CBSE Class 11 Sociology Syllabus 2026-27

Introduction

Sociology is a fascinating and socially relevant subject that introduces Class 11 students to the scientific study of society, social institutions, and human relationships. The CBSE Class 11 Sociology syllabus for 2026-27 is structured into two parts: Introducing Sociology and Understanding Society. Together, they provide students with the conceptual tools and sociological imagination needed to understand the world they live in.

The 2026-27 syllabus reflects CBSE's commitment to critical thinking and social awareness. Students explore theories of social stratification, the role of culture and environment, social inequalities, and processes of social change in India. Sociology is an excellent foundation for students planning to pursue Social Work, Anthropology, Development Studies, Journalism, or Civil Services, where understanding society is central to professional practice.

Quick Facts

Exam Pattern 2026-27

Detailed Chapter-Wise Syllabus

The following section provides a comprehensive breakdown of every chapter and topic covered in the 2026-27 syllabus. Each unit is structured to develop conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and exam readiness progressively.

Unit 1: Sociology and Society

This unit carries approximately 8 marks in the theory examination.

•       Meaning and emergence of Sociology

•       Sociology and common sense

•       Social facts and social reality

•       Relationship of Sociology with other social sciences

•       Sociological perspective and imagination

Unit 2: Terms, Concepts and Their Use in Sociology

This unit carries approximately 8 marks in the theory examination.

•       Social groups: primary and secondary

•       Status and role

•       Institutions: family, kinship, religion

•       Norms and values in society

•       Culture and its components

Unit 3: Understanding Social Institutions

This unit carries approximately 10 marks in the theory examination.

•       Family: types, functions, and changes

•       Marriage: forms and significance

•       Kinship systems in India

•       Political and economic institutions

•       Educational institutions and their social role

Unit 4: Culture and Socialisation

This unit carries approximately 8 marks in the theory examination.

•       Meaning and components of culture

•       Subculture and cultural diversity

•       Agencies of socialisation: family, peer group, school, media

•       Internalisation and identity formation

•       Cultural change and globalisation

Unit 5: Doing Sociology: Research Methods

This unit carries approximately 8 marks in the theory examination.

•       Sociological research and its importance

•       Observation: participant and non-participant

•       Interview and questionnaire methods

•       Case study and field study

•       Ethical issues in social research

Unit 6: Social Structure, Stratification and Social Processes

This unit carries approximately 10 marks in the theory examination.

•       Meaning of social structure

•       Social stratification: basis and types

•       Caste, class, and gender as axes of stratification

•       Social mobility: types and factors

•       Social processes: cooperation, conflict, competition

Unit 7: Rural and Agrarian Society

This unit carries approximately 8 marks in the theory examination.

•       Features of rural society in India

•       Agrarian social structure

•       Land relations and land reforms

•       Green Revolution and social change

•       Problems of rural society: poverty, migration

Unit 8: Introducing Western Social Thinkers

This unit carries approximately 10 marks in the theory examination.

•       Auguste Comte and Positivism

•       Emile Durkheim: social facts and solidarity

•       Karl Marx: class conflict and historical materialism

•       Max Weber: social action and rationalisation

•       Contributions and critiques of each thinker

Unit 9: Indian Sociologists

This unit carries approximately 8 marks in the theory examination.

•       G.S. Ghurye and the study of caste

•       D.P. Mukerji and Indian modernity

•       A.R. Desai and rural India

•       M.N. Srinivas: Sanskritisation and dominant caste

•       Irawati Karve and kinship in India

Unit 10: Environment and Society

This unit carries approximately 8 marks in the theory examination.

•       Social dimensions of environmental issues

•       Environmental movements in India (Chipko, Narmada)

•       Sustainable development and social responsibility

•       Relationship between urbanisation and environment

•       Climate change and social vulnerability

Chapter Overview Table

Marking Scheme

Preparation Tips for 2026-27

Following a structured and consistent approach will help you maximise your score. Here are proven preparation strategies for the 2026-27 examination:

•       Read both NCERT textbooks carefully; the language is conceptual and requires attentive reading

•       Understand each sociological concept with a definition, explanation, and Indian example

•       Learn the key contributions of sociological thinkers; these appear in both short and long answer questions

•       Practise passage-based questions by reading sociological extracts and identifying concepts within them

•       For the project, choose a community or institution you can observe and document with field notes

•       Use sociological terminology consistently in answers; vague language loses marks

•       Connect syllabus topics to current social issues in India for enriched answers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the two parts of Class 11 Sociology?

CBSE Class 11 Sociology for 2026-27 is divided into Part A (Introducing Sociology) and Part B (Understanding Society). Both parts are covered in the 80-mark theory examination.

Is Sociology a scoring subject in Class 11?

Yes, Sociology is widely considered a scoring subject. Students who read the NCERT carefully and practise structured answers can score 70 or above in the theory paper.

What is the project work in Class 11 Sociology?

The 20-mark project involves fieldwork or community-based research. Students observe a social group or institution, collect data, and submit a written report documenting their findings.

How many chapters are in Class 11 Sociology 2026-27?

The combined syllabus includes 10 chapters covering sociological concepts, research methods, social institutions, stratification, Indian and Western sociologists, and environment and society.

Which sociologists are important for Class 11 CBSE Sociology?

Western thinkers: Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Comte. Indian sociologists: G.S. Ghurye, M.N. Srinivas, D.P. Mukerji, A.R. Desai, and Irawati Karve are all covered in the syllabus.