balances theory-heavy topics with numerical-based questions. Expect direct questions from NCERT.
| 1st PUC Topics: | 2nd PUC Topics: |
|---|---|
| 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 | The p-Block Element |
| Redox Reactions | The d- and f-Block Elements |
| Hydrogen | Coordination Compounds |
| The s-Block Element | Haloalkanes and Haloarenes |
| Some p-Block Elements | Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers |
| Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles and Techniques | Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids |
| Hydrocarbons | Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen |
| Environmental Chemistry | Biomolecules |
| Polymers | |
| Chemistry in Everyday Life |
Mathematics
Math in KCET emphasizes speed, accuracy, and logical reasoning. Integration, differentiation, and coordinate geometry often dominate the paper.
| 1st PUC Topics: | 2nd PUC Topics: |
|---|---|
| Sets, Relations, and Functions | Relations and Functions |
| Trigonometric Functions | Inverse Trigonometric Functions |
| Principle of Mathematical Induction | Matrices |
| Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations | Determinants |
| Linear Inequalities | Continuity and Differentiability |
| Permutations and Combinations | Application of Derivatives |
| Binomial Theorem | Integrals |
| Sequence and Series | Application of Integrals |
| Straight Lines | Differential Equations |
| Conic Sections | Vector Algebra |
| Introduction to Three-Dimensional Geometry | Three-Dimensional Geometry |
| Limits and Derivative | Linear Programming |
| Mathematical Reasoning | |
| Statistics | |
| Probability |
Chapter-Wise Weightage Analysis (Based on Past Papers)
Physics
| Chapter | Expected Weightage (%) |
| Current Electricity | 7–8% |
| Electrostatics | 6–7% |
| Ray and Wave Optics | 6–7% |
| Laws of Motion | 5–6% |
| Thermodynamics | 5% |
| Oscillations and Waves | 5% |
| Semiconductor Electronics | 4–5% |
| Magnetic Effects of Current | 4–5% |
| Alternating Current | 3–4% |
Chemistry
| Chapter | Expected Weightage (%) |
| Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure | 6–7% |
| Thermodynamics | 5–6% |
| Organic Chemistry (All Units) | 10–12% |
| Electrochemistry | 5% |
| Coordination Compounds | 5% |
| Surface Chemistry | 3–4% |
| The p-Block and d-Block Elements | 6–8% |
Mathematics
| Chapter | Expected Weightage (%) |
| Integration + Application | 9–10% |
| Continuity and Differentiability | 7–8% |
| Matrices and Determinants | 7–8% |
| Probability | 6–7% |
| Vectors and 3D Geometry | 6–7% |
| Application of Derivatives | 6–7% |
| Linear Programming | 3–4% |
Preparation Strategy
- Focus first on high-weightage topics like Calculus in Math, Organic Chemistry, and Current Electricity in Physics.
- Keep a chapter-wise revision notebook.
- Practice at least 3–5 PYQs per topic during revision.
- Take mock tests and focus on time management.
- Make a customized timetable prioritizing weak and high-yield chapters.
FAQs
Q1. Is the KCET 2026 syllabus exactly the same as the PUC syllabus?
Yes, KCET is based entirely on Karnataka’s 1st and 2nd year PUC syllabus. KEA strictly adheres to the official curriculum.
Q2. Are NCERT textbooks enough for KCET?
NCERT books (aligned with PUC) are a strong base. However, practice books and previous year question papers are essential for Physics and Math.
Q3. How can I cover the syllabus more efficiently?
Follow a weightage-first approach, using revision charts and mock test performance to guide your study schedule.
Q4. Is Biology syllabus included for engineering aspirants?
No. Biology is only considered for BSc Agriculture, BPharma, Veterinary and other biology-based streams—not for engineering.
Q5. Are there any changes expected in KCET 2026 syllabus?
As of now, KEA has not announced any major changes. It’s best to follow the official KEA and PUE websites for updates.
Conclusion
Success in KCET isn’t just about studying hard—it’s about studying smart. With a detailed understanding of the KCET 2026 syllabus and chapter-wise weightage, you can build a preparation strategy that maximizes your efficiency and boosts your confidence. Focus on strong topics, practice regularly, and track your performance.
At Deeksha Vedantu, we provide expert guidance, chapter-wise revision classes, mock tests, and mentorship to ensure that you’re always ahead of the curve.
Master the syllabus. Maximize your score. Crack KCET 2026 with confidence.
Get Social