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9 min read • Updated September 2026

Physics and Chemistry for CSCA

Compare CSCA Physics and Chemistry requirements, exam formats, core topics, and the degree programs that commonly require each paper.

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CSCA.ai Editorial Team

CSCA Physics and Chemistry are program-dependent papers. Science, engineering, agriculture, and medical applicants commonly need at least one, but the correct choice comes from the requirements of the specific university and degree.

Both papers are available in Chinese or English. Each contains 48 single-choice questions, lasts 60 minutes, and is scored from 0 to 100. Some programs request Physics, some Chemistry, and some may require both.

The short version

Choose from published program requirements, not preference alone. Physics is common for engineering pathways. Chemistry is common for chemical engineering, materials, pharmacy, medicine, and related laboratory sciences.

Subject requirements

Start with the latest international undergraduate admission notice for your target program. If universities list different combinations, prepare the subjects that keep every intended application eligible and confirm ambiguity with admissions.

Mathematics remains compulsory. The science paper adds evidence that you can use the concepts, calculations, and reasoning needed in a technical degree.

Physics syllabus

CSCA Physics covers mechanics; thermal physics; electricity and magnetism; and optics and modern physics. Questions may combine formulas with diagrams, graphs, units, proportional reasoning, or familiar situations.

Practise selecting the correct physical model, organizing known quantities, checking units, and estimating whether an answer is reasonable before choosing an option.

Chemistry syllabus

CSCA Chemistry covers concepts and calculations; inorganic and organic substances and reactions; atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, rates, equilibrium, and electrolytes; plus experiments and applications.

Prioritize equations, mole relationships, reaction patterns, structure-property links, and experimental interpretation. Move to timed mixed sets after the concepts and calculation steps are dependable.

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