Nupur
Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial
Updated on Mar 5, 2026 10:55 IST
CUET 2026 will be conducted from May 11 to May 31, 2026, in the computer-based test mode. CUET Political Science syllabus covers important topics including Politics in India, the Rise of Social Movements, Contemporary World Politics, etc. Know the important topics to focus and the weightage of each topic.

CUET 2026 exam is scheduled to be held from May 11 to May 31, in the computer-based test mode. Know the important topics included in CUET Political Science syllabus to focus and the weightage of each topic based on the previous year's CUET question paper.

CUET Political Science syllabus 2026 was released by NTA in the form of a PDF. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a UG entrance exam for admission to the top universities in India. CUET Political Science syllabus covers a wide range of important topics such as Politics in India, Rise of Social Movements, Contemporary World Politics, etc. The CUET syllabus for Political Science includes the names of the units and the various important topics covered under each unit. Candidates can also download the CUET Political Science syllabus PDF from the official website - cuet.nta.nic.in.

Read the article below to know the important topics to focus and the weightage of each topic of the Political Science syllabus based on the previous year CUET question paper. CUET 2026 exam will be held from May 11 to May 31, 2026, in the CBT mode. CUET is a national-level exam which serves as a gateway to various undergraduate courses offered in the central, state, private and deemed universities across India.

Also Read: CUET Accepting Colleges

Table of contents
  • CUET Political Science Syllabus 2026
  • CUET 2026 Syllabus for Political Science PDF Download
  • CUET Political Science Exam Pattern 2026
  • CUET Political Science Chapter Wise Weightage
  • CUET Domain Subjects: Syllabus and Question Paper PDF
  • CUET 2026 Political Science Preparation Tips
  • Best Books for CUET Political Science
View More

CUET Political Science Syllabus 2026

The table below presents the unit-wise topics under CUET Political Science syllabus:

CUET Political Science Units

CUET Political Science Syllabus Topics

CUET Political Science Syllabus Subtopics

Politics in India Since Independence

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

Nation-Building and Its Problems

- Nehru’s approach to nation-building,

- Legacy of partition, the challenge of ‘refugee’ resettlement, the Kashmir problem

- Organization and reorganisation of states

- Political conflicts over language.

Politics of Planned Development

- Five-year plans

- Expansion of the state sector 

- Rise of new economic interests

India’s External Relations

- Nehru’s foreign policy

- Sino-Indian War of 1962

- Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971

- India’s nuclear programme 

- Shifting alliances in world politics

Challenge to and Restoration of Congress System

- Political succession after Nehru

- Non-Congressism and Electoral Upset of 1967

- Congress split and reconstitution

- Congress’s victory in 1971

- Politics of ‘garibi hatao’

Crisis of the Constitutional Order

- Search for ‘committed’ bureaucracy and judiciary.

- Navnirman Movement in Gujarat and Bihar Movement

- Emergency: Context, Constitutional and extra-constitutional dimensions

- Resistance to Emergency

- 1977 elections and formation of the Janata Party

- Rise of civil liberties organisations

Regional Aspirations and Conflicts

- Rise of regional parties

- Punjab crisis and anti-sikh riots of 1984

- The Kashmir situation

- Challenges and responses in the North East

Democratic Upsurge and Coalition Politics

- Participatory upsurge in the 1990s

- Rise of the JD and the BJP

- Increasing role of regional parties and coalition politics

- UF and NDA governments

- Elections 2004-2019

- UPA government with addition of NDA government

Recent Issues and Challenges

- Challenge of and responses to globalisation

- New economic policy and its opposition

- Rise of OBCs in North Indian politics

- Dalit politics in the electoral and non-electoral arena

- Challenge of communalism

- Ayodhya issue

Contemporary World Politics

Disintegration of the ‘Second World’ and the Collapse of Bipolarity

- New entities in world politics: Russia, Balkan states, and, Central Asian states

- Introduction of democratic politics and capitalism in post-communist regimes

- India’s relations with Russia and other post-communist countries.

Alternative Centres of Economic and Political Power

- Rise of China as an economic power in the post-Mao era

- Creation and expansion of European Union, ASEAN.

- India’s changing relations with China, Japan and South Korea

South Asia in the Post-Cold War Era

- Democratisation and its reversals in Pakistan and Nepal

- Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka

- Impact of economic globalisation on the region

- Conflicts and efforts for peace in South Asia

- India’s relations with its neighbours.

International Organisations in a Unipolar World

- Restructuring and the future of the UN

- India’s position in the restructured UN

- Rise of new international actors

- New international economic organisations, NGOs.

- How democratic and accountable are the new institutions of global governance?

Security in the Contemporary World

- Traditional concerns of security and politics of disarmament

- Non-traditional or human security: global poverty, health, and education. 

- Issues of human rights and migration.

Environment and Natural Resources in Global Politics

- Environment movement and evolution of global environmental norms

- Conflicts over traditional and common property resources

- Rights of indigenous people

- India’s stand-in global environmental debates

Globalisation and Its Critics

- Economic, cultural and political manifestations.

- Debates on the nature of consequences of globalisation

- Anti-globalization movements

- India as an arena of globalisation and struggles against it.

Also Read: CUET syllabus 2026 for Humanities/Arts students

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many questions are asked in CUET UG exam?
A: 

As per the CUET UG 2026 exam pattern -
The question paper will include 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted for 13 languages, 23 domain subjects, and general test. Each subject will consist of 50 MCQs and there will no optional questions. All questions are mandatory to attempt. For every wrong answer negative marking of one mark will be attracted.

 

Q:   What type of questions are asked in the CUET exam?
A: 

The CUET questions are objective in nature and carries four options also known as MCQs. Candidates will have to choose the correct answer option and click on it with the help of mouse. Since CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted in a CBT mode, test-takers will be able to mark only one answer option. In case it is the correct option, students will get +5 marks and in case of wrong answer, negative marking scheme will be applied. Hence, candidates must ensure the accuracy of the answer before selecting the answer. 

Q:   From where can I download CUET sample papers?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) sample papers are released by the conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA). To download the CUET question papers follow the steps below:

  1. Go to- CUET Question Paper
  2. Select CUET subject to download the question paper for
  3. Click on the tab download
  4. Create the login details for new registrations
  5. Link to download the CUET question paper will be sent on the registered email ID
  6. Click on the link provided and save the PDF.

CUET 2026 Syllabus for Political Science PDF Download

National Testing Agency released the CUET UG syllabus 2026 for Political Science online at cuet.nta.nic.in. Check below to get direct link to download CUET Political Science syllabus 2026: 

Download CUET Political Science Syllabus 2026 PDF
Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
Enter Mobile Number

CUET Political Science Exam Pattern 2026

Aspirants must be through with the CUET exam pattern for Political Science. Refer to the table below to know the CUET Political Science exam pattern.

Features

Details

Number of questions

50

Type of question

Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

CUET exam duration

60 minutes or 1 hour

CUET marking scheme

+5 for each correct answer

-1 for each incorrect answer

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it important to select CUET subjects studied in class 12th?
A: 

Yes, it is important for students to align the CUET UG subjects with the subjects studied in class 12th. Top central universities like Delhi University, does not accept CUET subject scores which have not been studied by student in class 12th. While selecting CUET subjects candidates must make sure that CUET subjects must closely or completely align with the subjects studied in class 12th. Failing which, candidate will be disqualified for admission despite a good score.

Q:   Where can I find CUET UG 2025 question papers?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test UG 2025 question papers can be download at - CUET UG 2025 Question Papers. Candidates can visit the provided link and download subject wise CUET question paper 2025 PDF online for free. CUET PYQs are important for exam preparation.

Q:   How to download CUET UG previous year question paper?
A: 

Candidates can download CUET UG previous year question paper following steps below:

  1. Go to link provided: https://www.shiksha.com/science/cuet-exam-question-papers
  2. Scroll down and select the CUET subject
  3. Click on tab download
  4. Screen will show CUET question paper PDF

Explore colleges based on CUET

Varanasi
Popular Specialisation
Agriculture,Nursing,B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science,Biology,B.Sc. (Hons.) Psychology,Nursing,B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology,B.Sc. (Hons.) Statistics,Mathematics,B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics,B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry,Computer Science,B Sc (Hons) Agriculture,Earth Science,B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology,B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany,B.Sc. (Hons.) Geography,B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics,Biology,Psychology
₹600.00
Delhi
Popular Specialisation
Biotechnology,Aeronautics (Avionics),Bioscience,Life Sciences with Computer Applications,Chemistry,Mathematics,Physics,Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Applied Mathematics,Aeronautics (Mechanical),Geography
₹41.90 K
Aligarh
Popular Specialisation
Nursing,Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology,Physiotherapy,Agriculture,Computer Applications,Optometry,Statistics,Medical Laboratory Sciences,Biochemistry,Zoology,Community Science,Operation Theater Technology,Mathematics,Geology,Chemistry,Physics,Geography,Computer Science,Industrial Chemistry,Dialysis Therapy Technology
NA
Noida
Popular Specialisation
Biotechnology,Clinical Psychology,Agriculture,Forensic Science,Medical Imaging Technology (Honours / Research),Artificial Intelligence & Data Science with Research,Neuroscience,Information Technology,Agriculture (Honours / Research),Marine Science,Biotechnology (Dual Degree),Special Education,Actuarial Science,Microbiology,Medical Physiology,Clinical Psychology (Honours / Research),Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours /Research),Physics,Anthropology,Medical Lab Technology
₹2.40 L

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Hyderabad
Popular Specialisation
Physics,Health Psychology,Chemistry,History,Nursing,Chemistry
₹14.90 K
BilasPur
Popular Specialisation
Biotechnology,Forensic Science,Forestry,Zoology,Mathematics,Computer Science,Chemistry,Physics,Rural Technology,Botany,Electronics,Anthropology
₹38.25 K
Jalandhar
Popular Specialisation
Agriculture,Biotechnology,Forensic Sciences,Hotel and Hospitality Management,B.Sc. B.Ed. (Secondary Stage) - Four Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP),Nutrition and Dietetics,Biotechnology,Information Technology,Computer Science,Microbiology,Economics,Fashion Design,Agriculture,Bachelor of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology,Physics,Food Technology,Zoology,Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality,Computer Science (Cyber Security) in tie up with Comptia,Chemistry
₹4.80 L
Lucknow
Popular Specialisation
Life Sciences (Zoology, Botany, Biotechnology),Basic Sciences
₹1.20 L
Srinagar
Popular Specialisation
Nursing,Integrated B.Sc.M.Sc. In Biotechnology,Integrated B.Sc.M.Sc. In Zoology,Biotechnology,Physics,Physics,Zoology,Integrated B.Sc.M.Sc. In Mathematics,Mathematics,Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Medical Laboratoy Technology (Part -Time),Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Zoology,Home Science,Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Medical Science,Information Technology,Computer Application
NA
Patna
Popular Specialisation
Computer Science and Data Analytics,Economics + MBA (IIM Bodh Gaya)
₹2.40 L
Confused about which college or exam to opt for?assitentRcpRhsImage
  • Chat with our counselor
  • Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections

CUET Political Science Chapter Wise Weightage

Based on the previous years’ CUET analysis, candidates can know the CUET Political Science important topics and the expected number of questions of each topic:

Topics

Weightage

The End of Bipolarity:

  • Soviet System, Gorbachev, Disintegration of USSR
4-5

Contemporary Centres of Power:

  • European Union, ASEAN, Rise of China
3-4

Contemporary South Asia:

  • Conflicts and Cooperation (Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka)
3-4

International Organisations:

  • UN and its Agencies, Restructuring
4-5

Security in the Contemporary World:

  • Traditional and Non-traditional threats
2-3

Environment and Natural Resources:

  • Global Commons, Indigenous People
3-4

Globalization:

  • Causes and Consequences (Economic, Political, Cultural)
3-4

Challenges of Nation-Building:

  • Partition, Integration of Princely States
4-5

Era of One-Party Dominance:

  • Congress System, Opposition Parties
3-4

Politics of Planned Development:

  • Planning Commission, Five-Year Plans
2-3

India’s External Relations:

  • Foreign Policy, Conflicts with China & Pakistan
4-5

Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System:

  • Split in Congress, 1971 Election
3-4

Crisis of the Democratic Order:

  • The Emergency (1975), Resistance
4-5

Regional Aspirations:

  • Punjab, Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir
3-4

Recent Developments in Indian Politics:

  • Coalition Era, Mandal Commission
4-5

Also Read:

CUET Domain Subjects: Syllabus and Question Paper PDF

Students preparing for CUET can now download the CUET domain subject wise question paper and detailed syllabus for other commerce subjects.

Subjects

CUET Syllabus PDFs

CUET Question Paper PDFs

Section - I (Language)
English CUET English Syllabus CUET English Question Paper
Section - II (Domain Subjects)
Biology CUET Biology Syllabus CUET Biology Question Paper
Accountancy/ Book Keeping CUET Accountancy Syllabus CUET Accountancy Question Paper
Business Studies CUET Business Studies Syllabus CUET Business Studies Question Paper
Chemistry CUET Chemistry Syllabus CUET Chemistry Question Paper
Computer Science/ Informatics Practices CUET Computer Science Syllabus CUET Computer Science Question Paper
Economics/ Business Economics CUET Economics Syllabus CUET Economics Question Paper
Geography/Geology CUET Geography Syllabus CUET Geography Question Paper 
Home Science CUET Home Science Syllabus CUET Home Science Question Paper 
Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India CUET Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India Syllabus CUET Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India Question Paper
Environmental Science CUET Environmental Science Syllabus CUET Environmental Science Question Paper
Mathematics CUET Mathematics Syllabus  CUET Mathematics Question Paper
Physical Education/ NCC /Yoga CUET Physical Education Syllabus CUET Physical Education Paper
Physics CUET Physics Syllabus  CUET Physics Question Paper
Political Science CUET Political Science Syllabus CUET Political Science Question Paper
Psychology CUET Psychology Syllabus CUET Psychology Question Paper 
Sociology CUET Sociology Syllabus  CUET Sociology Question Paper 
Agriculture CUET Agriculture Syllabus  CUET Agriculture Question Paper 
Mass Media/ Mass Communication CUET Mass Media/ Mass Communication Syllabus  CUET Mass Media/ Mass Communication Question Paper
Anthropology CUET Anthropology Syllabus  CUET Anthropology Question Paper
Fine Arts/ Visual Arts (Sculpture/ Painting)/ Commercial Arts CUET Fine Arts Syllabus CUET Fine Arts Question Paper 
Performing Arts CUET Performing Arts Syllabus  CUET Performing Arts Question Paper 
Sanskrit CUET Sanskrit Syllabus CUET Sanskrit Question Paper 
History CUET History Syllabus  CUET History Question Paper
Section - III (General Test)
General Test CUET General Test Syllabus  CUET General Test Question Paper
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which subjects have been removed in CUET UG?
A: 

UGC has announced the deletion of 26 subjects from CUET UG 2025 onwards. CUET UG 20 foreign languages and six domain subjects have been removed. Check the list below to know the name of the subjects:

  • Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Japanese, Russian, Chinese)
  • Domain Subjetcs (Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, Engineering Graphics)
Q:   Does NTA releases the CUET mock test?
A: 

National Testing Agency is expected to release CUET UG mock test at nta.ac.in. If released, candidates can appear for CUET mock test by following steps below:

  1. Visit official link og NTA: nta.ac.in
  2. Click on tab 'Mock Test'
  3. Now select exam name
  4. Select paper name
  5. Click on 'Start Mock Test'
Q:   What are the important topics for English Language section in CUET UG?
A: 

CUET English question paper focuses on reading comprehension, gramar and vocabulary. Based on previous year question paper analysis of CUET English, candidates can check the list of top 10 important topics for English language section in CUET UG:

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Synonyms and Antonyms
  3. Idioms & Phrases
  4. One Word Substitution
  5. Para Jumbles
  6. Active and Passive Voice
  7. Direct and Indirect Speech
  8. Phrasal Verbs
  9. Figure of Speech
  10. Error spotting

CUET 2026 Political Science Preparation Tips

Candidates can check a few CUET preparation tips for Political Science below:

  • To perform well in the CUET Political Science exam, the students need to go through the best books for the domain subject. They should refer to the recommended CUET preparation books.
  • Solving CUET PYQs and taking CUET mock tests 2026 can also help candidates become familiar with the CUET exam pattern and difficulty level.
  • Students should prepare notes during the course of their CUET preparation to keep track of the important topics.
  • Candidates should manage time to complete the CUET syllabus for Political Science by making a proper study plan.

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

NEST 2026 Application Form Cor...

18 Apr '26 - 19 Apr '26

SAT India exam (May attempt)

2 May '26

ISI Admssion Test 2026 Admit Card

3 May '26

YCMOU 2026 Admit Card

29 May '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Hall ...

24 May '26 - 7 Jun '26

MAKAUT CET Registration

30 Apr '26 - 18 Jun '26

RUASAT 2026 Application Proces...

1 Dec '25 - 19 Apr '26

PU CET (UG) 2026 Application Form

14 Nov '25 - 22 Apr '26

CG PAT 2026 Application Correction

22 Apr '26 - 24 Apr '26

CCSHAU 2026 Application form

10 May '26 - 31 May '26

Best Books for CUET Political Science

Below are some recommended books, students must consider while preparing for CUET pol science exam.

  • CUET Political Science by Team Drishti
  • NTA CUET (UG) Political Science with 20 Solved Practice Papers by VK Global Publications Pvt Ltd
  • Go To Guide for CUET (UG) Political Science with 10 Practice Sets by Disha Experts
  • NTA CUET (UG) 10 Mock Test Papers for Political Science by Oswaal Editorial Board

Read More:

Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial

Nupur Jain started with a passion for educational content writing, which soon grew into a meaningful journey of helping students through reliable guidance. A commerce graduate from Delhi University, she has spent ov

Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for Science Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

14 Apr '26 -

6 Jun '26

NEST 2026 Mock Test

15 May '26

NEST 2026 Admit Card

24 May '26 -

7 Jun '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Hall ...

7 Jun '26

IISER Aptitude Test

Jul '25

ITM NEST 2025 Result Date

Jun '25

ITM NEST 2025 Exam date

17 Apr '26 -

11 May '26

OUAT Entrance Exam 2026 Form A...

12 May '26

OUAT Entrance Exam 2026 Last D...

Dec '24

TISSNET 2024 Mock Test

Jun '24

TISS Online Assessment 2024

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

The last date to edit the CUET subjects 2026 in application form was April 19, 2026. NTA reopened the CUET form correction 2026 window for paid candidates. In this window, candidates could only edit the opted subjects.

K

Kritika Malhotra

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, NTA reopened the CUET form correction window 2026 on April 17. It has been closed now. During this window, candidates could only edit the CUET subjects opted. Only candidates who paid the application fee could modify the CUET subjects as per the preferred programme and university.

78471350
Shruti Garg

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

National Testing Agency reopened the CUET subject correction 2026 window. Candidates who paid the registration fee could edit the opted CUET subjects till the prescribed last date at official website.

N

Nishtha Datta

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 days ago

Generally the CUET UG exam is held in the month of April or May. These exams are taken in CBT mode which means you will have to go to the centre and answer the questions using computer and the questions are in MCQ format.

Hope this helps!

S

Shruti Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

SRM University Sonepat provides scholarships based on CUET scores of the candidates. Check below the criteria for the scholarship:

CUET-Percentile (Best 5 Subjects)Scholarship
95 & above100%
90- 94.9975%
85- 89.9950%
80- 84.9925%
70 - 79.9910%

Note: Only for first 500 students on FCFS basis.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 3 days ago

SRM Sonepat accepts CUET-UG scores for admission to BCom (Hons). Aspirants can also appear for SRMHCAT for admission to this programme. Candidates must also meet the eligibility criteria i.e. Class 12 to apply for BCom (Hons).

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, CUET is needed for Manipal Jaipur. The below is the Manipal University Jaipur admission criteria other than CUET:

  • UG courses: Merit, Manipal Entrance Test (MET) 2026, SAT score,  JEE Main, CLAT, LSAT India, AILET, MHCET Law, etc.
  • PG courses: Merit, GATE, MUJ written entrance test, CAT, MAT, XAT,

...Read more

N

Neha Pradhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, candidates can join BSc courses at Amity University Gurugram without appearing for CUET-UG first. Amity University conducts its own entrance exam called AMCAT to admit students into BSc courses.

However, many BSc courses are also open for direct admissions which look at Class 12 board exam resul

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, BBA students can get scholarships at Amity University Gurugram based on CUET-UG scores. To apply for this scholarship, students must secure a minimum aggregate of 85% in the exam.

Higher aggregates will result in a higher amounts of scholarship offered to the BBA student.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

No, CUET-UG registrations have been closed for Amity University Gurugram BBA admissions in 2026. The last date to register for CUET-UG was scheduled on February 28, 2026. Candidates who failed to apply for CUET-UG can still try to apply through their Class 12 board exam results.

Candidates who appli

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10