CUET Chemistry Syllabus 2026
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After the successful announcement of the CBSE Class 12th results, students must have started looking for the CUET Chemistry syllabus in a simple and clear format. This article gives a complete and easy-to-follow guide to the CUET Syllabus 2026 for Chemistry and provides you with a free PDF download. Whether you are a student preparing for the CUET exam or a student just starting your preparation, this article will help you understand exactly what to study. The syllabus will cover all important topics from the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabi. With this simple PDF, you can stay organised and ensure you can focus on the material that matters most. Download the free PDF now and begin your Chemistry preparation with peace of mind.
CUET Chemistry Syllabus 2026
Planning to study Chemistry for CUET UG 2026? The National Testing Agency (NTA) organises this exam for undergraduate admission, and it has 37 subjects, of which Chemistry is one of the three most popular subjects. The more emphatic topics are surface chemistry, chemical kinetics, the p-block, d-block, and f-block elements, alcohols, phenols, organic compounds, biomolecules, polymers, and many others.
CUET 2026 is expected to be conducted in the second week of May, and the exam will be conducted online as a Computer-Based Test. Also, keep checking NTA's official website for updates, important dates, and when the syllabus is released.
CUET UG Chemistry Syllabus 2026
The CUET Chemistry syllabus has 16 units and is divided into three sections - Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry, which ensures that you cover the subject in an easier and manageable way. Each section consists of different topics and subtopics that improve your connection to the subject matter and improve your understanding. Whether you are learning about reactions, elements, or formulas, the syllabus is helpful because it approaches your learning in a staircase manner.
Division 1: Physical Chemistry - Important Topics
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
Division 2: Organic Chemistry - Important Topics
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Biomolecules
- Aldehydes
- Ketones
- Carboxylic Acids
- Alcohols
- Phenols
- Ethers
- Polymers
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
Division 3: Inorganic Chemistry - Important Topics
- P-Block Elements
- Coordination Compounds
- General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
- d-and f-Block Elements
CUET UG Chemistry Detailed Unit-Wise Syllabus
The syllabus for CUET UG chemistry covers core topics unit-wise, Physical chemistry, Organic chemistry, and Inorganic chemistry, reflecting NCERT Class 11 and 12 topics. The syllabus includes atomic structure, thermodynamics, atomic structure, periodic table, mole concepts, etc. By following a structured method, students can develop solid fundamentals, plan their study with efficacy, and enhance their confidence and motivation in preparation for the CUET exam and higher studies related to the sciences.
Unit I: Solid State
Classification of solids based on different binding forces: molecular, ionic covalent, and metallic solids, amorphous and crystalline solids(elementary idea), unit cell in two-dimensional and three-dimensional lattices, calculation of density of unit cell, packing in solids, packing efficiency, voids, number of atoms per unit cell in a cubic unit cell, point defects, electrical and magnetic properties, Band theory of metals, conductors, semiconductors and insulators and n and p-type semiconductors.
Unit II: Solutions
Types of solutions, expression of concentration of solutions of solids in liquids, the solubility of gases in liquids, solid solutions, colligative properties – the relative lowering of vapour pressure, Raoult’s law, the elevation of B.P., depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure, determination of molecular masses using colligative properties, abnormal molecular mass, Vant Hoff factor.
Unit III: Electrochemistry
Redox Reaction; conductance in electrolytic solutions, specific and molar conductivity variations of conductivity with concentration, Kohlrausch’s Law, electrolysis and laws of electrolysis (elementary idea), dry cell – electrolytic cells and Galvanic cells; lead accumulator, EMF of a cell, standard electrode potential, Nernst equation and its application to chemical cells. Relation between Gibbs energy change and EMF of a cell, fuel cells, and corrosion.
Unit IV: Chemical Kinetics
Rate of a reaction (average and instantaneous), factors affecting rates of reaction: concentration, temperature, catalyst; order and molecularity of a reaction; rate law and specific rate constant, integrated rate equations, and half-life (only for zero and first-order reactions); concept of collision theory (elementary idea, no mathematical treatment). Activation energy, Arrhenius equation.
Unit V: Surface Chemistry
Adsorption – physisorption and chemisorption; factors affecting adsorption of gases on solids; catalysis: homogenous and heterogeneous, activity and selectivity: enzyme catalysis; colloidal state: the distinction between true solutions, colloids, and suspensions; lyophilic, lyophobic multimolecular and macromolecular colloids; properties of colloids; Tyndall effect, Brownian movement, electrophoresis, coagulation; emulsions – types of emulsions.
Unit VI: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
Principles and methods of extraction – concentration, oxidation, reduction, electrolytic method, and refining; occurrence and principles of extraction of aluminium, copper, zinc, and iron.
Unit VII: p-Block Elements
- Group 15 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, oxidation states, trends in physical and chemical properties; nitrogen – preparation, properties, and uses; compounds of nitrogen: preparation and properties of ammonia and nitric acid, oxides of nitrogen (structure only); Phosphorous-allotropic forms; compounds of phosphorous: preparation and properties of phosphine, halides (PCl3, PCl5) and oxoacids (elementary idea only).
- Group 16 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, oxidation states, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties; dioxygen: preparation, properties, and uses; classification of oxides; ozone. Sulphur – allotropic forms; compounds of sulphur: preparation, properties, and uses of sulphur dioxide; sulphuric acid: industrial process of manufacture, properties and uses, oxoacids of sulphur (structures only).
- Group 17 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, oxidation states, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties; compounds of halogens: preparation, properties and uses of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, interhalogen compounds, oxoacids of halogens(structures only).
- Group 18 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties, and uses.
Unit VIII: d and f Block Elements
- General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence and characteristics of transition metals, general trends in properties of the first-row transition metals – metallic character, ionisation enthalpy, oxidation states, ionic radii, colour, catalytic property, magnetic properties, interstitial compounds, alloy formation. Preparation and properties of K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4.
- Lanthanoids – electronic configuration, oxidation states, chemical reactivity, and lanthanoid contraction and its consequences.
- Actinoids –Electronic configuration, oxidation states, and comparison with lanthanoids.
Unit IX: Coordination Compounds
Coordination compounds: Introduction, ligands, coordination number, colour, magnetic properties and shapes, IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds, bonding, Werner’s theory, VBT, CFT; isomerism (structural and stereo), importance of coordination compounds (in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals and biological systems).
Unit X: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Haloalkanes: Nomenclature, nature of C-X bond, physical and chemical properties, mechanism of substitution reactions. Optical rotation.
- Haloarenes: Nature of C-X bond, substitution reactions (directive influence of halogen for monosubstituted compounds only).
- Uses and environmental effects of–dichloromethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, iodoform, freons, DDT.
Unit XI: Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
- Alcohols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties (of primary alcohols only); identification of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols; mechanism of dehydration, uses, with special reference to methanol and ethanol.
- Phenols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, acidic nature of phenol, electrophilic substitution reactions, uses of phenols.
- Ethers: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses.
Unit XII: Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
- Amines: Nomenclature, classification, structure, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses, identification of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines.
- Cyanides and Isocyanides – will be mentioned at relevant places in context.
- Diazonium salts: Preparation, chemical reactions, and importance in synthetic organic chemistry
Unit XIV: Biomolecules
- Carbohydrates – Classification (aldoses and ketoses), monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), D-L configuration, oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen): importance.
- Proteins – Elementary idea of a-amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins, primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure, and quaternary structure (qualitative idea only), denaturation of proteins; enzymes.
Hormones –Elementary idea (excluding structure).
- Vitamins – Classification and functions.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA
Unit XV: Polymers
Classification – Natural and synthetic, methods of polymerisation (addition and condensation), copolymerization. Some important polymers: natural and synthetic, like polythene, nylon, polyesters, bakelite, and rubber. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers.
Unit XVI: Chemistry in Everyday Life
- Chemicals in medicines – analgesics, tranquillisers, antiseptics, disinfectants, antimicrobials, antifertility drugs, antibiotics, antacids, antihistamines.
- Chemicals in food– preservatives, artificial sweetening agents, and the elementary idea of antioxidants.
- Cleansing agents – soaps and detergents, cleansing action.
Best Books for CUET UG Chemistry Preparation
Choosing the right books is crucial for effective CUET UG Chemistry preparation. Good books help in building strong conceptual understanding, practicing NCERT-based questions, and getting familiar with the exam pattern. The books listed below are highly recommended to strengthen your CUET UG preparation.
NCERT Chemistry (Class 11 & 12)
- Why it's important: The CUET UG syllabus is heavily based on NCERT. Questions are often directly or indirectly framed from these books.
- Must-study chapters: Organic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Equilibrium, Periodic Classification, and Coordination Compounds.
MTG CUET Chemistry – Entrance Exam Guide
Features of the MTG CUET Chemistry entrance exam guide:
- Chapter-wise theory based on NCERT.
- Practice questions with detailed solutions.
- Mock tests and previous CUET-style questions.
Arihant CUET UG Chemistry
Highlights:
- Objective-style MCQs based on NCERT.
- Practice papers and sample questions.
- Good for quick revision and self-assessment.
Oswaal CUET Chemistry Question Bank
Why is the Oswaal CUET Chemistry Question Bank helpful?
- Topic-wise Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Includes CUET mock papers with OMR sheets.
- Helps in concept boosting and mind mapping.
Disha 15 Practice Sets for CUET UG Chemistry
Students can use this for:
- Time-bound practice.
- Simulating exam conditions.
- Strengthening speed and accuracy.