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?
Yes, the syllabus is largely aligned with the Class 12 NCERT curriculum.
Q2. Is Sociology a theory-heavy subject?
It is concept-based and analytical, with strong real-life application.
Q3. Are current social issues important for CUET Sociology?
Basic awareness helps, but questions are mainly NCERT-based.
Q4. Is Class 11 Sociology important for CUET?
Yes, Class 11 concepts provide a strong foundation.
Q5. How much time is required to prepare for CUET Sociology?