If you’re a Class 12 student preparing for the CBSE Sociology board exam 2025-26, you’re in the right place! Sociology is one of the most interesting and scoring subjects in the Humanities stream. To score well, understanding the latest CBSE Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper 2025-26 is a must.
This detailed guide will help you download the official sample paper, understand the marking scheme, and get expert tips to prepare effectively for your Sociology board exam.
Overview of CBSE Class 12 Sociology 2025-26 Exam
The CBSE Class 12 Sociology exam 2025-26 will test students’ understanding of society, culture, social institutions, and contemporary issues. The exam evaluates conceptual clarity, analytical skills, and the ability to relate sociological theories to real-world situations.
Here’s a quick overview of the exam pattern:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Subject Name | Sociology |
| Class | 12th |
| Academic Year | 2025–26 |
| Type of Paper | Theory + Project Work |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks (80 Theory + 20 Project) |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Official Website | www.cbse.gov.in |
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper 2025-26 – Download PDF
The CBSE releases sample papers every year for all subjects, including Sociology, to help students understand the latest question paper pattern, marking scheme, and types of questions asked in the board exam.
You can download the CBSE Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper 2025-26 PDF directly from the CBSE academic website.
Direct Link to Download:
- CBSE Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper 2025-26 (PDF)
- CBSE Class 12 Sociology Marking Scheme 2025-26 (PDF)
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Question Paper Pattern 2025-26
The question paper is divided into multiple sections, covering both short and long answer questions. Understanding the structure helps you allocate your time wisely during the exam.
| Section | Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Very Short Answer (Objective/MCQs) | 10 | 1 × 10 = 10 |
| Section B | Short Answer (3 Marks Each) | 6 | 3 × 6 = 18 |
| Section C | Long Answer (4 Marks Each) | 4 | 4 × 4 = 16 |
| Section D | Long Answer (6 Marks Each) | 4 | 6 × 4 = 24 |
| Total | — | 24 Questions | 80 Marks |
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Syllabus 2025-26
The Sociology syllabus for 2025–26 is based on two NCERT books:
- Indian Society
- Social Change and Development in India
Here’s the unit-wise breakdown:
Part A – Indian Society
| Unit | Topics Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introducing Indian Society | 6 |
| 2 | The Demographic Structure of Indian Society | 6 |
| 3 | Social Institutions: Continuity and Change | 6 |
| 4 | The Market as a Social Institution | 6 |
| 5 | Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion | 6 |
| 6 | The Challenges of Cultural Diversity | 6 |
| Total (Part A) | — | 30 Marks |
Part B – Social Change and Development in India
| Unit | Topics Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Structural Change | 6 |
| 2 | Cultural Change | 6 |
| 3 | The Story of Indian Democracy | 6 |
| 4 | Change and Development in Rural Society | 6 |
| 5 | Change and Development in Industrial Society | 6 |
| 6 | Globalisation and Social Change | 6 |
| 7 | Mass Media and Communications | 4 |
| 8 | Social Movements | 4 |
| Total (Part B) | — | 50 Marks |
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Marking Scheme 2025-26
Understanding the marking scheme helps you know what examiners expect in your answers. Here’s the breakdown:
- 1-mark questions: Straightforward or concept-based
- 3-mark questions: Short analytical answers (50–60 words)
- 4-mark questions: Brief explanatory answers with examples
- 6-mark questions: In-depth, value-based answers with critical insights
Pro Tip: Always relate your answers to real-life examples, case studies, and sociological terms for higher marks.
Important Topics from the CBSE Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper 2025-26
Some topics are repeated frequently in board exams. Based on past trends and the 2025–26 sample paper, focus on these high-weightage topics:
From “Indian Society”
- Family, kinship, and caste system
- The impact of colonialism and industrialization on Indian society
- Cultural diversity and unity in India
- Patterns of social inequality
- Market and social relations
From “Social Change and Development in India”
- Globalization and its impact on Indian society
- Role of mass media in social change
- Social movements (environmental, women’s, and Dalit movements)
- Change and development in rural India
- Structural and cultural change
How to Use the CBSE Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper Effectively
The sample paper is a powerful revision tool, but only if used strategically. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
1. Attempt in Exam Conditions
- Set a timer for 3 hours and write the paper as if it’s your board exam.
- This helps improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence.
2. Analyze the Marking Scheme
- Compare your answers with the official CBSE marking scheme.
- Understand what examiners are looking for in top-scoring answers.
3. Revise Weak Areas
- Identify where you lost marks (theory gaps, time management, or conceptual clarity).
- Revisit those topics in your NCERT textbook.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers
- Attempt at least 5–6 past year papers to understand question patterns and repetition trends.
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Preparation Tips 2025-26
Here are some expert tips to help you prepare smartly for your board exam:
Study NCERT Thoroughly
Most Sociology questions in the board exam come directly from NCERT textbooks. Focus on definitions, sociological terms, and examples mentioned in the book.
Make Short Notes
Summarize each chapter in concise notes. This helps in quick revision before exams.
Focus on Keywords
Always use sociological keywords like modernization, secularization, globalization, caste mobility, kinship to make your answers more authentic.
Add Real-life Examples
Use examples from current affairs or society — such as the role of media in shaping public opinion or urbanization’s impact on rural culture.
Revise Diagrams and Flowcharts
Some concepts, like social stratification or types of social change, can be represented visually. This improves presentation and saves time.
Practice Writing Long Answers
For 6-mark questions, structure your answers as:
- Introduction
- Explanation with example
- Conclusion / Sociological insight
CBSE Class 12 Sociology Project Work 2025-26
Apart from theory, Sociology includes 20 marks of project work. It’s a scoring component if done sincerely.
Project Work Components:
| Part | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Project File | Report on a chosen topic (survey/research) | 10 |
| Viva Voce | Oral questions on the project | 5 |
| Presentation | Clarity, creativity, analysis | 5 |
| Total | — | 20 Marks |
Popular Project Topics:
- Gender roles in modern India
- Impact of social media on youth behavior
- Changing family structures
- Education and social mobility
- Rural-urban migration patterns
(Both links redirect to the official CBSE academic website.)
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper 2025-26 is your ultimate tool to score high in the board exam. By practicing it regularly, analyzing the marking scheme, and revising key topics, you can easily strengthen your understanding and perform confidently.
So, download the sample paper, plan your revision smartly, and ace your Class 12 Sociology exam with flying colors.
