Table of Contents
The CBSE Class 12 Sociology syllabus 2025-26 is designed to give students a deeper understanding of Indian society, social changes, and challenges. If you’re preparing for the upcoming board exams, knowing the syllabus, important topics, books, and exam pattern is the first step to success. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Overview of CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2025-26
The sociology syllabus for Class 12 is divided into two main parts:
Book 1: Indian Society
Book 2: Social Change and Development in India
Together, these books cover a range of topics that help students explore how Indian society has evolved, the role of diversity, and the impact of various factors like caste, class, gender, and globalization.
The total marks for the Class 12 Sociology paper are 80 marks (Theory) and 20 marks (Practical/Internal Assessment), making it a total of 100 marks.
Key Objectives of the Syllabus:
- To help students understand the structure and dynamics of Indian society
- To analyze the changes and continuities in Indian society
- To develop sociological thinking and perspective
Unit-Wise Syllabus Breakdown with Marks Distribution
Part A: Indian Society
- Introducing Indian Society
- Plurality and Inequality in Indian Society
- The Unity and Diversity of India
- Key Concepts: Community, Tribe, Caste, Class, Gender
- The Demographic Structure of Indian Society
- Population Size and Distribution
- Age Structure, Sex Ratio, Literacy
- Social Institutions: Continuity and Change
- Caste System
- Family and Kinship
- The Market as a Social Institution
- Types of Exchange
- Globalization and Market
- Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion
- Caste Prejudice
- Economic Inequality
- Social Exclusion and Discrimination
- Challenges of Cultural Diversity
- Multiculturalism
- Regionalism and Communalism
- Suggestions for Project Work
Marks Distribution:
- Part A (Indian Society): 40 Marks
Part B: Social Change and Development in India
- Structural Change
- Colonialism, Industrialization, and Urbanization
- Cultural Change
- Modernization and Sanskritization
- The Story of Indian Democracy
- Constitution, Political Parties, and Social Movements
- Change and Development in Rural Society
- Land Reforms, Green Revolution, Globalization
- Change and Development in Industrial Society
- Work Process, Labor Laws
- Globalization and Social Change
- Mass Media and Communication
- Social Movements
- Types and Impact of Social Movements
Marks Distribution:
- Part B (Social Change and Development): 40 Marks
Class 12 Sociology Exam Pattern and Internal Assessment
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for scoring well in Sociology.
Theory Paper (80 Marks):
- Very Short Answer Questions (2 Marks)
- Short Answer Questions (4 Marks)
- Long Answer Questions (6 Marks)
- Map/Diagram-based Questions (as applicable)
Internal Assessment (20 Marks):
- Project Work (10 Marks)
- Viva Voice (5 Marks)
- File/Portfolio (5 Marks)
Time Duration: 3 hours
Tips for Exam Preparation:
- Focus on key concepts and definitions
- Use real-life examples for better explanations
- Practice previous years’ question papers
- Write answers in a structured format with headings
Best Books for CBSE Class 12 Sociology Preparation
Having the right books can make a big difference in your preparation. Below are some highly recommended books:
1. NCERT Sociology Class 12 Textbooks
- Book 1: Indian Society
- Book 2: Social Change and Development in India
These are must-read books, as the CBSE board paper is directly based on them.
2. Together With Sociology (Rachna Sagar)
- Contains sample papers and chapter-wise questions
- Great for last-minute revision and self-practice
3. Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Class 12 Sociology
- Based on the latest syllabus
- Includes mind maps, important concepts, and sample questions
4. Xam Idea Sociology Class 12
- Clear topic-wise explanations
- Practice papers included
5. Arihant All-in-One Sociology for Class 12
- Theory + Practice in one book
- Good for board exam preparation and self-assessment
Tip: Start with NCERT, then move on to reference books for extra practice.
Career Options After Class 12 Sociology
Sociology isn’t just a subject — it’s a stepping stone to many career paths. Here are some options students can consider:
1. Higher Studies in Sociology or Social Sciences
- BA in Sociology
- MA/M.Phil/PhD for teaching or research careers
2. UPSC and Civil Services
- Sociology is a popular optional subject in the UPSC exams
- Many successful IAS/IPS candidates choose it
3. Journalism and Mass Communication
- Understanding society helps in reporting news and issues
4. Social Work and NGOs
- Work for the betterment of underprivileged communities
- Courses: BSW, MSW
5. Human Resources and Management
- Many corporates value social science graduates
6. Law
- Sociology provides a good foundation for legal studies
Other career paths: International Relations, Education, Anthropology, Policy Analysis, etc.
Final Thoughts
The CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2025-26 covers important topics about Indian society, its structure, and the changes it’s going through. With the right preparation strategy, books, and regular revision, you can easily score high marks in this subject.
Use the NCERT books as your base and solve sample papers regularly. Don’t forget to relate your answers to current events and real-life examples. Whether you want to become a civil servant, a social worker, or a journalist — Sociology will always help you understand the world better.
ALSO READ: CBSE Class 12 History Syllabus 2025-26: Complete Guide, Books & Career Tips
FAQs for CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2025-26:
Q1. Is NCERT enough for Class 12 Sociology CBSE exam?
Yes, NCERT books are more than enough to score well in the board exams. However, practice from sample papers and reference books can improve your performance.
Q2. How many chapters are there in Class 12 Sociology?
There are two textbooks with a total of 15 chapters combined.
Q3. What are the most important topics in Class 12 Sociology?
Some key topics are: Caste System, Social Exclusion, Globalization, Social Movements, and Change in Rural Society.
Q4. Can Sociology help in UPSC or other government exams?
Absolutely. Sociology is one of the most popular optional subjects in UPSC and helps in understanding Indian society better.
Q5. Where can I download the CBSE Sociology Syllabus Class 12 PDF?
You can download the official syllabus from the CBSE Academic website.
Stay focused, stay curious, and keep learning!
