CSCA Math, Physics & Chemistry: A Subject-by-Subject Prep Guide

Last verified: 2026 · Sources: CSCA official outline (2025), CSCA 2026 past-paper analysis

Quick answer. Each CSCA science paper is 48 questions in 60 minutes, but the content differs. Math weighs sets/inequalities, functions, sequences, geometry & algebra, and probability/statistics (conics and complex numbers are common gaps). Physics covers mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal, optics and modern physics and is unit-strict. Chemistry covers classification, reactions, theory, and experiments, with atom masses printed at the top of the paper.

CSCA's three science subjects — Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry — share the same mechanics: 48 single-choice questions, 60 minutes, 100 points, ~75 seconds per question, and you choose whether to sit them in English or Chinese. But what's actually tested inside each paper is different, and each has its own trap patterns.

This guide breaks each one down: what's covered, which topics show up most, where marks are typically lost, and roughly how long it takes to prepare. Use it to decide which subject gives you the fastest points — and where to spend your first week.

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Mathematics

What's covered (4 modules)

1. Sets and inequalities — set definitions, operations, representation (∈, ⊆, ∪, ∩, empty set, set-builder notation); properties and solutions of inequalities (quadratic, fractional).
2. Functions — concept and properties (domain, range, monotonicity, odd/even); basic functions (power, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric); sequences (arithmetic/geometric term and sum); introduction to derivatives.
3. Geometry and algebra — plane analytic geometry (lines, circles, ellipse, hyperbola, parabola equations and properties); vectors and complex numbers; spatial geometry (3-D coordinate system, simple solids).
4. Probability and statistics — classical probability; data characteristics (mean, variance); basic normal-distribution concepts.

Highest-frequency topics (from real papers)

Set relations (∈ vs. ⊆, empty set, union/intersection), function properties, sequences, lines & circles, conic sections, inequalities, trig quadrant signs, vectors, complex numbers, and probability/statistics basics.

Traps that cost points

• Sign errors — a dropped minus sign, or the wrong quadrant sign for sin/cos/tan.
• ∈ vs. ⊆ — the single most common concept confusion on set questions.
• Formula misuse — arithmetic vs. geometric sequence, or b/a instead of c/a for eccentricity.
• Interval endpoints — open vs. closed interval, or whether the boundary is included in a solution set.

How to prepare

Mathematics is mandatory for almost everyone, so it's the highest-value subject. 3–4 weeks is a realistic frame. Close the classic gaps first (conics, complex numbers, sets/inequalities, sequence patterns), then spend a week on timed MCQ practice — the format is where the points fall.

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Physics

What's covered (5 modules)

1. Mechanics — kinematics (displacement, velocity, acceleration, uniformly accelerated motion, free fall); Newton's laws; momentum and impulse; work, energy, and mechanical energy conservation; circular motion and universal gravitation; simple harmonic oscillation and mechanical waves.
2. Electromagnetism — electrostatics (Coulomb's law, field strength, potential); DC circuits (Ohm's law, series/parallel); magnetism (flux density, Ampere force, Lorentz force); electromagnetic induction (Faraday, Lenz).
3. Thermal physics — kinetic-molecular theory; ideal gas equation; first law of thermodynamics.
4. Optics — geometric optics (reflection, refraction); physical optics (interference, diffraction).
5. Modern physics — photoelectric effect; atomic structure; basic nuclear physics.

Highest-frequency topics (from real papers)

Force and motion (resultant force, friction, Hooke's law F = kx, uniform acceleration), Newton's laws (F = ma with a friction coefficient), free-body and three-force balance, circular motion (v = ωr, centripetal force) and gravitation, simple harmonic oscillation (f = 1/T, spring oscillator), work and energy, and reference-frame / inertia concept questions.

Traps that cost points

• Unit errors — the number is right but the unit is wrong (cm vs. m, or a missing "J"). Physics marks are unit-strict.
• Formula selection — mixing up 2as with v², or using the wrong kinematic equation.
• Magnitude errors — off by a factor of ten from a decimal slip.
• Direction/sign — treating a vector's direction or sign incorrectly.

How to prepare

If you have a solid mechanics and electromagnetism base, 2–3 weeks is usually enough — mainly conventions (g = 10 m/s² is supplied), unit discipline, and the concept questions. Physics is a frequent choice for the second subject because it builds quickly.

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Chemistry

What's covered (4 modules)

1. Basic concepts & calculations — classification of matter & state changes; chemical language & equations; solution concentration & pH; amount-of-substance calculations; ideal gas equation applications.
2. Properties & reactions — common inorganic substance properties (elements, oxides, acids, bases, salts); basic organic compounds (hydrocarbons and derivatives); redox reaction identification; ionic reactions & testing.
3. Theory & rules — atomic structure & the periodic law; chemical bonding & intermolecular forces; reaction rate & equilibrium; electrolyte solution theory.
4. Experiments & applications — lab safety & instruments; preparation & testing of common gases; separation & purification; industrial process analysis (e.g. ammonia synthesis).

Highest-frequency topics (from real papers)

Physical vs. chemical properties (iron rusting, density, platinum-wire colour change, aluminium's silvery-white); lab instrument use (measuring cylinder, beaker, balance, gas jar); gas preparation (hydrogen from zinc + dilute sulfuric acid); organic structural formulas (acetic acid, ethanol, dimethyl ether, acetaldehyde); isotopes (¹³C vs. ¹²C proton/neutron/electron counts); pH (e.g. 0.1 mol/L HCl → pH 1); flame tests; and amount-of-substance / mass-fraction calculations.

Traps that cost points

• Physical vs. chemical property — the most common concept confusion.
• Structural formula mix-ups — assigning the wrong structure to acetic acid, ethanol, etc.
• Isotope neutron counts — miscounting neutrons = mass number − protons.
• Strong vs. weak acid pH — treating a weak acid as if it fully dissociates.

How to prepare

Chemistry is the most "convention-heavy" of the three — lots of specific facts and calculation rules. 2–3 weeks if you have a base; the paper gives the atomic masses you need, so no lookup tables are required. For students whose schooling emphasized physics/maths more than chemistry, it's often the closetest to a knowledge gap.

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Which subject gives you the fastest points?

• Math is mandatory and carries the most weight in planning — it's always worth starting, even if you're strongest elsewhere.
• Physics is usually the fastest second subject if your mechanics/electromagnetism base is solid, because most of the gap is convention and format rather than new content.
• Chemistry is well-suited if you're comfortable with fact-based topics and calculations, but be prepared for the specific conventions.

The honest answer, though, comes from a diagnostic. A topic-level breakdown of your current score tells you which of the three is costing you the most — and that's where the fastest improvement is. Don't guess; measure.

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Start with the one that costs you the most

Take a free diagnostic to see your current score and topic-level weak spots across Math, Physics, and Chemistry. Then study the highest-yield gaps first, in the subject that's giving up the most marks, rather than starting with whichever feels most familiar.

FAQ

What topics are in CSCA math? Sets & inequalities, functions, sequences, geometry & algebra (lines, circles, conics, vectors, complex numbers), and probability & statistics.

What's in CSCA physics? Mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal physics, optics, and modern physics.

Which CSCA subject is easiest? Physics usually builds fastest if you have a mechanics/EM base; chemistry has the most specific facts.

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Subject summary: Math is mandatory, weighted by frequency (sets, functions, sequences, lines & circles, conics). Physics is convention- and unit-heavy but builds fast. Chemistry is fact- and convention-heavy with the most specific facts to learn. Diagnose which one is costing you the most before you choose where to begin.