The KCET Mathematics syllabus 2026 is one of the most scoring yet challenging sections in the KCET exam. The KCET mathematics subject needs a lot of conceptual clarity, formula retention, and continuous practice.
The KCET Mathematics syllabus 2026 is one of the most scoring yet challenging sections in the KCET exam. The KCET mathematics subject needs a lot of conceptual clarity, formula retention, and continuous practice.
The KCET exam is conducted every year by the Karnataka Examination Authority for admission into bachelor's degree courses in streams like engineering, agriculture, and other professional courses. The KCET Mathematics paper tests your logical reasoning, conceptual understanding, and numerical accuracy. This article covers the complete KCET Mathematics syllabus, chapter-wise weightage, important topics, reference books, and preparation strategies to help you score well in the KCET 2026 exam.
KCET Mathematics Syllabus 2026 Overview
The KCET Mathematics syllabus 2026 overview has been added to the table below:
|
Exam Name |
Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) |
|
Subject |
Mathematics |
|
Conducting Authority |
Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) |
|
Basis of Syllabus |
1st & 2nd PUC syllabus (Karnataka Board) |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Marks for Mathematics |
60 marks |
|
Negative Marking |
No |
KCET Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The KCET Mathematics syllabus is a mix of the 1st and 2nd PUC syllabi. The KCET Mathematics syllabus includes multiple subjects and topics, which have been added below:
|
PUC Year |
Unit No. |
Chapter Name |
Key Concepts / Topics |
|
1st PUC |
1 |
Sets |
• Types of sets• Venn diagrams• Union, intersection, complement |
|
2 |
Relations and Functions |
• Domain, range• Types of functions• Composition of functions |
|
|
3 |
Trigonometric Functions |
• Trigonometric ratios & identities• Graphs• Inverse trigonometric functions |
|
|
4 |
Principle of Mathematical Induction |
• Concept of induction• Simple proofs using induction |
|
|
5 |
Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations |
• Complex number representation• Polar form• Roots of quadratic equations |
|
|
6 |
Linear Inequalities |
• Inequalities in one & two variables• Graphical representation |
|
|
7 |
Permutations and Combinations |
• Fundamental counting principle• Factorials, arrangements, selections |
|
|
8 |
Binomial Theorem |
• Expansion using binomial theorem• General term & middle term |
|
|
9 |
Sequence and Series |
• Arithmetic progression (AP)• Geometric progression (GP)• Sum formulas |
|
|
10 |
Straight Lines |
• Slope, intercept form• Distance between lines• Angle between lines |
|
|
11 |
Conic Sections |
• Parabola, ellipse, hyperbola• Standard equations and properties |
|
|
12 |
Introduction to 3D Geometry |
• Coordinates in 3D• Distance, section, and direction cosines |
|
|
13 |
Limits and Derivatives |
• Concept of limit and derivative• Differentiation of algebraic functions |
|
|
14 |
Mathematical Reasoning |
• Statements, logical connectives• Quantifiers, implications |
|
|
15 |
Statistics |
• Mean, median, mode• Variance and standard deviation |
|
|
16 |
Probability |
• Classical definition• Conditional probability and independent events |
|
|
2nd PUC |
1 |
Relations and Functions (Advanced) |
• Inverse functions• Binary operations |
|
2 |
Inverse Trigonometric Functions |
• Principal values• Graphs and properties |
|
|
3 |
Matrices |
• Types of matrices• Operations and determinants |
|
|
4 |
Determinants |
• Properties, minors & cofactors• Area of triangle and system of equations |
|
|
5 |
Continuity and Differentiability |
• Chain rule• Implicit and logarithmic differentiation |
|
|
6 |
Applications of Derivatives |
• Tangents & normals• Increasing/decreasing functions• Maxima and minima |
|
|
7 |
Integrals |
• Indefinite and definite integrals• Substitution and by parts methods |
|
|
8 |
Applications of Integrals |
• Area under curves• Between two curves |
|
|
9 |
Differential Equations |
• Formation and order• Variable separable method |
|
|
10 |
Vector Algebra |
• Scalars and vectors• Dot & cross products• Projection formulas |
|
|
11 |
Three-Dimensional Geometry |
• Direction cosines• Equation of line and plane• Distance formula |
|
|
12 |
Linear Programming |
• Graphical method of solving LPP• Feasible region & optimization |
|
|
13 |
Probability (Advanced) |
• Conditional probability• Bayes’ theorem• Bernoulli’s trials and binomial distribution |
KCET Mathematics Chapter-wise Weightage
Based on previous KCET papers, here’s the approximate topic-wise weightage for Mathematics:
|
Topic / Unit |
Weightage (%) |
Difficulty Level |
|
Algebra (Sets, Relations, Matrices, Determinants) |
20–25% |
Moderate |
|
Trigonometry |
8–10% |
Moderate |
|
Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integrals) |
25–30% |
High |
|
Coordinate Geometry (2D & 3D) |
15–18% |
Moderate |
|
Vectors |
6–8% |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Probability & Statistics |
10–12% |
Moderate |
|
Linear Programming |
4–5% |
Easy |
Best Books for KCET Mathematics Preparation
The Best book for KCET mathematics preparation is as follows:
|
Book Title |
Author / Publisher |
Purpose |
|
Mathematics – Part I & II (PUC Textbooks) |
Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka |
Base syllabus and theory |
|
KCET Explorer Mathematics |
Disha Publications |
Chapter-wise previous year questions |
|
CET Mathematics |
Kiran Prakashan |
Practice papers & model tests |
|
Objective Mathematics |
R.D. Sharma |
Concept, practice, and problem solving |
|
Problems in Calculus |
I.A. Maron |
Advanced calculus for top ranks |
KCET Mathematics Exam Pattern 2026
The KCET exam pattern remains consistent every year. Understanding the format helps in efficient time management.
|
Section |
Subject |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Time Allotted |
|
1 |
Physics |
60 |
60 |
80 minutes |
|
2 |
Chemistry |
60 |
60 |
80 minutes |
|
3 |
Mathematics / Biology |
60 |
60 |
80 minutes |
|
Total |
– |
180 Questions |
180 Marks |
4 hours |
Tips to Prepare for the KCET Mathematics 2026 Exam
-
Prioritise NCERT/PUC Textbooks:
The textbooks act as a very good book for KCET preparation, as they help in clearing the basic concepts of the topics.
-
Practice Numericals Daily:
Numericals play an important role in the KCET preparation. Numerical understanding needs high focus and clarity. All formulas need to be on the tips to solve the numericals.
-
Practice Chapter-wise Questions
After every topic, solve the KCET previous year papers and mock questions to strengthen understanding.
-
Strengthen Calculus & Algebra
These two areas hold maximum weightage. Solve varied question types from derivatives, integrals, and determinants.
-
Solve Previous Year Papers:
Try attempting previous year question papers from at least the last 10 years. This will help you get used to the KCET exam pattern 2026.
-
Take Mock Tests Weekly:
Simulate real exam conditions to boost speed and accuracy.
-
Revise Conceptual Topics
Conceptual clarity is very important in topics like Electromagnetic Induction, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics.
The KCET Mathematics syllabus 2026 is based completely on your 1st and 2nd PUC syllabus, so you don’t need to study anything extra. If you understand your PUC Maths concepts well, you can easily score high in KCET. Focus more on important topics like Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, and Probability. These chapters carry the most marks in the exam. Make sure you practice regularly, revise formulas, and solve previous year papers to build speed and confidence.
-
Exam conducted by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). -
Mathematics paper carries 60 marks. -
No negative marking in KCET. -
Syllabus based on 1st & 2nd PUC.
