VITEEE Syllabus Chemistry: Complete (2025)

The VIT Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) is one of the most sought-after entrance exams for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate engineering programs at VIT University. The exam tests candidates on their understanding of key subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Biology for certain streams), and English. Among these, Chemistry is a critical section that requires a deep understanding of concepts, problem-solving skills, and strong memorization of facts. Scoring well in Chemistry can significantly boost your overall rank and ensure admission to your desired course.

The Chemistry syllabus for VITEEE is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. It is divided into three major sections: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Each of these sections contains specific topics that students need to study thoroughly. Physical Chemistry focuses on principles and calculations, Inorganic Chemistry emphasizes trends, structures, and reactions of elements, while Organic Chemistry explores the vast world of carbon compounds and reaction mechanisms.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the VITEEE Chemistry syllabus to help students understand what to study. Additionally, it includes tips and strategies to prepare effectively for the exam. Whether it’s mastering Physical Chemistry equations, understanding the periodic table, or learning Organic Chemistry reactions, this guide will help you navigate the preparation process step-by-step. With focused study, regular practice, and efficient time management, you can confidently tackle the Chemistry section of VITEEE and achieve your academic goals.

VITEEE Chemistry Syllabus

The Chemistry section in VITEEE covers three primary subdivisions: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Understanding these topics in depth and mastering key concepts is essential for performing well in the exam. Let’s go through each of these sections in detail.

Section	Topics
Physical Chemistry	Atomic Structure – Bohr’s atomic model-Sommerfeld’s extension of atomic structure; Electronic configuration and Quantum numbers; Shapes of s, p, d, f orbitals – Pauli’s exclusion principle – Hund’s Rule of maximum multiplicity- Aufbau principle. Emission and absorption spectra, line and band spectra; Hydrogen spectrum – Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Brackett and Pfund series; de Broglie’s theory; Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle – wave nature of electron – Schrodinger wave equation (No derivation). Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Chemical bonding and hybridization of atomic orbitals involving s, p and d orbitals.Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium and Chemical Kinetics – I and II Laws of thermodynamics – spontaneous and non-spontaneous processes, entropy, Gibb’s free energy – Standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔG0) and chemical equilibrium – significance of entropy.Rate of a chemical reaction, factors affecting rates of reaction: concentration, temperature, pressure and catalyst; Law of mass action – Le Chatelier’s principle, applications of chemical equilibrium. Rate expression, order, and molecularity of reactions, zero order, first order and pseudo first-order reaction – half-life period. Determination of rate constant and order of reaction. Temperature dependence of rate constant – Arrhenius equation, activation energy and its calculation; elementary concept of collision theory of bimolecular gaseous reactions.Solutions – Colligative properties of dilute solutions; Different methods for expressing the concentration of solution – molality, molarity, mole fraction, percentage, the vapour pressure of solutions and Raoult’s Law – Ideal and non-ideal solutions, vapour pressure – composition, plots for ideal and non-ideal solutions
Inorganic and Material Chemistry	The s-block elements – properties and chemical reactivity of alkali and alkaline earth metalsThe p-block elements – Phosphorous compounds: PCl3, PCl5 – Oxides, Hydrogen halides, Inter-halogen compounds and Xenon fluoride compoundsGeneral characteristics of d-block elements – Electronic Configuration – Oxidation states of first row transition elements and their colours. Occurrence and principles of extraction: Copper, Silver, Gold and Zinc. Preparation and properties of CuSO4, AgNO3and K2Cr2O7. Lanthanides – Introduction, electronic configuration, general characteristics, oxidation state – lanthanide contraction, uses, brief comparison of Lanthanides and ActinidesIntroduction to coordination chemistry – IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds; Isomerism, Geometrical isomerism in 4-coordinate, 6-coordinate complexes. Theories on coordination compounds – Werner’s theory (brief), Valence Bond theory. Uses of coordination compounds. Bioinorganic compounds (Haemoglobin and chlorophyll).Solid-State Chemistry – Lattice – unit cell, systems, types of crystals, packing in solids; Ionic crystals – Imperfections in solids – point defects, X-Ray diffraction – Electrical Property, Amorphous solids (elementary ideas only)Surface Chemistry – Adsorption- physisorption and chemisorption; Catalysis – homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
Analytical Chemistry	Electrochemistry – Redox reactions; Theory of electrical conductance; metallic and electrolytic conductance. Faraday’s laws – theory of strong electrolytes – Specific resistance, specific conductance, equivalent and molar conductance – Variation of conductance with dilution – Kohlrausch’s Law – Ionic product of water, pH, and pH– buffer solutions – use of pH values. Cells – Electrodes and electrode potentials – construction of cell, EMF values and standard electrode potentials, Nernst equation and its application to chemical cells. Relation between Gibbs energy change and EMF of a cell, dry cell, electrolytic cells and Galvanic cells; lead accumulator; Fuel cells, Corrosion, and its prevention.Environmental Chemistry – Environmental pollution – Atmospheric, water and soil.
Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry	Carbon – tetravalency, hybridization; Classification of organic compounds – functional groups;Homologous series; Nomenclature (IUPAC); Homolytic and heterolytic bond cleavage;carbocations, carbanions and free radicals; electrophiles and nucleophiles; Inductive effect,electromeric effect, resonance and hyperconjugation.Common organic reactions – Substitution, addition, elimination and rearrangementIsomerism in Organic Compounds: Definition, Classification – structural isomerism, stereo isomerism – geometrical and optical isomerism. Optical activity – chirality – compounds containing chiral centres – R, S notation, D, L notation.Detection of the functional groups in organic compounds: Hydroxyl (alcoholic and phenolic), carbonyl (aldehyde and ketones) carboxyl and amino groups.
Properties and Chemistry of Functionalized Organic Compounds	Alcohols and Ethers – Nomenclature of alcohols – Classification of alcohols – distinction between 1°, 2° and 3° alcohols – General methods of preparation of primary alcohols, properties. Methods of preparation of dihydric alcohols: Glycol – Properties – Uses. Methods of preparation of trihydric alcohols – Properties – Uses. Aromatic alcohols – preparation and properties of phenols and benzyl alcohol; Ethers – Nomenclature of ethers – general methods of preparation of aliphatic ethers – Properties – Uses. Aromatic ethers – Preparation of Anisole – UsesCarbonyl Compounds – Nomenclature of carbonyl compounds – Comparison of aldehydes and ketones. General methods of preparation of aldehydes – Properties – Uses. Aromatic aldehydes – Preparation of benzaldehyde – Properties and Uses. Ketones – general methods of preparation of aliphatic ketones (acetone) – Properties – Uses. Aromatic ketones – preparation of acetophenone – Properties – Uses, preparation of benzophenone – Properties. Name reactions; Clemmensen reduction, Wolff–Kishner reduction, Cannizzaro reaction, Claisen Schmidt reaction, Benzoin Condensation, Aldol Condensation. Preparation and applications of Grignard reagents.Carboxylic Acids and their derivatives – Nomenclature – Preparation of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids – formic acid – Properties – Uses. Monohydroxy mono carboxylic acids; Lactic acid – Synthesis of lactic acid. Aliphatic dicarboxylic acids; Preparation of oxalic and succinic acids. Aromatic acids: Benzoic and Salicylic acids – Properties – Uses. Derivatives of carboxylic acids; acetyl chloride (CH3COCl) – Preparation – Properties – Uses. Preparation of acetamide, Properties – acetic anhydride – Preparation, Properties. Preparation of esters – methyl acetate – Properties
Organic Nitrogen Compounds	Organic Nitrogen Compounds – Aliphatic nitro compounds – Preparation of aliphatic nitroalkanes – Properties – Uses. Aromatic nitro compounds – Preparation – Properties – Uses. Distinction between aliphatic and aromatic nitro compounds. Amines; aliphatic amines – General methods of preparation – Properties – Distinction between 1°, 2° and 3°amines. Aromatic amines – Synthesis of benzylamine – Properties, Aniline – Preparation – Properties – Uses. Differences between aliphatic and aromatic amines. Aliphatic nitriles – Preparation – properties – Uses. Diazonium salts – Preparation of benzene diazonium chloride – Properties.
Biomolecules and Polymers	Carbohydrates – Distinction between sugars and non-sugars, structural formulae of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, with their linkages, invert sugar – definition, examples of oligo and polysaccharidesAmino acids and Proteins – Classification of amino acids with examples, Peptides – properties of peptide bond; Proteins – primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure (qualitative ideaonly), denaturation of proteins, enzymesLipids – Definition, classification with examples, difference between fats, oils, and waxes. Nucleic acids – Chemical constitution of DNA and RNAPolymers – Classification – Natural and synthetic, methods of polymerization (addition and condensation), copolymerization. Some important polymers: natural and synthetic like polythene, nylon, polyesters, Bakelite, rubber. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers.

Important Sub-Topics of Chemistry to Focus On

While preparing for the VITEEE, it’s essential to focus on certain key topics to strengthen your understanding and improve your score.

Key Concepts to Master in Physical Chemistry

• Atomic structure and quantum theory.
• Thermodynamics and its laws.
• Electrochemical cells and redox reactions.
• Chemical kinetics and rate laws.

Vital Inorganic Chemistry Concepts

• Periodicity and trends in the periodic table.
• Types of chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic).
• Coordination compounds and their properties.
• p-Block and d-Block elements.

Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms and Examples

• Different types of organic reactions (substitution, addition, elimination).
• Reaction mechanisms involving nucleophilic substitution and electrophilic addition.
• Reactions involving functional groups like alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, and ketones.

How to Prepare Chemistry for VITEEE

Preparing for the Chemistry section of the VITEEE requires a clear and structured approach. Given that the syllabus spans three distinct branches—Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry—it’s important to balance your time and efforts across each area. Chemistry, though a conceptual subject, also requires practice, especially in Physical Chemistry. Organic and Inorganic Chemistry require good memorization skills and an understanding of core concepts. 

Below are some study tips and techniques to help you prepare effectively for each section of the Chemistry paper in the VITEEE.

Study Tips for Physical Chemistry

Physical Chemistry is perhaps the most calculation-intensive section of the Chemistry syllabus for VITEEE. To prepare effectively, focus on mastering the fundamental concepts, practicing regularly, and building strong problem-solving skills. Here’s how you can prepare:

Master Concepts

The first step in mastering Physical Chemistry is to thoroughly understand the core concepts. These include atomic structure, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and states of matter. Without a solid grasp of these basics, solving numerical problems will be very difficult. Instead of just memorizing formulas, aim to understand the underlying principles and their derivation.

For example:

• Atomic Structure: Understand the quantum theory and wave-particle duality. Focus on Bohr’s model, the concept of orbitals, and the types of quantum numbers. Once you understand how electrons are arranged, you’ll be able to solve problems related to atomic structure.
• Thermodynamics: Learn the laws of thermodynamics in depth. Understand how enthalpy, entropy, and free energy relate to spontaneous reactions. Knowing the various thermodynamic equations and their applications is key.
• Chemical Kinetics: Focus on the theory behind rate laws, reaction orders, and factors that affect reaction rates. Understand the Arrhenius equation and its use in calculating activation energy.
• Electrochemistry: This area involves understanding cell potential, redox reactions, and Nernst’s equation. Get comfortable with balancing redox reactions and calculating standard electrode potentials.

Numerical Practice

Numerical problems are a significant part of Physical Chemistry, and regular practice is key to scoring well in this section. Topics like thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry are usually tested in a problem-solving format. To excel in this, practice as many problems as possible, especially from previous year’s question papers. This will help you get used to the type of questions that appear in the VITEEE and the time constraints of the exam.

Make sure to:

• Solve problems from multiple resources, including NCERT books and other VITEEE preparation books.
• Focus on improving your speed without compromising on accuracy.
• Regularly test yourself with mock exams to simulate real exam conditions.
• Revise Regularly
• It’s crucial to review your mistakes after solving problems. Understand why you made certain errors and how you can avoid them in the future. Revise formulas and practice problems on a weekly basis to reinforce your learning.

Techniques for Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry is known for its vast scope, involving many reactions and mechanisms. However, with a strategic approach, you can efficiently cover the material and perform well in this section of the VITEEE.

Focus on Reaction Mechanisms

One of the most important aspects of Organic Chemistry is understanding reaction mechanisms. Organic reactions often follow a particular set of steps, and understanding these steps is crucial for solving problems. Memorizing reactions without understanding how they happen can be overwhelming and counterproductive.

To master reaction mechanisms:

• Focus on common types of reactions such as substitution, addition, elimination, and rearrangement reactions. Learn the general pattern of these reactions and how they work at a molecular level.
• Pay special attention to electrophilic addition in alkenes, nucleophilic substitution in alkyl halides, and elimination reactions in alcohols. These types of reactions are frequently tested in the VITEEE.
• Practice drawing the mechanism of each reaction. Understand the role of intermediate species like free radicals, carbocations, and carbanions.

Logical Understanding

Rather than memorizing individual reactions and their conditions, focus on understanding the logic behind the reactions. For example, when studying alkenes, understand why they undergo electrophilic addition when reacting with halogens or hydrogen halides.

The more you understand the “why” behind the reactions, the easier it will be to predict outcomes in complex scenarios. Focus on:

• Understanding functional groups and how their reactivity influences the type of reactions they undergo.
• Learning the conditions required for specific reactions to occur, such as temperature, pressure, and solvents.
• Recognizing isomerism and the different types of isomers (structural, geometric, and optical) that can form from a given reaction.

Prioritize Important Reactions

Organic Chemistry can seem overwhelming because of the large number of reactions to remember. To make this manageable:

• Focus on the reactions that have appeared most frequently in past VITEEE papers.
• Make a list of key reactions and reaction conditions, and review them regularly. Pay attention to reactions that involve important functional groups like alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids.
• Create flashcards or charts for different reaction mechanisms and important reagents to help with quick recall during revision.

Solve Practice Problems

As with Physical Chemistry, solving Organic Chemistry problems is essential. Practice problems from VITEEE-focused books and previous year’s papers. Focus on solving problems related to reaction mechanisms, isomerism, and the identification of functional groups. Regular problem-solving will help you build both speed and accuracy.

Inorganic Chemistry Preparation

Inorganic Chemistry, although less calculation-intensive, requires a good memory and deep understanding of concepts. It involves the study of elements, their properties, and their compounds. Since this section involves many facts and figures, you will need to adopt memorization techniques to retain important information.

Memorization Techniques for the Periodic Table and Compounds

The periodic table is central to Inorganic Chemistry. To succeed in this section:

• Memorize periodic trends: Understand the trends in atomic size, ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity. Recognize how these trends change across periods and groups.
• Use mnemonic devices: Mnemonics can help you remember groups of elements and their properties. For example, creating a mnemonic for the noble gases or halogens can help you recall their properties quickly.
• Learn important compounds: Inorganic Chemistry involves the study of many important compounds, especially oxides, halides, and acids. Make a list of common compounds and their chemical properties, such as the properties of alkali and alkaline earth metals, and practice recalling them.

Focus on Coordination Compounds

Coordination compounds are an important topic in Inorganic Chemistry. These compounds contain a central metal atom surrounded by ligands. To prepare for this section:

• Learn the types of ligands and coordination numbers.
• Understand the geometries and isomerism in coordination compounds.
• Be familiar with Werner’s theory and how to solve problems related to coordination compounds.

Exam Tips for Success in VITEEE Chemistry

As you progress through your preparation for VITEEE Chemistry, it’s essential to maintain a disciplined and strategic approach. While understanding the syllabus in depth is important, implementing effective study habits and exam strategies can make a huge difference in your final score. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensuring you’re well-prepared for the Chemistry section of VITEEE.

Consistent Review and Revision

The key to mastering the vast VITEEE Chemistry syllabus is consistent review and revision. It’s easy to forget concepts over time, especially when they involve complex theories and equations. To avoid this:

• Make a Revision Schedule: Allocate specific days for revising different sections of the syllabus, like Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. This ensures that you’re not only covering new material but also revisiting and strengthening your knowledge of previously studied concepts.
• Use Flashcards and Summaries: Create flashcards for quick memorization of key formulas, important reactions, and trends in the periodic table. Writing down summary notes on difficult concepts can also make revision faster and more efficient.
• Periodic Self-Assessment: Schedule mock tests and practice exams regularly. These help simulate the actual test environment and allow you to assess your performance. Review your mistakes and identify areas where you can improve. It’s not just about completing the mock test, but analyzing your results and strengthening your weaknesses.

Focus on Problem-Solving Skills

Chemistry, especially Physical Chemistry, involves a significant amount of problem-solving. To excel in this section, it’s important to focus on developing your problem-solving abilities.

• Practice Numerical Problems: Practice solving problems related to concepts like chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. The more problems you solve, the better you’ll get at applying theoretical knowledge to practical questions.
• Identify Key Formulae: There are several formulas in Physical Chemistry that you must have at your fingertips. Make sure you understand their derivations and know when and how to apply them during the exam.
• Understand the Approach to Complex Problems: Often, exam questions will involve multiple concepts. Focus on recognizing the combination of concepts required to solve such problems. For example, a question on thermodynamics might also require an understanding of chemical bonding and properties of gases.

Time Management During Exam Preparation

Time management plays a pivotal role in your preparation for VITEEE. Given that you have a limited amount of time to prepare, it’s crucial to optimize your study schedule to ensure that all key topics in Chemistry are covered.

• Create a Daily Timetable: Set aside dedicated hours each day for studying Chemistry. Balance your study hours between Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, based on their respective weight in the syllabus and your comfort level with each topic.
• Focus on Weak Areas First: If you have a weaker understanding of certain topics, like Inorganic Chemistry or Organic Reaction Mechanisms, give them more time initially. Once you’ve strengthened these areas, shift your focus to the topics that you find easier.
• Avoid Cramming: Cramming the day before the exam is a common mistake. Chemistry requires both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving skills. Rushing through topics at the last minute can lead to confusion and poor performance. Instead, aim to revise consistently over a period of time.
• Practice Time-Conscious Problem-Solving: During mock tests, make it a point to simulate exam conditions. Practice solving problems within the allotted time frame, ensuring that you can manage the exam time effectively.

Online Resources and Study Materials

In addition to traditional study materials like textbooks, there are a plethora of online resources that can help you prepare effectively for VITEEE Chemistry.

• Online Courses and Videos: Platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and Khan Academy offer free educational content on various Chemistry topics. Many of these tutorials break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand formats. Watching videos can also provide a different perspective on topics you may be struggling with.
• Chemistry Apps: There are several apps designed to help with Chemistry revision and practice. These apps often provide quizzes, flashcards, and formulae recall tools, helping you reinforce key concepts and test your knowledge on the go.
• Question Banks and Mock Tests: Many websites and educational platforms offer question banks, mock tests, and sample papers. These resources are crucial for getting a feel of the VITEEE exam pattern and identifying the most common question types. If you’re gearing up for the VITEEE exam and want to ensure you’re fully prepared, Phodu Club’s Mock Test is an excellent resource to check out! With comprehensive mock exams tailored to the VITEEE pattern, Phodu Club provides an interactive platform where you can simulate the real exam experience.
• Chemistry Study Groups: Joining online study groups or forums can be beneficial for exchanging ideas, discussing doubts, and learning from others’ experiences. Social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit have groups specifically dedicated to VITEEE preparation.

Conclusion

Preparing for the VITEEE Chemistry section requires dedication, hard work, and a well-planned approach. The syllabus is indeed vast, covering topics from Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. However, with a clear strategy and effective time management, the syllabus can be broken down into manageable chunks. By focusing on mastering the fundamental concepts, practicing problem-solving regularly, and reinforcing your understanding with thorough revision, you will be well-prepared to tackle the exam confidently.

It is crucial to focus on the key topics in each section, such as atomic structure, periodic trends, reaction mechanisms, and organic functional groups. Practice solving numerical problems, especially in Physical Chemistry, and be sure to revise important reactions and bonding concepts in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry. Regular practice of mock tests, solving previous year’s papers, and taking online quizzes will help you gauge your preparation and identify areas that need further attention.

Along with diligent study, maintaining a positive attitude and staying motivated throughout the preparation journey is vital. Stay disciplined with your study schedule, take breaks to avoid burnout, and seek help when needed. Consistency is key—small, steady efforts over time will yield better results than last-minute cramming.

With the right approach, hard work, and focused preparation, you can score well in the VITEEE Chemistry section and take a big step toward securing your place at VIT University. Good luck with your preparation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions students often ask when preparing for the Chemistry section of VITEEE:

1) Can I skip any section of the Chemistry syllabus for VITEEE?

While it’s tempting to focus on areas you find easy or enjoyable, skipping any section of the Chemistry syllabus is not advisable. Each section—Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry—holds equal importance and contributes to your overall score. A balanced approach is the best way to succeed.

2) How much time should I dedicate to Chemistry each day while preparing for VITEEE?

Ideally, you should dedicate at least 4-5 hours each day for Chemistry preparation. This ensures you have enough time to cover theory and practice problems. However, during the final stages of preparation, this could increase to 4-5 hours depending on your needs and progress.

3) Is it necessary to study from multiple textbooks?

While it’s important to have a core textbook, such as NCERT or a standard reference book for each section, you can also explore other textbooks if needed. However, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many resources. Stick to one or two textbooks and solve problems from various practice sets to diversify your learning.

4) Should I memorize all the formulas in Physical Chemistry for VITEEE?

Yes, memorizing formulas in Physical Chemistry is essential, but understanding how and when to apply them is even more important. Don’t just memorize; practice using these formulas in problems to develop a deep understanding of their application.

5) How can I improve my understanding of Organic Chemistry reaction mechanisms?

Organic Chemistry requires a logical understanding of how and why reactions occur. Try to break down each mechanism step-by-step and understand the movement of electrons during the reaction. Regular practice and studying reaction mechanisms with the help of diagrams will improve your understanding.