Physics — Syllabus & Chapters

The complete syllabus for Physics — every chapter you need to study, and how the exam paper is structured.

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: Kinematics
Chapter 2: Newton's Laws
Chapter 3: Work, Energy and Power
Chapter 4: Simple Harmonic Motion
Chapter 5: Damped and Driven Oscillations
Chapter 6: Waves and Sound
Chapter 7: Laws of Thermodynamics
Chapter 8: Thermodynamic Processes
Chapter 9: Statistical Mechanics Essentials
Chapter 10: Electrostatics and Capacitance
Chapter 11: Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
Chapter 12: Maxwell's Equations and Electromagnetic Waves

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in Physics?

The Physics syllabus has 12 chapters, listed in full above. Cover the high-weightage chapters first using the exam pattern as a guide.

How do I know which Physics chapters carry the most marks?

Compare the chapter list above with the exam pattern and the last few years of question papers — the topics that appear most often and the units with the highest marks are where to focus first. Always confirm weightage against the official syllabus for your exam year.

Has the Physics syllabus changed this year?

Boards occasionally revise the syllabus or remove topics for a session. Always download the official syllabus for your exact exam year from the official GATE portal rather than relying on an older copy or a social-media list.

How can I prepare for Physics faster?

Begin with the most-frequently-asked topics and the last few years of question papers, then test yourself under timed conditions. If you want guided help, you can use the free AI study tutor for Physics — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused Physics study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.