Physics Syllabus 2025: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus

Updated on Apr 20, 2022 05:36 IST
Diya Nihalani

Diya NihalaniContent Author

Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its essential elements, motion and behaviour in space and time, and the associated phenomena of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific fields that aims to understand how the universe works. Depending on one’s preference and subject to eligibility conditions, one can study Physics as an undergraduate, diploma, certification, or postgraduate major. One should study high school and college mathematics diligently and fit it into their schedule to pursue Physics: study algebra, geometry/trigonometry, and calculus courses, including any Advanced Placement courses.

Physics Syllabus - List of Subjects in Physics

The following table brings the list of core subjects taught under the Physics syllabus. 

Typical Core Subjects for Physics

Subject title

Subject details

Foundations of Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics

  • Wave description of particles

  • Symmetry transformations

  • Time evolution and stationary states

  • Theory of angular momentum

  • Quantum information

  • Superfluidity

  • Wave mechanics and the Schrodinger equation

  • Fundamental principles and postulates

Astronomy

  • Properties of light

  • Observed sky

  • Historical development of astronomical ideas

  • Properties and life cycles of stars

  • Black holes

  • Galaxies

  • Cosmology

Typical Elective Subjects for Physics

Subject title

Subject details

Introduction to Cosmology

  • Cosmological observations of the expansion of the Universe

  • General relativity

  • Friedmann-Robertson-Walker-Lemaitre cosmologies

  • Thermal evolution of the Universe

  • Primordial nucleosynthesis

  • Recombination and the cosmic microwave background

  • Structure formation and growth of perturbations

  • Modern measurements of cosmological parameters

Methods of Mathematical Physics

  • Linear algebra

  • Fourier series and transforms

  • Ordinary differential equations

  • Partial differential equations

  • Complex analysis

Solid State Physics I

Detailed Syllabus for Physics

Check the table below for BSc Physics subjects details, both core and electives.

Core/Elective

Subject title

Subject Details

Core

Classical Mechanics

This subject teaches the motion of macroscopic objects covering several objects like projectiles, machinery pieces, along with astronomical objects such as spacecraft, galaxies, stars and planets.

Core

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Thermodynamics is concerned with simplicity at the macroscopic level, and its laws are expressed in terms of a few observable factors such as temperature and pressure. In principle, statistical mechanics also permits one to explore physical systems that are beyond the area of validity of Thermodynamics.

Core

Electromagnetism and Photonics

Electromagnetism is a field of Physics that examines electromagnetic force, which is a sort of physical interaction between electrically charged particles. Understanding the manipulation, creation, and transmission of light particles is central to the study of photonics.

Core

Relativistic Mechanics

Relativistic mechanics teaches mechanics associated with general relativity and special relativity.

Core

Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a basic theory of Physics that describes the physical aspects of nature at the atomic and subatomic particle scales. It is the bedrock upon which all quantum Physics is built, including quantum chemistry, quantum field theory, quantum technology, and quantum information science.

Core

Atomic Physics

Atomic Physics focusses on study of atoms and is primarily concerned with the arrangement of electrons surrounding the nucleus, as well as the mechanisms that cause these arrangements to change.

Core

Optics and Acoustics

Acoustic optics studies the interactions between sound waves and light waves, particularly the diffraction of laser light by ultrasound (or sound in general) via ultrasonic grating.

Elective

Atmospheric Physics

Atmospheric Physics is an integral part of weather forecast models. It is also known as physical parametrisation.

Elective

Nuclear and Particle Physics

The study of atomic nuclei, their components, and the interactions that keep them together is known as nuclear Physics. Particle Physics evolved from nuclear Physics and studies the fundamental building components of matter, radiation, and their interactions.

Elective

Physics of the Earth

Natural science deals with the physical processes and physical qualities of the Earth and its surrounding space environment, as well as the application of quantitative methods to analyse them.

Elective

Nanomaterials and Applications

Nanoscience refers to the study of ultra-small structures & materials.

Specialisations Offered in Physics

Physics is a discipline of science that studies the structure of matter and the interaction of the universe's fundamental constituents. It examines different theories utilising quantum mechanics and general relativity. Here are some of the specialisations offered in studying Physics.

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

Particle Physics

  • Fermions, Bosons, and Fields

  • Symmetries

  • Feynman Calculus

  • QED

  • QCD

  • Weak Interactions

  • Higgs Physics

  • Neutrino Physics

  • Nuclear Physics

  • Instrumentation

Particle Physics studies the nature of particles that make up matter and radiation.

AstroPhysics

  • Properties of Matter

  • Mathematics

  • Laboratory Work

  • Stars & Planets

  • Galaxies & Universe

  • Special Relativity

  • Oscillations and Waves

  • Quantum Mechanics

  • Thermal Physics

  • Cosmology

  • Electromagnetism

  • Optics and Quantum Mechanics

  • High Energy AstroPhysics

AstroPhysics is a field of space science that seeks to comprehend the universe and our place in it by using laws of Physics and chemistry.

Biotechnology

  • Macromolecular Structure and Analysis

  • Organic Mechanisms in Biology

  • BioPhysics & Instrumentation

  • Principles of Transmission Genetics

  • Cell Structure & Dynamics

  • Principles of Microbiology

  • Biomathematics – I

  • Biomathematics – II

  • Chemistry

  • Introduction to C-Programming & Digital Logic

Biophysics is a branch of biotechnology that has nothing to do with high school Physics. It is totally biological and focuses on the ‘Physics’ of proteins - structure, folding, and protein dynamics in general.

Meteorology

  • Synoptic Meteorology

  • Dynamic Meteorology

  • Physical Meteorology

  • Climatology

  • Agricultural Meteorology

  • Applied Meteorology

Meteorology is the study of the Earth's atmosphere and the changes in temperature and moisture patterns that cause various weather situations.

Quantum dynamics

  • Photons

  • Franck-Hertz experiment

  • Electron diffraction

  • De Broglie waves

  • Bohr atom

  • Photoelectric effect

  • Compton scattering

  • Wave-particle duality of matter and light

Quantum dynamics is concerned with the movements, as well as the exchanges of energy and momentum, of systems whose behaviour is regulated by the principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum dynamics is important in emerging fields like quantum computing and atomic optics.

Books and Authors Related to Physics

As Physics is a highly versatile field with many specialisations, students follow a wide range of books during their graduation or postgraduation. Listed below are some books that are highly recommended.

Book title

Author

Description

Handbook of Physics

 

 

Arihant Experts

 

The chapters are accompanied by well-designed graphics and images that include examples. The book is a useful resource that may be used as a quick reference. 

Relativity

Dr. Albert Einstein

Published by Einstein himself with the goal of providing a precise understanding of the theory of relativity to those readers who are interested in the theory from a broad scientific and philosophical standpoint but are unfamiliar with the mathematical toolbox of theoretical Physics.

Quantum Physics

H.C. Verma

This book, published by Professor H.C. Verma, provides a basic introduction to quantum mechanics. It includes detailed Physics as well as the mathematical skills needed.

The Oxford Solid State Basics

Steven H. Simon

The study of solids is one of the most diverse, fascinating, and productive disciplines of Physics. While the subject of solid-state Physics is sometimes seen as dull and monotonous, this new book portrays it as an engaging explanation of basic concepts and important intellectual advances.

Physics Syllabus for Distance Programmes

Physics is one of the specialist courses/degrees accessible to students who have completed their high school/bachelor's degree/master’s degree. This programme lasts from two to five years. Many institutions offer distance learning programs for Physics. The distance education programmes in Physics provide individuals with the opportunity to gain knowledge and a degree while remaining at home. Many colleges provide it on a massive scale to candidates who have completed their graduate level of study.

Pace your Degree Program: With a distance education programme in Physics, you may finish the education course at your own pace. The course completion duration is variable since colleges permit students to complete the two-year programme in five years.

Affordability of Program Fee: Distance learning Physics courses are much less expensive compared to other universities. Distance education fees are much cheaper than those charged for normal programmes.

Earn and Learn at the Same Time: If you enrol in a distance learning program in Physics, you will have the opportunity of gaining experience and knowledge at the same time. As a result, you will have the necessary skills and experience to flourish in your career.

Physics distance learning programmes are designed to teach advanced Physics fundamentals. Seminars, lectures, workshops, and practical lab work are all part of the syllabus. The following are the primary Physics disciplines covered in the two-year distance learning curriculum:

Year 1

Year 2

Mathematical Methods

Nuclear Physics

Classical Mechanics

Relativity and Cosmology

Quantum Mechanics

Classical Electrodynamics

Electronics

Advanced Optics

Solid State Physics

Statistical Mechanics

Atomic Spectroscopy

Group Theory

Molecular Spectroscopy

AstroPhysics

 

Table of contents
  • Popular Physics Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Physics Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Physics UG Courses
  • Popular Physics PG Courses

Popular Physics Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Physics Colleges in India. Learn more about these Physics colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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Popular Private Physics Colleges in India

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Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Physics. Students interested in pursuing a career on Physics, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Mar '26

CUET 2026 Application Process

TENTATIVE

May '26 - Jun '26

CUET 2026 Exam

TENTATIVE

14 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26

CUET PG 2026 Application Process

18 Jan ' 26 - 20 Jan ' 26

CUET PG 2026 Application Correction Window

Nov '25

UPCATET 2025 Physical Counselling Registration UG...

TENTATIVE

Nov '25

UPCATET Campus Counselling 2025 for PhD

TENTATIVE

Mar '26 - Apr '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Registration Window

TENTATIVE

Apr '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Correction Window

TENTATIVE

Popular Physics UG Courses

Following are the most popular Physics UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Physics PG Courses

Following are the most popular Physics PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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