PUC I & II (Pre-University Course) Karnataka Board Syllabus – KSEAB


Overview of PUC I & II under Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board

The Pre-University Course (PUC) I and II, conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB), is an important academic stage for students after completing their SSLC (Class 10). Spread across two years, PUC serves as a bridge between school education and higher education, preparing students for university-level studies. The syllabus for PUC I and II is carefully designed to provide a solid foundation in chosen streams while promoting critical thinking, analytical skills, and subject expertise. Students can opt for three major streams – Science, Commerce, and Arts (Humanities) – depending on their interests and career goals.

In the Science stream, subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, with an option to choose Computer Science or Electronics as electives. This stream is ideal for students aspiring to pursue careers in engineering, medicine, or pure sciences. The Commerce stream offers subjects like Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Statistics, and optional subjects such as Computer Science or Basic Maths. It prepares students for professional courses like B.Com, CA, CS, and management studies. The Arts stream provides a wide choice of subjects such as History, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Psychology, and Economics, enabling students to pursue higher studies in humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and related fields. PUC I (Class 11) primarily focuses on introducing students to the fundamentals of their chosen subjects, ensuring conceptual clarity and gradual progression from the SSLC level. PUC II (Class 12) builds on these concepts with an advanced syllabus that aligns with national-level competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT, and CA Foundation. Alongside academics, the curriculum emphasizes skill development, logical reasoning, and communication skills, preparing students for future challenges.

The KSEAB syllabus is structured with equal importance given to theory and practical learning. Science subjects include laboratory experiments, while Commerce and Arts subjects encourage project work, field studies, and case analyses. Each subject carries both internal assessment and board exam marks, ensuring continuous evaluation throughout the year. Overall, the PUC I & II syllabus under KSEAB plays a vital role in shaping students’ academic and career paths. It not only equips them with in-depth knowledge in their chosen fields but also prepares them for professional courses and higher education. With its comprehensive and competitive design, the syllabus ensures that students graduating from Karnataka’s pre-university system are well-prepared to face future academic and career challenges.

Find subject subject-wise PDF of PUC I & II under the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board

S.no.Chapter-Wise PUC I & II (Pre-University Course) Karnataka Board Syllabus – KSEAB

subject-wise exam pattern and marks distribution for PUC I & II (Pre-University Course)

General Exam Pattern (PUC I & II)

  • Each subject carries 100 marks.

  • Distribution: Theory – 70 marks, Practical/Internal – 30 marks (for subjects with practicals).

  • For subjects without practicals: Theory – 100 marks (including internal assessment).

  • Passing criteria: Minimum 35% overall (i.e., 35 marks out of 100).

Science Stream

1. Physics (I & II PUC)

  • Theory: 70 marks (3-hour exam)

  • Practical: 30 marks (experiments, viva, records)

  • Topics: Mechanics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics

2. Chemistry (I & II PUC)

  • Theory: 70 marks

  • Practical: 30 marks (lab experiments, project work, viva)

  • Topics: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry

3. Mathematics (I & II PUC)

  • Theory only: 100 marks (3-hour exam)

  • Topics: Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Trigonometry, Statistics

4. Biology (I & II PUC)

  • Theory: 70 marks

  • Practical: 30 marks (dissections, slides, records, viva)

  • Topics: Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Genetics, Human Physiology

5. Computer Science / Electronics (if opted)

  • Theory: 70 marks

  • Practical: 30 marks

  • Topics: Programming (C++, Python), Hardware, Networking, Circuits

Commerce Stream

1. Accountancy

  • Theory: 80 marks

  • Project/Internal: 20 marks (records, assignments)

  • Topics: Partnership Accounts, Company Accounts, Financial Statements

2. Business Studies

  • Theory: 80 marks

  • Internal Assessment: 20 marks

  • Topics: Principles of Management, Business Environment, Marketing, Finance

3. Economics

  • Theory: 80 marks

  • Internal Assessment: 20 marks

  • Topics: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Indian Economy, Statistics

4. Statistics (if opted)

  • Theory: 80 marks

  • Practical/IA: 20 marks (statistical projects, assignments)

  • Topics: Probability, Correlation, Regression, Index Numbers

5. Basic Maths / Computer Science (optional)

  • Theory: 100 marks (for Maths)

  • For Computer Science → Theory 70 + Practical 30

Arts (Humanities) Stream

1. History

  • Theory: 80 marks

  • IA: 20 marks (assignments, project work)

  • Topics: Indian History, World History, Freedom Movements

2. Political Science

  • Theory: 80 marks

  • IA: 20 marks

  • Topics: Political Theory, Indian Constitution, International Relations

3. Sociology

  • Theory: 80 marks

  • IA: 20 marks

  • Topics: Society, Social Institutions, Culture, Social Change

4. Geography

  • Theory: 70 marks

  • Practical: 30 marks (map work, field study)

  • Topics: Physical Geography, Human Geography, Environmental Studies

5. Psychology

  • Theory: 70 marks

  • Practical: 30 marks (experiments, case studies, records)

  • Topics: Cognitive Psychology, Personality, Developmental Psychology

6. Economics (if opted) – Same as Commerce stream.

Languages (Common for All Streams)

  • First Language (Kannada/English/Hindi/Marathi/Telugu/Tamil/Sanskrit/Urdu, etc.)

    • Theory: 100 marks

  • Second Language

    • Theory: 100 marks

Frequently Asked Questions

The Karnataka Pre-University Course (PUC) syllabus for both PUC I and PUC II is designed by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB). It acts as a bridge between secondary school and higher education, preparing students for professional courses and competitive exams. The syllabus is divided into three main streams – Science, Commerce, and Arts – offering students flexibility to choose subjects based on their career goals. In the Science stream, subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology or Computer Science. The Commerce stream covers Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, and Mathematics or Statistics. The Arts stream includes History, Political Science, Sociology, and optional languages. Each subject has detailed chapters and practical components, especially in Science. Languages like Kannada, English, and Hindi are compulsory to enhance communication and writing skills. The syllabus ensures both theoretical and application-based learning, helping students develop analytical, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills. Since PUC II marks are critical for university admissions and entrance exams like CET, NEET, and JEE, understanding the syllabus thoroughly is essential for better preparation and scoring high marks.

The Karnataka PUC exam pattern is structured to test the knowledge, application, and analytical skills of students across all three streams – Science, Commerce, and Arts. Each subject in PUC I and PUC II carries a total of 100 marks. Out of this, 70 marks are allotted for the theory examination, 30 marks for internal assessment, assignments, or practicals, depending on the subject. Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology have written exams along with lab-based practicals to test experimental knowledge. Mathematics focuses on problem-solving and logical reasoning. Commerce subjects such as Accountancy and Economics evaluate numerical ability, interpretation, and theoretical understanding. Arts subjects emphasize descriptive answers, critical analysis, and interpretation of social concepts. Languages like Kannada and English carry questions on grammar, comprehension, writing, and literature. The exam duration is generally three hours, requiring effective time management. The balanced pattern ensures that students are assessed in both theoretical and practical aspects, reducing the chances of rote learning. By understanding the marks distribution and exam weightage, students can prepare strategically, prioritize high-scoring chapters, and aim for top results in their board exams.

Effective preparation for the Karnataka PUC I & II syllabus requires consistency, proper planning, and smart study techniques. Students should first analyze the subject-wise syllabus and marks distribution to identify important chapters. In the Science stream, practicing numerical problems in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics daily strengthens accuracy and speed. For Biology, focusing on diagrams, terminologies, and processes helps in scoring better. Commerce students should practice solving accountancy problems regularly, revise economics concepts with flowcharts, and attempt previous year papers for better exam readiness. Arts students should prepare point-wise notes for History, Sociology, and Political Science while improving answer-writing skills for descriptive questions. Languages can be improved by practicing grammar, essay writing, and literature analysis. Regular revisions, mock tests, and model question papers help in understanding the exam pattern. Students should also prepare short notes, highlight key points, and revise them frequently. Time management during preparation is crucial to balance all subjects. With a disciplined routine and focus on high-weightage chapters, students can excel in both PUC I and PUC II exams and perform well in competitive exams as well.

Understanding the Karnataka PUC syllabus in detail provides multiple benefits for students aiming to score well in both board exams and competitive exams. The syllabus acts as a roadmap, clearly defining chapters, topics, and practicals for each subject in Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. Students can plan their study routine better by focusing on high-scoring areas while dedicating extra time to challenging topics. Knowing the syllabus helps in preparing concise notes, practicing the right type of questions, and avoiding unnecessary topics that do not carry weightage. Since PUC II marks play a vital role in university admissions and eligibility for entrance exams like CET, NEET, JEE, or CA Foundation, having a detailed understanding ensures students align their preparation accordingly. It also helps reduce exam anxiety as students are clear about what to study and how much depth is required. Familiarity with the syllabus encourages a balanced study plan, enhances time management, and builds exam confidence. Ultimately, it ensures that no topic is left out, leading to improved performance and stronger foundations for future academic and career goals.

The Karnataka PUC syllabus for both PUC I and PUC II is carefully designed to build strong subject foundations that help students in higher education and career development. For Science stream students, it prepares them for engineering, medical, and technical fields by aligning closely with entrance exams like JEE, NEET, and KCET. Commerce students gain strong fundamentals in accounting, business, and economics, which are essential for careers in finance, management, banking, and entrepreneurship. Arts students develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills that are beneficial for careers in law, public administration, journalism, teaching, and civil services. The syllabus also focuses on languages, improving communication and writing skills that are necessary in any profession. The structured exam pattern develops discipline, problem-solving ability, and logical reasoning, which are transferable skills for both academics and work life. Since PUC is the foundation stage before graduation, mastering the syllabus not only helps in scoring high in board exams but also provides long-term advantages in professional courses, competitive exams, and career success.