11 May 2026: CUET 2026 subject-wise question papers available. Download Here
CUET Chemistry Syllabus 2026: Unit-Wise Topics, Weightage, Recommended Books
Content Writer | Updated On - Jun 11, 2026
What's New in CUET 2026?
The CUET 2026 Chemistry syllabus covers 10 units from Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, all strictly based on the NCERT Class 12 curriculum. With 50 compulsory MCQs and a 60-minute duration, Organic Chemistry alone accounts for over 50% of the paper.
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CUET 2026 Chemistry syllabus is split across three branches: Physical Chemistry (3 units), Inorganic Chemistry (2 units), and Organic Chemistry (5 units).
- Organic Chemistry is the heaviest section. Unit VII (Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers), Unit VI (Haloalkanes and Haloarenes), and Unit VIII (Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids) are the three must-cover chapters.
- Electrochemistry (Unit II) and Chemical Kinetics (Unit III) are the top-priority units in Physical Chemistry, and both carry consistent numericals every year.
- Six chapters, including Solid State, Polymers, p-Block Elements, and Surface Chemistry, are deleted from the CUET Chemistry 2026 syllabus and do not appear in the paper.
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Key Summary:
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Table of Contents
- CUET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus: Unit Wise
- CUET 2026 Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage: Physical Chemistry
- CUET 2026 Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage: Organic Chemistry
- CUET 2026 Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage: Inorganic Chemistry
- CUET 2026 Chemistry Recommended Books
- CUET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus FAQs
CUET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus: Unit Wise
The NTA officially released the CUET Chemistry 2026 syllabus PDF on January 3, 2026. The full syllabus is available at cuet.nta.nic.in under Subject Code 306. All 10 units are listed below with their key topics.
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit I- Solutions
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Types of Solutions | Expressing concentration — molality, molarity, mole fraction |
| Solubility | Solubility of solids and gases in liquids; Henry's Law |
| Vapour Pressure | Raoult's Law; liquid-liquid and solid-liquid solutions; Azeotropes (elementary) |
| Colligative Properties | Relative lowering of vapour pressure; elevation of boiling point; depression of freezing point |
| Osmosis | Osmotic pressure; reverse osmosis and water purification |
| Abnormal Molar Masses | Van't Hoff factor |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit II- Electrochemistry
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Electrochemical Cells | Galvanic cells; standard electrode potential; EMF of cell |
| Nernst Equation | Applications — equilibrium constant calculation; Ecell calculations |
| Gibbs Energy | Relation with electrochemical cell reaction |
| Conductance | Specific and molar conductivity; Kohlrausch Law and applications |
| Electrolysis | Electrolytic cells; Faraday's Laws; products of electrolysis |
| Batteries and Corrosion | Primary and secondary batteries; fuel cell; corrosion |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit III- Chemical Kinetics
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Rate of Reaction | Average and instantaneous rate; factors affecting rate |
| Rate Law | Rate constant; order and molecularity |
| Integrated Rate Equations | Zero-order and first-order reactions; half-life |
| Pseudo First-Order Reactions | Concept and examples |
| Arrhenius Equation | Activation energy; temperature dependence of rate |
| Collision Theory | For bimolecular elementary reactions and limitations |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit IV- d and f Block Elements
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| General Introduction | Position in periodic table; electronic configurations |
| Physical and Atomic Properties | Atomic and ionic sizes; ionisation enthalpies; lanthanoid contraction |
| Oxidation States | Stability of higher oxidation states; electrode potential trends |
| Special Properties | Coloured ions; magnetic properties; catalytic properties; complex formation |
| Important Compounds | K₂Cr₂O₇ and KMnO₄ — preparation, properties, and uses |
| f-Block Elements | Lanthanoids and actinoids — properties, oxidation states, comparison |
CUET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus: Unit V — Coordination Compounds
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Basic Definitions | Coordination entity; ligands; coordination number; oxidation number of central atom |
| Werner's Theory | Double salts; homoleptic and heteroleptic complexes |
| IUPAC Nomenclature | Naming coordination compounds |
| Isomerism | Structural and stereoisomerism in coordination compounds |
| Bonding Theories | Valence Bond Theory (VBT); Crystal Field Theory (CFT); spectrochemical series |
| Applications | Magnetic properties; colour; metal carbonyls; importance in daily life |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit VI- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Classification and Nomenclature | Haloalkanes and haloarenes |
| Nature of C-X Bond | Polarity and reactivity |
| Methods of Preparation | For both haloalkanes and haloarenes |
| Physical Properties | Melting/boiling point; density; solubility |
| Chemical Properties | SN1 and SN2 reactions; stereochemical aspects (chirality, inversion, retention, racemization) |
| Polyhalogen Compounds | CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃, CHI₃, CCl₄, freons, and DDT |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit VII- Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Classification and Nomenclature | Alcohols, phenols, and ethers |
| Methods of Preparation | For all three functional groups |
| Physical Properties | Boiling point and solubility trends |
| Chemical Properties of Alcohols | Cleavage of C-OH and O-H bonds |
| Chemical Properties of Phenols | Acidity; electrophilic substitution; oxidation and reduction |
| Chemical Properties of Ethers | Reactions and uses |
| Commercially Important Alcohols | Methanol and ethanol — industrial uses |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit VIII- Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Carbonyl Group | Structure; nomenclature of aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids |
| Preparation of Aldehydes and Ketones | Methods and reagents |
| Chemical Properties | Nucleophilic addition; aldol condensation; Cannizzaro reaction |
| Uses | Industrial and laboratory applications of aldehydes and ketones |
| Carboxylic Acids | Structure; preparation; physical and chemical properties; uses |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit IX- Amines
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Structure and Classification | Aliphatic and aromatic amines |
| Nomenclature | IUPAC and common naming |
| Methods of Preparation | From nitro compounds, nitriles, amides, etc. |
| Physical Properties | Boiling point; solubility |
| Basic Character | Basicity comparison between aliphatic and aromatic amines |
| Diazonium Salts | Preparation; physical and chemical properties; importance in synthesis |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus: Unit X- Biomolecules
| Topic | Key Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Classification; glucose and fructose structure; D-L configuration; disaccharides (sucrose, maltose, lactose); polysaccharides |
| Proteins | Amino acids and classification; structure and types of proteins; denaturation; enzyme mechanism |
| Vitamins | Types; sources; deficiency diseases |
| Nucleic Acids | Types (DNA, RNA); composition; structure; biological importance |
| Hormones | Classification; biological importance; deficiency diseases |
CUET 2026 Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage: Physical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry carries an estimated 50–60 marks out of 250 in CUET Chemistry. Numerical problems from Electrochemistry and Chemical Kinetics appear every year without fail.
| Chapter / Topic | Weightage (Questions) | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Electrochemistry | 5–7 | Must-Cover |
| Chemical Kinetics | 4–6 | Must-Cover |
| Solutions | 3–5 | High |
| d and f Block Elements | 4–6 | Must-Cover |
CUET 2026 Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage: Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry is the highest-scoring section. Based on PYQ analysis from 2022–2025, it accounts for over 50% of all questions in the paper.
| Chapter / Topic | Weightage (Questions) | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers | 6–9 | Must-Cover |
| Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 6–9 | Must-Cover |
| Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids | 5–7 | Must-Cover |
| Amines | 4–6 | High |
| Biomolecules | 3–5 | High |
CUET 2026 Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage: Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry carries an expected 40–50 marks in the paper. Coordination Compounds is the single most important chapter from this section.
| Chapter / Topic | Weightage (Questions) | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Coordination Compounds | 4–6 | Must-Cover |
| d and f Block Elements | 4–6 | Must-Cover |
Note: d and f Block Elements overlaps with Physical Chemistry trends and has been listed here for Inorganic focus.
CUET 2026 Chemistry Recommended Books
| Resource | Subject Area | Why Use It |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Class 12 Chemistry Part I and II | All three branches | Primary source; most CUET questions are directly NCERT-based |
| VK Jaiswal — Problems in Inorganic Chemistry | Inorganic Chemistry | Strong for Coordination Compounds and d-Block |
| MS Chauhan — Organic Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | Mechanism-based practice; reaction map approach |
| N Avasthi — Physical Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | Numerical practice for Electrochemistry and Kinetics |
| CUET PYQ Papers (2022–2025) | All units | Best indicator of question type, difficulty, and topic repetition |
Also Check:
CUET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus FAQs
Ques. Is the CUET Chemistry syllabus 2026 the same as the CBSE Class 12 syllabus?
Ans. Not exactly. CUET Chemistry is based on the full NCERT Class 12 curriculum but does not match the rationalized CBSE board syllabus. Six chapters removed from CBSE boards — including Solid State, Polymers, p-Block Elements, and Surface Chemistry — are also absent from CUET 2026. Class 11 topics are not part of the CUET Chemistry syllabus.
Ques. Which is the most important chapter in CUET 2026 Chemistry?
Ans. Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers has consistently been the highest-weightage single chapter in CUET Chemistry. PYQ analysis shows 20 questions from this chapter over four years (2022–2025). Haloalkanes and Haloarenes and Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids are a close second. Together, Organic Chemistry units account for over 50% of the paper.
Ques. How many questions are compulsory in CUET Chemistry 2026?
Ans. All 50 questions are compulsory in CUET Chemistry 2026. No questions are optional in domain subjects. With a marking scheme of +5 for the right answer and -1 for a wrong answer, accuracy is of prime importance rather than speed. Attempting all questions without proper preparation will result in a low overall score.
Ques. Is Physical Chemistry numerical heavy in CUET 2026?
Ans. Yes, Physical Chemistry is a section where numerical problems are usually included in the question paper, e.g., Electrochemistry, where the Nernst equation and Faraday's laws are involved, and Chemical Kinetics, where integrated rate equations and the Arrhenius equation are involved. In the solutions section, numerical problems are also included, e.g., colligative properties. It is estimated that 5-6 numerical problems will be included in the CUET Chemistry question paper based on previous years' trends.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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Answered Questions
a
M
Normalised score or normalization of score in CUET refers to a technique to compare applicant scores uniformly across test sessions. This process is necessary to keep CUET(conducted over multiple days and sessions with various sets of questions) fair to all test-takers.
For this purpose, CUET scores are given in percentiles rather than raw scores. A percentile score of 95, for instance, means that 95% of the applicants performed at a level that was lower or equal to that of the candidate.
Also note that CUET UG Retest 2024 was held on July 19, for the candidates who have been affected by the CBT mode issue and lodged a complaint within July 9. You can expect that the final percentiles and results will be normalised to ensure fairness.
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S
Parth, Student at Christ University
Yes, Christ University accepts CUET scores for UG admission into all its campuses in India. The eligibility criteria for CUET UG is that the candidates must pass their 12th in any stream from a recognized board in India or Abroad. The CUET 2024 exam was conducted by NTA from May 15 to May 24 2024, in hybrid mode.
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BP
Priya, student at Fergusson College
No, Fergusson College does not accept CUET scores for admissions. Fergusson College offers various UG, PG, and Doctoral courses in Arts and Science streams like- BA, BSc, BVoc, MA, MSc, and PhD.
The Fergusson College UG admission 2024 was based on merit, and it was completely online. The UG admission 2024 in Fergusson College was based on the academic scores of candidates in class 12th.
Candidates who are willing to take admission must apply online through the official website of Fergusson College. PG admission in Fergusson is based on the results of the entrance test conducted by the college.
Here are the important dates for admission 2024 to various UG courses at Fergusson College-
| Particulars | Important Dates (Admissions Closed) |
|---|---|
| Availability of Online Application Form | May 21, 2024 |
| Last day of Filling Application Form | May 30, 2024 |
| Display of Provisional Merit List | June 1, 2024 |
| Display of Final Merit List | June 4, 2024 |
| Admission dates for Arts subjects | June 7 - June 8, 2024 |
| Admission dates for Science & B.Voc subjects | June 7, 2024 |
*The 2024 UG admissions at Fergusson College have already closed.
The UG admissions 2024 are already closed, but I hope this answer will give you a basic idea of the general UG admission dates and requirements at Fergusson College.
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Dhruv, student at DU
Candidates must check the CUET UG courses list, which is available in PDF form at https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/images/public-notice-for-cuet-ug-2024.pdf before applying for this exam. Candidates should also check the CUET eligibility criteria according to each course. After deciding upon their desired course, the candidates can practice for the CUET exam accordingly. The CUET 2024 exam was conducted for various UG courses in Humanities, Science, Engineering, and Commerce.
The CUET 2024 course list is given below:
| Arts | Science & Technology | Commerce | Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. in Humanities & Social Sciences | BSc in Physics/ Chemistry/ Maths/ Biology | BCom (Honors) | BBA LLB |
| B.A. in Arts (Fine/ Visual/ Performing) | BCA in Computer Science and Technology | BCom (General) | BHM in Hospitality & Travel |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | BTech CSE/ Mechanical/ Electrical/ Civil | BCom Business Administration. | BCA (IT and Software) |
| BA LLB | BE in ECE/ Electrical/ Mechanical/ Electronics Engineering | BCom Accounting and Taxation/ Statistics/ Management Accounting | BSc in Hospitality & Travel |
| BA in Hospitality & Travel | BCom in International Finance/ Accounting/ Applied Economics/ Banking & Finance | Diploma in Education (DEd) | |
| BA in Animation | BCom Marketing | BDes in Animation | |
| BCom Tourism & Travel Management | BDes in Design | ||
| BSc in Design | |||
| Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC) | |||
| Bachelor of Journalism (BJ) | |||
| Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) | |||
| BBA/BMS |
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Bhawna, student at University of Delhi
You can check the CUET cutoff on the official website of each participating college. After the declaration of the CUET result (which was declared on 30th June 2024 for this session), the participating colleges also released their respective CUET cutoff lists online.
The cutoffs of the participating colleges are based on the performance of the students and various other factors. So, you must check the cutoff list 2024 of the participating colleges online. After doing so, you will know the colleges to which you can seek admission.
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