CUET PG Political Science Syllabus 2026: Latest Updated Syllabus, Important Topics, Download PDF

International relations entice you? Are you the one quoting Aristotle and Plato in your daily convos? A Master’s in Political Science awaits you. However, you need to first sit for the CUET PG exam. Then you also need to know the CUET PG Political Science syllabus 2026. The syllabus covers core areas similar to what were there in the Bachelor’s. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the subject-wise CUET PG Political Science syllabus and provide a downloadable PDF. Also, we’ll provide the previous year’s question paper as well. So, let’s directly decode the syllabus.

CUET PG Political Science Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise Breakdown

Here’s the complete subject-wise breakdown:

1. Western Political Philosophy

This section includes the major thinkers and their contributions to political philosophy:

• Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli
• Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau
• J.S. Mill, Karl Marx, John Rawls

2. Indian Political Thought

Covers key figures and their ideas that shaped Indian political thinking:

• Ram Mohan Roy
• Mahatma Gandhi
• B.R. Ambedkar
• V.D. Savarkar
• Kautilya

3. Political Theory

Focuses on concepts, ideologies, and contemporary debates in political science:

• Liberty, Equality, Justice, Sovereignty
• Citizenship & Gender
• Democracy, Human Rights, State
• Contemporary Issues in Political Theory
• Feminism as Ideology

4. International Relations

Explores theories, global organisations, and India’s foreign policy:

• Realism & Liberalism
• Cold War Politics
• NAM, SAARC, UNO, ASEAN, EU
• India’s foreign policy with China, Pakistan, and the USA

5. Indian Government and Politics

Core section on Indian politics, institutions, and governance:

• Preamble & Constituent Assembly
• Constitutional provisions
• Parliament, Cabinet, Prime Minister, President
• Fundamental Rights, Duties & Directive Principles
• Amendments, Governor & State Government
• Federalism, Political Parties (National & Regional)
• Elections & Local Government
• Judiciary & Governance

6. Comparative Government and Politics

Examines political systems across nations:

• Political Culture
• Political Parties
• Electoral Systems
• Comparative Approaches/Models
• Types of Regimes

7. Public Policies in India

Focus on policy-making and governance:

• Models of Policy-making
• Policy Processes
• Types of Public Policies

8. Contemporary Issues of Relevance

Addresses current and emerging debates in political science:

• Global Justice
• Nationalism
• Climate Change

This syllabus ensures that aspirants are tested on both foundational political theory and contemporary political issues. Therefore, it is highly relevant for anyone pursuing a PG in Political Science.

Summary Table: CUET PG Political Science Syllabus 2026

CUET Political Science Syllabus PDF 2026

For effective preparation, you should keep the CUET PG Political Science syllabus PDF (HUQP18) handy. NTA, every year, releases the document. It provides the complete list of topics, exam pattern, and subject divisions that will be tested in the entrance exam.

Download the CUET PG Political Science Syllabus 2026 PDF (HUQP18) here.

CUET PG Political Science Question Paper

Looking at the previous year’s question paper is very important for exam-level analysis. The CUET PG political science question paper is available on NTA’s official website and online platforms. Below, we have provided the previous year’s CUET PG political science question paper. This paper will give you a clear understanding of the exam structure and types of questions.

Download the CUET PG Political Science Question Paper here.

Preparation Tips for CUET PG Political Science 2026

Preparing for CUET PG Political Science requires a balance of theory, current affairs, and practice. Here are some quick tips:

• Know the Syllabus: Analyse the CUET PG Political Science syllabus. Divide it into key areas like Political Theory, Indian Politics and International Relations. Additionally, Comparative Politics and Contemporary Issues.
• Study Thinkers & Texts: First, go through Western philosophers (Plato, Marx, Rawls). And then, Indian thinkers (Gandhi, Ambedkar, Kautilya). Also, refer to the NCERT books (Class XI & XII), which are great for basics.
• Focus on Indian Politics: Master the Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Federalism, and recent amendments.
• International Relations & Current Affairs: Cover Realism, Liberalism, Cold War, India’s foreign policy. Also, link these with ongoing issues like climate change and nationalism.
• Practice Papers: Solve CUET PG Political Science question papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Recommended Books: O.P. Gauba (Political Theory), V.R. Mehta (Indian Political Thought), and Laxmikanth (Indian Polity).

Pro Tip: Accuracy matters more than attempts. Avoid blind guessing since there is negative marking.

Colleges Accepting CUET PG Political Science Exam Score

The CUET PG has become the most common gateway for admission to MA/PG courses in Political Science. The CUET PG scores are accepted across all central and most state universities in India. By qualifying for the CUET PG Political Science, students can apply to some of the most reputed institutions.

Here are some of the top colleges and universities that accept CUET PG Political Science scores: