The Calcutta University B.Sc Physics syllabus 2026 follows an eight-semester structure designed to build strong foundations and advanced knowledge in physics. The first two years cover core topics such as mechanics, waves, optics, electromagnetism and modern physics, along with skill-based courses in programming, data analysis and scientific writing.
In the third year, students study quantum mechanics, electronics, nuclear physics, thermal physics and solid-state physics. The fourth year of the Honours programme introduces advanced topics, laboratory work and, for research-track students, research methodology, an internship and a project. The syllabus also outlines credits, marks distribution and exam patterns for each paper.
The Calcutta University BSc Physics syllabus 2026 is a revised, semester-based syllabus for Physics Major students. The papers are spread over eight semesters, and students can exit after one, two, three or four years.
The table below shows the exit options. Each option builds on the one before it, so the first semesters are the same for everyone.
| Programme | Semesters | Who can take it |
| Certificate | 1 to 2 | Students who finish year 1 |
| Diploma | 1 to 4 | Students who finish the certificate |
| 3-year Degree | 1 to 6 | Students who finish the diploma |
| 4-year Degree (Honours) | 1 to 8 | Students admitted as per university rules |
| 4-year Degree (Honours with Research) | 1 to 8 | Same as above; semester 8 is research-based |
Prepare with BSc Wallah with dedicated faculty to understand the complete, detailed syllabus. You can also explore the complete study plan for B.Com 1st Semester for your preparation
Here is the Calcutta University BSc Physics syllabus semester-wise. The table shows the main papers you will study in each semester of the Physics Major. Most core papers carry 3 credits for theory and 1 credit for practical or tutorial work.
| Semester | Papers |
| 1 | Basic Physics I; Introduction to Computer Programming and Graph Plotting |
| 2 | Basic Physics II; Scientific Writing Skills (LaTeX) |
| 3 | Waves and Optics; Mathematical Physics I; Arduino or Introductory Data Analysis |
| 4 | Modern Physics; Electromagnetism; Mathematical Physics II; Classical Mechanics and Special Theory of Relativity |
| 5 | Electronics I; Nuclear and Particle Physics; Quantum Mechanics; Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics |
| 6 | Electronics II; Solid State Physics; Atomic, Molecular and Laser Physics |
| 7 | Mathematical Methods III; Advanced Classical Mechanics; Advanced Quantum Mechanics I; Classical Electrodynamics; General Laboratory I |
| 8 (Honours) | Advanced Quantum Mechanics II; Advanced Statistical Mechanics; Electronics and Instrumentation; Solid State Physics II; General Laboratory II |
| 8 (Honours with Research) | Research Methodology I and II; Research Internship; Research Project |
If you are planning your early-stage foundation, you can explore the detailed BSc Physics 1st Sem syllabus guide to compare curriculum variations across universities.
The first year covers Semesters 1 and 2. Students begin with the basics of mathematics and mechanics before moving to electricity, magnetism, and heat.
| Semester | Paper/Area | Major Topics |
| Semester 1 | Mathematical Physics | Units, plotting, differential equations, vectors, and curvilinear coordinates |
| Semester 1 | Classical Mechanics | Newton's laws, potential energy, central force, scattering, and fluids |
| Semester 1 | Skill Paper | Python and Gnuplot |
| Semester 2 | Electrostatics and Magnetostatics | Electrostatics and magnetostatics |
| Semester 2 | Kinetic Theory and Thermodynamics | Kinetic theory of gases, laws of thermodynamics, and entropy |
| Semester 2 | Skill Paper | LaTeX |
| Semester 2 | Alternative Skill Paper | Artificial Intelligence, offered centrally by the university, may be chosen instead of LaTeX |
Basic Physics I is divided into two parts:
| Part | Marks | Topics |
| Mathematical Physics | 20 | Units, plotting, differential equations, vectors, and curvilinear coordinates |
| Classical Mechanics | 30 | Newton's laws, potential energy, central force, scattering, and fluids |
Also Check, B.Sc Physics 1st Semester Syllabus
The second year covers Semesters 3 and 4 and introduces core physics topics such as waves, optics, modern physics, and electromagnetism. Mathematical Physics also becomes a more prominent part of the curriculum.
| Semester | Papers/Areas | Major Topics |
| Semester 3 | Waves and Optics | Waves and optics |
| Semester 3 | Skill Paper | Arduino or Introductory Data Analysis |
| Semester 4 | Modern Physics | Modern Physics |
| Semester 4 | Electromagnetism | Electromagnetism |
| Semester 4 | Mathematical Physics II | Mathematical Physics II |
| Semester 4 | Classical Mechanics and Special Theory of Relativity | Classical Mechanics and Special Theory of Relativity |
The third year covers Semesters 5 and 6 and focuses on advanced and applied areas of Physics, including quantum mechanics, electronics, nuclear physics, and solid-state physics.
| Semester | Major Areas | Topics |
| Semester 5 | Quantum and Thermal Physics | Quantum mechanics and thermal physics |
| Semester 5 | Nuclear Physics | Nuclear properties and radioactive decay |
| Semester 5 | Particle Physics | Elementary particles |
| Semester 6 | Electronics II | Electronics II |
| Semester 6 | Solid State Physics | Solid State Physics |
| Semester 6 | Atomic, Molecular and Laser Physics | Atomic, Molecular and Laser Physics |
Students in the 3-year degree programme also complete a summer internship worth 3 credits.
Also Check, BHU BSc Physics Syllabus
The fourth year covers Semesters 7 and 8 for students enrolled in the 4-year Honours programme. Each semester includes five core papers carrying 4 credits each.
| Semester | Paper/Area | Major Topics | Credits |
| Semester 7 | Advanced Mathematics | Advanced mathematical concepts | 4 |
| Semester 7 | Advanced Classical and Quantum Mechanics | Advanced classical mechanics and quantum mechanics | 4 |
| Semester 7 | Classical Electrodynamics | Classical electrodynamics | 4 |
| Semester 7 | General Laboratory | Practical laboratory work | 4 |
| Semester 7 | Core Paper | Additional core Physics topic | 4 |
| Semester 8 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics | Advanced quantum mechanics | 4 |
| Semester 8 | Statistical Mechanics | Statistical mechanics | 4 |
| Semester 8 | Electronics | Advanced electronics | 4 |
| Semester 8 | Solid State Physics | Solid state physics | 4 |
| Semester 8 | Laboratory II | Practical laboratory work | 4 |
Students who opt for Honours with Research have additional research-oriented components. In Semester 8, they study research methods and complete an internship and a research project.
| Component | Semester | Details |
| Research Methods | Semester 8 | Introduction to research methods and practices |
| Internship | Semester 8 | Practical research or industry exposure |
| Project | Semester 8 | Research-based project work |
Also Check, DU BSc Physics Syllabus
The syllabus PDF lists every paper with its code, level, credits and topics. It also gives recommended books, course outcomes and the question pattern for each type of paper. Paper codes follow one simple rule: subject code, course, semester and paper number. For example, PHS-DSCC-1-1 is the first Physics Major core paper of semester 1.
The PDF also covers Multidisciplinary, Minor and Interdisciplinary papers. This PDF focuses on the Physics Major papers.
The Calcutta University BSc Physics exam pattern is easy to follow. Major papers with 3 credits of theory have a 75-mark theory exam. Practical or tutorial parts carry 25 marks.
The table below gives the main marks split. Note that laboratory papers and skill papers follow their own rules.
| Paper type | Pattern |
| Major theory (75 marks) | 5 questions out of 8 at 3 marks each, plus 5 questions out of 8 at 12 marks each |
| Practical (25 marks) | Lab notebook 5, viva 5, experiment 15 |
| Computer practical (25 marks) | Lab notebook 5, viva 5, Python programming 15 |
| Tutorial (25 marks) | Based on an assignment or a small set of problems |
| Skill paper, semester 1 | Lab notebook 20, viva 20, programming 60 (Gnuplot 20, Python 40) |
| Skill paper, semester 2 | Project 60, document writing 40 |
| General Laboratory I (semester 7) | Lab notebook 20, viva 20, two experiments at 30 marks each |
A clear study plan and a few smart next steps can help you score well and plan your career after graduation.
Use the syllabus PDF as a checklist: Tick off each topic as you finish it, so no unit is left behind.
Solve problems every day: The 12-mark questions need full working, so regular practice matters.
Keep your lab notebook neat: It carries marks in every practical paper.
Practise Python and Gnuplot early: These skills are part of the semester 1 skill paper and come up again in later computer practicals.
The Calcutta University BSc Physics syllabus 2026 covers eight semesters, moving from basic physics and mathematical concepts to advanced areas such as quantum mechanics, electronics, nuclear physics and solid-state physics. Students should use the latest syllabus PDF to track subjects, marks, credits and practical requirements for each semester.
Regular problem-solving, practical preparation and timely revision can help students stay on track throughout the course. Students can also explore PW Semester Prep for additional support with BSc semester exam preparation.
