The KCET 2026 Syllabus is based on the 1st and 2nd PUC curriculum prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka. Furthermore, the KCET 2026 exam covered Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, with each paper carrying 60 marks for a total of 180 marks. Subsequently, candidates appearing for future cycles should focus on subject-wise topics matching their stream — PCM for engineering and PCB for pharmacy, BNYS, and B.Sc Nursing. Therefore, this page covers the syllabus structure, exam pattern, and preparation strategy. Moreover, candidates can refer to standard NCERT and Karnataka state board textbooks for preparation. Additionally, this guide includes preparation tips and recommended resources.
Latest: The KCET 2026 exam was held on April 23-24, 2026 based on the 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus. Subsequently, future candidates can preview the subject-wise topics on this page for preparation.
KCET 2026 Syllabus — Overview
What is it? The KCET syllabus is the prescribed list of topics across Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology for the entrance examination. Furthermore, KEA derives the syllabus from the 1st and 2nd PUC curriculum followed in Karnataka. Subsequently, the syllabus is largely aligned with NCERT content for Class 11 and 12 with minor state-specific variations. Therefore, candidates should build a strong foundation across both years. Additionally, regular practice with mock tests and previous year papers is essential. Moreover, the question paper is available in English and Kannada.
KCET 2026 Syllabus — Exam Pattern
KEA conducts KCET in offline OMR-based pen-and-paper mode across two days. Furthermore, the exam consists of three papers — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology — each carrying 60 marks. Therefore, candidates should follow the marking scheme carefully. Subsequently, accuracy matters with no negative marking as per the standard KCET pattern. Additionally, each paper is 80 minutes long.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Duration | 80 minutes per paper |
| Question Type | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Papers | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology |
| Marks per Paper | 60 marks (60 questions) |
| Total Marks | 180 (3 papers x 60 marks) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct; no negative marking (as per standard KCET pattern) |
| Based On | 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus (Karnataka state board / NCERT aligned) |
| Language | English and Kannada |
KCET 2026 Syllabus Reference – Candidates can refer to the official information bulletin at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/. Furthermore, aglasem.com provides a free downloadable PDF guide of the subject-wise syllabus and the KCET sample paper for practice.
Physics Syllabus
The Physics paper covers concepts from 1st and 2nd PUC Physics. Furthermore, candidates should focus on the key topic areas listed below. Subsequently, NCERT Class 11 and 12 Physics textbooks form the foundation.
- Mechanics: Units and measurement, motion in a straight line, motion in a plane, laws of motion, work-energy-power, system of particles and rotational motion, gravitation
- Properties of Matter and Thermodynamics: Mechanical properties of solids and fluids, thermal properties of matter, thermodynamics, kinetic theory of gases
- Oscillations and Waves: Simple harmonic motion, oscillations, waves and sound
- Electrostatics and Current Electricity: Electric charges and fields, electric potential and capacitance, current electricity, magnetic effects of current, magnetism and matter
- Electromagnetism and Optics: Electromagnetic induction, alternating current, electromagnetic waves, ray optics, wave optics
- Modern Physics: Dual nature of radiation and matter, atoms and nuclei, semiconductor electronics, communication systems
Chemistry Syllabus
The Chemistry paper covers all three branches — Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. Furthermore, candidates should distribute their preparation time across all three. Subsequently, NCERT Class 11 and 12 Chemistry textbooks are recommended.
- Physical Chemistry: Some basic concepts of chemistry, structure of atom, states of matter, thermodynamics, equilibrium, redox reactions, solid state, solutions, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, surface chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of elements and periodicity, chemical bonding and molecular structure, hydrogen, s-block elements, p-block elements, d- and f-block elements, coordination compounds, general principles and processes of isolation of elements
- Organic Chemistry: Basic principles and techniques, hydrocarbons, environmental chemistry, haloalkanes and haloarenes, alcohols, phenols and ethers, aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids, amines, biomolecules, polymers, chemistry in everyday life
Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics paper is required for engineering admissions. Furthermore, candidates should master both calculus and algebra. Subsequently, regular problem-solving is essential.
- Algebra: Sets, relations and functions, complex numbers and quadratic equations, linear inequalities, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, sequence and series, matrices and determinants
- Calculus: Limits and derivatives, continuity and differentiability, applications of derivatives, integrals, applications of integrals, differential equations
- Coordinate Geometry: Straight lines, conic sections (circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola), three-dimensional geometry, vectors
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, properties of triangles
- Probability and Statistics: Statistics, probability, mathematical reasoning, linear programming
Biology Syllabus
The Biology paper is required for pharmacy, BNYS, B.Sc Nursing, and allied medical admissions. Furthermore, candidates should master both Botany and Zoology. Subsequently, NCERT Class 11 and 12 Biology textbooks are essential.
- Diversity in Living World: The living world, biological classification, plant kingdom, animal kingdom
- Structural Organisation: Morphology and anatomy of flowering plants, structural organisation in animals
- Cell Structure and Function: Cell unit of life, biomolecules, cell cycle and cell division
- Plant Physiology: Transport in plants, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth and development
- Human Physiology: Digestion, respiration, body fluids, locomotion, neural control, chemical coordination
- Reproduction: Reproduction in organisms, sexual reproduction in flowering plants, human reproduction, reproductive health
- Genetics and Evolution: Principles of inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, evolution
- Biology and Human Welfare: Human health and disease, strategies for enhancement in food production, microbes in human welfare
- Biotechnology and Ecology: Biotechnology principles and processes, biotechnology and its applications, organisms and populations, ecosystem, biodiversity, environmental issues
Preparation Tips
KCET rewards thorough understanding of 1st and 2nd PUC concepts. Furthermore, candidates should follow a structured strategy to cover all subjects effectively. Subsequently, mock tests and previous year papers help identify weak areas. Therefore, the tips below help candidates plan their preparation. Additionally, time management during the exam is equally important.
- Begin with NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for all subjects — they cover most concepts.
- Supplement with Karnataka state board PUC textbooks for state-specific variations.
- Follow a 9-12 month preparation plan with daily theory, MCQ practice, and revision.
- Solve previous year KCET papers to understand the question style and difficulty.
- Take timed OMR-based mocks to simulate exam conditions and build endurance.
- Focus equally on 2nd PUC marks since the final rank uses 50:50 weightage.
- Revise key formulas, definitions, and concepts in the last week before the exam.
Quick Links
Quick Overview
| Name of Exam | KCET 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology |
| Marks per Subject | 60 |
| Total Marks | 180 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct; no negative marking (as per standard pattern) |
| Based On | 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus (NCERT-aligned) |
| Language | English and Kannada |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
| Type of Exam | Engineering Entrance Exams |
Frequently Asked Questions
The KCET 2026 syllabus is based on the 1st and 2nd PUC curriculum prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka. Furthermore, the content is largely aligned with NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Therefore, candidates can use NCERT textbooks as primary study material. Subsequently, Karnataka state board PUC textbooks help with state-specific variations.
KCET covers Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Furthermore, candidates appearing for engineering must take Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Subsequently, candidates appearing for pharmacy, BNYS, B.Sc Nursing, and allied medical programmes must take Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). Therefore, the choice of papers depends on the chosen course.
KCET consists of three papers — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology — each carrying 60 marks for a total of 180 marks. Furthermore, each paper has 60 multiple-choice questions answered in 80 minutes via OMR sheet. Subsequently, candidates earn one mark for each correct answer with no negative marking as per the standard KCET pattern. Therefore, accuracy and coverage matter equally.
The KCET syllabus overlaps significantly with NEET (for PCB) and JEE Main (for PCM) since all are based on Class 11-12 curriculum. Furthermore, KCET is generally considered easier than NEET or JEE in terms of difficulty level. Subsequently, candidates preparing for NEET or JEE Main have a strong base for KCET. Therefore, supplement NEET/JEE preparation with KCET-specific previous year papers.
Candidates should start with NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for all subjects. Furthermore, supplement with KCET-specific guides, Karnataka state board PUC books, and previous year papers. Subsequently, timed mock tests and OMR-based practice help build speed and exam temperament. Therefore, candidates should solve previous year papers under timed conditions for best results.
Each KCET paper has a duration of 80 minutes (1 hour 20 minutes). Furthermore, the three papers — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology — are held across two days. Subsequently, candidates must complete 60 questions within the 80-minute window. Therefore, time management is crucial. Additionally, candidates should practice with timed mocks to build pace.
A focused preparation period of 9-12 months is usually sufficient for serious candidates. Furthermore, candidates already preparing for NEET or JEE Main can cover KCET with 2-3 months of additional state-specific practice. Subsequently, the final 1-2 months should focus heavily on mocks, previous year papers, and revision. Therefore, plan your preparation in tandem with 2nd PUC since both contribute equally to the final rank.
KEA usually retains the syllabus across cycles with minor updates aligned to the 1st and 2nd PUC curriculum. Furthermore, any changes appear in the official notification of the next cycle. Therefore, candidates preparing for upcoming sessions should download the latest information brochure. Subsequently, the syllabus remains largely stable for predictable preparation.
If you have any questions about the syllabus, then please ask in the comments below. And if you found this page to be useful, please share!
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good guide line thank you sir