CUSAT CAT 2026 Syllabus
Detailed Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry Topics Aligned with Kerala Plus Two / NCERT Curriculum
The CUSAT CAT syllabus for the B.Tech stream is drawn broadly from the Kerala Higher Secondary (Plus Two) Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry curriculum, with substantial topical overlap with the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus followed for JEE Main and KEAM. This makes CUSAT CAT preparation highly compatible with a student's regular JEE/KEAM study plan, requiring minimal additional effort beyond solid command of the Plus Two PCM syllabus.
Mathematics Syllabus (90 Questions)
- Algebra: Sets, Relations & Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series, Permutations & Combinations, Binomial Theorem.
- Matrices & Determinants: Properties, Inverse of a Matrix, Solving Linear Equations.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios & Identities, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Heights & Distances.
- Coordinate Geometry: Straight Lines, Circles, Conic Sections (Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola), 3D Geometry.
- Calculus: Limits & Continuity, Differentiation & Applications (Maxima-Minima, Tangents & Normals), Integration & Applications, Differential Equations.
- Vectors: Vector Algebra, Scalar & Vector Products, Applications in Geometry.
- Probability & Statistics: Measures of Dispersion, Probability Distributions, Bayes' Theorem.
- Linear Programming: Graphical Method of Solving LPP.
Physics Syllabus (75 Questions)
- Mechanics: Units & Measurements, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work-Energy-Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation.
- Properties of Matter: Elasticity, Fluid Mechanics, Surface Tension, Thermal Properties of Matter.
- Thermodynamics & Kinetic Theory: Laws of Thermodynamics, Heat Engines, Kinetic Theory of Gases.
- Oscillations & Waves: SHM, Wave Motion, Doppler Effect, Sound.
- Electrostatics & Current Electricity: Coulomb's Law, Gauss's Law, Capacitance, Ohm's Law, Circuits, Kirchhoff's Laws.
- Magnetism & EMI: Moving Charges & Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Current.
- Optics: Ray Optics, Wave Optics, Optical Instruments.
- Modern Physics: Dual Nature of Matter & Radiation, Atoms, Nuclei, Semiconductor Electronics, Communication Systems.
Chemistry Syllabus (60 Questions)
- Physical Chemistry: Mole Concept & Stoichiometry, States of Matter, Atomic Structure, Chemical Thermodynamics, Equilibrium (Chemical & Ionic), Redox & Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Solutions.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Periodic Classification, Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure, Hydrogen, s-Block Elements, p-Block Elements, d & f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Metallurgy, Qualitative Analysis.
- Organic Chemistry: Basic Principles & IUPAC Nomenclature, Isomerism, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes & Haloarenes, Alcohols/Phenols/Ethers, Aldehydes/Ketones/Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life.
Preparation Tip
Since CUSAT CAT syllabus mirrors the Plus Two PCM curriculum closely, students already preparing seriously for KEAM or JEE Main typically do not need a separate study plan — a thorough revision of NCERT/Plus Two textbooks along with CUSAT CAT-specific mock tests is sufficient.
Weightage Pattern Observed in Recent Years
While CUSAT does not publish an official chapter-wise weightage breakup, analysis of previous years' question papers by coaching institutes suggests a fairly even spread across chapters within each subject, with slightly higher emphasis in Mathematics on Calculus and Coordinate Geometry (together accounting for close to a third of the Mathematics section), in Physics on Mechanics and Electrodynamics, and in Chemistry on Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry numericals.
| Subject | High-Weightage Chapters |
|---|
| Mathematics | Calculus (Limits, Differentiation, Integration), Coordinate Geometry, Algebra (Sequences & Series, Permutations & Combinations), Vectors & 3D Geometry |
| Physics | Mechanics (Laws of Motion, Rotational Motion), Current Electricity & Magnetism, Modern Physics, Optics |
| Chemistry | Organic Chemistry (Reactions & Mechanisms), Chemical Bonding, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, p-Block Elements |
Syllabus for B.Tech Marine Engineering Aspirants
Candidates applying for the Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering must note that, in addition to the standard CUSAT CAT PCM syllabus, the Indian Maritime University's separate IMU-CET exam (which must also be qualified) covers an overlapping but independently structured syllabus in Mathematics, Physics, English, and General Aptitude/Reasoning, specific to maritime engineering admissions nationally.
Topics Generally NOT Covered
Unlike JEE Advanced, CUSAT CAT does not test advanced-level, multi-concept integrated problems or subjective/numerical-value answer formats. There is no separate English Proficiency or Logical Reasoning section (unlike BITSAT), and no General Knowledge or Biology component, keeping the syllabus strictly confined to the Plus Two Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry curriculum.
