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Sociology Optional Strategy for Mains 2024

PWOnlyIAS August 02, 2024 05:54 684 0

Sociology Optional Strategy for Mains 2024

Sociology Optional Strategy for Mains 2024: Sociology is a popular optional subject for UPSC Civil Services Mains due to its concise syllabus and significant overlap with General Studies papers. Candidates appearing for UPSC Mains 2024, require a strategic approach, consistent effort, and regular practice. Therefore to help you master Sociology and score well in the exam, here’s a detailed Sociology Optional Strategy for Mains 2024 along with the essentials.

Step-by-step Sociology Optional Strategy for Mains 2024

By understanding the syllabus, referring to standard books, practicing previous year’s papers, and integrating current affairs, you can master Sociology and score well in the UPSC Mains. Here we have provided some step-by-step Sociology Optional Strategy for Mains 2024 through which candidates who have opt sociology can easily prepare for the exam:

1. Understanding the Sociology Syllabus for UPSC Mains:

The Sociology syllabus for UPSC Mains is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Both have different syllabus, including topics related to Sociology.

Paper-I: Fundamentals of Sociology

This paper covers General Sociology, including core concepts, theories, and thinkers. It focuses on sociological theories, research methods, and major social institutions.

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Paper-II: Indian Society – Structure and Change

This paper focuses on the structure and dynamics of the Indian social system. It includes topics like caste, class, tribe, religion, social movements, and social change in India.

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2. Collected All the Study Material

When selecting sociology optional books, it is essential to ensure that the entire syllabus is covered while also presenting the content in an easily understandable manner. The following are some of the most crucial Sociology books for UPSC mains:

Paper 1 Paper 2
  • Sociology: Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos and Holborn
  • An Introduction to Political Theory by O. P. Gauba
  • Sociology Introduction by Anthony Giddens
  • Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan
  • Sociological theory by Ritzer George
  • IGNOU Sociology Study Material
  • Sociological Thought by M Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan
  • Social Change in Modern India by M N Srinivas
  • Indian Society: Themes and Social Issues by Nadeem Hasnain
  • Caste: Its Twentieth-Century Avatar by M N Srinivas 
  • Rural Sociology by S L Doshi
  • Persistence and Change in Tribal India by M.V. Rao
  • Social Background of Indian Nationalism by A R Desai
  • Handbook of Indian Sociology by Veena Das
  • Modernization of Indian tradition by Yogendra Singh
  • IGNOU Sociology Study Material

3. Make Comprehensive Notes

Create concise notes on each topic. This will help in quick revisions and also in writing answers with clarity. Through UPSC Optional Sociology (Hinglish) 2024 classes, you can get comprehensive notes along with all the necessary information. 

4. Regular Answer Writing Practice

Practice writing answers to previous years’ question papers. This helps in understanding the type of questions asked and framing structured answers under time constraints​​. Here are some Sociology previous year papers through which you can practice:

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Year Link
UPSC CSE Sociology Optional PYQ 2023 Paper 1: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper I (2023)
Paper 2: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper II (2023)
UPSC CSE Sociology Optional PYQ 2022 Paper 1: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper I (2022)
Paper 2: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper II (2022)
UPSC CSE Sociology Optional PYQ 2021 Paper 1: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper I (2021)
Paper 2: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper II (2021)
UPSC CSE Sociology Optional PYQ 2020 Paper 1: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper I (2020)
Paper 2: UPSC CSE Sociology Optional Paper II (2020)

5. Join a Test Series

Enroll in a test series for Sociology optional. This provides regular practice, and feedback, and helps in improving answer writing skills. You can find many test series through which you can easily prepare for the exam.

6. Integrate Current Affairs

Stay updated with current events and relate them to sociological theories and concepts. This is crucial as questions often link theoretical concepts with contemporary issues. Follow PW OnlyIAS daily current affairs for relevant updates.

7. Regular Revision

Revise regularly to retain concepts and theories. Make use of mind maps and flowcharts for better retention. Set weekly targets for completing topics and stick to them. This keeps your preparation on track.

8. Combine Reading and Writing

Along with reading, write short notes or answer questions to ensure you understand and remember what you study. Engage in discussions with peers. This helps in gaining new perspectives and clarifying doubts.

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Advantages of Choosing Sociology Optional

Choosing Sociology as an optional subject for UPSC Mains can be highly beneficial for aspirants. Sociology offers a relatively concise syllabus, significant overlap with General Studies, and practical applicability in various stages of the exam. Here are some advantages of choosing Sociology as an optional subject:

1. Overlap with General Studies

A significant portion of the Sociology syllabus overlaps with GS Paper I (Indian Society) and also helps in Essay and Ethics papers. This reduces the overall burden of preparation​.

2. Scoring Potential

Sociology has a high-scoring potential. With the right preparation strategy, students can score very well, enhancing their overall rank.

3. Applicability in Interview

Sociological knowledge is beneficial during the interview stage, as many questions are related to societal issues and problems.

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4. Short and Predictable Syllabus

The Sociology syllabus is relatively short and predictable, making it a manageable optional subject for students from diverse academic backgrounds.

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UPSC Mains 2024 Related Articles
UPSC CSE Mains 2024 UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024
UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024 UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Admit Card 2024 UPSC Mains Previous Year Cutoff

 

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UPSC Daily Editorials UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store 
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store UPSC Test Series 2024
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

 

FAQs On Sociology Optional Strategy for Mains 2024

Sociology is popular due to its concise syllabus, overlap with General Studies, and high scoring potential.

Sociology overlaps with GS Paper I (Indian Society), GS Paper II (Governance and Social Justice), and GS Paper IV (Ethics).

Key books include "Sociology: Themes and Perspectives" by Haralambos, "Sociological Thought" by Abraham and Morgan, and "Social Change in Modern India" by M.N. Srinivas.

Yes, candidates from any background can choose Sociology; it does not require prior knowledge.

Answer writing improves structuring, time management, and clarity, essential for high scores in Sociology.

Understand the syllabus, study standard books, make concise notes, practice answer writing, join a test series, relate current affairs, and revise regularly.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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