Branches of Physics: Check Subfield, Colleges, Entrance Exam & Career Prospectus Here
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To understand how the universe works, Physics as a subject plays an important role. Physics is the study of natural laws that govern things around us. Read this Shiksha article to know more about the Branches of Physics, subfields, different courses at UG and PG levels and career prospects for the same.
Branches of Physics
Physics is a branch of natural science that builds the fundamental laws that govern the universe. Also, it helps to construct and experimentally test theories of physical nature. By studying different branches of physics, students can gain insights into the nature of matter, energy, and their interactions. Many ideas and experiments are used by scientists to test physical laws and understand nature in a better way.
By learning physics, students can learn about matter, energy, light, force, and motion. Physics helps to comprehend how different things interact with each other. It also plays an important role in daily life, from electricity and machines to mobile phones and satellites. The physics subject helps in building skills like problem‑solving and thinking. Some branches study very small particles, while others study stars, space, and the universe. Every branch helps us understand nature in a different and useful way.
- What are the Branches in Physics
- Sunbfields in Branches of Physics
- Top Colleges Offering BSc/MSc Physics
- Entrance Exam for BSc/MSc Physics Courses
- Career in Physics: Salary Package
What are the Branches in Physics
Physics, a cornerstone of our understanding of the universe, is the scientific study of matter, energy, and their interactions. To comprehend the vastness and complexity of the physical world, physicists have divided the discipline into several branches, each focusing on specific aspects of matter, energy, and their interactions.
Classical Mechanics
It is the branch of physics that deals with the motion of macroscopic objects under the influence of forces. It forms the foundation of many other branches of physics, including what is thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Key concepts include
- These laws describe the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
- These concepts quantify the ability of a force to cause motion.
- This quantity measures the motion of an object.
- This branch of classical mechanics deals with the motion of objects that rotate around an axis.
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationship between heat, work, and energy. It is concerned with the macroscopic properties of matter, such as temperature, pressure, and volume. Fundamental concepts in thermodynamics include:
- First law of thermodynamics: This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another.
- Second law of thermodynamics: This law states that the entropy of a closed system always increases over time.
- Heat engines and refrigerators: These devices convert heat into work or vice versa.
Electromagnetism
- Electric charges are fundamental particles that can experience electric forces.
- Electric fields are regions of space where electric charges experience forces.
- Magnetic fields are regions of space where magnetic materials experience magnetic forces.
- Electromagnetic waves are waves that propagate through space and carry energy.
Optics
Optics is the branch of physics that deals with the behaviour and properties of light. It is concerned with the production, propagation, and detection of light. Key concepts in optics include:
- Reflection is the bouncing of light off a surface.
- Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.
- Diffraction is the spreading out of light waves as they pass through a narrow opening or around an obstacle.
- Interference is the combination of two or more light waves to produce a new wave.
Quantum Mechanics
- Wave particle duality concept states that particles can exhibit both wave like and particle like properties.
- Uncertainty principle from Dual nature of radiation and matter chapter states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty.
- Quantum entanglement is the phenomenon occurs when two particles are linked in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.
- Quantum field theory describes the interactions between elementary particles and fields.
Relativity
- Special relativity: This theory deals with the laws of physics as observed by different observers moving at constant velocities.
- General relativity: This theory deals with the laws of physics in the presence of gravity. It describes gravity as a curvature of spacetime.
Other Branches of Physics
- Nuclear physics: This branch deals with the properties and interactions of atomic nuclei.
- Particle physics: This branch deals with the properties and interactions of elementary particles.
- Astrophysics: This branch deals with the physics of the universe on a large scale.
- Biophysics: This branch deals with the application of physical principles to biological systems.
- Geophysics: This branch deals with the physics of the Earth.
Also Read:
| B.Sc. in Physics colleges in Delhi/NCR | M.Sc. in Physics colleges in Delhi/NCR |
| Physics colleges in Delhi/NCR | B.Tech Engineering Physics Colleges in Delhi |
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Commonly asked questions
No, CUET syllabus is not based on CBSE syllabus as claimed by Education Ministry in Rajya Sabha. The CUET exam is designed to assess the general understandig of the candidate in subjects he/she has opted for. CUET UG is on of the biggest UG entrance exam carnival conducted for admission in cebtral, state, private and deemed universities.
Candidates preparing for CUET UG exam must check the detailed CUET syllabus and CUET question paper to become familiar with the important topics and type of questions asked in the exam.
CUET UG syllabus for Delhi University admission is completely based on NCERT curriculum. CUET UG syllabus for Delhi University varies depending on the course that candidate desires to pursue and CUET subjects that have been opted. Candidates can download the CUET UG 2026 syllabus for 13 languages, 23 domain subjects and General Aptitude Test from the official website.
Since the CUET UG 2026 syllabus is in line with the Class 12 Board exam syllabus, it can be safely assumed that the NCERT books are enough to clear CUET UG 2025 exam. Candidates must note that, CUET exam tests students' understanding of the concepts and ability to apply them in various situations. Therefore, to prepare well and get a good score, it is advised that students refer to other study materials and books designed for national level competitive entrance exams. The CUET UG syllabus is in tune with the Class 12 Board exam syllabus. The chapters and topics are similar to Class 12 syllabus. Unlike other UG entrance exams, CUET UG syllabus does not include Class 11 syllabus.
Common University Entrance Test syllabus for Delhi University consists of three sections- Language, Domain subjects and General Aptitude Test. The syllabus for CUET domain subjects is entirely based on NCERT curriculum. Candidates can check the subject-wise CUET UG syllabus at cuet.nta.nic.in. NTA has prescribed syllabus for 37 subjects. Admission to Delhi University through CUET requires appearing in subjects passed in class 12th.
Sunbfields in Branches of Physics
Physics, a vast and multifaceted field, is divided into numerous subfields, each focusing on specific aspects of matter, energy, and their interactions. Here are some of the major subfields:
Classical Physics
- Mechanics: Deals with the motion of objects and the forces acting on them.
- Newtonian mechanics: Describes the motion of objects at everyday speeds and scales.
- Relativity: Covers the behavior of objects moving at high speeds or under the influence of strong gravitational fields.
- Thermodynamics: Studies the relationship between heat, work, and energy.
- Electromagnetism: Explores the interactions between electric charges and magnetic fields.
- Optics: Investigates the behavior and properties of light.
Other Subfields
- Biophysics applies physical principles to biological systems.
- Geophysics studies the physical properties of the Earth.
- Materials Science investigates the properties and behaviour of materials.
- Nanotechnology deals with the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale.
Top Colleges Offering BSc/MSc Physics
students who are interested in pursuing a BSc/MSc Physics degree can read out this section to get information about the top colleges offering BSc Physics, eligibility criteria and entrance exam to appear so from here:
Take a look at the top 25 BSc and MSc colleges in India according to NIRF rankings:
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Also Read: Top 10 BSc, MSc Colleges in India
Commonly asked questions
Changing the syllabus of CUET PG depends upon the examination authority. However, the chances are very less. The applicants of CUET PG can download and check the previous year syllabus of their applied programme in this page itself.
Factors upon which the CUET PG syllabus might change:
- One of the most important reasons that the CUET PG syllabus might change is dependent upon any changes made under the NEP- New Education Policy by the Ministry of Education.
- Changes made by UGC, Master of Human Resource Development in the master's degree programme might alter the CUET PG syllabus.
- NTA (National Testing Agency), the examination conducting body for CUET PG Examination, can change if the exam authorities feel the significance of adding some important topics in the syllabus to ameliorate the holistic approach of the students towards the subject.
The CUET PG Psychology syllabus covers these topics in Psychology:
Introduction to Psychology
History of Psychology
Schools of Psychology
Biological bases of Behaviour
Learning, Memory
Sensation and Perception
Emotion and Motivation
Intelligence
Personality
Psychological Testing
Life-span Development
Abnormal and Clinical Psychology
Statistics for Psychology
The CUET PG 2026 examination will be conducted by the National Testing Agency in the various examination centres across the nation a few cities outside India. The syllabus for the CUET PG papers will be set by the exam conducting authority. The subject experts, after taking all the probable suggestions from all the participating universities, will set the syllabus for the PG level entrance exam on the basis of their undergraduate course curriculum.
National Testing Agency releases the subject-wise CUET UG syllabus on its official website. Candidates can download the syllabus PDFs as per their stream-wise subjects. CUET syllabus is available for 23 domain subjects of Arts, Commerce and Science streams.
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Entrance Exam for BSc/MSc Physics Courses
Students can check out the list of top entrance exams for pursing BSc /MSc Physics courses:
| Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body |
Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Testing Agency |
IIT (On a rotational basis) |
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| NEST (National Entrance Screening Test) |
National Institute of Science Education Research (NISER) & Mumbai University |
NTA |
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| Gitam Institute of Science |
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| Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs) |
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| BS-MS Physics (5 year) Engineering Physics (Dual degree 5 year) |
Joint Entrance Examination (Main) or JEE Main | ||
| BS Physics( 4year) Engineering Physics (4 year) |
JEE Advanced is the second-stage test (after JEE Main) |
Also Read: How to prepare for top MSc entrance exams?
Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates
12 Jun '26 - 14 Jun '26
19 Jun '26
16 Jun '26 - 20 Jun '26
22 Jun '26
1 Aug '26
3 Jul '26
Career in Physics: Salary Package
Here’s a breakdown of salary packages for various physics-related career paths, both in India and internationally, including AI roles like those at OpenAI.
| Career Path | Typical Salary Range per Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc Physics Graduate (India) | INE 2 - 12 LPA (avg INR 6 LPA) | Up to INR 25 LPA with experience |
| M.Sc Physics Roles (India) | Assistant Scientist: INR 3.8 LPA - INR 7 LPA | Govt roles: INR 2.95 - 7.20 LPA |
| Physics Teacher (India) | INR 2.97 L - 10 L (exp-based) | Avg: INR 5. L |
| Computational / Geophysicist (India) | ~INR13 LPA | Top-paying research roles |
| Astrophysicist (India) | INR 4 - 10 LPA (avg ~INR 7.9 LPA) | Entry ~INR 6 - 9 LPA |
| Medical Physicist (US) | USD150K - 300K | Clinical roles, ABR certified |
| Academic Professor (US) | Assistant: USD 58 K; Associate: ~USD 70 K; Full: ~$99 k | Elite schools pay more; e.g. Caltech full: USD 172.8k |
| Physics PhD in Industry (US, private sector) | Typical starting: USD 99k; high: USD 130k+ | Intel-level roles |
| OpenAI Research Scientist (US) | Base: USD120k - 250k (lower bound ~USD127K) | Entry to senior level |
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