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Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus: Semester-Wise Subjects & Marks

The revised Calcutta University BSc Physics syllabus runs across 8 semesters. Years 1 and 2 build basics like mechanics, waves, optics and electromagnetism. Year 3 covers quantum mechanics, electronics and nuclear physics. Most major theory papers carry 75 marks, with 25 marks for practicals or tutorials.

authorImagePriyanka Agarwal15 Oct, 2026
Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus

 

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.

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus 2026 Overview

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

Calcutta University BSc Physics Subjects: Semester-Wise List

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. 

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus for 1st Year

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

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus for 2nd Year

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

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus for 3rd Year

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

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus for 4th Year

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

Honours with Research

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

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus PDF

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.

 

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus

 

Calcutta University BSc Physics Exam Pattern

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

Study Tips and Next Steps After BSc Physics

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.

 

Calcutta University BSc Physics Syllabus FAQs

What subjects are in the Calcutta University BSc Physics syllabus?

The core papers include Basic Physics, Waves and Optics, Modern Physics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics. Skill papers teach Python, LaTeX, Arduino and data analysis.

How many semesters are there in the Calcutta University BSc Physics syllabus 2026?

There are eight semesters in the full 4-year course. The 3-year degree covers six semesters.

What is the Calcutta University BSc Physics exam pattern?

Most major theory papers are of 75 marks, and practical or tutorial parts carry 25 marks. Theory has 5 short questions of 3 marks and 5 long questions of 12 marks.

Which topics are in the Calcutta University BSc Physics syllabus for 1st year?

Year 1 covers mathematical physics, classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism and thermodynamics. It also includes Python, Gnuplot and LaTeX skill papers.
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