CUET Political Science Syllabus 2026: Topics & Exam Pattern

Introduction

The CUET Political Science syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a student’s understanding of political theories, governance structures, constitutional principles, and international relations. Political Science is an important domain subject for students seeking admission into undergraduate programmes such as B.A. Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, Law-related courses, and Social Sciences through CUET UG.

The syllabus focuses on conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning, and awareness of political processes, aligned with the senior secondary curriculum.

CUET Syllabus for Political Science 2026

Political in India Since Independence

Course Content

1. Era of One-Party Dominance

• First three general elections
• Nature of Congress dominance at the national level
• Uneven dominance at the state level
• Coalitional nature of Congress
• Major opposition parties

2. Nation-Building and Its Problems

• Nehru’s approach to nation-building
• Legacy of partition:
  • Challenge of refugee resettlement
  • Kashmir problem
• Organisation and reorganisation of states
• Political conflicts over language

3. Politics of Planned Development

• Five Year Plans
• Expansion of state sector
• Rise of new economic interests

4. India’s External Relations

• Nehru’s foreign policy
• Sino-Indian War (1962)
• Indo-Pak Wars (1965 and 1971)
• India’s nuclear programme
• Shifting alliances in world politics

5. Challenge to and Restoration of Congress System

• Political succession after Nehru
• Non-Congressism and electoral upset of 1967
• Congress split and reconstitution
• Congress victory in 1971 elections
• Politics of “Garibi Hatao”

6. Crises of the Constitutional Order

• Search for “committed” bureaucracy and judiciary
• Navnirman movement in Gujarat
• Bihar movement
• Emergency:
  • Context
  • Constitutional and extra-constitutional dimensions
  • Resistance to Emergency
• 1977 elections and formation of Janata Party
• Rise of civil liberties organisations

7. Regional Aspirations and Conflicts

• Rise of regional parties
• Punjab crisis and anti-Sikh riots (1984)
• Kashmir situation
• Challenges and responses in the North East

8. Democratic Upsurge and Coalition Politics

• Participatory upsurge in the 1990s
• Rise of JD and BJP
• Increasing role of regional parties
• Coalition politics
• UF and NDA governments
• Elections (2004–2019)
• UPA government and later NDA government

9. Recent Issues and Challenges

• Globalisation:
  • New economic policy
  • Opposition to globalisation
• Rise of OBCs in North Indian politics
• Dalit politics (electoral and non-electoral arena)
• Challenge of communalism — Ayodhya issue

Contemporary World Politics

Course Content

1. Disintegration of the Second World & Collapse of Bipolarity

• New political entities:
  • Russia
  • Balkan states
  • Central Asian states
• Introduction of democratic politics and capitalism in post-communist regimes
• India’s relations with Russia and post-communist countries

2. Alternative Centers of Economic and Political Power

• Rise of China as an economic power (post-Mao era)
• Creation and expansion of:
  • European Union (EU)
  • ASEAN
• India’s changing relations with:
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea

3. South Asia in the Post Cold War Era

• Democratisation and reversals in Pakistan and Nepal
• Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka
• Impact of economic globalisation on the region
• Conflicts and peace efforts in South Asia
• India’s relations with neighbours

4. International Organisations in a Unipolar World

• Restructuring and future of the UN
• India’s position in a restructured UN
• Rise of new international actors:
  • International economic organisations
  • NGOs
• Democratic accountability of global governance institutions

5. Security in the Contemporary World

• Traditional security concerns
• Politics of disarmament
• Non-traditional human security:
  • Global poverty
  • Health
  • Education
• Human rights issues
• Migration

6. Environment and Natural Resources in Global Politics

• Environmental movements
• Evolution of global environmental norms
• Conflicts over traditional and common property resources
• Rights of indigenous people
• India’s stand in global environmental debates

7. Globalisation and Its Critics

• Economic, cultural and political manifestations
• Debates on consequences of globalisation
• Anti-globalisation movements
• India as an arena of globalisation and resistance

CUET Political Science Exam Overview 2026

Below is an overview of the CUET UG Political Science examination:

• Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)
• Subject: Political Science
• 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: Political theory, Indian politics, and international relations

The paper evaluates a student’s understanding of political concepts, institutions, and contemporary issues.

CUET Political Science Preparation Strategy

Use the following preparation tips to score well in Political Science:

• Focus on Core Concepts: Understand key political terms, ideologies, and theories.
• Study NCERT Thoroughly: NCERT textbooks are the primary source for CUET questions.
• Relate Theory to Current Affairs: Linking concepts with current events improves clarity.
• Revise Constitutional Articles & Institutions: These are frequently tested.
• Attempt Mock Tests: CUET-style MCQs improve accuracy and time management.

Best Books for CUET Political Science 2026

NCERT books should be your primary resource, supported by CUET-oriented practice material.

Recommended Books

Topics to Refer for CUET Political Science

Students should prioritise the following important topics:

• Political theory and ideologies
• Indian Constitution and its features
• Rights, duties, and directive principles
• Federalism and Indian political system
• Political parties and pressure groups
• Democracy and governance
• International relations and global politics
• Cold War and post–Cold War developments
• India’s foreign policy

These topics are frequently tested and conceptually important.

Conclusion

The CUET Political Science syllabus 2026 is analytical and concept-based. With a strong grasp of NCERT content, clarity on political concepts, and regular MCQ practice, students can perform well in this subject.

Political Science is a high-scoring subject for students who focus on conceptual clarity and consistent revision.

FAQs CUET Political Science 2026