AKTU B.Tech 1st Semester Syllabus 2026-27: Complete Subject-Wise Breakdown
Every year around admission season, I get the same message from a dozen different first-year students: "Just tell me what Semester I actually looks like." Fair enough — the official document runs almost a hundred pages, and nobody wants to dig through all of it just to know what they're walking into. So here's the semester laid out properly, subject by subject, straight from the official 2026-27 scheme.
The AKTU B.Tech 1st Semester Syllabus 2026-27 for the CSE Stream carries 21 credits and follows the AICTE Model Curriculum and NEP 2020, applicable across Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and other computer-related branches under the CSE Stream.
AKTU B.Tech 1st Semester Course Structure 2026-27
| S.No. | Course | Category | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quantum Physics and Applications / Applied Chemistry for Smart Systems | BSC | 3 |
| 2 | Calculus and Linear Algebra | BSC | 4 |
| 3 | Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering / Fundamentals of Electronics Engineering | ESC | 3 |
| 4 | Programming Languages | ESC | 3 |
| 5 | Introduction to Indian Knowledge System / Professional Communication & Technical Writing | HSMC | 2 |
| 6 | Introduction to AI & Prompt Engineering / Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering | ESC | 2 |
| 7 | Applied Physics Lab / Applied Chemistry for Smart Systems Lab | BSC | 1 |
| 8 | Electrical Engineering Lab / Electronics Engineering Lab | ESC | 1 |
| 9 | Computer-Aided Engineering Drawing Lab / Innovation & Design Thinking Lab | ESC/SDC | 2 |
| 10 | Language Lab / Environment & Sustainability | BSC/NCMC | Non-Credit |
| 11 | General Proficiency | NCMC | Non-Credit |
Semester I Structure at a Glance
- 16 Lecture hours per week
- 4 Tutorial hours per week
- 10 Practical hours per week
- 450 NCrF Hours total
- 21 Credits total
A 3-week Student Induction Programme (SIP) also runs at the start of the session as per AICTE guidelines, before regular classes begin.
Semester I Subjects, Explained
Two subjects carry the heaviest weight this semester by credit count. Calculus and Linear Algebra (4 credits) is the mathematical backbone for everything from AI optimization to computer graphics later in your degree — we've broken down its full unit-wise syllabus separately since it deserves the depth. Programming Languages (3 credits) introduces both C and Python, moving from programming fundamentals into arrays, pointers, and early Python data structures — again, worth a dedicated read given how much of your later coursework depends on it.
Depending on your branch's specific course combination, you'll take either Quantum Physics and Applications or Applied Chemistry for Smart Systems as your core science subject — Quantum Physics leans heavily into modern topics like quantum computing and nano-materials, which we've also covered in full unit-wise detail. Similarly, you'll take either Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering or Fundamentals of Electronics Engineering, and either Introduction to Indian Knowledge System or Professional Communication & Technical Writing under the HSMC category.
The sixth theory slot offers a genuinely interesting choice: Introduction to AI & Prompt Engineering or Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering. If your branch offers AI & Prompt Engineering in Semester I, it's worth knowing this is one of the newest additions to the entire curriculum, built around zero-shot, few-shot, and chain-of-thought prompting with hands-on practice on ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini's free tiers — we've written a full breakdown of this one too, since it's easily the most talked-about new subject this year.
Labs and Practical Components
Semester I includes Applied Physics Lab or Applied Chemistry for Smart Systems Lab (paired with your chosen science subject), Electrical or Electronics Engineering Lab, and a choice between Computer-Aided Engineering Drawing Lab or Innovation & Design Thinking Lab — the latter following a five-stage design process (Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test) built around real-world problem-solving in areas like sustainability, healthcare, and smart living.
Non-Credit but Mandatory Components
Language Lab (or Environment & Sustainability, depending on your branch) and General Proficiency are both non-credit but mandatory. General Proficiency alone carries 50 marks under internal assessment, covering discipline, communication, leadership, and teamwork — don't treat it as optional just because it doesn't add to your credit count.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credits does AKTU B.Tech 1st Semester carry?
The Semester I CSE Stream structure carries 21 credits, with 450 NCrF hours total.
Is Introduction to AI & Prompt Engineering part of Semester I?
It can be, depending on your branch's specific course combination — it's offered as an alternative to Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering in the sixth theory slot.
What is the highest-credit subject in Semester I?
Calculus and Linear Algebra, at 4 credits, is the single highest-credit theory subject in the semester.
Does Semester I include a Student Induction Programme?
Yes, a 3-week Student Induction Programme runs at the start of the session per AICTE guidelines, before regular academic classes begin.
How many lecture, tutorial, and practical hours are there per week in Semester I?
The official scheme specifies 16 lecture hours, 4 tutorial hours, and 10 practical hours per week.
For the individual subject deep-dives, check out the Calculus and Linear Algebra syllabus, Programming Languages syllabus, Quantum Physics and Applications syllabus, and Introduction to AI & Prompt Engineering syllabus. For Semester II, see the AKTU B.Tech 2nd Semester Syllabus 2026-27, or go back to the complete AKTU B.Tech 1st Year syllabus overview.