Physics Optional Syllabus for UPSC
The UPSC Physics optional is examined in two Mains papers of 250 marks each, 500 marks in total. Paper I has 6 topics and Paper II has 6 topics, listed below with their subtopics.
Physics Paper I syllabus
1. Classical Mechanics
- Lagrangian, Hamiltonian
- Central forces, rigid body
- Small oscillations, special relativity
2. Electromagnetism
- Electrostatics, magnetostatics
- Maxwell's equations
- EM waves, radiation
3. Optics
- Wave optics, interference
- Diffraction, polarization
- Lasers, holography
4. Quantum Mechanics
- Wave function, operators
- Schrodinger equation
- Angular momentum, spin
5. Thermodynamics
- Laws, entropy
- Statistical mechanics
- Phase transitions
6. Mathematical Physics
- Vector analysis, tensors
- Differential equations
- Complex analysis, group theory
Physics Paper II syllabus
1. Atomic & Molecular Physics
- Atomic spectra, Zeeman effect
- Molecular spectra
- Raman effect, lasers
2. Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear properties, models
- Radioactivity, reactions
- Fission, fusion
3. Particle Physics
- Elementary particles, interactions
- Standard model
- Symmetries, conservation
4. Condensed Matter Physics
- Crystal structure, bonding
- Band theory, semiconductors
- Superconductivity, magnetism
5. Electronics
- Semiconductor devices
- Amplifiers, oscillators
- Digital electronics
6. Astrophysics
- Stars, stellar evolution
- Galaxies, cosmology
- Black holes, gravitational waves
Other Sciences optionals
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