CUET UG 2023: How to prepare for Political Science portion through NCERT books

Having said that, the CBSE Board students have an advantage of familiarity with topics and application of concepts that resonate with the CUET. 

Foundation Knowledge: 

Studying Political Science in CBSE can help a child develop a strong foundation in the subject. This can help in a better understanding of the core concepts and theories that are tested in CUET. 

Analytical Skills: 

Political Science involves analyzing complex issues and developing persuasive arguments based on evidence. Studying Political Science in CBSE can help you develop your analytical and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in CUET.

Exam Preparation: 

CBSE exams are designed to test a student’s knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. By preparing for and taking CBSE exams, you can develop good study habits, gradual build-up from simple to more complex topics and issues, test-taking strategies that can help you perform well in CUET exams.

A look at the CUET Political Science Paper and strategies to attempt the paper:

The CUET paper will have 50 questions out of which 40 need to be attempted. All the topics can be broadly categorised into ‘Politics in India Since Independence’ and ‘Contemporary World Politics. These topics are aligned to the NCERT textbooks that go by the same title.

Political science is a broad subject that demands a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals to perform well in exams. In this regard, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has specified a definite set of units and sub-topics that need to be focused on during the preparation of Political Science in CUET.

It is important for students to thoroughly prepare and revise the following units:

– Politics in India since independence: Challenges of nation-building, Era of one-party dominance ,Politics of planned development,India’s external relations,Challenges to and restoration of the congress system, Crisis of the Constitutional Order,Rise of New Social Movements, Democratic Upsurge and Coalition Politics ,Recent developments in Indian politics. 

– Contemporary world politics: Cold War era in world politics, End of Bipolarity, US dominance in world politics, Alternative centres of power, South Asia in the post-cold war era, International organisations in a unipolar world, Security in the contemporary world, Environment, and natural resources in global politics, Globalisation, and its critics. 

Students could lay special focus on some chapters while preparing for the exam. Some of these chapters are- challenges of nation-building, Crisis of the constitutional order,International organisations in a unipolar world, environment, and natural resources in global politics and globalisation to name a few. 

Focus on NCERT Textbooks: Every line, picture or infographic in the textbook can lead to a question, do not ignore the book.

Time management is critical to success: Attempting all 40 questions in the stipulated time depends on two factors – Choosing questions wisely; not getting stuck on questions where one has doubts; move on to the next question. One needs to be aware that there is a negative marking in place, yet a child can practice the strategy of option elimination to arrive at the answer. This needs practice.

(The author is Head – Academics, CUET at Career Launcher)