VITEEE Physics Syllabus: Complete (2025)

The VIT Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) is one of the most important exams for students aspiring to pursue a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree from VIT University. The exam tests students’ knowledge in four main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. Among these, Physics plays a significant role in determining your overall performance and rank.

For students planning to appear for the exam, understanding the Physics syllabus, focusing on essential topics, and using an effective preparation strategy is crucial. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the VITEEE Physics Syllabus, outline the core topics, and suggest study strategies and materials to help you ace the Physics section of the exam.

VITEEE Physics Syllabus Breakdown

The Physics section of the VITEEE exam is designed to test students’ knowledge and problem-solving skills in various areas of Physics. It is one of the most important sections of the exam, consisting of 40 questions. These questions are spread across multiple topics, with a combination of conceptual and numerical problems. To perform well in this section, it is essential to know the distribution of questions, the core areas to focus on, and the relative weightage of different topics.

Total Number of Questions and Section-wise Distribution

The VITEEE exam consists of 4 sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. The Physics section includes 40 questions, making it an important component of the exam. The number of questions per topic may vary, but the distribution generally follows a pattern based on past trends. The exam typically includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to test both theoretical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

The Physics syllabus for VITEEE covers a wide range of topics from classical mechanics to modern physics, optics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. Below is a detailed breakdown of the important topics in the Physics section:

Chapter	Topics
Mechanics and Properties of Matter	Law of conservation of linear momentum and its applications. Static and kinetic friction – laws of friction – rolling frictionWork done by a constant force and a variable force; kinetic energy – work-energy theorem- power.Conservative forces: conservation of mechanical energy (kinetic and potential energies)- non-conservative forces: motion in a vertical circle – elastic and inelastic collisions.Elastic behaviour – Stress-strain relationship – Hooke’s law – Young’s modulus – bulk modulus – shear modulus of rigidity – Poisson’s ratio – elastic energy. Viscosity – Stokes’ law – terminal velocity – streamline and turbulent flow – critical velocity. Bernoulli’s theorem and its applications.Heat and Thermodynamics: Zeroth law of thermodynamics- Temperature. First law of thermodynamics- Internal energy- Heat- Work- Isothermal and Adiabatic processes. Second law of thermodynamics- Reversible and irreversible processes. Thermal expansion – Heat Capacity – Cp, Cv – latent heat capacity. Qualitative ideas of Blackbody radiation: Wein’s displacement Law – Stefan’s law.
Electrostatics	Charges and their conservation; Coulomb’s law – superposition principle. Electric field – electric field due to a point charge, electric field lines; electric dipole, electric field intensity due to a dipole – behaviour of a dipole in a uniform electric field. Electric potential – potential difference electric potential due to a point charge and dipole – equipotential surfaces – electrical potential energy of a system of two point charges. Electric flux-Gauss’s law and its applications. Electrostatic induction-capacitor and capacitance – dielectrics- electric polarisation – parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric – applications of capacitor – energy stored in a capacitor – Capacitors in series and in parallel – Van de Graaff generator.
Current Electricity & Magnetic Effects of Electric Current	Electric Current – drift velocity and mobility and their relation with electric current. Ohm’s law, electrical resistance – V-I characteristics – electrical resistivity and conductivity-classification of materials in terms of conductivity – Carbon resistors – colour code for carbon resistors – combination of resistors – series and parallel – temperature dependence of resistance – internal resistance of a cell – potential difference and emf of a cell – combinations of cells in series and in parallel.Kirchoff’s law – Wheatstone’s Bridge and its application – Metrebridge – special case of Wheatstone bridge – Potentiometer principle – comparing the emf of two cells.Magnetic effect of electric current – Concept of magnetic field – Oersted’s experiment – BiotSavart law- Magnetic field due to a current carrying straight wire and circular coil – Tangent galvanometer – Bar magnet as an equivalent solenoid – magnetic field lines.Ampere’s circuital law and its application. Force on a moving charge in uniform magnetic field and electric field – cyclotron – Force on current carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field – Forces between two parallel current carrying conductors – definition of ampere.Torque experienced by a current loop in a uniform magnetic field – moving coil galvanometer – conversion to ammeter and voltmeter – current loop as a magnetic dipole – Magnetic dipole moment of a revolving electron.
Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current	Electromagnetic induction – Faraday’s law – induced emf and current – Lenz’s law. Self-induction – Mutual induction – self-inductance of a long solenoid – mutual inductance of two long solenoids. Methods of inducing emf – (i) by changing magnetic induction (ii) by changing area enclosed by the coil and (iii) by changing the orientation of the coil.AC generator – (Single phase, three phase). Eddy current – applications – transformer – Alternating current – AC circuit with resistance – AC circuit with inductor – AC circuit with capacitor – LCR series circuit – Resonance and Q – factor – power in AC circuits.
Optics	Reflection of light, spherical mirrors, mirror formula. Refraction of light, total internal reflection and its applications, refraction at spherical surfaces, lenses, thin lens formula, lens maker’s formula. Magnification, power of a lens, Resolving power, combination of thin lenses in contact, combination of a lens and a mirror. Refraction and dispersion of light through a prism.Wavefront and Huygens’s principle – Reflection, total internal reflection and refraction of plane wave at a plane surface using wavefronts. Interference – Young’s double slit experiment and expression for fringe width – coherent source – Formation of colours in thin films – Newton’s rings. Diffraction – differences between interference and diffraction of light. Polarisation of light waves – polarisation by reflection – Brewster’s law – double refraction – nicol prism – uses of plane polarised light.
Dual Nature of Radiation, Atomic and Nuclear Physics	Displacement current- Electromagnetic waves and their characteristics – Transverse nature of electromagnetic waves Electromagnetic spectrum – Photoelectric effect – Light waves and photons – particle nature of light – photocells and their applications. Atomic structure – discovery of the electron – specific charge (Thomson’s method) and charge of the electron (Millikan’s oil drop method) – alpha scattering – Rutherford’s atom model.Nuclear properties – nuclear radii, masses, binding energy, density, charge – isotopes, isobars and isotones – nuclear mass defect – binding energy – stability of nucleiNature of nuclear forces – Radioactivity – alpha, beta and gamma radiations and their properties – Radioactive decay law – half-life – mean life – artificial radioactivity – radioisotopes – effects and uses. Radiocarbon dating. Nuclear fission – chain reaction – atom bomb – nuclear reactor – nuclear fusion.
Semiconductor Devices and their Applications	Semiconductor basics – energy bands in solids: difference between metals, insulators and semiconductors – semiconductor doping – Intrinsic and Extrinsic semiconductors. Formation of P-N Junction – Barrier potential and depletion layer-P-N Junction diode – Forward and reverse bias characteristics – diode as a rectifier – Zener diode- LED. Junction transistors – characteristics – transistor as a switch – transistor as an amplifier – transistor as an oscillator.Logic gates – NOT, OR, AND, XOR using discrete components – NAND and NOR gates as universal gates – De Morgan’s theorem – Laws and theorems of Boolean algebra.

Important Chapters of Physics to Focus On

When preparing for the VITEEE Physics section, it’s essential to identify which chapters have historically carried more weight and focus on them. While all topics in the syllabus are important, prioritizing certain chapters based on their frequency and significance in the exam can help streamline your preparation. By focusing on key areas, you can maximize your efficiency, minimize distractions, and build a stronger foundation. Here’s a breakdown of the important chapters in Physics to focus on for VITEEE:

1) Mechanics: Core Area with High Weightage

Mechanics is undoubtedly one of the most important topics in Physics, especially for competitive exams like VITEEE. It forms the foundation for many other topics in Physics and is fundamental to understanding the laws of motion and energy. This section has historically held a high weightage in the VITEEE exam, often contributing to about 30-40% of the total Physics questions. It is essential for any student aspiring to perform well in the exam.

Key topics under Mechanics that you should prioritize include:

• Units and Measurement: Understanding the basic units and dimensional analysis is essential, as it lays the groundwork for more complex topics.
• Kinematics: Motion in one and two dimensions, projectile motion, and relative velocity. These are frequently tested in numerical form.
• Laws of Motion: Newton’s three laws of motion form the core of classical mechanics. The application of these laws in different scenarios (e.g., friction, circular motion, etc.) is crucial.
• Work, Energy, and Power: Problems on conservation of energy, work-energy theorem, and power are common in exams.
• Rotational Motion: This topic frequently appears in VITEEE, including concepts such as torque, angular momentum, and moment of inertia.
• Gravitation: Newton’s law of gravitation and its applications (e.g., motion of satellites) are often tested.

Mechanics is not only a high-weightage topic but also a relatively easy one to understand if you focus on concepts and practice problems regularly.

2) Modern Physics: Emerging Focus in Recent Years

In recent years, Modern Physics has gained increasing importance in exams like VITEEE. While it wasn’t traditionally a major focus, the shift in exam patterns has made it a highly relevant section. The growing emphasis on topics such as the Dual Nature of Matter, Atomic Structure, and Nuclear Physics means that students should give significant attention to this area.

Key topics to focus on in Modern Physics include:

• Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation: This covers the wave-particle duality of light, the photoelectric effect, and the de Broglie hypothesis.
• Atomic Structure: Learn about Bohr’s model, quantum numbers, and the structure of atoms. This topic has seen frequent inclusion in VITEEE questions.
• Nuclear Physics: The study of nuclear energy, radioactivity, fission, and fusion is essential. Concepts like the alpha, beta, and gamma radiation types are important to understand.

Understanding the concepts in Modern Physics can be more abstract compared to classical mechanics, but with consistent practice and conceptual clarity, you can easily master it.

3) Electrodynamics: Moderate but Crucial

Electrodynamics is a broad section that deals with the interaction between electric and magnetic fields. This topic is moderate in terms of weightage but very essential for overall success in the exam. Key concepts include electric fields, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic waves, all of which have practical applications.

Important subtopics to focus on include:

• Electrostatics: Study Coulomb’s Law, electric fields, potential, Gauss’s law, and capacitors. These concepts are regularly tested in various forms.
• Current Electricity: Focus on Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, resistance, and circuit analysis. Understanding the behavior of electric circuits is vital.
• Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism: Key ideas include Ampere’s Law, magnetic fields due to currents, and magnetic properties of materials.
• Electromagnetic Induction: Faraday’s Law and Lenz’s Law are critical. Problems involving the generation of electric currents through magnetic flux changes are common.

While the number of questions on Electrodynamics is not as high as Mechanics, this topic is essential to build a well-rounded understanding of Physics. It also overlaps with other important chapters like Optics and Waves.

4) Optics: Essential for Balanced Success

The Optics section is also an important part of the VITEEE Physics syllabus. It is known for its moderate weightage and is crucial for scoring well in the exam. Optics covers a wide variety of topics related to the behavior of light, including reflection, refraction, wave optics, and optical instruments.

Focus on the following areas within Optics:

• Reflection and Refraction: Study the laws of reflection and refraction, total internal reflection, and Snell’s law. The concepts of lenses, mirrors, and their applications are frequently tested.
• Wave Optics: This includes interference, diffraction, polarization, and the applications of these phenomena. Interference and diffraction patterns are key focus areas.
• Optical Instruments: Learn the working principles of instruments like microscopes, telescopes, and cameras, and understand how light is used to form images in these instruments.

Optics is a visually intuitive and application-based topic, which makes it an interesting and relatively easier section to grasp. Understanding the core principles and applying them in numerical and conceptual problems will help you score well.

5) Thermodynamics: Critical for Conceptual Understanding

Thermodynamics plays an important role in both theoretical understanding and practical applications. It focuses on the study of heat, temperature, and the behavior of gases and energy transfer. This area has an average weightage in VITEEE, but the concepts you learn here are fundamental to understanding many other areas of Physics.

Key subtopics include:

• Laws of Thermodynamics: Study the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics, which govern the behavior of energy in physical systems.
• Kinetic Theory of Gases: The behavior of gases in terms of molecular motion and how temperature influences the pressure and volume of a gas is key.
• Heat Transfer: Understand the modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) and their applications in real-life scenarios.

Thermodynamics questions can be numerical and conceptual. Mastering these topics will not only help you perform well in VITEEE but also build a strong foundation for further studies in engineering and technology.

6) Waves and Oscillations: For a Strong Finish

The Waves and Oscillations section often sees fewer questions but is still significant for a complete understanding of Physics. This chapter deals with wave motion, sound waves, and the Doppler effect, all of which have applications in real-world systems, including communication, music, and engineering.

Key topics include:

• Wave Motion: Study the characteristics of waves, such as amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and speed. Understanding wave equations and energy in waves is important.
• Superposition Principle: Learn how two or more waves combine to form resultant waves and how interference patterns emerge.
• Sound Waves and Doppler Effect: The study of sound waves, their properties, and the Doppler effect (change in frequency due to the relative motion of the source and observer) is essential.

Though Waves and Oscillations is not the highest weightage chapter, it is important for rounding out your understanding of Physics and can be crucial for securing a perfect score in some exams.

VITEEE Physics Preparation Strategy

Preparing for the VITEEE Physics section requires a clear strategy and disciplined approach. The Physics section of VITEEE can be challenging due to its vast syllabus and application-based problems. However, with the right preparation methods, students can efficiently cover the topics, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and improve their chances of scoring high. Below is a comprehensive preparation strategy to help you navigate through the syllabus and perform well in the exam.

1) Focus on Understanding Fundamental Laws and Principles

Physics is a subject rooted in laws and principles that govern the natural world. Therefore, the first step in your preparation should be to build a strong foundation in these fundamental concepts. Memorizing formulas and solving problems without understanding the underlying principles will only take you so far. Instead, aim to:

• Grasp the Basic Concepts: Take time to understand the key principles and laws, such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, the Law of Conservation of Energy, and Faraday’s Law of Induction. Understanding these concepts will help you relate to the problems more effectively.
• Understand Derivations: Some questions in VITEEE may require derivations or an understanding of the theoretical background. Focus on deriving formulas and equations rather than just memorizing them. This will help you apply them more flexibly in different scenarios.
• Use Visual Aids: Physics is often easier to understand when you visualize the phenomena. Use diagrams, charts, and even simulations to grasp complex concepts like wave motion, optics, or thermodynamics.

By building a solid conceptual foundation, you will be able to apply the principles in a wide range of problem types, which is crucial for success in the exam.

2) Practice Problem-Solving Regularly

The VITEEE Physics section tests your problem-solving abilities, and the best way to develop these skills is through regular practice. Physics questions, particularly numerical problems, require a deep understanding of concepts and the ability to apply them in varied situations. Here’s how you can improve your problem-solving skills:

• Solve Diverse Problems: Focus on solving problems from all chapters, including those with varying levels of difficulty. Start with easier questions to build confidence and then move on to more challenging ones. This will expose you to different question types and improve your problem-solving techniques.
• Use Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years’ papers is one of the most effective ways to understand the exam pattern and familiarize yourself with frequently asked topics. It will help you gauge the level of difficulty of the exam and improve time management.
• Work on Time Management: Time management is crucial in competitive exams. Set a timer while solving practice papers to ensure that you can complete the paper within the allotted time. This will help you manage time efficiently during the actual exam.
• Focus on Accuracy: While speed is important, accuracy is even more critical. Aim to solve each problem with the correct approach and avoid making careless mistakes.

3) Regular Revision to Reinforce Learning

Physics is a subject that requires frequent revision to keep concepts fresh in your mind. A well-planned revision strategy ensures that you don’t forget what you’ve learned and can recall it easily during the exam. Here’s how to incorporate revision into your study schedule:

• Revise Frequently: Set aside time for regular revisions. At least once a week, go over the topics you’ve studied earlier in the week or month. This will reinforce your understanding and help retain information for a longer period.
• Make Quick Reference Notes: Prepare concise notes that summarize the key points, formulas, and concepts for each chapter. These notes should be brief, but comprehensive enough to give you a quick refresher when you are short on time.
• Identify Weak Areas: During revisions, pay extra attention to areas where you face difficulty. Spend more time understanding the concepts you struggle with, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers or peers if needed.
• Revise Numerical Problems: Go through the numerical problems you’ve solved earlier to reinforce your problem-solving techniques and ensure that you’re not forgetting the correct methods.

4) Solve Mock Tests and Sample Papers

Mock tests and sample papers are essential tools for VITEEE preparation, as they simulate the real exam and offer insights into your preparedness. Regularly solving these tests improves test-taking skills, enhances time management, and helps identify areas needing more focus. Phodu Club’s VITEEE Mock Test is a great resource that mirrors the actual exam pattern, providing a comprehensive set of questions to practice. By using Phodu Club’s mock tests, you can familiarize yourself with the question types, track your progress, and build the confidence needed to excel on exam day.

• Take Mock Tests Under Exam Conditions: Simulate the real exam environment by taking full-length mock tests in a quiet room and adhering to the time limits. This will help you practice time management and enhance your ability to stay focused under pressure.
• Analyze Your Mistakes: After completing a mock test, spend time reviewing your answers. Identify the mistakes you made, understand why you made them, and learn from them. This will help you avoid similar errors in the actual exam.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your scores in mock tests to track your improvement over time. This will help you gauge whether your preparation strategy is working or if you need to adjust your study approach.

5). Work on Speed and Accuracy

In a timed exam like VITEEE, both speed and accuracy matter. While solving questions, you must ensure that you’re not spending too much time on one question. Here’s how you can improve both speed and accuracy:

• Practice Speed-Boosting Techniques: Learn tricks and shortcuts to solve problems quickly. For example, learn to identify the most efficient formulas or methods for solving specific types of problems. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll get.
• Eliminate Guesswork: Avoid random guessing, as it may lead to negative marking. Instead, focus on methods to eliminate incorrect answer choices. This will increase your chances of selecting the correct option.

6) Stay Consistent and Stay Positive

Lastly, consistency is key. Set a realistic study schedule, stick to it, and gradually increase your study hours as the exam date approaches. It’s essential to keep a positive mindset throughout your preparation journey. Avoid stress and stay focused on your goals. Take regular breaks, stay physically active, and make time for relaxation to maintain your mental well-being.

Recommended Study Materials

1)  NCERT Books for Foundational Understanding

The NCERT textbooks are excellent resources for building a strong foundation in Physics. They cover basic concepts and provide clear explanations, making them ideal for beginners.

2) H.C. Verma’s Concepts of Physics for Problem Solving

H.C. Verma’s “Concepts of Physics” is a must-have book for practice. It contains numerous problems that help build problem-solving skills. The book is widely recommended for competitive exams like VITEEE.

3) I.E. Irodov for Advanced Problem Solving

For students aiming for higher-level preparation, I.E. Irodov’s “Problems in General Physics” offers challenging problems that will test your analytical abilities.

4) Cengage Series for Detailed Coverage

The Cengage Series offers comprehensive coverage of Physics topics. It is especially useful for detailed explanations and in-depth problem-solving.

Conclusion

The VITEEE Physics section is a crucial part of the exam, and performing well in it can significantly impact your overall score and rank. As the exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving abilities, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach to your preparation. Focusing on understanding the fundamental laws of Physics, practicing a wide variety of problems, and regularly revising are key to mastering this section.

Mechanics, Modern Physics, Electrodynamics, and Optics should be given special attention, as these topics carry significant weight in the exam. Although all topics in the syllabus are important, prioritizing the core areas will help you manage your time and efforts effectively. Along with your conceptual understanding, it’s equally important to sharpen your problem-solving skills. Solving previous years’ papers and taking mock tests will give you insight into the exam pattern, improve your speed, and help you identify recurring question types.

Additionally, using the right study materials, such as NCERT, H.C. Verma, and I.E. Irodov, will provide a solid foundation for both basic concepts and advanced problem-solving. Consistency and dedication are key in Physics preparation. By following the strategies and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your ultimate goal: success in the VITEEE exam. Best of luck!!