Understanding the syllabus and selecting the right subjects can help DU BSc Physics students plan their studies more effectively across each semester. The programme includes core Physics topics along with practical laboratory sessions, computational Physics, elective subjects, and skill-based courses.
This guide covers the DU BSc Physics Syllabus 2026, including subjects offered in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, details on downloading the syllabus PDF, and the examination pattern. Students can use this information to get a clear overview of the curriculum and organise their semester-wise preparation.
This semester-wise plan mixes Core Courses (CC), Discipline Specific Electives (DSE), Generic Electives (GE), Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC), and Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC). Here is a simple year-wise view of the DU BSc Physics subjects taught across the programme.
|
Year |
Semester |
Type of Papers |
Sample Core Topics |
|
1st Year |
Sem 1 & 2 |
Core + AECC + GE |
Mathematical Physics I, Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Optics |
|
2nd Year |
Sem 3 & 4 |
Core + SEC + GE |
Mathematical Physics II & III, Thermal Physics, Digital Systems, Elements of Modern Physics, Analog Systems |
|
3rd Year |
Sem 5 & 6 |
Core + DSE |
Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Electromagnetic Theory, Statistical Mechanics, and Discipline Specific Electives |
The first-year plan builds your base in core Physics. In Semester 1 and 2, you mainly study:
Mathematical Physics I (calculus, vector analysis, and probability basics for physics problems)
Mechanics (Newton's laws, systems of particles, rotational dynamics, gravitation, and special relativity)
Electricity and Magnetism (electrostatics, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, and AC circuits)
Waves and Optics (superposition of oscillations, wave motion, interference, and diffraction)
Ability Enhancement Compulsory papers, such as Environmental Science or English/MIL Communication
Generic Elective papers chosen from disciplines other than Physics
This year also has practical classes for every theory paper, so you learn to use instruments like the Vernier calliper, screw gauge, and travelling microscope, and study experiments related to mechanics and basic electricity.
This part of the course moves into more advanced mathematical tools and applied physics. In Semester 3 and 4, the main topics are:
Mathematical Physics II & III (Fourier series, special functions, partial differential equations)
Thermal Physics (laws of thermodynamics, entropy, kinetic theory of gases, and real gases)
Digital Systems and Applications (Boolean algebra, logic gates, flip-flops, and microprocessor basics)
Elements of Modern Physics (introductory quantum and relativistic concepts)
Analog Systems and Applications (semiconductor devices and analog circuits)
A Skill Enhancement paper, such as Computational Physics Skills or Applied Optics
The final year turns to advanced and applied topics. In Semester 5 and 6, students study:
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Solid State Physics
Electromagnetic Theory
Statistical Mechanics
Discipline-Specific Electives, such as Astronomy and Astrophysics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Nano Materials and Applications, or Biological Physics
Students also complete practical and computational lab work tied to each core paper, and some Discipline Specific Electives allow an optional dissertation or project in place of a regular elective in the final semester.
Download the DU BSc Physics Syllabus PDF to access the complete syllabus, subjects, and topics for each semester. Keep the PDF handy for planning your preparation and tracking the topics covered.
Download DU BSc Physics Syllabus PDF
You can get the official PDF straight from the university website. Follow these easy steps:
Open the official DU website at du.ac.in.
Go to the "Academics" or "Syllabus" section on the homepage.
Click on "Revised Syllabi" or the relevant undergraduate syllabi link, based on your admission year.
Select "Faculty of Science" and then find "Department of Physics and Astrophysics."
Click the Physics (Honours) link to open or save the DU BSc Physics syllabus PDF.
Always check the syllabus PDF that matches your own admission batch, since older CBCS PDFs may still be listed for reference alongside any newer NEP-based files.
The exam pattern for this course uses both internal marks and end-semester exams for every paper. Here is how the marks are usually split:
|
Component |
Marks Share |
Details |
|
Internal Assessment (Theory) |
20% |
Class tests, assignments, and quizzes |
|
End-Semester Exam (Theory) |
80% |
Written exam held by the university |
|
Internal Assessment (Practical) |
50% |
Lab reports, viva-voce, and continuous evaluation |
|
End-Semester Exam (Practical) |
50% |
Lab-based practical exam |
Each theory paper also has a matching practical or computational component, so Physics students take both a written test and a lab-based test for most core subjects.
Students can follow a structured approach to cover the DU BSc Physics syllabus effectively:
Follow the syllabus: Go through each semester's topics and prioritise core papers like Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Quantum Mechanics.
Focus on practicals: Regularly revise experiments, error analysis, and lab report writing, since practicals carry equal weight to theory in many papers.
Use standard textbooks: Refer to recommended books along with class notes for detailed understanding of derivations and concepts.
Prepare short notes: Make concise notes for important formulas, laws, and derivations for quick revision.
Practise numerical problems: Solve unseen problems and past university questions to build speed and accuracy.
Revise regularly: Keep time for revision before internal assessments and end-semester examinations.
A semester-wise study plan can help students manage theory, practicals, electives, and other course components more effectively.
The DU BSc Physics syllabus 2026 provides a structured curriculum covering core Physics subjects, practicals, computational work, electives, and skill-based courses across semesters. Students should refer to the latest official syllabus PDF, understand the exam pattern, and plan their preparation semester-wise for better academic performance.