Mastering History and Political Science Entrances
📢 Official Notification & The "New Era" of Admissions
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the CUET PG 2026 Notification on December 14, 2025. The most critical update for this cycle is that the exam is now entirely domain-specific. NTA has scrapped Part A (General Aptitude), meaning your rank is determined 100% by your mastery of History or Political Science.
For the 2026 cycle, competition is at an all-time high. This deep dive provides everything you need to navigate the new rules and secure a seat in JNU, DU, or BHU.
I. CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern & Key Dates
The NTA has stabilized the format, but the timeline is strict. Ensure you register before the January deadline.
1.1 The 2026 Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 75 (Multiple Choice Questions – All Domain Specific).
- Total Marks: 300.
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answers; -1 for incorrect ones.
- Duration: 90 Minutes (Time management is vital; you have 1.2 minutes per question).
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
1.2 Official Timeline (Academic Session 2026-27)
Event | Date (Official/Confirmed) |
Notification & Registration Starts | December 14, 2025 |
Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | January 14, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
Correction Window | January 18 – January 20, 2026 |
Admit Card Release | Early March 2026 |
CUET PG 2026 Exam Window | March 13 – April 1, 2026 |
Results Declaration | May 2026 |
1.3 Application Fee Structure
- General: ₹1,400 (up to 2 papers) | ₹600 (per additional paper).
- OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹1,200 | ₹500.
- SC/ST/Third Gender: ₹1,100 | ₹500.
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II. Master Syllabus: History (HUQP09)
History in 2026 requires a shift from rote memorization to a deep understanding of historiography and social structures.
2.1 Ancient India (Prehistory to 1206 AD)
- Foundations: Paleolithic to Neolithic sites; Indus Valley town planning and trade.
- Vedic & Mahajanapadas: Comparison of Early/Later Vedic social structures; the rise of Magadha.
- Empires: Mauryan administration (Arthashastra), the Gupta “Golden Age,” and Harsha’s reign.
2.2 Medieval India (1206 AD to 1707 AD)
- Sultanate: The Iqta system, market reforms of Alauddin Khilji, and the Tughlaq experiments.
- Mughals: Mansabdari system, Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi, and Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy.
- Regional Powers: The Marathas (Ashtapradhan) and the Vijayanagar Empire’s Nayaka system.
2.3 Modern India & Historiography
- Colonialism: Economic impact (Drain of Wealth theory) and Land Settlements.
- National Movement: Gandhian phases, Extremist vs. Moderate factions, and Constitutional development.
- Historiography: Major schools—Marxist, Nationalist, and Subaltern perspectives.
III. Master Syllabus: Political Science (HUQP18)
The 2026 syllabus tests the connection between classical theories and modern global governance.
3.1 Political Philosophy
- Western: The “Big Three” (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau), Plato’s Republic, and modern thinkers like John Rawls and Hannah Arendt.
- Indian: Kautilya’s Saptanga theory, Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Savarkar.
3.2 Indian Government & Politics (Highest Weightage)
- Framework: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and DPSPs.
- Governance: Powers of the President vs. PM; Judicial Review and PIL.
- Local Government: 73rd and 74th Amendments.
3.3 International Relations (IR)
- Theories: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism.
- Global Bodies: UN reforms, BRICS+, and the outcomes of India’s G20 Presidency.
IV. The 12-Month Preparation Roadmap
- Months 1-4: Conceptual Foundation: Use NCERTs (Class 11 & 12). For History, read the “Themes in Indian History” series. For Pol Science, focus on “Political Theory.”
- Months 5-8: Domain Excellence:
- History: Upinder Singh (Ancient), Satish Chandra (Medieval), and Bipan Chandra (Modern).
- Pol Science: M. Laxmikanth (Polity) and O.P. Gauba (Theory).
- Months 9-12: Testing & Revision: Solve 2022-2025 PYQs. Focus on accuracy to avoid the -1 negative marking.
V. Expected Cut-offs & Top Universities (Safe Zone)
With the removal of Part A, scores out of 300 will determine your rank:
- JNU (MA IR/Pol Science/History): 255+ marks.
- DU (MA History/Pol Science): 240+ marks.
- BHU / HCU: 220+ marks.
VI. Pro-Tips for CUET PG 2026 Success
- Elimination Method: Often knowing what is wrong is the fastest way to find the right answer in MCQs.
- The “Author-Book” List: NTA loves asking about famous works (e.g., “Who wrote The Discovery of India?”). Keep a running list.
- Speed Training: Practice 75 questions in 80 minutes during mocks to leave 10 minutes for review.
Conclusion: Start Your Application Today
The journey to your dream university begins with a single step. The CUET PG 2026 registration window is narrow, closing on January 14, 2026. Apply early, understand your domain syllabus, and stay disciplined.
Connect With Us
If you’re serious about CUET 2026 and want expert guidance to get into your dream college, reach out to Stargate Education. Call us at 7210032621 and our team will help you with all the details, demo sessions, and batch timings.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
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