The preliminary examinations will be held on the following dates (all dates are subject to change):
Fall 2023 Preliminary Exam Dates
Saturday, August 19
E&M, Optics, and Special Relativity
Sunday, August 20
Classical Mechanics
Saturday, August 26
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Sunday, August 27
Quantum Mechanics
Spring 2024 Preliminary Exam Dates
Saturday, January 13
Quantum Mechanics
Sunday, January 14
E&M, Optics, and Special Relativity
Saturday, January 20
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
Sunday, January 21
Classical Mechanics
The preliminary exam is a closed-book written examination, divided into four sections, three hours for each section: (1) classical mechanics, (2) electromagnetism and optics, and special relativity, (3) thermodynamics and statistical physics, and (4) quantum mechanics. All sections of the exam are administered twice a year on two successive weekends at the beginning of each semester. Note that these divisions do not preclude the possibility of questions on one section that draw from subject material emphasized in a different section. (e.g. a question that touches on thermodynamics in the quantum mechanics section.)
View the preliminary exam problem bank instructions and archive (Berkeley login required).
Department Policy on Preliminary Exams