CUET Political Science Syllabus 2026 has been released by the National Testing Agency in PDF format. The syllabus is applicable for candidates seeking admission to undergraduate courses with Political Science as a major subject. Aspirants must select Political Science as their domain subject while filling the CUET UG 2026 application form.
The official syllabus outlines unit-wise topics from Indian Politics and Contemporary World Politics. Candidates preparing for CUET Political Science 2026 are advised to strictly follow the syllabus prescribed by NTA to avoid missing important areas.
CUET Political Science Syllabus 2026 Unit-Wise Topics
The CUET Political Science syllabus is divided into two broad sections. Before going through the table, candidates should note that questions are framed directly from these units.
Politics in India Since Independence – Key Units and Topics
Unit Name | Topics Covered |
Politics in India Since Independence | One-party dominance, first three general elections, Congress dominance, major opposition parties |
Nation-Building and Its Problems | Partition legacy, refugee issues, Kashmir problem, reorganisation of states, language conflicts |
Politics of Planned Development | Five-year plans, expansion of state sector, new economic interests |
India’s External Relations | Nehru’s foreign policy, 1962 Sino-Indian War, 1965 & 1971 Indo-Pak wars, nuclear programme |
Challenge to Congress System | Political succession, 1967 elections, Congress split, 1971 victory, garibi hatao |
Crisis of Constitutional Order | Emergency, Navnirman movement, Bihar movement, 1977 elections |
Regional Aspirations | Regional parties, Punjab crisis, 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Kashmir, North East |
Democratic Upsurge | Coalition politics, rise of BJP and JD, NDA and UPA governments |
Recent Developments | Globalisation, new economic policy, OBC and Dalit politics, Ayodhya dispute |
CUET Political Science Syllabus 2026: Contemporary World Politics
This section focuses on global political developments after the Cold War.
Unit Name | Topics Covered |
Disintegration of Bipolarity | Collapse of USSR, post-communist states, India–Russia relations |
Alternative Centres of Power | Rise of China, EU, ASEAN, India’s relations with East Asia |
South Asia After Cold War | Democratisation in Pakistan and Nepal, Sri Lanka conflict, India’s neighbourhood |
International Organisations | United Nations reforms, NGOs, global governance |
Security in Contemporary World | Disarmament, human security, migration, human rights |
Environment and Global Politics | Environmental movements, indigenous rights, India’s role |
Globalisation | Economic, political, cultural dimensions, anti-globalisation movements |
CUET Political Science Exam Pattern 2026
NTA follows a common exam pattern for all CUET domain subjects. Candidates must understand the marking scheme before attempting the exam.
Particulars | Details |
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Medium of Exam | 13 languages |
Total Questions | 50 (Compulsory) |
Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
Marking Scheme | +5 correct, -1 incorrect |
CUET Political Science Important Topics 2026
Based on previous exam trends, higher weightage has been observed from Challenges to the Congress System, Cold War Era, and Recent Developments in Indian Politics. However, candidates are advised to prepare all units thoroughly as weightage may vary.
Best Books for CUET Political Science Preparation
For effective preparation, NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12 should be the primary source. Additional practice from CUET-focused question banks and mock tests can help improve accuracy and time management. Candidates should regularly revise concepts and practise MCQs to perform well in CUET Political Science 2026.

