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    GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026: Topics & Weightage Wise Syllabus PDF

    GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026: Topics & Weightage Wise Syllabus PDF

    K Guna SahitiUpdated on 14 Jan 2026, 05:14 PM IST

    GATE Sociology Syllabus 2026- IIT Guwahati has uploaded the GATE 2026 Sociology syllabus PDF at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Aspirants can go through this page for the GATE Sociology syllabus 2026 and prepare for the test accordingly. The GATE syllabus includes topics such as Social Movements, Sociology of Development, Research Methodology and Methods, Sociological Theory and Sociological Concepts. Aspirants must follow the GATE 2026 exam pattern along with the exam syllabus for effective preparation for the test. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam in online mode. As per the latest update, the GATE exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026.

    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

    GATE 2026 Sociology Syllabus

    IIT Guwahati has released the GATE syllabus for Sociology online. Candidates will find all the important topics for GATE 2026 XH in this table. Find below the syllabus of GATE Sociology for 2026.

    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

    Number of Questions10 (General Aptitude) + 55 (Subject) = 65 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

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to GATE ?

    Hello,

    GATE 2026 score of 320 (OBC, AIR 1633 in XE), admission to top IITs will be difficult. However, you may get opportunities in newer IITs or lower-demand branches in later or spot rounds. You have better chances in NITs, IIITs, and state universities through CCMT counseling. PSU opportunities are

    Every PSU has different cut-off marks and eligibility. Hence, it is suggested to apply for PSU after checking the eligibility. Also, they do not reveal the marks of the finally selected candidates. So, wait for the final merit list.

    Yes. You can. GATE eligibility specifies that students in their 3rd year and above can appear for the exam. Since the results are valid for 3 years, you can use the same for your admissions.