GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026: Topics & Weightage Wise Syllabus PDF

GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026: Topics & Weightage Wise Syllabus PDF

Ongoing Event

GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25

K Guna SahitiUpdated on 29 Mar 2025, 04:24 PM IST

GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026- IIT Guwahati will publish the GATE 2026 Sociology syllabus pdf on the official website. This article will be updated with the GATE syllabus of 2026, as and when released. Meanwhile, candidates can start preparing for GATE exam using previous year syllabus of GATE Sociology. The GATE syllabus will consist of topics based on Social Movements, and Sociology of Development, Research Methodology and Methods, Sociological Theory and Sociological Concepts. A direct link to download last year’s GATE syllabus of Sociology is given here.
Direct link for previous year GATE Sociology Syllabus pdf

This Story also Contains

  1. GATE 2026 Sociology Syllabus
  2. GATE 2026 Sociology- Exam Pattern
  3. GATE Sociology 2026 - Other Optional Subjects
GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026: Topics & Weightage Wise Syllabus PDF
GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026

Aspirants must follow the GATE exam pattern along with the exam syllabus for effective preparatio of the test. IIT Guwahati is expected to hold the GATE 2026 exam in the month of February.

GATE 2026 Sociology Syllabus

IIT Guwahati will release the GATE syllabus for Sociology online. Candidates will find all the important topics for GATE 2026 XH in this table.Until then, refer to the previous year syllabus of GATE Sociology.

Syllabus of GATE Sociology Paper 2026 (XH – C6)

UnitsTopics

Sociological Theory

  • Classical Sociological Traditions

  • Structural-Functionalism and Structuralism

  • Hermeneutic and Interpretative Traditions

  • Post-Modernism, Post-Structuralism and Post-Colonialism

  • Conflict theory

  • Indian Thinkers

Research Methodology and Methods

  • Conceptualizing Social Reality

  • Research Design

  • Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

  • Research Technique

Sociological Concepts

  • Sociological Concepts

  • Social Institutions

  • Social Stratification

  • Social Change

  • Agrarian Sociology and Rural Transformation

  • Family, Marriage and Kinship; Theoretical Approaches

  • Indian Society / Sociology of India

Social Movements

  • Introduction to Social Movements

  • Theories of Social Movements

  • Social Movement in India with specific reference to social basis, leadership, ideology and actions:

  • Social Movements, civil society and globalization

Sociology of Development

  • Perspectives on the Study of Development

  • State and Market

  • The Micro-Politics of Development: Transforming Communities

  • Sustainable development

Also Check:

GATE 2026 Sociology- Exam Pattern

Candidates preparing for the test must check the exam pattern given below along with the GATE Sociology syllabus pdf. It will consist of details like the mode of the exam, duration of the test and negative marking. It is important to note that the GATE Sociology paper will be a part of the GATE XH 2026 exam.

Exam Pattern for GATE Sociology

ParticularsDetails

Examination Mode

Computer Based Test (Online)

Total duration of the test

3 Hours

Sections of GATE XH 2026 paper


  • General Aptitude (GA)

  • Reasoning and Comprehension

  • Sociology

Total Marks

100 Marks

Weightage of Sociology Section

60 Marks

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

Marking Scheme

1 or 2 marks depending on the type of question

GATE 2026 Negative Marking


  • 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer of one marker

  • 2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response of a 2-marker

  • No negative marking for MSQ & NAT.

  • No partial marking for MSQ type questions.

Related Articles:

GATE Sociology 2026 - Other Optional Subjects

There are will be a total of six optional subjects available for selection under the GATE XH 2026 test. Candidates can go though the complete list along with their paper codes below.

Optional Subjects Other Than GATE Sociology

GATE 2026 XH Optional Papers

Subject Code

Economics

C1

English

C2

Linguistics

C3

Philosophy

C4

Psychology

C5

Sociology

C6

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is the right time to prepare for GATE 2026?
A:

Students are advised to prepare for the GATE 2026 exam at least six to eight months before. One year of preparatory time is ideal.

Q: Is there a separate exam for GATE 2026 Sociology?
A:

No. GATE Sociology 2026 is a part of the Humanities and Social Sciences paper.

Q: How many optional subjects are there in GATE 2026 XH paper?
A:

There will be six optional subjects available for the GATE XH 2026 test.

Q: What is the weightage of the Sociology section in GATE 2026?
A:

The weightage of GATE sociology part is of 60 marks.

Q: Is GATE Sociology 2026 a compulsory paper?
A:

No. Applicants can choose to take any of the five optional subjects other than GATE 2026 Sociology. They are- Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology.

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Questions related to GATE

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Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello

As an EEE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) graduate, your core GATE paper is EE (Electrical Engineering).

You can also choose papers like IN (Instrumentation) or EC (Electronics and Communication) if you're comfortable. GATE now allows two-paper combinations EE plus IN is a valid pair.

Choose based on your strengths and future goals (e.g., PSU jobs, M.Tech). Always check the latest GATE brochure for updated paper codes and combinations.

How to clear GATE Exam :

  • First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.

  • Make a small study plan and follow it every week.

  • Read from good books or trusted online notes.

  • Practice old GATE question papers.

  • Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.

  • Revise your notes and formulas again and again.

    How to get Job in PSU:

  • Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.

  • Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.

  • Apply on time with your GATE score.

  • Be ready for interviews or group discussions.

  • Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.

Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.



Hello,

Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.

GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.

So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.

Hope it helps !

Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers