The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the revised Sociology syllabus for Class 12 for the academic session 2025-26. Introduced as an elective subject at the senior secondary level, Sociology aims to develop an analytical perspective among students to understand the dynamic nature of society and social change. Through this course, learners will engage with real-world social issues, enhancing their awareness, critical thinking, and ability to contribute constructively to societal transformation.
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
Click here to download CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2025–26 PDF
CBSE 12th Sociology 2025-26: Course Structure
The CBSE Class 12 Sociology syllabus 2026 is divided into two main sections:
- Part A: Indian Society (40 marks)
- Part B: Social Change and Development in India (40 marks)
Each part includes multiple thematic units designed to give students a thorough grounding in sociological concepts, social institutions, and the ongoing transformation within Indian society
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2025–26: Detailed Syllabus
Part | Unit No. | Unit Title | Marks | Key Themes |
A | 1 | Introducing Indian Society | Non-evaluative | Colonialism, nationalism, class, and community (Introductory context only) |
A | 2 | The Demographic Structure of Indian Society | 10 | Demographic theories, rural-urban divide, and population policy |
A | 3 | Social Institutions: Continuity and Change | 10 | Caste system, tribal communities, family and kinship systems |
A | 5 | Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion | 10 | Social inequality and exclusion based on caste, tribe, gender, and disability; social struggles |
A | 6 | The Challenges of Cultural Diversity | 10 | Cultural diversity, communalism, secularism, regionalism, and civil society |
A | 7 | Suggestions for Project Work | Non-evaluative | Guidance for school-level project work |
Total for Part A | 40 Marks | |||
B | 8 | Structural Change | 5 | Impact of colonialism, industrialisation, urbanisation |
B | 9 | Cultural Change | 5 | Social reform movements, Sanskritisation, Westernisation, Modernisation, Secularisation |
B | 11 | Change and Development in Rural Society | 10 | Agrarian structure, land reforms, Green Revolution, rural labour, globalisation |
B | 12 | Change and Development in Industrial Society | 10 | From planned industrialisation to liberalisation, employment and labour processes |
B | 15 | Social Movements | 10 | Environmental, caste-based, class-based, tribal, and women’s movements |
Total for Part B | 40 Marks |
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Practical/Project Work (20 Marks)
The Sociology syllabus includes a 20-mark project work component which students are expected to complete during the academic year. This includes:
Component | Marks |
Project Report | 15 Marks |
• Introduction | 2 |
• Statement of Purpose | 2 |
• Research Question | 2 |
• Methodology | 3 |
• Data Analysis | 4 |
• Conclusion | 2 |
Viva Voce on Project Work | 5 |
Total | 20 |
CBSE Class 12 Sociology 2025-26: Question Paper Design
S. No. | Competency Type | Marks | Weightage (%) |
1 | Knowledge & Understanding | 30 | 37.5% |
2 | Application of Knowledge and Concepts | 32 | 40% |
3 | Formulate, Analyse, Evaluate & Create | 18 | 22.5% |
Total | 80 | 100% |
The CBSE Class 12 Sociology syllabus 2025–26 offers an engaging blend of theoretical understanding and practical inquiry into Indian society and its transformations. Students will be equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the critical tools to comprehend and question the social world around them. The curriculum provides the foundation for future studies in the social sciences and careers related to research, education, civil services, and community development.