CUET-PG Sociology Exam Guide – Syllabus, Books, Exam Pattern, Eligiblity Criteria, Question Paper, Seats in CU,Career Scope
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG) is a centralized entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into postgraduate programs across various Central and participating universities in India. For aspirants aiming to pursue M.A. Sociology [HUQP22], CUET-PG is a crucial gateway, especially for admission into prestigious institutions like Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, and others.This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CUET-PG Sociology exam including syllabus, preparation books, exam pattern, eligibility, previous papers, seat matrix, and career prospects.
Table of Contents
CUET-PG Sociology [HUQP22] Latest Syllabus 2026 [Chapter /Unit Wise]
| Section | Unit | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Concepts in Sociology | I | – Definition, nature and scope of Sociology- Relationship with other Social Sciences: Psychology, Anthropology, History, Economics, Political Science |
| II | – Basic Concepts: Social Structure, Society, Social Organization, Community, Association, Norms, Values | |
| III | – Status and Role: Types and interrelationship | |
| IV | – Socialization: Meaning, types, processes, agencies- Theories of Self: Freud, Cooley, Mead- Culture: Meaning, characteristics, types, cultural lag | |
| Social Processes and Problems | I | – Social Processes: Cooperation, Accommodation, Assimilation, Competition, Conflict |
| II | – Social Groups: Definition, characteristics, types (Primary/Secondary; In-group/Out-group; Reference group; Peer group) | |
| III | – Social Institutions: Marriage, Family, Kinship- Education, Religion, Economy: Meaning and Functions | |
| IV | – Social Control: Meaning, significance, agencies- Social Deviance: Meaning, characteristics, forms, factors | |
| Society, Culture and Social Change | I | – Types and characteristics of societies: Tribal, Rural, Urban, Industrial, Post-Industrial |
| II | – Culture: Definition, nature, types- Socialization: Importance, process, stages- Social Control: Types and Means | |
| III | – Processes of Social Change: Industrialization, Modernization, Globalization, Secularization | |
| IV | – Social Stratification: Types, theories- Social Mobility: Meaning, types | |
| Indian Society | I | – Evolution of Indian society- Traditional basis- Unity in diversity- India as a pluralistic society |
| II | – Caste system and its theories- Changing dimensions of caste- Dominant caste | |
| III | – Social change processes: Sanskritization, Westernization, Modernization, Prophetization, Universalization | |
| IV | – Social Issues: Gender discrimination, problems of women, Dalits, OBCs, minorities- Affirmative actions | |
| Social Research | I | – Social Research: Definition, nature, purpose- Steps in research- Objectivity vs Subjectivity |
| II | – Research Methods: Designs, Social survey- Hypothesis: Types, significance- Sampling methods | |
| III | – Data Collection: Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Schedule, Case Study- Types of data | |
| IV | – Statistical Analysis: Classification, Tabulation- Central tendency: Mean, Median, Mode- Use of Computers in research | |
| Social Problems in India | I | – Social Problem: Meaning, importance- Perspectives: Anomie and Suicide (Durkheim), Labeling Theory (Becker) |
| II | – Structural Issues: Caste, Class, Gender, Ethnicity inequality | |
| III | – Key Issues: Female foeticide, dowry, domestic violence, divorce, problems of aged | |
| IV | – Social Disorganization: Crime, juvenile delinquency, corruption, communalism, drug addiction, suicide, nepotism, prostitution, AIDS |
CUET PG Scoiology Weightage Topic Wise in Exam form 2021 to 2025
| Topic | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociological Theories | 6–8 | 6–8 | 6–8 | 6–8 |
| Social Movements | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Social Inequality & Exclusion | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Social Institutions | 5–7 | 5–7 | 5–7 | 5–7 |
| Globalization and Social Change | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Indian Society & Culture | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 |
| Contemporary Sociological Issues | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 |
| Social Change | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 |
Seats Avialable in Central Universities for MA Sociology[PG] Through CUET Exam
| University | Approximate Seat Intake |
|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | 96 |
| Gauhati University | 55 |
| University of Hyderabad | 40 |
| Central University of Odisha | 30 |
| Central University of South Bihar | 30 |
| Central University of Jharkhand | 30 |
| Central University of Haryana | 30 |
| Central University of Gujarat | 30 |
| Central University of Punjab | 25 |
| Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) | 60 |
CUET-PG M.A. Sociology Seat Matrix: DU vs JNU
| University | Total Seats (Approx.) | Admission Process | Eligibility | Reservation | Application Portal | Last Date (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) | 90 | CUET-PG + CSAS-PG | Bachelor’s degree with ≥ 50% marks (Gen) | As per GoI norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) | pgadmission.uod.ac.in | June 6, 2025 |
| JNU | 96 | CUET-PG + JNU Portal | Bachelor’s degree with ≥ 45% marks | As per GoI norms + deprivation points | jnuee.jnu.ac.in | June 16, 2025 |
CUET-PG Sociology Latest Books Section Wise
| Section / Unit | Recommended Books | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Concepts in Sociology | 1. Sociology: Principles of Sociology | C.N. Shankar Rao (S. Chand) |
| 2. Introduction to Sociology | Anthony Giddens (Polity Press) | |
| Socialization, Culture, Status & Role | 1. Sociological Theory and Concepts | Inkali Rawat (Spectrum) |
| 2. Sociology: Themes and Perspectives | Haralambos & Holborn | |
| Social Processes & Institutions | 1. Foundations of Sociology | Veena Das (OUP India) |
| 2. Sociology of Indian Society | C.N. Shankar Rao (S. Chand) | |
| Social Control & Deviance | 1. Sociology for Law Students (for control & deviance topics) | T.K. Oommen & C.N. Shankar Rao |
| 2. Social Control: An Introduction | Edward A. Ross (Classics) | |
| Types of Societies & Social Change | 1. Modernization of Indian Tradition | Yogendra Singh |
| 2. Industrial Sociology | Gisbert | |
| Stratification & Mobility | 1. Social Stratification | Dipankar Gupta |
| 2. Caste in Modern India and Other Essays | M.N. Srinivas | |
| Indian Society & Culture | 1. Social Change in Modern India | M.N. Srinivas |
| 2. The Structure of Indian Society | A.R. Desai | |
| Processes of Change (Sanskritization, etc.) | 1. India’s Social Structure | D.N. Dhanagare |
| 2. Westernization and Social Change in India | M.N. Srinivas | |
| Social Research Methods & Statistics | 1. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques | C.R. Kothari & Gaurav Garg |
| 2. Sociological Research Methods | Claire Wallace & Malcolm Cross | |
| Social Problems in India | 1. Social Problems in India | Ram Ahuja |
| 2. Indian Society: Issues and Problems | C.N. Shankar Rao |
Recommended Book
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CUET-PG Sociology [HUQP22] Solved Previous year Paper 2022 to 2024 and Chapter Wise 1500 MCQ With Details Explanation II As Per New Updated Syllabus II For 2026 Exam
Original price was: ₹800.00.₹450.00Current price is: ₹450.00.
CUET-PG Eligibility Criteria for CUET Sociology University Wise –
| University | Eligibility Criteria | CUET-PG Paper Code |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline under 10+2+3 pattern with at least 45% marks. | HUQP22 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| University of Hyderabad (UoH) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Kerala (CUK) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Karnataka (CUK) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Haryana (CUH) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Punjab (CUPB) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Odisha (CUO) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Gujarat (CUG) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Jammu (CUJammu) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Andhra Pradesh (CUAP) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Tripura (CUT) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Sikkim (CUS) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Manipur (CUM) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Mizoram (CUMizoram) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Nagaland (CUN) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Meghalaya (CUMeghalaya) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Arunachal Pradesh (CUAP) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Assam (CUA) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Nagaland (CUNagaland) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Mizoram (CUMizoram) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Manipur (CUManipur) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Meghalaya (CUMeghalaya) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Arunachal Pradesh (CUArunachal) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
| Central University of Assam (CUAssam) | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks in any discipline. | HUQP22 |
CUET-PG Sociology Exam Pattern 2026
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | Bilingual – English & Hindi |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Marks per Question | +4 for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -1 for each incorrect answer |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 marks (no deduction) |
| Time Duration | 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes) |
| Sections Covered | Entirely based on Subject Knowledge in Sociology |
| Paper Code | HUQP22 (Humanities PG Paper – Sociology specific) |
DU & JNU Cut-off for PG admission in Sociology
CUET-PG Sociology Cutoff Marks – DU & JNU (2023–2024)
| University | Category | 2023 Cutoff (Marks) | 2024 Cutoff (Marks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) | General | 135 – 150 | 135 – 150 |
| OBC | 110 – 120 | 125 – 140 | |
| SC | 95 – 105 | 115 – 130 | |
| ST | 105 – 110 | 105 – 120 | |
| EWS | 125 – 130 | 125 – 140 | |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | General | 97 | 260+ |
| OBC | 36 | 160 – 170 | |
| SC | 28 | 160 – 170 | |
| ST | 28 | 160 – 170 | |
| EWS | 53 | 160 – 170 |
Career Scope for PG MA Sociology Aspirants
| Sector | Career Options | Description / Example Organizations |
|---|---|---|
| 🎓 Academics & Research | – Ph.D. in Sociology- UGC NET/JRF Qualified- Research Fellow / Assistant | Universities (DU, JNU, TISS), ICSSR, CSDS, IIPS |
| 🏛️ Civil Services & Govt. | – UPSC (IAS, IPS, IFS)- State PSC- Social Welfare Officer | Sociology is a popular UPSC optional subject; jobs in central/state admin & policy sectors |
| 🌐 NGOs / Development | – Program Coordinator- Field Officer- Policy Analyst | UNDP, UNICEF, Oxfam, CRY, Save the Children |
| 🏢 Corporate / CSR / HR | – HR Executive- CSR Officer- Market Research Analyst | Companies like TATA CSR, Reliance Foundation, HUL, consultancies (KPMG, Deloitte) |
| 📰 Media & Journalism | – Social Issues Journalist- Content Writer/Editor | The Hindu, EPW, Scroll, IndiaSpend, educational platforms |
| ⚖️ Law & Public Policy | – LLB and Advocacy- Legal Researcher- Policy Associate | Think tanks like PRS Legislative, NITI Aayog, Centre for Policy Research |
| 💼 Public Health / Social Work | – Program Manager- Social Worker- Health Educator | WHO, NHM, MSF, NGOs in health and family welfare |
| 📊 Data & Research Orgs. | – Research Analyst- Data Curator | Azim Premji Foundation, IDInsight, JPAL South Asia, NIUA |
💰 Average Salary Structure After M.A. Sociology
| Career Path | Entry-Level Salary (per month) | Mid-Level Salary (5–10 years) | Top-Level/Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧑🏫 Assistant Professor (Post-NET/JRF) | ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 | ₹1,50,000+ (Professor/HOD) |
| 🧑🎓 Research Fellow / RA / Project Assistant | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹45,000 – ₹65,000 | ₹80,000+ (Senior Fellow, ICSSR) |
| 🏛️ Civil Services (IAS/IPS via UPSC) | ₹56,100 (Basic Pay) + perks | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 | ₹2,00,000+ (Secretary-level posts) |
| 🏢 Corporate HR / CSR Executive | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,50,000+ (CSR Head, HR Director) |
| 🌍 NGO / Development Sector Professional | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹1,00,000+ (Program Manager/Director) |
| 📰 Journalist / Social Commentator | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 | ₹80,000+ (Editor/Senior Journalist) |
| ⚖️ Law (after LLB, Legal Research, Policy) | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000 | ₹2,00,000+ (Senior Policy Adviser) |
| 📊 Think Tanks / Research Institutes Analyst | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,20,000+ (Senior Fellow/Director) |
| 💼 Social Work / Health NGO / Field Officer | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 | ₹80,000+ (Program Coordinator) |
CUET-PG Sociology Previous year Question Paper
CUET-PG Sociology question paper includes 75 compulsory multiple-choice questions, conducted in both English and Hindi, with a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The questions cover all the units in the syllabus,
| CUET-PG Sociology Question paper 2021 | CUET-PG Sociology Question paper 2023 |
| CUET-PG Sociology Question paper 2022 | CUET-PG Sociology Question paper 2024 |
CUET-PG Sociology – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the exam pattern of CUET-PG Sociology?
CUET-PG Sociology consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, all based on the subject-specific syllabus. The exam is 2 hours long and conducted in both English and Hindi.
Q2. What is the eligibility for CUET-PG Sociology?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology or a related discipline (Social Sciences/Humanities) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD) from a recognized university. However, eligibility may vary slightly by university.
Q3. What are the main topics covered in CUET-PG Sociology?
Key topics include Basic Concepts in Sociology, Social Processes, Indian Society, Social Research, Social Problems in India, Social Stratification, Culture, Socialization, and Social Change.
Q4. How should I prepare for CUET-PG Sociology?
Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus. Refer to standard textbooks like those by Haralambos & Holborn, Giddens, and Indian sociologists like M.N. Srinivas. Solve previous year papers, take mock tests, and focus on conceptual clarity.
Q5. Which universities accept CUET-PG Sociology scores?
Over 40+ central and participating universities accept CUET-PG Sociology scores. Some prominent ones include Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Hyderabad Central University (UoH).
Q6. What was the previous year’s cutoff for DU and JNU?
In 2023, the cutoff for DU ranged from 135–150 (General category), and for JNU it was around 260+ (normalized score) for General candidates. Category-wise cutoffs varied.
Q7. Can I apply to multiple universities with one CUET-PG Sociology score?
Yes, the CUET-PG score is valid for all participating universities. You can select multiple universities and programs at the time of registration and counseling.
Q8. Is it necessary to have a Sociology background for CUET-PG Sociology?
While a Sociology background is preferred, candidates from related disciplines like Political Science, History, Anthropology, or Philosophy may also be eligible depending on the university’s criteria.
Q9. Are previous year question papers available online?
Yes, they are available on the official CUET website (cuet.nta.nic.in), educational portals like Collegedunia, Shiksha, and some YouTube channels and Telegram groups.
Q10. What is the career scope after M.A. in Sociology?
After an M.A. in Sociology, you can pursue careers in academics (UGC-NET/JRF), civil services, NGOs, social research, policy-making, corporate HR/CSR, media, or international organizations.
