CUET Sociology Syllabus 2026: Topics & Exam Pattern

Introduction

The CUET Sociology syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a student’s understanding of society, social institutions, relationships, and social change. Sociology is an important domain subject for students seeking admission into undergraduate programmes such as B.A. Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Political Science, Public Administration, and other social science courses through CUET UG.

The syllabus focuses on conceptual clarity, sociological thinking, and application of theory to real-life social issues, aligned with the senior secondary curriculum.

CUET Syllabus for Sociology 2026

Unit I: Structure of Indian Society

  • Demographic Structure
  • Rural–Urban Linkages and Divisions

Unit II: Social Institutions — Continuity and Change

  • Family and Kinship
  • The Caste System
  • Tribal Society
  • The Market as a Social Institution

Unit III: Social Inequality and Exclusion

  • Caste Prejudice
  • Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes
  • Marginalisation of Tribal Communities
  • The Struggle for Women’s Equality
  • Protection of Religious Minorities
  • Caring of the Differently Abled

Unit IV: Challenges of Unity in Diversity

  • Problems of Communalism
  • Regionalism
  • Casteism
  • Patriarchy
  • Communities, Nations and Nation-States
  • Role of the State and Civil Society in a Plural and Unequal Society

Change and Development in India

Unit I: Process of Social Change in India

  • Process of Structural Change: Colonialism, Industrialisation, Urbanisation
  • Process of Cultural Change: Modernization, Westernisation, Sanskritisation, Secularisation
  • Social Reform Movements and Laws

Unit II: Social Change and the Polity

  • Constitution as an Instrument of Social Change
  • Parties, Pressure Groups and Democratic Politics
  • Panchayati Raj and Challenges of Social Transformation

Unit III: Social Change and the Economy

  • Land Reforms
  • Green Revolution
  • Agrarian Society
  • From Planned Industrialisation to Liberalisation
  • Changes in Class Structure

Unit IV: New Arenas of Social Change

  • Media and Social Change
  • Globalisation and Social Change

Unit V: Social Movements

  • Class-Based Movements: Workers, Peasants
  • Caste-Based Movements: Dalit Movement, Backward Castes, Trends in Upper Caste Responses
  • Women’s Movements in Independent India
  • Tribal Movements
  • Environmental Movements

CUET Sociology Exam Overview 2026

Below is an overview of the CUET UG Sociology examination:

  • Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)
  • Subject: Sociology
  • 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: Society, social institutions, culture, and social change

The paper evaluates a student’s understanding of social concepts, structures, and contemporary issues.

CUET Sociology Preparation Strategy

Use the following preparation tips to score well in Sociology:

  • Understand Core Concepts Clearly: Focus on sociological terms, theories, and perspectives.
  • Study NCERT Thoroughly: NCERT Sociology textbooks are the most important source.
  • Relate Theory to Society: Link concepts with real-life examples and current social issues.
  • Revise Definitions & Thinkers: Many questions are concept and thinker-based.
  • Attempt Mock Tests: Regular CUET-style MCQs improve accuracy and confidence.

Best Books for CUET Sociology 2026

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

Recommended Books

Book Name Author / Publisher Why It’s Useful
NCERT Sociology Class 12 (Indian Society) NCERT Explains Indian social structure, institutions, and issues
NCERT Sociology Class 12 (Social Change and Development in India) NCERT Focuses on social change, development, and contemporary challenges
NCERT Sociology Class 11 NCERT Builds a strong conceptual foundation in sociology
CUET UG Sociology Guide Oswaal CUET-style MCQs, exam-pattern questions, and mock tests
Sociology Question Bank Arihant Chapter-wise practice for effective revision

Topics to Refer for CUET Sociology

Students should prioritise the following important topics:

  • Sociology as a discipline
  • Social institutions (family, marriage, kinship)
  • Culture and socialisation
  • Social stratification (caste, class, gender)
  • Indian society and diversity
  • Social change and development
  • Globalisation and social change
  • Social movements
  • Tribal, rural, and urban society
  • Challenges of contemporary Indian society

These topics are frequently tested and conceptually important.

Conclusion

The CUET Sociology syllabus 2026 is concept-based and application-oriented. With a strong focus on NCERT textbooks, clarity of sociological concepts, and regular MCQ practice, students can perform well in this subject.

Sociology is a high-scoring subject for students who prepare systematically and relate theory to real-world social contexts.

FAQs CUET Sociology 2026

Q1. Is CUET Sociology syllabus based on Class 12 NCERT?
Q2. Is Sociology a theory-heavy subject?
Q3. Are current social issues important for CUET Sociology?
Q4. Is Class 11 Sociology important for CUET?
Q5. How much time is required to prepare for CUET Sociology?