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

 

FAQs Regarding Physics Syllabus

Q: Is Physics in Class 12 difficult?

A: Physics is one of the most difficult courses for students taking their Class 12 Board exams or other competitive exams. Students that struggle with Mathematics often struggle in Physics. The only way to excel in Physics is to practice regularly.

Q: Can I get a perfect score in Physics?

A: There is no formula for getting a perfect score in the Physics exam. However, one can get a good score with commitment, hard work, and consistent attempts. Physics questions, focused on derivations, formulae, and ideas, may get you a perfect score.

Q: How can I successfully study Physics?

A: Master the fundamentals, understand how basic equations are created, always account for small details, work on improving your maths skills, simplify situations, use drawings, always double-check your answers, and use every source of Physics help available.

Q: Is it possible for me to study Physics on my own?

A: Yes, you can study Physics on your own, and many people do so since it is so intellectually interesting and intriguing. The nicest aspect is that there is no pressure to learn everything in a set amount of time, nor are there any tests to worry about.

Q: Why is Physics so difficult?

A: One of the reasons Physics is so difficult is because it requires so much maths. For example, you have calculus and algebra in the Physics course. If calculus and algebra were difficult subjects for you, Physics might be a challenge. Before you can take Physics, you must have a grip on a lot of challenging topics.  

Q: How does Physics come into play in daily life?

A: Physics is everywhere around us. From the buzzing sound of an alarm clock that helps you wake up on time in the morning to the steam iron that you use to iron your clothes.

Q: Who founded the name Physics?

A: Thales was the first physicist, and his ideas were credited for the discipline's name. He thought that the earth, although made of numerous components, was actually made of just one element, water, known as Physis in Ancient Greek.

Q: Who is the mother of Physics?

A: Marie Curie is regarded as the Mother of Modern Physics. She and her husband Pierre discovered the elements Polonium and Radium in 1898, for which she received the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903.

Q: What does “m” stand for in Physics?

A: The amount of matter in a particle or object is represented by mass (symbolised m), which is a dimensionless quantity. The kilogramme is the International System SI standard unit of mass (kg). If the force and acceleration of an object are known, the mass may be determined.

Q: What is Z in Physics?

A: The Z particle is a huge electrically neutral carrier particle of a weak force, which affects all known subatomic particles. It is the electrically charged W particle's neutral companion. The mass of the Z particle is 91.19 gigaelectron volts (GeV; 109 eV), which is roughly 100 times that of the proton.

Q: What should I study before Physics?

A: Take every algebra, geometry/trigonometry, and calculus course offered, including any Advanced Placement courses if you qualify.

Table of content
  • 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

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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.

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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

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

Well, that's great, as you are preparing for JEE Advanced Physics. From my research, I would like to recommend some of the books and resources that will help you learn the basics and understand the concept:

1. Concept of Physics (Vol 1 and 2) by H.C. Verma

2. Understanding Physics Series by D.C. Pande

...Read more

M

Mamta Bankoti

Beginner-Level 2

Answered a month ago

Well, if you have Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, all three in your Bachelor's degree you should first understand and analyze that which subject you like the most and you are highly interested in. Then devote atleast a year and evaluate the scope of M.Sc in that particular subject, study it and

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The physics section will hold 30 marks weigtage in the SITEEE question paper. There will be 15 MCQs out of the class 11th and 12th physics syllabus of CBSE, each of 2 marks.

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

All the topics mentioned in the SITEEE exam syllabus are important. Some of the most important topics out of the SITEEE physics syllabus are Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, and Power, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Oscillations and Waves, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, Elect

...Read more

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The SITEEE syllabus for physics is based on the class 11tha dn 12th syllabus of the CBSE curriculum.

S

Samridhi Mishra

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The important topics in JEE Advanced physics are:

  1. Waves & Sound
  2. Ray & Wave Optics
  3. Fluids
  4. EM Waves
  5. Thermodynamics
  6. Modern Physics
  7. Kinematics
  8. Gravitation
  9. Electrostatics

N

Nishtha Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

No, the NATA syllabus does not include Physics and Chemistry.
The exam mainly focuses on Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Drawing skills. While Physics and Chemistry are not part of the test, having a basic understanding of these subjects may indirectly help in architectural concepts, but they are

...Read more

P

Parul Pandey

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Students who are preparing for JEE Main exam are advised to first cover the entire JEE Main syllabus. Covering only the high weightage chapters would decrease their chances of getting full/high score in JEE Main exam. Only after covering the entire syllabus, students can check most important chapter

...Read more

S

Satyendra Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, it is possible to get an MSc in Physics at NIT Calicut with a rank of 1500 in CCMN. The round 5 cutoff rank for the same specialisation was closed at 1148 for the General AI category candidates. With this cutoff rank, it is possible to get admission to the MSc in Physics, or even all the MSc sp

...Read more

A

Atul Goyal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

If we consider opting for research through GATE, then GATE Physics is ideal for careers in ISRO, BARC, DRDO, and other PhD-level research in theoretical and applied sciences. 

On the other hand, the GATE CS is better for job-based roles, such as AI and ML, computational research and systems. However,

...Read more

I

Indrani Uniyal

Contributor-Level 7

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