Karnataka Common Entrance Test Syllabus 2027
Karnataka Common Entrance Test Syllabus
KCET 2026 Syllabus Overview
The KCET syllabus is based on the 1st and 2nd Pre-University Course (Class 11 and 12) curriculum of the Karnataka State Board. The Kannada language test, mandatory for certain candidates (Kannadigas from Horanadu and Gadinadu), is based on the 4th Standard level.
The syllabus covers four subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
- For Engineering/Technology courses, students appear in PCM subjects.
- For Farm Sciences courses, students appear in PCMB subjects.
- For B.VSc and AH, Naturopathy & Yoga, and B.Sc (Nursing), students appear in PCB subjects.
- For B-Pharma, 2nd Year B.Pharma, and Pharma-D, students appear in either PCB or PCM subjects.
Approximately 20-40% of questions come from 1st PUC, and 60-80% come from 2nd PUC. The 2nd PUC portion carries more weight for high scorers.
Key Summary of KCET Syllabus
The syllabus overlaps with national exams like JEE MAIN and NEET, but remains state-specific in depth. It 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 comprises 60 questions with 1 mark each.
- There is 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 core chapters like Organic Chemistry basics, Cell Biology, Algebra, and Electromagnetism.
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
Official syllabus PDFs are available for each subject. Students can download them from the Karnataka Examinations Authority website.
| Subject | PDF Link |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Mathematics Syllabus PDF |
| Chemistry | Chemistry Syllabus PDF |
| Biology | Biology Syllabus PDF |
| Physics | Physics Syllabus PDF |
KCET 2026 Detailed Syllabus
The detailed syllabus for KCET 2026 includes all four subjects. The table below provides the subject-wise breakdown.
Physics
The Physics syllabus covers topics from both 1st and 2nd PUC. Numerical problems form a significant portion of the questions.
Chemistry
The Chemistry syllabus includes core chapters such as Organic Chemistry basics. The focus is on conceptual understanding.
Mathematics
The Mathematics syllabus includes Algebra and other core topics. Numerical problems constitute 50-60% of the questions.
Biology
The Biology syllabus includes Cell Biology and other topics. The portion leans towards theoretical recall, approximately 70-80%.
KCET 2026 Exam Pattern
Each subject in KCET comprises 60 questions with 1 mark each. There is no negative marking in the exam.
- Physics: 60 questions
- Chemistry: 60 questions
- Mathematics: 60 questions
- Biology: 60 questions
Related Articles
- KCET Paper Analysis
- KCET 2026 Best Books
- KCET 2026 Preparation Tips
KCET 2026 Physics Syllabus: Chapter-Wise List
The Physics syllabus for KCET is divided into two parts: 1st PUC and 2nd PUC. The 1st PUC portion has 11 chapters, and the 2nd PUC portion has 14 chapters.
Physics Chapters for 1st PUC
- Physical World And Measurement
- Kinematics (Motion In Straight Line And Plane)
- Laws Of Motion
- Work, Energy And Power
- Motion Of System Of Particles And Rigid Body
- Gravitation
- Mechanical Properties Of Solids And Fluids
- Thermal Properties Of Matter
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetic Theory Of Gases
- Oscillations And Waves
Physics Chapters for 2nd PUC
- Electric Charge And Fields
- Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance
- Current Electricity
- Moving Charges And Magnetism
- Magnetism And Matter
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Alternating Current
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Ray Optics And Optical Instruments
- Wave Optics
- Dual Nature Of Radiation And Matter
- Atoms And Nuclei
- Semiconductor Electronics
- Communication Systems
KCET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus: Chapter-Wise List
The Chemistry syllabus for KCET is also divided into 1st PUC and 2nd PUC sections. The 1st PUC portion has 14 chapters, and the 2nd PUC portion has 16 chapters.
Chemistry Chapters for 1st PUC
- Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry
- Structure Of Atom
- Classification Of Elements And Periodicity In Properties
- Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure
- States Of Matter: Gases And Liquids
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Redox Reactions
- Hydrogen
- S-Block Elements
- Some P- Block Elements
- Organic Chemistry (Some Basic Principles And Techniques)
- Hydrocarbons
- Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry Chapters for 2nd PUC
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- General Principles And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements
- p-Bloock Elements
- d And f Block Elements
- Coordination Compounds
- Haloalkanes And Haloarenes
- Alcohols, Phenols, And Ethers
- Aldehydes, Ketones, And Carboxylic Acids
- Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen (Amines)
- Biomolecules
- Polymers
- Chemistry In Everyday Life
KCET 2026 Mathematics Syllabus: Chapter-Wise List
The Mathematics syllabus for KCET is split into 1st PUC and 2nd PUC. The 1st PUC portion has 16 chapters, and the 2nd PUC portion has 12 chapters.
Mathematics Chapters for 1st PUC
- Sets
- Relations And Functions
- Trigonometric Functions
- Principle Of Mathematical Induction
- Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations
- Linear Inequalities
- Permutations And Combinations
- Binomial Theorem
- Sequences And Series
- Straight Lines
- Conic Sections
- Introduction To Three-Dimensional Geometry
- Limits And Derivatives
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Statistics
- Probability
Mathematics Chapters for 2nd PUC
- Relations And Functions ( Inverse Trigonometric)
- Matrices
- Determinants
- Continuity And Differentiality
- Application Of Derivatives
- Integrals
- Application Of Integrals
- Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Three-Dimensional Geometry
- Linear Programming
- Probability
KCET 2026 Biology Syllabus: Chapter-Wise List
The Biology syllabus for KCET is divided into 1st PUC and 2nd PUC sections. The 1st PUC portion has 22 chapters, and the 2nd PUC portion has 16 chapters.
Biology Chapters for 1st PUC
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology Of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy Of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation In Animals
- Cell: The Unit Of Life
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle And Cell Division
- Transport In Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis In Higher Plants
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth And Development
- Digestion And Absorption
- 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
Biology Chapters for 2nd PUC
- Reproduction In Organisms
- Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants
- Human Reproduction
- Reproduction Health
- Principles Of Inheritance And Variation
- Molecular Basis Of Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Health And Diseases
- Strategies For Enhancement In Food Production
- Microbes In Human Welfare
- Biotechnology: Principles And Processes
- Biotechnology And Its Applications
- Organisms And Populations
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity And Conservation
- Environmental Issues
KCET 2026: Chapter-Wise Weightage
The source provides the chapter-wise syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. It does not provide specific weightage percentages for each chapter.
KCET 2026 Chapter-Wise Weightage: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology
Knowing the topic-wise weightage helps students prepare strategically. It allows you to focus on high-weightage topics and make a study plan that matches the exam pattern.
Physics Weightage
The table below shows the estimated weightage for Physics chapters in KCET. The expected questions are out of 60.
| 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 Weightage
The table below shows the estimated weightage for Chemistry chapters in KCET. The expected questions are out of 60.
| 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 Weightage
The table below shows the estimated weightage for Mathematics chapters in KCET. The expected questions are out of 60.
| 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 Weightage
The table below shows the estimated weightage for Biology chapters in KCET. The expected questions are out of 60.
| 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 |
| 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 disciplined preparation for at least 6 months. A six-month plan is given below.
Timeline Division:
- Months 1-2: Build strong fundamentals using NCERT textbooks and clear 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 previous year questions (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 simulate the actual exam, helping improve time management, accuracy, identify weak areas, reduce anxiety, and build exam temperament.
Find below the KCET 2026 Mock tests:
| Physics Mock Test | Chemistry Mock Test | Mathematics Mock Test |
KCET: Previous Year Papers
Previous year question papers are available for download. The 2025 papers for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology are listed below, along with Kannada language papers from 2024 and 2023.
| 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?
KCET 2026 Syllabus vs JEE Main Syllabus
The KCET 2026 syllabus is not the same as the JEE Main syllabus, though there is some overlap.
JEE Main covers concepts in greater depth and includes more application-based questions with higher difficulty. KCET focuses more on fundamental concepts and direct questions.
Is Biology Compulsory in KCET 2026?
No, Biology is not compulsory for all courses in KCET 2026.
Biology is only required for certain specific courses, such as Farm Sciences.
Where to Find the KCET 2026 Syllabus
The KCET 2026 syllabus is available on the official website of the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).
The official website address is https://cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/.
KCET Biology Syllabus vs NEET Syllabus
The KCET Biology syllabus is very similar to the NEET syllabus.
In NEET, the syllabus is covered in depth and includes more analytical questions. In KCET, the questions are more direct and concept-based.