Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 PDF Download: Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 is the most important resource for candidates preparing for the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Recruitment under the Women and Child Development Department. Understanding the latest Kerala PSC CDPO syllabus 2026 helps candidates identify important topics, prioritise preparation, improve time management, and develop an effective study plan for the upcoming CDPO exam.

Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 Key Details

Since CDPO is a Gazetted Officer-level position, the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 evaluates both subject expertise and administrative awareness related to women and child welfare programmes. The CDPO covers core subjects such as Home Science, Social Work, Sociology, and Psychology, along with topics related to child welfare, community development, and social welfare administration. The key details of the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 are provided below. 

Particulars	Details
Post Name	Child Development Project Officer 2026 (CDPO)
CDPO Category Number	25/2026
CDPO Department	Women and Child Development
CDPO Recruitment Type	Direct Recruitment
CDPO Exam Standard	Postgraduate Level
CDPO Total Marks	100 Marks
CDPO Exam Duration	1 Hour 30 Minutes
CDPO 2026 Negative Marking	1/3 Mark
CDPO Medium of Exam	English
Official CDPO Syllabus 2026	Released by Kerala PSC
Kerala PSC Official Website	Kerala PSC Home 2

 

 

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Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage

The Kerala PSC CDPO Exam 2026 follows a subject-oriented postgraduate-level CDPO syllabus. Each core discipline contributes equally to the exam, making balanced preparation essential for securing a high rank.

Candidates should prepare all four subjects in detail, as Kerala PSC can ask conceptual, analytical, and application-based questions from any module for the upcoming Kerala PSC CDPO Exam 2026.

Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus PDF Download 2026

Kerala PSC has published the detailed syllabus for the Child Development Project Officer exam 2026. Candidates preparing for CDPO 2026 are advised to download the official syllabus PDF and prepare according to the latest topics prescribed by Kerala PSC. Download the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus PDF from the link given below.

Click Here for Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus PDF Download 2026

The official CDPO syllabus should always be treated as the primary reference source for your CDPO preparation 2026.

Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 - Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus 

The official Kerala PSC CDPO syllabus 2026 primarily focuses on four postgraduate-level subjects including Sociology, Psychology, Home Science, and Social Work, with each section carrying equal weightage. Candidates are expected to possess strong conceptual understanding in child development, nutrition, social welfare, community development, women empowerment, psychology, social legislation, and welfare administration. Learn the detailed Subject-Wise CDPO Syllabus from below.

DETAILED SYLLABUS FOR THE POST OF

 CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OFFICER (WOMEN ONLY)

WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

(Cat.No. 25/2026)

Sociology (25 Marks) 

Module 1 - Origin and Development of Sociology 

Definition of Sociology and Sociological Imagination, Major Contributions of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and George Simmel. Expansion of Sociology in the 20th Century, Structural functionalism, Conflict perspective, Interactionist and Phenomenological Schools of Herbert Blumer, E. Goffman, E . Husserl and A Schutz, Critical theory of Habermas, Integrative theories of A Giddens and Bourdieu, Post-modern and Post-structural theories of M Foucault, J Derrida. 

Module 2- Sociology in India 

Scope and significance of Sociology in India, Indological, Marxian and Structural functional perspectives in Indian Sociology. Family, Kinship and marriage in India. Structural and functional variations. Joint- nuclear debate in Family studies. Nature of Family, marriage and Kinship in contemporary India. Studies on caste in India: Louis Dumont, Gail Omvedt, Subaltern Perspectives of Ambedkar and Kancha Illiah. 

Module 3- Globalisation and development 

Historical and social context of globalization,-Features of globalization-Social impact and increasing inequalities. Economic development and environmental degradation. Depletion of Natural resources: water, land, minerals-Development induced displacement-Environmental pollution and waste management-Deforestation-Global warming. Gender issues in Development, Gender auditing, Poverty alleviation programmes in India, MNREGS, role of women in Panchayati raj institutions, Kudumbasree- Women empowerment programme in Kerala. 

Module 4- Social Problems 

Violence against Women, Children and Elderly, Domestic violence, Child Abuse, Pocso Act, Malnutrition, problem of Dowry, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, poverty, inequality, Unemployment, violence against minorities and backward communities, Problem of social exclusion and inclusion. Untouchability: historical and social roots. Problems of gender and sexual minorities, Religious fundamentalism and communalism. 

Module 5- Social Research Methods 

Types of research: Different classifications of research based on: Purposes of Social Research: Exploratory; Descriptive, Explanatory, Methodology: Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed methods, Outcome: Applied and Basic, action, participatory. Basic Research Designs in sociology: cross sectional; longitudinal, and case study. Types of data: Primary and secondary. Basic steps in research.

Psychology (25 Marks) 

1. Introduction to psychology: Psychology-approaches to psychology: Structuralism Behaviourism- Gestalt psychology. Biological- Psychoanalytic -Humanistic -Cognitive approaches- Methods in psychology Observation-Case study-Survey and Experimental methods. 
2. Biological basis of behaviour-Brain and behaviour-neuron-structure of neuron- synapseneurotransmitters-CNS-cerebral hemisphere-hemispheric specialization, lobes, fore brain, mid brain, hind brain, endocrine system, hormones and behaviour, limbic system - hippocampus, amygdale-Evolution, Genes and Behaviour. Sensory and motor processing localization of language-localization of perception. 
3. Sensation, attention, perception and consciousness: sensory thresholds-attention-types of attention models of attention--subliminal perception-colour perception-cues-perception of form- pattern or objects- figure and ground-0 contour- perceptual constancies- sizeshape- orientation- brightness -illusions- type of illusions-ESP-states of consciousnessbiological rhythms-dream and sleep-ASC meditation 
4. Psychological processes: learning: classical conditioning-operant conditioning-cognitive learning-observational learning-memory: encoding-storage and retrieval process-sensory, short term and long term memories-chunking- working memory-semantic and episodic memory-explicit and implicit memory-forgetting: decay interference-repression-amnesiamnemonics-cognitive process-images and concepts-prototypes-language-deductive and inductive reasoning-decision making-problem solving-motivation-need, drive, incentivesbiological and psychological motives-hierarchy of needs-extrinsic and intrinsic motivesintelligence-concepts of IQ-Emotional intelligence. 
5. Personality and abnormal behaviour: Approaches to personality-major ideas of Freud’s theory-assessment of personality-self report and projective measures-DSM-ICD classification-normality, abnormality, psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence—ADHD—conduct disorder—oppositional defiant disorder--anxiety disorders-mood disorders-schizophrenia-personality disorders.
6. Social psychology-Social perception- -Attribution—Impression formation-- Social cognition-Social influence-Conformity-compliance-obedience. Attitudes -Attitudes and behaviour, Attitude formation, Attitude change, Prejudice and discrimination---Pro social behaviour. 

Home Science  (25 Marks) 

Physiology and Microbiology 

Digestive system, Cardiovascular system, and Reproductive system. Food microbiology, food poisoning, food spoilage, food borne infections- cholera, dysentery, botulism and salmonellosis, Viral infections- AIDS, Covid 19, Poliomyelitis, Economic importance of mould and yeast 

Child development and welfare 

Factors influencing prenatal development -maternal nutrition, physical and mental health of pregnant women, IUGR, birth process- stages of labour, Types of birth – normal, caesarean, breech and transverse, Pre-mature and LBW babies, neonate- characteristics, abilities and adjustments, reflexes, APGAR test, milestones, Breast feeding – Advantages and disadvantages, Immunization, Feeding the infant, WHO guidelines – Infant and young child feeding, significance of first 1000 days of life, MBFHI, Play-types and significance, Discipline and guidance, Family norms, family planning, sex education, STD, Children with special needs. 

Human Nutrition and Dietetics 

Balanced nutrition, RDA, Fibre, Macronutrients and micronutrients- role in human health, sources, deficiencies, toxicity. Medical nutrition therapy- NCDs, fevers, diarrhea (ORS), Pregnancy, Lactation, preschoolers, school going, adolescents, adults and in old age. Common nutritional problems in the community, Important national and international agencies involved in enhancing population nutrition. Nutritional assessment of children and adults, 

Extension Education and Communication 

Definition, principles, philosophy, formal / informal extension education, poverty alleviation programs of India, Program development-planning executing and evaluation, Communication methods- Journalism/ Community Radio/ TV, Traditional media-folk media, Concept of NGO, CSR, Population- growth, explosion, policies at State and National level, welfare programs for the aged, gender sensitisation 

Basic Food Science 

Food groups, cereals, pulses, nuts, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, meat, fish, eggs, poultry, beverages, spices- composition, nutritive contents, processed products, selection and storage, nutrition labelling, FSSAI- objective and role, food preservation, food adulteration, food additives 

Social Work 25 Marks

Social Work

Social Work: Definition, meaning, purpose, goals and objectives - principles and assumptions of social work - basic and auxiliary methods of social work - tools, techniques, skills and abilities of professional social worker - NASW Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice - Theories of Development: Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Freud Pregnancy, Childhood, Middle Childhood. Adolescence and Old-age: Biopsychosocial Changes, Developmental Tasks & Hazards 

Working with Individuals (Social Casework) 

Social Casework: definition, nature, objectives, relevance and scope of - philosophy, principles and components of social case work Social Casework Process: Exploration, Engagement, Assessment and Planning, Implementation, Goal Attainment, Termination and Evaluation - Skills and techniques in social case work Models of Case Work Practice: Psychodynamic, Behavioural, Psychosocial, General Systems, Ecological & Humanistic-Existential 

Working with Groups & Communities (Social Group Work & Community Organisation) 

Social Group Work: Definition, objectives, scope, purpose - principles of Group Work -Social Group Work Process - Intake, Study, goal setting, intervention, evaluation - programme as a tool, principles of programme planning, programme development process- stages of group development Social Group Work Models - Group worker - role, functions, skills and qualities. Community Organisation: Definition, objectives, scope, purpose principles of community organization Process: Creating discontent, identifying needs, prioritizing needs, designing interventions, mobilizing resources, setting human organisations, implementing and evaluatingModels of Community Organisation: Social Planning, Locality Development and Social Action, Neighbourhood Development, Systems Change & Structural Change 

Social Work Administration

Social Work Administration - Concept, as a method, objectives, principles and functions - tasks of a Social work administrator - organization, structure and function of CSWB and SSWB and Department of Social Justice - Legislations: Probation of Offender's Act, 1956; Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection) Act 2000; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016; Domestic Violence (Prohibitien) Act 2005; POCSO Act 2012; Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961; Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) - Roles of Social Worker in Women and Child Protection at LSG level: village level child protection committees & jagratha samiti for women protection. 

Social Security Schemes 

Kerala Social Security Mission: objectives & functions - Schemes: Vayomithram Snehasanthwanam Srutitharangam - Thalolam - Hunger Free City - Cancer Sureksha - Aswasakiranam - Prathyasa - Samashwasam - Supplementary Department of Women and Child Development: objectives & functions - Schemes: Abhayakiranam Nutrition Program Aashwasanidhi - First 1000 Days - Mangalya Scheme- - Sahayahastham - Education Assistance for Women-headed Families Others: Sampushta Keralam - ICDS-ORC- Nirbhaya. 

NOTE: - It may be noted that apart from the topics detailed above, questions from other topics prescribed for the educational qualification of the post may also appear in the question paper. There is no undertaking that all the topics above may be covered in the question paper. 

Kerala PSC CDPO Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates should understand the Kerala PSC CDPO Exam Pattern 2026 before going to start their preparation. The Kerala PSC CDPO exam is objective in nature and includes questions from all major syllabus areas.

A clear understanding of the CDPO exam pattern helps candidates allocate preparation time effectively across different subjects.

Start Your Kerala PSC CDPO Preparation Today

The Kerala PSC CDPO exam 2026 is one of the most prestigious officer-level recruitments in the Women and Child Development Department. Candidates aiming for a top rank should begin preparation early by thoroughly covering the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026, understanding the exam pattern, and practising with mock tests.

CC Learning App provides complete Kerala PSC CDPO preparation support through expert-led classes, syllabus-oriented learning modules, previous year question discussions, current affairs updates, mock tests, revision programmes, and personalised mentorship to help aspirants secure top ranks in the upcoming CDPO examination.

Download the CC Learning App and start your Kerala PSC CDPO Preparation 2026 with expert guidance and personalised mentorship. 

Frequently Asked Questions for CDPO 2026

Where can I download the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus PDF 2026?

Candidates can download the official Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus PDF 2026 directly from this page or from the Kerala PSC website. The syllabus PDF contains the complete subject-wise topics prescribed for the Child Development Project Officer examination.

What subjects are included in the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026?

The Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 consists of four major postgraduate-level subjects, which are Sociology, Psychology, Home Science, and Social Work. Each subject carries 25 marks and includes topics related to child development, social welfare, community development, nutrition, women empowerment, psychology, social legislation, and welfare administration.

What is the exam standard for Kerala PSC CDPO 2026?

The Kerala PSC CDPO exam 2026 is conducted at the postgraduate level considering the professional and administrative responsibilities associated with the post.

Is there negative marking in the CDPO Exam 2026?

Yes. Kerala PSC follows a negative marking system for the CDPO examination. One-third (1/3) marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

What is the medium of the Kerala PSC CDPO Exam 2026?

The Kerala PSC CDPO exam 2026 is conducted in English.

Which topics are most important for Kerala PSC CDPO Preparation 2026?

Some of the most important areas in the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 include:

• Child Development and Welfare
• Human Nutrition and Dietetics
• Social Work Administration
• Social Security Schemes
• Sociology in India
• Globalisation and Development
• Social Problems
• Psychological Processes
• Personality and Abnormal Behaviour
• Women and Child Welfare Legislations
• ICDS and Kerala Welfare Programmes

These topics are frequently considered high-priority areas due to their direct relevance to the responsibilities of a Child Development Project Officer.

Is Child Development an important topic in the CDPO syllabus?

Yes. Child Development is one of the core areas of the Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus and covers growth and development, child welfare programmes, immunisation, child rights, and early childhood development.

How many questions are asked in the Kerala PSC CDPO Exam 2026?

The CDPO exam 2026 consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 100 marks.

What is the duration of the Kerala PSC CDPO Exam 2026?

Candidates will get 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the PSC CDPO Exam 2026.