Table of Contents
Aspirants aiming to enroll in courses like B.Sc. Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, and similar fields through CUET can access the CUET Chemistry syllabus by visiting the official website at https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/. The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the exam structure, key topics, and question patterns, guiding students to efficiently prepare for the test and secure admission to their preferred programs. To prepare well for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate programs, students should thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus and practice last year’s question papers.
CUET Chemistry Syllabus
The CUET 2025 exam, or Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates, is a test used by many universities in India to select students for their undergraduate courses. It helps colleges find students who are good at different subjects. The CUET exam has three sections. Sections 1A and 1B focus on languages, Section II covers 27 specific subjects, and Section III is a general test.
The test evaluates your understanding in subjects such as English, Mathematics, and General Studies. Chemistry is included in Section II, featuring 45 to 50 questions, where students are required to attempt any 35 to 40 of them. The total marks for the Chemistry section of the CUET exam are 200. Scoring well in the CUET UG exam can increase your chances of gaining admission to various colleges and universities.
CUET UG Syllabus 2025 for Chemistry
The CUET UG Chemistry syllabus includes important topics from Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. In Physical Chemistry, you will learn about reactions and energy changes. In Inorganic Chemistry, you will study elements and their compounds. Organic Chemistry focuses on carbon compounds and their types. These topics cover basic chemistry concepts that are essential for the exam, helping you understand the structure, properties, and behavior of different substances. This syllabus ensures a good foundation in chemistry. For more updates check CUET UG Chemistry Syllabus 2025 Overview table that has been shared below:
CUET UG Chemistry Syllabus 2025 | |
Division | Important Topics |
Physical Chemistry | Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, Solutions, and Electrochemistry |
Organic Chemistry | Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Biomolecules, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Polymers, and Chemistry in Everyday Life |
Inorganic Chemistry | P-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, and d-and f-Block Elements |
CUET Chemistry Syllabus – Topics
The CUET Chemistry syllabus covers how chemicals act and react, basic chemical calculations, and their practical uses. To do well, students need to grasp the main ideas and practice solving problems related to these topics. The syllabus is set up to make it easier for students to understand these concepts and apply them in real-life situations.
- Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- Redox Reactions
- Chemical Equilibrium and Kinetics
- Acid-Base Concepts
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
- Colloids
- Colligative Properties of Solution
- Periodic Table
- Preparation and Properties
- Thermochemistry
- General Organic Chemistry
- Reaction intermediates
- Isomerism
- Polymers
- Carbohydrates
- Preparation and Properties
- Solid State
- Petroleum
CUET UG Chemistry Syllabus – Unit Wise
The CUET UG Chemistry syllabus covers basic topics like atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and the periodic table. It also includes organic chemistry (like hydrocarbons) and physical chemistry (such as thermodynamics and solutions). Students will learn to understand and solve simple chemistry problems and concepts. Below we have discussed the complete unit-wise chemistry syllabus for CUET 2025.
Unit I: Solid State
Classification of solids based on different binding forces: molecular, ionic covalent, and metallic solids, amorphous and crystalline solids(elementary idea), unit cell in two-dimensional and three-dimensional lattices, calculation of density of unit cell, packing in solids, packing efficiency, voids, number of atoms per unit cell in a cubic unit cell, point defects, electrical and magnetic properties, Band theory of metals, conductors, semiconductors and insulators and n and p-type semiconductors.
Unit II: Solutions
Types of solutions, expression of concentration of solutions of solids in liquids, the solubility of gases in liquids, solid solutions, colligative properties – the relative lowering of vapour pressure, Raoult’s law, the elevation of B.P., depression of freezing point, osmotic pressure, determination of molecular masses using colligative properties, abnormal molecular mass, Vant Hoff factor.
Unit III: Electrochemistry
Redox Reaction; conductance in electrolytic solutions, specific and molar conductivity variations of conductivity with concentration, Kohlrausch’s Law, electrolysis and laws of electrolysis (elementary idea), dry cell – electrolytic cells and Galvanic cells; lead accumulator, EMF of a cell, standard electrode potential, Nernst equation and its application to chemical cells. Relation between Gibbs energy change and EMF of a cell, fuel cells; corrosion.
Unit IV: Chemical Kinetics
Rate of a reaction (average and instantaneous), factors affecting rates of reaction: concentration, temperature, catalyst; order and molecularity of a reaction; rate law and specific rate constant, integrated rate equations, and half-life (only for zero and first-order reactions); concept of collision theory (elementary idea, no mathematical treatment). Activation energy, Arrhenius equation.
Unit V: Surface Chemistry
Adsorption – physisorption and chemisorption; factors affecting adsorption of gases on solids; catalysis: homogenous and heterogeneous, activity and selectivity: enzyme catalysis; colloidal state: the distinction between true solutions, colloids, and suspensions; lyophilic, lyophobic multimolecular and macromolecular colloids; properties of colloids; Tyndall effect, Brownian movement, electrophoresis, coagulation; emulsions – types of emulsions.
Unit VI: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
Principles and methods of extraction – concentration, oxidation, reduction electrolytic method, and refining; occurrence and principles of extraction of aluminium, copper, zinc, and iron.
Unit VII: p-Block Elements
- Group 15 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, oxidation states, trends in physical and chemical properties; nitrogen – preparation, properties, and uses; compounds of nitrogen: preparation and properties of ammonia and nitric acid, oxides of nitrogen (structure only); Phosphorous-allotropic forms; compounds of phosphorous: preparation and properties of phosphine, halides (PCl3, PCl5) and oxoacids (elementary idea only).
- Group 16 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, oxidation states, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties; dioxygen: preparation, properties, and uses; classification of oxides; ozone. Sulphur – allotropic forms; compounds of sulphur: preparation, properties, and uses of sulphur dioxide; sulphuric acid: industrial process of manufacture, properties and uses, oxoacids of sulphur (structures only).
- Group 17 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, oxidation states, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties; compounds of halogens: preparation, properties and uses of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, interhalogen compounds, oxoacids of halogens(structures only).
- Group 18 elements: General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence, trends in physical and chemical properties, and uses.
Unit VIII: d and f Block Elements
- General introduction, electronic configuration, occurrence and characteristics of transition metals, general trends in properties of the first-row transition metals – metallic character, ionization enthalpy, oxidation states, ionic radii, colour, catalytic property, magnetic properties, interstitial compounds, alloy formation. Preparation and properties of K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4.
- Lanthanoids – electronic configuration, oxidation states, chemical reactivity, and lanthanoid contraction and its consequences.
- Actinoids –Electronic configuration, oxidation states, and comparison with lanthanoids.
Unit IX: Coordination Compounds
Coordination compounds: Introduction, ligands, coordination number, colour, magnetic properties and shapes, IUPAC nomenclature of mononuclear coordination compounds, bonding, Werner’s theory VBT, CFT; isomerism (structural and stereo)importance of coordination compounds (in qualitative analysis, extraction of metals and biological systems).
Unit X: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Haloalkanes: Nomenclature, nature of C-Xbond, physical and chemical properties, mechanism of substitution reactions. Optical rotation.
- Haloarenes: Nature of C-X bond, substitution reactions (directive influence of halogen for monosubstituted compounds only).
- Uses and environmental effects of–dichloromethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, iodoform, freons, DDT.
Unit XI: Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
- Alcohols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties (of primary alcohols only); identification of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols; mechanism of dehydration, uses, with special reference to methanol and ethanol.
- Phenols: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, acidic nature of phenol, electrophilic substitution reactions, uses of phenols.
- Ethers: Nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses.
Unit XII: Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acid
- Amines: Nomenclature, classification, structure, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses, identification of primary secondary, and tertiary amines.
- Cyanides and Isocyanides – will be mentioned at relevant places in context.
- Diazonium salts: Preparation, chemical reactions, and importance in synthetic organic chemistry
Unit XIV: Biomolecules
Carbohydrates – Classification (aldoses and ketoses), monosaccharide (glucose and fructose), D-L configuration, oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen): importance.
Proteins – Elementary idea of a-amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins, primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure, and quaternary structure (qualitative idea only), denaturation of proteins; enzymes.
Hormones –Elementary idea (excluding structure).
Vitamins – Classification and functions.
Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA
Unit XV: Polymers
Classification – Natural and synthetic, methods of polymerization (addition and condensation), copolymerization. Some important polymers: natural and synthetic like polythene, nylon, polyesters, bakelite, and rubber. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers.
Unit XVI: Chemistry in Everyday Life
- Chemicals in medicines – analgesics, tranquilizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, antimicrobials, antifertility drugs, antibiotics, antacids, antihistamines.
- Chemicals in food– preservatives, artificial sweetening agents, elementary idea of antioxidants.
- Cleansing agents – soaps and detergents, cleansing action.
CUET Chemistry 2025: Important Books
For CUET UG Chemistry preparation, choosing the right books is key. The most helpful books simplify complex concepts and offer plenty of practice questions. These books will help you build a strong foundation and excel in your exams. Here are some important books:
- NCERT Chemistry Textbooks (Class 11 and 12) – Essential for understanding basic concepts.
- Physical Chemistry by O.P. Tandon – Good for practice and deeper understanding.
- Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd – Excellent for organic chemistry topics.
- Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee – Helps with understanding inorganic chemistry in detail.
- Chemistry: A Modern Approach by R. C. Mukherjee – Useful for problem-solving and revision.
Preparation Tips For CUET UG Chemistry Exam
Preparing for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate (UG) programs in Chemistry requires a well-structured approach. By following these tips and staying consistent with your study plan, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the CUET UG Chemistry exam. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:
1. Understand the Syllabus
- Familiarize yourself with the CUET syllabus: It will be based on your Class 12 syllabus. Focus on topics like Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry.
- Identify important topics: Prioritize topics that carry more weight in the exam.
2. Create a Study Plan
- Divide your time wisely: Allocate more time to difficult topics while ensuring you regularly review easier ones.
- Set daily/weekly goals: This helps in keeping track of your progress and staying motivated.
3. Focus on Conceptual Clarity
- Strengthen your basics: Make sure you understand the fundamental concepts as they are often tested in various ways.
- Use reference books: Books like NCERT are crucial, but you can also refer to other books like “Physical Chemistry” by P. Bahadur or “Organic Chemistry” by O.P. Tandon for a deeper understanding.
4. Practice Regularly
- Solve previous years’ papers: This helps you get familiar with the exam pattern and types of questions asked.
- Take mock tests: Regular mock tests will help you manage your time effectively and reduce exam-day stress.
- Analyze your performance: Review your mistakes in mock tests and previous papers to avoid repeating them.
5. Time Management
- Practice solving questions under timed conditions: This will help you improve your speed and accuracy.
- Learn to prioritize questions: Attempt the easier questions first to secure marks, then move on to the more difficult ones.
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