CUET Anthropology Syllabus 2026: Topics, Exam Pattern & Preparation Guide

Introduction

The CUET Anthropology syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a student’s understanding of human evolution, biological diversity, culture, society, and social institutions. Anthropology is an interdisciplinary domain subject and is relevant for students seeking admission into undergraduate programmes such as B.A./B.Sc. Anthropology, Social Sciences, Tribal Studies, Archaeology, Sociology, and related fields through CUET UG.

The syllabus focuses on conceptual clarity, comparative understanding, and application of anthropological concepts, aligned with the senior secondary level.

CUET Syllabus for Anthropology 2026

Unit-1: Physical/Biological Anthropology

1. Human Evolution:
   Theories of evolution (Darwinism, Lamarckism, Neo-Darwinism and NeoLamarckism); Living Primates and their features. Hominid evolution: Australopithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, and other Homo sapiens
2. Human Variation:
   (Body size, Body shape, Skin color, Genetic traits).
3. Human Genetics:
   Mendelian Genetics (Laws of Inheritance), Dominant, recessive, sex-linked, sexlimited and sex-influenced traits. Monogenic, polygenic and multifactorial inheritance.
   Chromosomes and their aberrations.
4. Forces of Evolution:
   Genetic Drift, Mutation, Natural Selection and Gene flow.
5. Genetic Markers:
   Blood Groups (ABO, MN, Rh(D) and their distribution), DNA as a geneticmarker in population diversity.

Unit-2: Archaeological Anthropology

1. Stone Age:
   Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic Cultures.
2. Development of tool typology and technology:
   Evolution of stone tool technology: Choppers, Hand Axes, scrapers, Blade Tools Microliths, celts unifacial and bifacial tools, Pottery.
3. Metal Age:
   Discovery and use of Bronze and Iron.
4. Stratigraphy, Archeological dating:
   Dating of sites and materials with relative and absolute (carbon 14 and potassium-argon dating methods).
5. Important Archaeological Sites:
   (Sohan, Burzahom and Nevasa; Indus Valley Civilization.

Unit-3: Socio-Cultural Anthropology

1. Family types and related institutions:
   Family types (Nuclear, Joint, Extended) and their Functions; Marriage: Cultural variation in forms of Marriage (Monogamy, Polygamy); Kinship: rules of Descent (Matrilineal, Patrilineal).
2. Concepts of Culture:
   Cultural Relativism, Ethnocentrism; Socialization and Cultural Change (Diffusion, Acculturation).
3. Religion and Belief Systems:
   Functions of religion in Society; Beliefs: Totemism, Animism, Animatism, Magic, and Shamanism.
4. Subsistence Strategies:
   Hunting, Gathering and Agricultural practices.
5. Traditional Political Systems:
   Bands, Tribes, Chiefdoms; Power, Authority, and Social Control in Traditional Societies.

Unit-4: Linguistic and Tribal Anthropology

1. Language:
   Language as a Cultural and Social Phenomena.
2. Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in India:
   (festivals, house types, rituals and food habits)
3. Tribes in India:
   Distribution and Characteristics of Tribes in India: Economic, Social, and Political Organization.
4. Major Indian Tribes:
   (Santhals, Bhils, Gonds, etc.), Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
5. Social Movements:
   Features; Ecological, Class Based, Caste Based and Tribal Movements.

Unit-5: Social Change and Applied Anthropology

1. Caste System:
   Caste System and Social Stratification in India.
2. Colonialism and Change:
   Impact of Colonialism on Indian Society; Changes in Indian Society: Modernization and Globalization. Anthropology and development; Tribal development.
3. Applied Anthropology:
   Role of Anthropology in Public Health and Personal Identification (skeletal material, blood groups and fingerprints).
4. Industrial Society:
   Change and development in Industrial Society.
5. Cultural Diversity:
   Challenges of Cultural Diversity.

CUET Anthropology Exam Overview 2026

Below is an overview of the CUET UG Anthropology examination:

• Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)
• Subject: Anthropology
• Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Exam Level: Undergraduate
• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Medium of Paper: Multiple languages
• Syllabus Level: Senior secondary level
• Focus Areas: Physical anthropology, social anthropology, and cultural studies

The paper evaluates a student’s understanding of human evolution, culture, and social organisation.

CUET Anthropology Preparation Strategy

Use the following preparation tips to score well in Anthropology:

• Understand Core Concepts Clearly: Focus on definitions, theories, and comparative ideas.
• Study NCERT Thoroughly: NCERT Anthropology-related content is the primary source.
• Use Diagrams & Flowcharts: Evolutionary stages and classifications are easier to remember visually.
• Relate Concepts to Society: Apply anthropological ideas to real-life social and cultural contexts.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Regular CUET-style MCQs help improve accuracy and confidence.

Best Books for CUET Anthropology 2026

NCERT-based preparation should be supported by limited CUET-focused practice material.

Recommended Books

Tip: Focus on conceptual understanding rather than memorisation of facts.

Topics to Refer for CUET Anthropology

Students should prioritise the following important topics:

• Meaning and scope of anthropology
• Branches of anthropology
• Human evolution
• Biological diversity and race
• Culture and civilisation
• Social institutions (family, marriage, kinship)
• Economic, political, and religious organisation
• Tribal communities in India
• Anthropological theories and thinkers
• Applied anthropology (basic concepts)

These topics are frequently tested and conceptually important.

Conclusion

The CUET Anthropology syllabus 2026 is concept-driven and interdisciplinary in nature. With strong NCERT-based preparation, clear understanding of anthropological concepts, and consistent MCQ practice, students can perform well in this subject.

Anthropology is a high-scoring subject for students who prepare systematically and focus on conceptual clarity.

FAQs CUET Anthropology 2026