ISC Class 11 Sociology Syllabus 2026-27

Introduction

The ISC Class 11 Sociology syllabus for 2026-27 introduces students to the systematic study of human society, social institutions, and cultural processes. Prescribed by CISCE, this course lays the groundwork for understanding social structures, stratification, and the dynamics of change in Indian and global contexts. Sociology at the Class 11 level helps students develop a sociological imagination that allows them to connect personal experiences with larger social forces.

The subject is highly valued for students aspiring to careers in social work, journalism, public policy, law, and the humanities. A clear understanding of the syllabus is essential for both board examination performance and for building a strong foundation for Class 12 studies.

Quick Facts

Exam Pattern and Structure

The ISC Class 11 Sociology examination follows a structured format set by CISCE. The table below outlines the components, marks, duration, and assessment type.

Detailed Chapter-wise and Topic-wise Syllabus

The following section provides a comprehensive breakdown of all units and topics included in the ISC Class 11 Sociology syllabus for the session 2026-27.

Unit 1: Introducing Sociology

•       Society, community and association

•       Social groups: primary, secondary, reference groups

•       Status and role

•       Culture and civilisation

•       Social norms, values, and sanctions

•       Socialization and its agencies

Unit 2: Social Institutions

•       Family: types, functions, and changes

•       Marriage: forms, rules, and transformations

•       Kinship: terms, types, and significance

•       Religion: meaning, functions, and secularism

•       Education as a social institution

•       Economy and polity as social institutions

Unit 3: Social Stratification

•       Meaning and types of social stratification

•       Caste system in India

•       Class system and class mobility

•       Gender stratification and patriarchy

•       Tribe and tribal communities in India

•       Minority groups and social exclusion

Unit 4: Social Change

•       Meaning and theories of social change

•       Factors of social change: technology, ideology, demography

•       Modernisation and Westernisation

•       Urbanisation and industrialisation

•       Social movements in India

•       Globalisation and Indian society

Unit 5: Project Work

•       Field-based or library-based sociological investigation

•       Use of sociological methods: interview, survey, observation

•       Data collection and analysis

•       Written report of approximately 1500-2000 words

Chapter Overview and Weightage

Marking Scheme

The ISC Class 11 Sociology marking scheme distributes marks across sections to test different cognitive levels. Understanding this breakdown helps students allocate study time effectively.

Recommended Books and Study Material

The following textbooks and reference materials are recommended for ISC Class 11 Sociology preparation. Students should prioritise NCERT or CISCE prescribed texts before moving to supplementary references.

Preparation Tips for ISC Class 11 Sociology

Preparing smartly for the ISC Class 11 Sociology examination requires a combination of consistent reading, structured revision, and regular practice. The following tips will help students cover the syllabus effectively.

•       Read NCERT textbooks carefully and underline key definitions and concepts.

•       Maintain a glossary of sociological terms such as status, role, stratification, and anomie.

•       Relate sociological concepts to real-life examples from Indian society.

•       Practice writing structured answers with introduction, body, and conclusion.

•       Begin the project work early and choose a topic with accessible data for research.

•       Revise units on caste, family, and social change thoroughly as they carry high weightage.

•       Solve previous years ISC Sociology papers to get familiar with question formats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the subject code for ISC Class 11 Sociology?

The subject code for ISC Class 11 Sociology is 861.

What is the marking pattern of ISC Class 11 Sociology?

The exam carries 100 marks in total. The theory paper is for 80 marks and project work accounts for 20 marks.

Which NCERT books should I use for ISC Sociology?

Students should use both Introducing Sociology and Understanding Society published by NCERT, as they align closely with the ISC syllabus topics.

Is Sociology scoring in ISC Class 11?

Yes, Sociology is considered a scoring subject if students understand the concepts well and practice structured answer writing. The project component also offers assured marks.

What type of project can I do for ISC Sociology?

Students can undertake field-based or library-based projects on topics such as family structure, caste dynamics, gender roles, or urbanisation using sociological methods like interviews, surveys, or observation.