What is AP Physics?
Physics 1 covers mechanics, rotation, oscillations and fluids using algebra and trigonometry. Physics 2 continues with thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics.
The two Physics C courses use calculus. Mechanics overlaps Physics 1 in topics but asks for calculus-based reasoning; Electricity and Magnetism is usually taken after Mechanics.
Students aiming at engineering or physical sciences abroad often ask which combination to take. The answer depends on the calculus they already have and on the exam calendar, which has a real clash in 2027 (see below).
How the May 2027 AP Physics exams are structured
The College Board gave all four Physics exams the same structure from 2027, with a new multiple-choice count and new timings.
| Exam | Multiple choice | Free response | Exam date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics 1: Algebra-Based | 42 questions, 85 minutes, 50% | 4 questions, 95 minutes, 50% | Wed 5 May, afternoon |
| Physics 2: Algebra-Based | 42 questions, 85 minutes, 50% | 4 questions, 95 minutes, 50% | Thu 6 May, morning |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 42 questions, 85 minutes, 50% | 4 questions, 95 minutes, 50% | Mon 3 May, morning |
| Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 42 questions, 85 minutes, 50% | 4 questions, 95 minutes, 50% | Wed 5 May, afternoon |
Each exam has one free-response question of each type: mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation. A calculator is allowed in both sections. The exams are hybrid: multiple choice in Bluebook, free response handwritten in a paper booklet.
Physics 1 and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism share the same session on 5 May 2027, so a student cannot sit both on the regular date. Physics 2 shares 6 May morning with AP World History: Modern. Plan combinations around this before registering.
Source: AP Physics 1: About the exam (College Board); AP Physics C: Mechanics: About the exam (College Board); AP calculator policies; AP exam dates 2027
How Anannt prepares students for AP Physics
Diagnostic first
A short diagnostic on the AP Physics units shows which topics are secure and which need teaching from the start.
Choosing the right exams
We plan the combination with you, accounting for calculus readiness and the 2027 date clashes.
Four free-response types
Each question type is practised separately first, then in full timed sections.
Lab and experimental design
Many Indian school labs follow set procedures; we practise designing and analysing experiments, which every AP Physics exam tests.
In Kothrud or online
Sessions run one-to-one at our Kothrud centre in Pune or online, timed around school hours and board exams.
Units we teach
Official unit titles, grouped by exam. Physics C: Mechanics uses Units 1 to 7 with calculus.
- Physics 1: Kinematics
- Physics 1: Force and Translational Dynamics
- Physics 1: Work, Energy, and Power
- Physics 1: Linear Momentum
- Physics 1: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
- Physics 1: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
- Physics 1: Oscillations
- Physics 1: Fluids
- Physics 2: Thermodynamics
- Physics 2: Electric Force, Field, and Potential
- Physics 2: Electric Circuits
- Physics 2: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Physics 2: Geometric Optics
- Physics 2: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
- Physics 2: Modern Physics
- Physics C E&M: Electric Charges, Fields, and Gauss's Law
- Physics C E&M: Electric Potential
- Physics C E&M: Conductors and Capacitors
- Physics C E&M: Electric Circuits
- Physics C E&M: Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism
- Physics C E&M: Electromagnetic Induction
Coming from CBSE, ICSE, IB or IGCSE
Most of our AP Physics students in Pune take AP alongside a different school programme, so the first job is to find out what they have already covered.
CBSE and ICSE / ISC
We map your Class 11 and 12 syllabus against the AP Physics units, so classes spend time only on the topics and question styles your board has not covered.
IB Diploma
We line AP study up with your IB internal assessment and exam calendar, so AP work fills gaps instead of competing with IB deadlines.
Cambridge IGCSE and A Level
We use what you know from Cambridge papers and spend the extra practice on the AP free-response style, where answers are marked against a published scoring guideline.
Homeschool and exam-only candidates
If your school does not offer AP, we plan the whole course with you and point you to the authorized test centre route for registration.
Frequently asked questions
Which AP Physics exam should my child take?
Students without calculus usually start with Physics 1. Students who are comfortable with calculus and aiming at engineering often take Physics C: Mechanics, then Electricity and Magnetism. Physics 2 follows Physics 1. We recommend a combination after a diagnostic.
Can a student take AP Physics 1 and Physics C: E&M in the same year?
Not on the regular May 2027 dates: both are scheduled for the afternoon session of Wednesday 5 May 2027. Late testing exists, but not every centre offers it, so plan for one or the other.
Is a calculator allowed in AP Physics?
Yes, in both sections of all four exams. Four-function, scientific and graphing calculators are permitted, and Bluebook includes the Desmos calculator.
Does CBSE or JEE physics prepare a student for AP Physics?
The content overlaps a lot, but AP free-response questions ask students to explain reasoning, translate between graphs and equations and design experiments. We keep what your child already knows and train the AP answer style.
Where can my child sit the AP Physics exam in Pune?
The College Board does not sell AP exams directly to students. Your child tests either through a school that offers AP or through an authorized AP test centre that is open to outside students. The College Board's India page lists Kalyani School in Pune as an authorized centre, with further centres in Mumbai. The AP Physics exam is on 3, 5 or 6 May 2027 depending on the exam. For May 2027, most centres opened registration on 18 September 2026 and accept registrations until mid-November 2026, and some run a later window with extra fees. Each centre sets its own fees, deadlines and refund rules, so confirm directly with the centre.
How is AP Physics scored?
Every AP exam is reported on a 1 to 5 scale. The College Board describes a 3 as qualified, a 4 as very well qualified and a 5 as extremely well qualified. Universities decide for themselves which scores they accept for credit, placement or admission, so check the policy of each university on your list. Scores for the May 2027 exams are due in July 2027.
Related pages
Notes on the mechanics content.
AP Physics C: E&M syllabusNotes on the calculus-based E&M course.
AP Physics exam strategiesStudy tips from our blog.
AP Calculus classesCalculus support for Physics C students.
All AP subjects at AnanntCompare subjects, exam dates and how AP fits an Indian school timetable.
AP and Advanced Placement are trademarks of the College Board, which is not affiliated with Anannt and does not endorse this course. Exam details on this page were checked against the official sources linked above in October 2026.