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Physics Problems & Solutions
CSIR NET · IIT JAM · GATE · JEST · TIFR — All 12 Topics
Free, PYQ-mapped problems and detailed solutions across all 12 core physics topics — curated by Pravegaa faculty for CSIR NET, IIT JAM, GATE, JEST, and TIFR preparation. For self-study students and those upgrading their problem-solving proficiency.
Why Free Problems & Solutions?
The Purpose Behind This Resource
For Self-Study Students
Students preparing for CSIR NET, GATE, IIT JAM, JEST, and TIFR in self-study mode must get authentic, exam-focused material. These problems are curated from PYQs and class tests — not generic textbook exercises.
For Upgrading Proficiency
Students who have completed coaching or want to move from qualifying score to JRF rank level. More problems, more variation, and full solutions to compare approaches.
How to Use These Resources
Who Should Use This?
Two Types of Students — Both Benefit Differently
Students in Self-Study Mode
- ✓ Authentic, focused material without coaching institute bias
- ✓ Authentic PYQ-mapped problems to benchmark your level
- ✓ Complement with Pravegaa video lectures for concept backing
- ✓ Use study material PDFs alongside for reference
Students Upgrading Their Proficiency
- ✓ Post-coaching students who want to sharpen problem-solving speed
- ✓ Students building from CSIR NET qualifying to JRF level
- ✓ Repeat attempt students targeting Part C improvement
- ✓ Working professionals preparing alongside their jobs
All 12 Topics
Jump to Any Topic
Topic-wise Problems & Solutions
All 12 Topics — Full Coverage
Each card links to the full problems & solutions page for that topic, plus study material and free video lectures. Click the coloured button to access all problems for that topic.
Mathematical Methods of Physics
Topics covered: Vector calculus, eigenvalue problems, complex analysis, Fourier transforms, Green’s functions, PDEs, probability
🎯 Why practise this topic: Mathematical Physics problems are embedded across all other topics. A weak foundation here causes compound errors in QM, EMT, and Statistical Mechanics.
Wave & Oscillation and Optics
Topics covered: SHM, damped and driven oscillations, coupled oscillators, wave propagation, interference, diffraction, polarisation, geometrical optics
🎯 Why practise this topic: Highly reliable scoring section — problems follow predictable patterns. Fringe width, path difference, and resonance calculations appear every year.
Mechanics & Classical Mechanics
Topics covered: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, central force, Kepler problem, rigid body dynamics, small oscillations, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi
🎯 Why practise this topic: Classical Mechanics problems at CSIR NET Part C require multi-step Lagrangian setups. Problems here build the systematic approach needed for full marks.
Special Theory of Relativity
Topics covered: Lorentz transformations, time dilation, length contraction, relativistic dynamics, four-vectors, mass-energy equivalence, velocity addition
🎯 Why practise this topic: STR problems are calculation-heavy and follow very consistent patterns. Threshold energy and 4-vector problems are near-guaranteed in GATE and JEST.
Electromagnetic Theory
Topics covered: Boundary value problems, multipole expansion, magnetostatics, Maxwell’s equations, EM waves in media, Poynting theorem, radiation, gauge transformations
🎯 Why practise this topic: BVP problems in EMT require careful application of boundary conditions — a highly structured skill. Poynting vector and wave reflection problems appear in every exam.
Modern Physics & Quantum Mechanics
Topics covered: Schrödinger equation, 1D and 3D potentials, hydrogen atom, angular momentum, perturbation theory, variational method, WKB, scattering theory, identical particles
🎯 Why practise this topic: The highest-weight topic in every physics competitive exam. Part C of CSIR NET is dominated by QM problems. No shortcut here — only systematic problem solving builds the required fluency.
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
Topics covered: Laws of thermodynamics, Maxwell relations, partition function, canonical and grand canonical ensembles, MB/FD/BE statistics, quantum gases, phase transitions
🎯 Why practise this topic: Partition function problems require systematic setup. FD and BE distribution problems have a fixed structure — fluency comes through repetition of varied problems.
Electronics & Experimental Methods
Topics covered: Semiconductor devices, BJT, op-amp circuits, feedback, oscillators, digital logic, flip-flops, error analysis, measurement techniques
🎯 Why practise this topic: Electronics is tested at greater depth in GATE than CSIR NET. Op-amp gain calculations and Boolean algebra simplification follow completely predictable problem patterns.
Experimental Methods in Physics
Topics covered: Error analysis, measurement uncertainty, detection techniques, signal processing, experimental design, instrumentation basics
🎯 Why practise this topic: Often overlooked but a reliable source of marks. Error propagation problems follow a fixed formula structure — straightforward for prepared students.
Atomic & Molecular Physics
Topics covered: Atomic structure, spectroscopy, LS and jj coupling, Zeeman and Stark effects, X-ray spectra, molecular rotation/vibration, Raman effect, lasers
🎯 Why practise this topic: Selection rules and Zeeman splitting problems appear annually across all exams. LS vs jj coupling problems have clear algorithmic solutions once the method is mastered.
Condensed Matter Physics
Topics covered: Crystal structure, Bragg’s law, free electron theory, band theory, semiconductor transport, magnetic properties, superconductivity (BCS, Meissner, London equation)
🎯 Why practise this topic: Bragg’s law and Fermi energy are near-guaranteed numericals. Hall coefficient and effective mass problems follow clean analytical patterns.
Nuclear & Particle Physics
Topics covered: Nuclear properties, binding energy, semi-empirical mass formula, nuclear models, alpha/beta/gamma decay, nuclear reactions, Q-value, elementary particles, quark model
🎯 Why practise this topic: Q-value calculations, half-life problems, and SEMF are completely systematic numericals. Rutherford scattering cross-sections follow a fixed formula application.
Study Strategy
How to Use Problems & Solutions Effectively
Problem practice only builds skill when done correctly. Most students lose value by looking at solutions too early or not analysing errors systematically.
Download & Organise
Download PDFs and save organised by topic and exam year — separate folders for PYQ worksheets and practice problems.
Attempt Without Solutions
Always attempt every problem completely before checking the solution. Looking at solutions first destroys diagnostic value.
Timed Practice
Set a timer for each problem. CSIR NET Part C gives ~4 minutes per question — train your speed and decision-making together.
Error Classification
For every wrong answer, classify the error: concept gap, algebraic slip, wrong approach, or misread. Note it. Return to it.
Topic Clustering
After finishing a topic, solve all PYQ problems from that topic across all exam years. Cross-year patterns reveal what the exam consistently tests.
Verify Approach Not Just Answer
Even when you get the right answer, compare your method with the solution. A shorter method exists in most cases — learn it.
Free Physics Problems & Solutions — CSIR NET, IIT JAM, GATE, JEST & TIFR
Pravegaa Education provides free, PYQ-mapped physics problems and solutions across all 12 core topics for competitive examination preparation. The Problems & Solutions hub covers Mathematical Physics, Waves & Optics, Classical Mechanics, Special Relativity, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics, Electronics, Experimental Methods, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Nuclear & Particle Physics.
These resources are designed for two groups: students preparing in self-study mode who need authentic, exam-focused material, and students who have completed coaching and want to upgrade their problem-solving proficiency from qualifying score to JRF rank level. All problems are curated from PYQs and class tests — not generic textbook exercises. Solutions are included for every problem set.
About Pravegaa Education
Pravegaa Education is a physics-only coaching institute at 28B/7, Jia Sarai, Near IIT Delhi, New Delhi founded by Atul Gaurav (JNU alumnus) and Dr. Alok Shukla (IIT Delhi alumnus). With 8,000+ selections and AIR 1 results. Book a free demo class or call 8920759559.
FAQ
Problems & Solutions — Frequently Asked Questions
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More Free Resources
Complement Your Problem Practice
Problems Alone Won’t Get You to JRF. Structure Will.
Free problems and solutions give you material to practise. Pravegaa’s live programme gives you the structure, PYQ-driven classes, direct faculty feedback, and test series — the full system that turns problem practice into consistent JRF-level performance. 8,000+ selections, AIR 1 results.
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