NEET Physics Syllabus 2026 PDF Download

Physics is one of the three core subjects in the NEET UG examination, contributing 45 questions and 180 marks to the total score of 720. The NEET 2026 Physics syllabus is drawn entirely from the Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT Physics textbooks as prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). While Physics is often considered the most challenging section for NEET aspirants, a systematic approach to concept-building, formula memorisation, and regular MCQ practice can make it a highly reliable scoring area.

The syllabus spans 19 chapters divided between Class 11 (10 chapters) and Class 12 (9 chapters), covering mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electrodynamics, optics, and modern physics. Unlike JEE Physics, NEET Physics tests the application of concepts to straightforward situations rather than multi-step problem solving, making formula clarity and conceptual understanding the decisive factors for scoring well.

This page provides the complete NEET 2026 Physics syllabus chapter-by-chapter, with all key topics listed, approximate question weightage, a detailed analysis of high-priority chapters, chapter-wise study strategies, important formulae to remember, and a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions.

NEET Physics 2026: Quick Facts

NEET 2026 Physics Paper Structure

The Physics section of NEET 2026 is divided into two sections within the question paper. Understanding this structure is essential for planning an effective exam-day strategy.

In Section B, candidates should attempt only those 10 questions in which they are confident. Attempting an uncertain question risks a -1 penalty that offsets one correct answer. The safest strategy is to identify 10 questions in Section B that fall within your strongest topics and skip the remaining five entirely.

NEET Physics Class 11 Syllabus: All Chapters and Topics

Class 11 Physics contributes approximately 10 chapters to the NEET syllabus, with Mechanics (Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power, System of Particles) and Oscillations and Waves consistently appearing with the highest question frequency among Class 11 chapters. Below is the complete chapter-wise topic breakdown for Class 11 Physics.

Chapter 1: Physical World and Measurement

This chapter introduces the scope and nature of Physics, fundamental physical quantities, and the measurement framework used throughout the subject.

•        Scope and excitement of Physics; Physics, technology, and society

•        Physical quantities: fundamental and derived quantities

•        Units and systems of units: SI system, CGS system, MKS system

•        Measurement of length: indirect methods, range of lengths

•        Dimensional analysis: dimensional formula, dimensional equation

•        Applications of dimensional analysis: checking correctness, deriving relations, converting units

•        Significant figures: rules, rounding off, errors in measured quantities

•        Absolute error, relative error, percentage error; combination of errors

Chapter 2: Kinematics

Kinematics is a foundational chapter that forms the basis for most of the mechanics portion. Questions from this chapter appear consistently every year and test understanding of motion equations, projectile trajectories, and relative velocity.

•        Frame of reference, motion in a straight line

•        Position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs

•        Equations of uniformly accelerated motion: v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as

•        Relative velocity in one and two dimensions

•        Scalars and vectors; vector addition, subtraction, resolution

•        Unit vectors, null vector; components of a vector

•        Motion in a plane, projectile motion: time of flight, range, maximum height

•        Uniform circular motion: centripetal acceleration, angular velocity

Chapter 3: Laws of Motion

Laws of Motion is one of the highest-weightage chapters in Class 11. Newton's three laws, friction, and circular motion dynamics are tested almost every year with two to three questions.

•        Aristotle's fallacy, Newton's first law of motion, inertia and mass

•        Newton's second law: F = ma, linear momentum, impulse-momentum theorem

•        Newton's third law: action-reaction pairs

•        Conservation of linear momentum

•        Equilibrium of concurrent forces

•        Static and kinetic friction: laws of friction, coefficients of friction

•        Rolling friction, lubrication

•        Dynamics of uniform circular motion: centripetal force, banking of curves

•        Common forces in mechanics: tension, normal force, spring force, weight

Chapter 4: Work, Energy and Power

This chapter covers energy forms and their inter-conversions. Collision problems and energy conservation questions from this chapter are highly predictable in NEET.

•        Work done by a constant and variable force; work-energy theorem

•        Kinetic energy, potential energy (gravitational and spring)

•        Conservative and non-conservative forces

•        Mechanical energy and its conservation

•        Power: average power, instantaneous power

•        Elastic and inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions

•        Coefficient of restitution; perfectly elastic and perfectly inelastic collisions

•        Centre of mass motion in collisions

Chapter 5: Motion of System of Particles and Rigid Body

This chapter carries higher weightage than most students anticipate. Moment of inertia, theorems on moment of inertia, and rolling motion questions appear regularly.

•        Centre of mass of a two-particle system and an extended body

•        Velocity and acceleration of centre of mass

•        Conservation of momentum of a system of particles

•        Angular velocity, angular acceleration, torque

•        Angular momentum; conservation of angular momentum

•        Moment of inertia: definition, radius of gyration

•        Theorem of parallel axes and theorem of perpendicular axes

•        Moments of inertia of uniform bodies: ring, disc, sphere, cylinder, rod

•        Rolling motion: pure rolling on flat surface; relationship between linear and angular quantities

Chapter 6: Gravitation

Gravitation questions in NEET are formula-driven and focus on satellite motion, orbital velocity, escape velocity, and variation of g.

•        Kepler's laws of planetary motion: law of orbits, areas, and periods

•        Universal law of gravitation: F = Gm1m2/r²

•        Gravitational constant G; determination by Cavendish experiment

•        Acceleration due to gravity g; variation with altitude and depth

•        Gravitational potential energy; escape velocity

•        Orbital velocity of a satellite; time period of satellite

•        Geostationary and polar satellites

•        Weightlessness in a satellite

Chapter 7: Properties of Bulk Matter

This chapter covers both solid mechanics and fluid mechanics. Surface tension and Bernoulli's principle questions appear frequently in NEET.

•        Elastic behaviour of solids; stress and strain

•        Hooke's law; stress-strain diagram

•        Young's modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus

•        Pressure of a fluid; Pascal's law; applications (hydraulic lift, hydraulic brakes)

•        Viscosity; Stokes' law; terminal velocity; Reynold's number; turbulent flow

•        Bernoulli's theorem and its applications (venturimeter, Magnus effect, airplane lift)

•        Surface tension: concept, angle of contact, application to drops, bubbles, capillary rise

•        Effect of temperature on surface tension; detergents and surface tension

Chapter 8: Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics questions in NEET typically cover the laws of thermodynamics, Carnot engine efficiency, and thermodynamic processes (isothermal, adiabatic, etc.).

•        Thermal equilibrium and zeroth law of thermodynamics; temperature

•        Heat, work, and internal energy

•        First law of thermodynamics: Q = DU + W

•        Isothermal and adiabatic processes; reversible and irreversible processes

•        Second law of thermodynamics: heat engines, Carnot theorem

•        Carnot engine: working, efficiency; refrigerators and heat pumps

•        Entropy concept (qualitative understanding)

Chapter 9: Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory

Kinetic theory questions test understanding of gas law derivations, RMS speed, and the law of equipartition of energy.

•        Equation of state of a perfect gas: PV = nRT

•        Work done on compressing a gas; kinetic theory of gases

•        Assumptions of kinetic theory; pressure of an ideal gas

•        Kinetic energy and temperature; RMS speed, mean speed, most probable speed

•        Degrees of freedom; law of equipartition of energy; applications to specific heats

•        Mean free path; Avogadro's number

Chapter 10: Oscillations and Waves

Oscillations and Waves is the highest-weightage Class 11 chapter. SHM, Doppler effect, and standing waves questions appear every year with three to five questions collectively.

•        Periodic and oscillatory motion; simple harmonic motion (SHM)

•        Displacement, velocity, acceleration in SHM: x = A sin(wt + phi)

•        Energy in SHM: kinetic energy, potential energy, total mechanical energy

•        Simple pendulum: time period T = 2pi sqrt(L/g)

•        Spring-mass system: T = 2pi sqrt(m/k); series and parallel combinations of springs

•        Free, forced, and damped oscillations; resonance

•        Wave motion; transverse and longitudinal waves; wave speed

•        Principle of superposition; standing waves; normal modes

•        Beats: concept and frequency of beats

•        Doppler effect: formula for moving source and observer

NEET Physics Class 12 Syllabus: All Chapters and Topics

Class 12 Physics covers Electrodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics, which together account for a significantly higher proportion of NEET Physics questions than Class 11. Optics alone can contribute five to seven questions, making it the single most important chapter in the entire NEET Physics syllabus.

Chapter 1: Electrostatics

Electrostatics is a high-yield chapter that appears every year with four to six questions. Concepts of electric field, potential, Gauss's law, and capacitors are tested in various combinations.

•        Electric charges: properties, Coulomb's law, superposition principle

•        Electric field: definition, due to a point charge, continuous charge distribution

•        Electric field lines: properties

•        Electric flux; Gauss's law and its applications: infinite line charge, infinite plane sheet, uniformly charged spherical shell

•        Electric potential: relationship with electric field, due to a point charge

•        Equipotential surfaces; potential energy of a system of charges

•        Potential energy in an external electric field; dipole in a uniform external field

•        Conductors and insulators; capacitors: parallel plate capacitor

•        Capacitance; combination of capacitors (series and parallel); effect of dielectric

•        Energy stored in a capacitor; Van de Graaff generator

Chapter 2: Current Electricity

Current Electricity contributes four to five questions in most NEET papers. Kirchhoff's laws, Wheatstone bridge, and potentiometer are the most frequently tested topics.

•        Electric current; drift velocity; Ohm's law; resistance and resistivity

•        Limitations of Ohm's law; V-I characteristics (linear and non-linear)

•        Temperature dependence of resistance; superconductivity

•        Combination of resistors: series and parallel

•        Internal resistance, emf of a cell; cells in series and parallel

•        Kirchhoff's current law (KCL) and voltage law (KVL)

•        Wheatstone bridge; metre bridge

•        Potentiometer: principle, applications (comparing emf, finding internal resistance)

Chapter 3: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism

This chapter is tested with three to four questions, mostly on magnetic force on a conductor, the cyclotron, and magnetism of materials.

•        Concept of magnetic field; Oersted's experiment

•        Biot-Savart law and its application: current loop, straight conductor, solenoid

•        Ampere's circuital law and its applications

•        Force on a moving charge in a magnetic field; Lorentz force

•        Force on a current-carrying conductor; forces between parallel conductors; definition of Ampere

•        Torque on a current-carrying loop; galvanometer

•        Cyclotron: principle, working, limitations

•        Bar magnet as equivalent solenoid; magnetic field lines; Gauss's law in magnetism

•        Magnetic properties: diamagnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic substances

•        Hysteresis; permanent magnets and electromagnets

Chapter 4: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents

EMI and AC circuits contribute three to five questions. Transformers, AC resonance, and Faraday's law calculations are the most tested areas.

•        Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction; Lenz's law

•        Induced emf; motional emf; eddy currents

•        Self-inductance; mutual inductance; energy stored in an inductor

•        AC generator: principle, working

•        Alternating current: peak value, RMS value, phase

•        Purely resistive, capacitive, and inductive circuits; phasors

•        LC oscillations; LCR series circuit; impedance; power factor; resonance

•        Power in AC circuits: average power, wattless current

•        Transformer: ideal transformer, efficiency, energy losses

Chapter 5: Electromagnetic Waves

This is a lower-weightage chapter but provides easy marks. Knowing the EM spectrum sequence and properties of each band is sufficient.

•        Displacement current; need for its introduction

•        Electromagnetic waves: sources, nature

•        Electromagnetic spectrum: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, UV, X-rays, gamma rays

•        Properties of EM waves; transverse nature; speed in vacuum

•        Applications of different EM wave bands

Chapter 6: Optics

Optics is the highest-weightage chapter in all of NEET Physics, contributing five to seven questions consistently. Both ray optics (reflection, refraction, lenses) and wave optics (interference, diffraction, polarisation) must be mastered thoroughly.

•        Reflection of light: laws of reflection, spherical mirrors, mirror formula

•        Refraction of light: Snell's law, refractive index

•        Total internal reflection: critical angle, applications (optical fibre, mirages)

•        Refraction at spherical surfaces; lens formula; lens maker's equation

•        Magnification; power of a lens; combination of thin lenses in contact

•        Refraction and dispersion of light through a prism; rainbow

•        Optical instruments: simple microscope, compound microscope, telescope (reflecting and refracting)

•        Wavefront and Huygens' principle; reflection and refraction of plane wave

•        Interference: Young's double slit experiment; coherent sources; fringe width formula

•        Diffraction: diffraction by a single slit; width of central maximum

•        Polarisation: Brewster's angle; polaroids; applications

Chapter 7: Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation

This chapter is tested with two to three questions. Photoelectric effect questions are the most predictable, often testing Einstein's photoelectric equation directly.

•        Dual nature of radiation; wave-particle duality

•        Photoelectric effect: Hertz and Lenard's observations

•        Einstein's photoelectric equation: hf = phi + ½mv² (max)

•        Stopping potential; threshold frequency; work function

•        Particle nature of light; photon

•        Wave nature of matter; de Broglie relation: lambda = h/mv

•        Davisson-Germer experiment: confirmation of wave nature of electrons

Chapter 8: Atoms and Nuclei

Atoms and Nuclei contributes three to four questions in most NEET papers. Bohr's model, radioactive decay laws, nuclear fission and fusion, and half-life calculations are essential.

•        Alpha-particle scattering and Rutherford's nuclear model of atom

•        Atomic spectra; Bohr's model of hydrogen atom: energy levels, radii of orbits

•        Hydrogen spectrum: Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett, Pfund series

•        Composition of nucleus: protons and neutrons; isotopes, isobars, isotones

•        Nuclear binding energy; mass defect; binding energy per nucleon vs. mass number curve

•        Nuclear force: properties

•        Radioactive decay: alpha, beta, gamma decay; radioactive decay law; half-life; mean life

•        Nuclear fission: chain reaction, controlled and uncontrolled fission, nuclear reactor

•        Nuclear fusion: stellar energy, conditions for fusion, thermonuclear reactions

Chapter 9: Electronic Devices

Electronic Devices is a relatively straightforward chapter that can yield two to three reliable marks with focused preparation on semiconductors, diodes, and logic gates.

•        Semiconductors: intrinsic and extrinsic; n-type and p-type

•        p-n junction: formation, depletion layer, potential barrier

•        p-n junction in forward and reverse bias; I-V characteristics

•        p-n junction as a rectifier: half-wave and full-wave rectifier

•        Zener diode: I-V characteristics, Zener diode as a voltage regulator

•        Junction transistor: n-p-n and p-n-p; transistor action

•        Logic gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR; truth tables

•        Digital electronics: binary number system; Boolean algebra basics

NEET Physics Chapter-Wise Overview Table

The table below summarises all 19 chapters of the NEET 2026 Physics syllabus with their class, key concept category, approximate question weightage, and priority level for preparation.

NEET Physics: Most Important Formulae by Chapter

Memorising these formulae and understanding their physical significance is essential for scoring well in NEET Physics. These are the most frequently tested relationships in NEET papers from 2016 onwards.

How to Prepare NEET Physics 2026: Chapter-Wise Strategy

Physics preparation for NEET requires a structured, formula-focused approach combined with consistent MCQ practice. The following strategies are tailored specifically to each major area of the NEET Physics syllabus.

Mechanics (Chapters 2 to 6): Build the Foundation First

Mechanics forms the conceptual backbone of Physics. Students who master kinematics, laws of motion, and energy-momentum concepts find all subsequent chapters significantly easier to understand. Begin by reading the NCERT chapters thoroughly and noting all derivations. Then build a formula sheet for each chapter and practice applying each formula to MCQs in different configurations. Rotational motion (Chapter 5) is often underestimated: the moment of inertia for standard bodies and rolling motion problems are highly reliable marks in NEET.

Oscillations and Waves (Chapter 10): Prioritise for Class 11

This chapter consistently yields three to five questions in NEET, making it the most important Class 11 chapter by question volume. SHM formulae, energy expressions, Doppler effect, and standing wave conditions must be memorised precisely. Practising questions that combine SHM with spring-mass systems and questions that mix Doppler effect with multiple motion scenarios is essential for this chapter.

Electrostatics and Current Electricity (Chapters 11, 12): High Yield

These two chapters together can contribute eight to eleven questions in a single NEET paper, making the Electrodynamics section the most rewarding area to master. For Electrostatics, focus on Gauss's law applications, capacitor combinations, and energy calculations. For Current Electricity, Kirchhoff's law problems, Wheatstone bridge calculations, and potentiometer-based questions are the most predictable question types. Practice circuit diagrams daily and ensure you can solve two to three Kirchhoff's law problems within three to four minutes each.

Optics (Chapter 16): The Single Highest-Yield Chapter

Optics alone has contributed five to seven questions in multiple recent NEET papers, making it the highest-value chapter in Physics. Both Ray Optics and Wave Optics must be covered with equal depth. For Ray Optics, master the mirror formula, lens formula, and refraction through prism calculations. For Wave Optics, ensure the YDSE fringe width formula and conditions for constructive and destructive interference are completely clear. Optical instrument (microscope and telescope) magnification formulae are also tested regularly.

Modern Physics (Chapters 17, 18): Quick Marks Available

Dual Nature of Matter and Atoms and Nuclei together contribute five to seven questions. The Photoelectric effect, Bohr's model energy level calculations, and radioactive decay calculations are among the most formulaic and predictable question types in all of NEET Physics. A student who has memorised Einstein's photoelectric equation and the Bohr model energy formula can answer these questions in under 30 seconds each, making this section an efficient time-saving opportunity during the examination.

Electronic Devices (Chapter 19): Do Not Skip

Electronic Devices is often the most neglected chapter in NEET Physics preparation, but it reliably provides two to three questions every year. Logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR), truth tables, and the basic working of the p-n junction diode are tested in a highly predictable manner. A student who dedicates four to five hours specifically to this chapter can almost guarantee scoring these marks in the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions: NEET Physics Syllabus 2026

How many questions are asked from Physics in NEET 2026?

Physics contributes 50 questions in total to the NEET 2026 paper: 35 compulsory questions in Section A and 15 questions in Section B (of which candidates must attempt any 10). The maximum marks achievable from Physics is 180, and candidates effectively attempt 45 questions from this section.

Which Physics chapters have the highest weightage in NEET?

Based on analysis of NEET papers from 2016 onwards, Optics (5-7%), Electrostatics (4-6%), Current Electricity (4-5%), Laws of Motion (3-4%), Work-Energy-Power (3-4%), and Oscillations and Waves (3-5%) are consistently the highest-weightage chapters. Together, these six chapters can account for 20 to 28 questions in a single NEET Physics section.

Is Class 11 or Class 12 Physics more important for NEET?

Both classes are important, but Class 12 Physics chapters tend to carry slightly higher weightage overall, primarily because of Optics, Electrostatics, and Current Electricity. However, Class 11 Mechanics (particularly Laws of Motion and SHM) contributes a significant number of questions. Students should not deprioritise either class and must cover both thoroughly.

Is NCERT enough for NEET Physics?

NCERT forms the mandatory primary resource for NEET Physics. Approximately 70 to 75 percent of NEET Physics questions can be answered directly from NCERT content and examples. However, for Mechanics and Electrodynamics in particular, practising additional MCQs from standard NEET reference books (such as DC Pandey's Objective Physics for NEET, or HRW-based question banks) is recommended to build the problem-solving speed required under exam conditions.

What is the best strategy for Physics in NEET?

The most effective strategy is to divide the Physics syllabus into three tiers: Very High Priority (Optics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, SHM and Waves), High Priority (Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power, Rotation, Thermodynamics, Atoms and Nuclei), and Medium Priority (all remaining chapters). Spend 60 percent of your Physics preparation time on Very High Priority chapters, 30 percent on High Priority chapters, and 10 percent on Medium Priority chapters. Practice a minimum of 30 Physics MCQs daily, and solve at least two full Physics sections from previous year NEET papers every week.

How many marks should I target in NEET Physics?

While there is no single 'right' target, students aiming for MBBS seats in government medical colleges should target 120 to 140 marks out of 180 in Physics (80 to 95 percent correct of attempted questions). Students targeting top government colleges should aim for 150 or above. It is important to note that Biology provides 360 marks and is generally more consistent to score high in, so a combined approach of strong Biology performance with solid Physics fundamentals is the most efficient NEET scoring strategy.

Are there any topics removed from NEET Physics syllabus in 2026?

The NMC rationalised the NEET syllabus in 2024, bringing it into closer alignment with the NCERT curriculum. Several advanced topics that were previously included beyond NCERT scope have been removed. Students should download the current official NMC syllabus from nta.ac.in to confirm the exact list of included and excluded topics for NEET 2026, and ensure their study materials are based on this current document.

Which is the toughest chapter in NEET Physics?

Based on student performance data and question complexity analysis, Rotational Motion (System of Particles and Rigid Body), Electromagnetic Induction and AC Circuits, and Optics (Wave Optics specifically) are consistently rated as the most challenging chapters in NEET Physics. However, difficulty is subjective and depends on the individual student's mathematical background and preparation depth. With targeted practice, all three chapters become manageable and highly scoring.