JEE Mains Physics Syllabus 2026
Physics section is an important part of the JEE Mains examination, which involves a good conceptual knowledge as well as the ability to solve numerical problems. The JEE Mains Physics syllabus 2026 is based on topics from the Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT curriculum. It contains a combination of theoretical and numerical applications in fields of mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and modern physics. Knowledge of the syllabus would enable candidates to organize their preparations well and focus on high weightage areas.
JEE Mains Physics Syllabus PDF
Many aspirants prefer using the JEE Mains Physics Syllabus PDF in a downloadable format, as it makes revision and tracking much more convenient. The PDF includes a complete list of topics, subtopics, and key areas that are important for the exam, helping students stay organized during their preparation. It also allows students to monitor their progress, keep track of completed portions, and ensure that no important concept is missed. For a complete overview of all subjects, you can also check the JEE Mains Syllabus 2026, which helps in planning your preparation in a more structured and effective way.
JEE Mains Physics Chapter-Wise Syllabus
Refer to the table below to know about the important chapter-wise Physics syllabus of JEE Mains exam and the topics covered under them.
| Chapter | Complete Topics |
|---|---|
| Units and Measurements | Units of measurements, System of units, SI units, Fundamental and derived units, Least count, Significant figures, Errors in measurements, Dimensions of physical quantities, Dimensional analysis and its applications |
| Kinematics | Frame of reference, Motion in a straight line, Speed and Velocity, Uniform and Non-Uniform motion, Average speed, Instantaneous velocity, Uniformly Accelerated motion, Velocity-time and Position-time graph, Relations for uniformly accelerated motion, Relative velocity, Motion in a plane, Projectile motion, Uniform circular motion |
| Laws of Motion | Force and Inertia, Newton’s first law, Momentum, Newton’s second law, impulse, Newton’s third law, Conservation of linear momentum and applications, Equilibrium of concurrent forces, Static and Kinetic friction, Laws of friction, Rolling friction, Dynamics of uniform circular motion, Centripetal force, Vehicle on level road, Vehicle on banked road |
| Work, Energy and Power | Work done by constant and variable force, Kinetic energy, Potential energy, Work-Energy theorem, Power, Potential energy of spring, Conservation of Mechanical energy, Conservative and Non-Conservative forces, Motion in vertical circle, Elastic and Inelastic collisions in One and Two dimensions |
| Rotational Motion | Centre of mass of two-particle system, Centre of mass of rigid body, Torque, Angular momentum, Conservation of angular momentum, Moment of Inertia, Radius of gyration, Values of moment of inertia, Parallel and Perpendicular axis theorem, Equilibrium of rigid body, Rotational motion equations, Comparison of Linear and Rotational motion |
| Gravitation | Universal law of gravitation, Acceleration due to gravity and Variation with altitude and depth, Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, Gravitational potential energy, Gravitational potential, Escape velocity, Motion of satellite, Orbital velocity, Time period and Energy of satellite |
| Properties of Solids and Liquids | Elastic behaviour, Stress-strain, Hooke’s law, Young modulus, Bulk modulus, Modulus of rigidity, Pressure due to fluid column, Pascal law, Effect of gravity on fluid pressure, Viscosity, Stokes law, Terminal velocity, Streamline and Turbulent flow, Critical velocity, Bernoulli theorem, Surface tension, Angle of contact, Excess pressure, Capillary rise, Heat, Temperature, Thermal expansion, Calorimetry, Latent heat, Conduction, Convection, Radiation |
| Thermodynamics | Thermal equilibrium, Temperature, Zeroth law, Heat, Work, Internal energy, First law of thermodynamics, Isothermal and Adiabatic process, Second law of thermodynamics, Reversible and Irreversible process |
| Kinetic Theory of Gases | Equation of state, Work done on gas, Kinetic theory, Pressure of gas, Kinetic interpretation of temperature, RMS speed, Degrees of freedom, Law of equipartition of energy, Specific heat, Mean free path, Avogadro number |
| Oscillations and Waves | Periodic motion, Time period, Frequency, SHM, Equation of SHM, Spring oscillation, Energy in SHM, Simple pendulum, Wave motion, Transverse and Longitudinal waves, Wave speed, Progressive wave, Superposition, Reflection, Standing waves, Organ pipe, Harmonics, Beats. |
| Electrostatics | Charge, Conservation of charge, Coulomb law, Superposition, Electric field, Field lines, Dipole, Torque on dipole, Electric flux, Gauss law, Field due to wire, Plane sheet, Spherical shell, Electric potential, Potential difference, Equipotential surface, Potential energy, Conductors, Insulators, Dielectrics, Polarization, Capacitor, Series and parallel capacitor, Energy stored in capacitor |
| Current Electricity | Electric current, Drift velocity, Mobility, Ohm law, Resistance, I-V characteristics, Electrical power, Resistivity, Conductivity, Series and parallel resistors, Temperature dependence, Internal resistance, Emf, Cells in series and parallel, Kirchhoff law, Wheatstone bridge, Metre bridge |
| Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | Biot–Savart law, Ampere law, Magnetic field, Force on charge, Force on current conductor, Force between parallel currents, Definition of ampere, Torque on loop, Galvanometer, Ammeter, Voltmeter, Magnetic Dipole, Bar magnet, Magnetic field lines, Para, Dia, Ferromagnetic substances |
| Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current | Faraday law, Induced emf, Lenz law, Eddy current, Self inductance, Mutual inductance, Alternating current, RMS value, Reactance, Impedance, LCR circuit, Resonance, AC power, Transformer, Generator |
| Electromagnetic Waves | Displacement current, Electromagnetic waves, Properties, Transverse nature, Electromagnetic spectrum. |
| Optics | Reflection, Spherical mirror, Mirror formula, Refraction, Lens formula, Lens maker formula, Total internal reflection, Magnification, Power of lens, Combination of lenses, Prism, Microscope, Telescope, Wave optics, Huygens principle, Interference, Young experiment, Diffraction, Polarization, Brewster law |
| Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | Photoelectric effect, Hertz and Lenard experiment, Einstein equation, Particle nature of light, Matter waves, de-Broglie relation |
| Atoms and Nuclei | Rutherford model, Bohr model, Hydrogen spectrum, Nucleus size, Mass defect, Binding energy, Nuclear fission, Nuclear fusion |
| Electronic Devices | Semiconductor, Diode, LED, Photodiode, Solar cell, Zener diode, Rectifier, Logic gates - OR, AND, NOT, NAND, NOR |
| Experimental Skills | Vernier calipers, Screw gauge, Simple pendulum, Metre scale, Young modulus, Surface tension, Viscosity, Speed of sound, Calorimetry, Metre bridge, Ohm law, Galvanometer, Focal length, Prism, Refractive index, Diode characteristics, Zener diode, Identification of components |
JEE Mains Physics Topic-Wise Weightage
It is important for candidates to know the weightage of the various important chapters and topics as it enables the candidates to focus on crucial chapters. While the distribution may vary every year, there are some important topics and chapters that always have more weightage.
Following are the topics with the number of questions that a candidate can expect in the exam.
| S. No. | Topic (Combined) | Chapters Included | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modern Physics | Dual Nature, Atoms, Nuclei, Semiconductor | 14.42% |
| 2 | Magnetism + EMI + AC | Moving Charges, Magnetism, EMI, AC | 11.77% |
| 3 | Mechanics Part 2 | COM, Rotation, Gravitation | 11.36% |
| 4 | Waves + Oscillation + Solids + Fluids | SHM, Waves, Solids, Fluids | 10.27% |
| 5 | Mechanics Part 1 | Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work Energy Power | 9.97% |
| 6 | Heat & Thermodynamics | Thermal Physics, KTG, Thermodynamics | 8.02% |
| 7 | Electrostatics | Charges, Potential, Capacitance | 7.67% |
| 8 | Optics | Ray Optics, Wave Optics | 7.34% |
| 9 | Current Electricity | Current Electricity | 6.57% |
| 10 | Units & Measurements | Units, Dimensions, Math Tools | 4.24% |
Important JEE Mains Physics Formulas
Physics is largely dependent on numerical solutions that are in the form of equations and candidates will have to solve those questions by using a formula. The following are some of the important formulas that candidates can make a note of while preparing for their JEE Mains Physics section:
Important Topics |
Formulae |
Kinematics |
Velocity: v = u + at
Displacement: s = ut + ½at²
Velocity–Displacement relation: v² = u² + 2as |
| Projectile Motion | Time of Flight: T = (2u sinθ) / g Maximum Height: H = (u² sin²θ) / (2g) Range: R = (u² sin2θ) / g |
| Newton’s Laws of Motion |
Force: F = ma
Frictional Force: F = μN |
| Work, Energy, and Power |
Work Done: W = Fd cosθ
Kinetic Energy: KE = ½mv²
Gravitational Potential Energy: PE = mgh |
| Rotational Dynamics |
Torque: τ = Iα
Angular Momentum: L = Iω |
| Gravitation |
Escape Velocity: ve = √(2GM / R)
Orbital Velocity: vo = √(GM / r)
Gravitational Potential: V = −GM / r |
| Electrostatics & Capacitance |
Coulomb’s Law: F = k(q₁q₂ / r²)
Electric Field: E = F / Q
Electric Potential: V = kq / r
Capacitance (Parallel Plate): C = ε₀A / d
Energy Stored in Capacitor: U = ½CV² |
| Current Electricity |
Ohm’s Law: V = IR
Current: I = Q / t
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law: ΣΔV = 0 |
| Magnetic Effects of Current |
Biot–Savart Law: dB = (μ₀ / 4π) × (I dl sinθ / r²)
Magnetic Force on Charge: F = q (v × B) |
| Thermodynamics |
First Law: ΔU = Q − W
Work Done (Isothermal Process): W = nRT ln(V₂ / V₁)
Carnot Engine Efficiency: η = 1 − (T₂ / T₁) |
| Kinetic Theory of Gases |
Ideal Gas Equation: PV = nRT
RMS Speed: vrms = √(3RT / M) |
| Ray & Wave Optics |
Lens Maker’s Formula: 1/f = (μ − 1)(1/R₁ − 1/R₂)
Mirror Formula: 1/f = 1/v + 1/u
Young’s Double Slit Fringe Width: β = λD / d |
| Oscillations and Waves |
SHM Displacement: x = A sin(ωt + φ)
Time Period of Simple Pendulum: T = 2π√(L / g)
Doppler Effect: f′ = f[(v ± vo)/(v ∓ vs)] |
| Atoms, Nuclei & Dual Nature |
Photovoltaic Equation: Kmax = hf − φ
De Broglie Wavelength: λ = h / p
Radioactive Decay Law: N = N₀e⁻ˡᵗ |
| Semiconductors |
Mass Action Law: ni² = ne nh
Transistor Current Gain: β = IC / IB |
Best Books for JEE Mains Physics Preparation
Following are the best books that candidates can refer for JEE Mains Physics section preparation along with the past year papers.
| Best Books and Resources |
|---|
| NCERT Physics (Class 11 & 12) for fundamental concepts and theory base |
| Concepts of Physics (Vol I & II) by H.C. Verma for Concept clarity and good quality numerical |
| Understanding Physics Series by D.C. Pandey (Arihant) for Topic-wise preparation and exam focused questions |
| Problems in General Physics by I.E. Irodov – For advanced level problem-solving (useful mainly for JEE Advanced) |
| Past Year Papers |
Preparation Tips for JEE Mains Physics
The key to effective preparation for JEE Mains Physics section consist of a conceptual knowledge, problem solving and a lot of practice. Some useful tips include:
- Learn subject concepts and not rote for sustainable learning.
- Physics involves a good quality of numerical problems that candidates should solve everyday to keep in practice.
- Have a formula sheet to check formulas on.
- Solve past year papers to know the pattern and vital points for exams.
- Complete mock tests to enhances speed, accuracy, and time management.
Also Read: JEE Mains Physics Formulas 2026, Download Topic-wise PDF
JEE Mains Physics Syllabus 2026: Conclusion
The JEE Mains Physics syllabus 2026 is designed to test both conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability across a wide range of topics. From mechanics and thermodynamics to electromagnetism and modern physics, each section plays an important role in the overall exam. Having a clear understanding of the syllabus helps students plan their preparation effectively and focus on high-weightage areas.
To perform well, students should combine strong conceptual clarity with consistent practice of numerical problems. Regular revision of formulas, solving previous year questions, and taking mock tests can significantly improve accuracy and confidence. With a structured study plan and the right resources, mastering the Physics syllabus becomes much easier and more manageable.