Sociology Mains: IGNOU BA, MA (No

registration), Topper Notes, Last 34 years

Question papers (1979-2012), NCERT,
NIOS
Non-sociology candidates can also do selective study of some of these files for GS, Essay,
Interview preparation, depending on their time n mood (e.g. MPS 003 Democracy and
Development, MSOE-003 Diaspora, ESO-16 Social problems of India).
1. Prologue
2. Essential (Free) softwares and instructions
3. Download links
4. INDEX IGNOU BA Sociology
1. ESO-11: The Study of Society
2. ESO-12 Society in India
3. ESO-13 Sociological Thought
4. ESO-14 Society and Stratification
5. ESO-15 Society and Religion
6. ESO-16 Social Problems in India
5. Index IGNOU MA Sociology
1. MPS-003 India Democracy and Development
2. MSO-001 Sociological Theories and Concepts
3. MSO-002 Research Methodologies and Methods
4. MSO-003 Sociology of Development
5. MSO-004 Sociology in India
6. MSOE-001 Sociology of Education
7. MSOE-002 Diaspora and Transnational Communities
8. MSOE-003 Sociology of Religion
9. MSOE-004 Urban Sociology
6. Syllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 1
7. Syllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 2
Prologue
Internet contains lot of (legally) free and important study-material for various optional
subjects of UPSC. This is my attempt to combine everything at once place for quick
convenient download. This article contains download links following:
1. IGNOU BA and MA Sociology (Direct download of whole sets/courses, no
registration required)
2. Last 34 years official UPSC mains question papers for Sociology (1979-2012)
3. Topper Kshitij Tyagi (AIR 148/CSE 2011)s handwritten notes for Sociology paper 1
4. NCERT Sociology class 12 (Two books)
5. NIOS study material for Sociology
Keep in mind that not everything covered under IGNOU BA/MA would be relevant for the
given subject. For example, IGNOU MA Public Administration contains lengthy course on
Human Resources, but majority of its chapters are not included in the UPSCs Public
Administration syllabus. Therefore, while preparing for optional subjects, whatever you study
from IGNOU (or any book), always keep the UPSC syllabus in mind.
Essential (Free) softwares and instructions
1. Majority of these PDF files provides direct copying of text. => That means you can
use Mrunals autonotemaker to quickly make notes and mindmaps out of it, just use
mouse curose to highlight a particular line /phrase and my software will copy copy its
text in a separate file. for more instructions click me
2. Foxit PDF reader. (necessary prerequisite for using Mrunals autonotemaker) click me
3. 7-zip (for unzipping the files) click me
Download links
Material Download Link
NCERT Class 11: Introducing Sociology Click ME
NCERT Class 11: Understanding Society Click ME
NCERT Class 12 Sociology (Two Books) Click ME
NIOS Sociology Click ME
Kshitij Tyagis Notes for Sociology Paper I Click ME
Last 34 years official UPSC sociology papers (1979-2012) Click ME
IGNOU BA Sociology (English) Click ME
IGNOU MA Sociology (English) Click ME
Note: In case of IGNOU, the material is subdivided into courses, just double click on zip files
and theyll start downloading. The index of each course is given below. (That way even non-
sociology candidates can also decide if they need any particular file that could help in their
GS/Essay/Interview).

INDEX IGNOU BA Sociology
ESO11: The Study of Society
1. Nature and Scope of Sociology
2. Basic Concepts in Sociology
3. Simple Societies
4. Complex Societies
5. Family
6. Marriage
7. Kinship
8. Nature of Socialisation
9. Agencies of Socialisation
10. Processes of Education
11. Educational Institutions
12. Economy and Technology
13. Production Processes
14. Distribution Processes
15. Consumption Pattern
16. Stateless Societies
17. State in Traditional Societies
18. State in Modern Societies
19. State and Other Institutions
20. Religious Beliefs and Practices
21. Culture I : Main Characteristics
22. Culture II : Diversity and Change
23. Values
24. Norms
25. Concepts of Social Structure
26. Social Roles
27. Social Networks
28. Social Functions
29. Social Stratification
30. Social Control
31. Social Deviance
32. Social Conflict
33. Social Change
34. Social Development
ESO-12 Society in India
1. Unity and Diversity
2. Rural Social Structure
3. Village and the Outside World
4. Patterns of Urbanisation
5. Urban Social Structure
6. Family and its Types
7. Marriage and its Changing Patterns
8. Kinship-I
9. Kinship-II
10. Rural Economy
11. Urban Economy
12. Rural and Urban Poverty
13. National Politics
14. Regional and State Polities
15. Hindu Social Organisation
16. Muslim Social Organisation
17. Christian Social Organisation
18. Sikh Social Organization
19. Zoroastrian Social Organisation
20. Caste Structure and Regional Patterns
21. Caste Continuity and Change
22. The Scheduled Castes
23. Class in India
24. Backward Classes
25. Tribes Social Structure I
26. Tribes Social Structure-II
27. Religion in Tribal Societies
28. Tribes and Modernization in India
29. Status of Women in India
30. Women s movements in India
31. Women and Work
32. Women and Education
33. Contemporary Women s Issues Health and Legal Aspects
34. Ethnic Relations and Conflicts
35. Social Movements
36. Development Planning and Change
37. Ecology and the Future of Society
ESO-13 Sociological Thought
1. Emergence Of Sociology In Europe
2. Founding Fathers I
3. Founding Fathers-II
4. History And Development Of Sociology In India -I
5. History And Development Of Sociology In India II
6. Historical Materialism
7. Forces, Relations and Modes of Production
8. Class and Class Conflict
9. Dialectics and Social Change
10. Sociology as Science
11. Comparative Method
12. Collective Representations
13. Forms of Social Solidarity
14. Ideal Types
15. Religion And Economy
16. Power And Authority
17. Rationality
18. Methodology Marx, Durkheim And Weber
19. Religion Durkheim And Weber
20. Division of Labour Durkheim And Marx
21. Capitalism Weber & Marx
22. Concept of Culture and Function-Malinowski
23. Magic, Science and Religion Malinowski
24. Concept of Social Structure Radcliffe
25. Concept of Function -Radcliffe-Brown
26. A Critique of Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown
27. The Concept Of Social System Parsons
28. Functionalism And Social Change Parsons
29. Manifest And Latent Function Merton
30. Theory Of Reference Group Merton
31. Critique Of Parsons And Merton
ESO-14 Society and Stratification
1. Social Stratification- Meaning and Approaches
2. Approaches to Social Stratification
3. Caste and Class in India
4. Stratification- Implications of Gender and Ethnicity
5. Marx and Weber
6. Parsons and Davis
7. Coser and Dahrendorf on Social Classes
8. Theories of Stratification- Towards A Synthesis Lenski, Luhmann, Berghe
9. Ethnicity as a Basis of Stratification
10. Tribal Ethnicity- The North-East
11. Religious Ethnicity- The Case of the Punjab
12. Linguistic Ethnicity in India
13. Gender as a Basis of Discrimination
14. Formation of Gender Identities
15. Gender Status and Power
16. Womens Empowerment- Some Illustrations
17. The Basis of Caste Hierarchy- Purity and Pollution
18. Dimensions of Caste- Rituals and Power
19. Caste Identity- Attributional and Interactional Approaches
20. Caste Dynamics- Economic and Political
21. Status of Dalits
22. Other Backward Classes
23. Scheduled Tribes
24. Marginalised Groups and Their Changing Status
25. Agrarian Class Structure
26. Industrial Classes
27. Middle Classes in India
28. Class Conflict
29. Concepts and Forms of Social Mobility
30. Social Mobility in Caste and Class
31. Factors and Forces of Social Mobility
32. Consequences of Social Mobility
ESO-15 Society and Religion
1. Sociology and the Study of Religion
2. Evolutionary Theories of Religion
3. Functionalist Theories of Religion
4. The Study of Religious Beliefs
5. The Study of Religious Symbols
6. Comparative Sociological Theories of Ritual
7. Ritual-I- A Case Study from Africa
8. Ritual-II- A Case Study from South-East Asia
9. Civil Religion
10. Religion and the Economic Order
11. Religion and Politics/State
12. Religious Organisations- Sects, Cults and Denominations
13. Religious Specialists- Shamans, Priests and Prophets
14. Religion- Social Stability and Change
15. Fundamentalism- Some Case Studies
16. Secularism and Secularisation
17. Religious Pluralism in India- As Fact and Value
18. Tribal Religion- Two Case Studies
19. Hinduism
20. Jainism and Buddhism
21. Christianity
22. Islam
23. Sikhism
24. Medieval Religious Movements I- Bhakti and Sufism
25. Medieval Religious Movements I- Veerashaivism
26. Modern Religious Movements II- Arya Samaj
27. Modern Religious Movements II- Ramakrishna Mission
28. Life Cycle Rituals-I- Birth and Marriage
29. Life Cycle Rituals-II- Death
30. Social Significance of Pilgrimages
31. Social Significance of Religious Festivals
32. Fundamentalism, Communalism and Secularism
ESO-16 Social Problems in India
1. Social Transformation and Problems
2. Approaches and Paradigms
3. Social ProblemsThe Indian Context
4. Social Demography
5. Migration
6. Urbanisation
7. Changing Family Structure
8. Unemployment
9. Labour Industrial
10. Labour Rural
11. Labour Women
12. Labour Children
13. Poverty and its Social Dynamics
14. Crime and Delinquency
15. Drug Addiction and Alcoholism
16. Violence and Terrorism
17. Children
18. Youth Identity And Alienation
19. Women
20. The Aged
21. Scheduled Castes
22. Scheduled Tribes
23. Minorities
24. Ethnicity
25. Land Access, Control and Management
26. Water Access, Control and Management
27. Forests Access, Control and Management
28. Role of the State and Other Associations
INDEX IGNOU MA Sociology
MPS-003 India Democracy and Development
1. National Movement
2. Development Models
3. Constitution And Social Transformation
4. Diversity
5. Inequality
6. Political Economy
7. Economy-Structure And Growth
8. Legislature
9. Bureaucracy, Police, Army
10. Judiciary
11. Federalism
12. Self Government
13. Political Parties
14. Workers And Peasents
15. Media
16. Interest Groups
17. Caste, Regligion, Language
18. Civil Society
19. Human Development
20. Gender
21. Regional Imbalances
22. Migration
23. Environment
24. Economic Reforms
25. Religious Politics
26. Ethnicity
27. Democracy And Development-Assessment
MSO-001 Sociological Theories and Concepts
1. Social Theory and its Context
2. Concept and Theory
3. Theory and Paradigm
4. Social Construction of Reality
5. Concept and Theories of Structure
6. Structure and Function
7. Structure, Function and Neo-Functionalism
8. The Conceptual and Theoretical Issues of Power
9. Class and Legitimacy
10. Power- Functional Perspective
11. Power and Institutions
12. Power/Knowledge
13. Evolution, Development and Function of Capitalism
14. Rationality, Work and Organisation
15. Entrepreneurship and Capitalism
16. Freedom and Liberty
17. Alienation
18. Sovereignty
19. State; Power as Elaborated by Marx, Weber, Parsons and Others
20. Citizenship
21. Civil Society and Democracy
22. Conceptualising Ethnicity
23. Construction of Identities
24. Boundaries and Boundary Maintenance
25. Concepts of Difference and Inequality
26. Class
27. Gender and Social Stratification
28. Theories of Origin of Caste System
29. Theories of Modernisation and Modernity
30. Tradition and Modernity
31. Post Structuralism and Post Modernism
MSO-002 Research Methodologies and Methods
1. Logic of Inquiry in Social Research
2. Empirical Approach
3. Diverse Logic of Theory Building
4. Theoretical Analysis
5. Issues of Epistemology
6. Philosophy of Social Science
7. Positivism and its Critique
8. Hermeneutics
9. Comparative Method
10. Feminist Approach
11. Participatory Method
12. Types of Research
13. Methods of Research
14. Elements of Research Design
15. Sampling Methods and Estimation of Sample Size
16. Measures of Central Tendency
17. Measures of Dispersion and Variability
18. Statistical Inference- Tests of Hypothesis
19. Correlation and Regression
20. Survey Method
21. Survey Design
22. Survey Instrumentation
23. Survey Execution and Data Analysis
24. Field Research I
25. Field Research II
26. Reliability, Validity and Triangulation
27. Qualitative Data Formatting and Processing
28. Writing up Qualitative Data
29. Using Internet and Word Processor
30. Using SPSS for Data Analysis Contents
31. Using SPSS in Report Writing
32. Tabulation and Graphic Presentation- Case Studies
33. Guidelines to Research Project Assignment
MSO-003 Sociology of Development
1. Development and Progress-Economic and Social Dimensions
2. Change, Modernisation and Development
3. Social, Human and Gender Development
4. Sustainable Development
5. Modernisation
6. Liberal Perspective on Development
7. Marxian Perspective on Development
8. Gandhian Perspective on Development
9. Dependency Theory of Underdevelopment
10. Social and Human Development
11. Gender Perspective on Development
12. Micro-Planning
13. Ecology, Environment and Development
14. Ethno-Development
15. Population and Development
16. India
17. Canada
18. Zimbabwe
19. Brazil
20. Economic, Social and Cultural Dimensions of Globalisation
21. Liberalisation and Structural Adjustment Programme
22. Globalisation, Privatisation and Indigenous knowledge
23. WTO, GATT, GATS- Capital and Human Flows
24. Dimensions of Knowledge Society- Issues of Access and Equity
25. Critique of Knowledge Society
26. Changing Roles of Media and ICTs on Employment
27. Dam and Displacement
28. Green Peace Movement
29. People Science Movement
30. Civil Society Movements and Grassroots Initiatives
MSO-004 Sociology in India
1. Social Background of the Emergence of Sociology in India
2. Emergence of the Discipline -Issues and Themes
3. Village Studies in India
4. The Colonial Perspective
5. Brahminical Perspective
6. View from the Field
7. Ambedkar and Lohia on Caste
8. Census Perspective
9. The Household and the Family
10. The Household as a CooperativeConflicting Unit
11. Marriage and Its Changing Patterns
12. Descent and Alliance Approaches to the Study of Kinship in India
13. Agrarian Classes and Categories
14. The Working Class
15. The Middle Class
16. Gender, Caste and Class
17. Tribe, Territory and Common Property Resources
18. Tribe and Caste
19. Elwin and Ghuryes Perspectives on Tribes
20. Social Differentiation among Tribes
21. Religion and Politics
22. Religion and Culture
23. Cohesive and Divisive Dimensions of Religion
24. Secularisation
25. Urbanization
26. Migration
27. Industrialisation
28. Globlisation
29. Social Movements- Meanings and Dimensions
30. Types of Social Movements
31. Peasants Movements
32. New Social Movements
MSOE-001 Sociology of Education
1. The Concept of Education
2. Theoretical Approaches
3. Thinkers on Education- I
4. Thinkers on Education- II
5. Education Knowledge and Power
6. Politics of Educational Curriculum
7. Education, Nation-building, State and Ideology
8. Education and Socialization
9. Education and Social Change
10. Education and Social Mobility
11. Role of Education in Social and Human Development Emerging Perspectives
12. Role of Education for Empowerment of the Marginalized
13. Education and the Policy of Positive Discrimination and Affirmative Action
14. Education Pluralism and Multiculturalism
15. Education in SAARC Countries Case Studies-1
16. Education in Europe Case Studies-2
17. Education Expansion and Growth
18. Constitutional Provisions and Educational Policies in India
19. Universalization of Elementarv Education
20. Crises in lndian Higher Education
21. Expansion of Professional Education and Private Sector
22. WTO, GATS, ICTS and Higher Education
23. Education Social Commitment vs. Commodification
24. Social and Philosophical Foundations of Open and Distance Learning
25. Critical Issues in Open and Distance Learning
26. ODL Problems and Prospects
MSOE-002 Diaspora and Transnational Communities
1. Conceptual Understanding of Indian Diaspora and Transnational Studies
2. Approaches to the Study of Indian Diaspora
3. Diasporic Communities of the World
4. Migration and Settlement of Indians Abroad
5. Indian Emigration During Colonial Rule
6. Post Independence Patterns of Migration
7. Indians in the Carribean
8. Indian Diaspora in Africa
9. Indian Diaspora in South and South East Asia
10. Indian Diaspora in Europe
11. Indian Diaspora in the New World North America
12. Indians in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
13. Indian Diaspora in West Asia
14. Immigration and Emigration Policies and their Implications
15. lndian State and Diaspora
16. Socio-Cultural Linkages Between lndian Diaspora
17. lndian Diaspora-Homeland Linkages
18. lndian Diaspora in Cyberspace
19. Films
20. Indian Diasporic Writing
21. Popular Perception
22. Identity, Nation-State and Diaspora
23. Sub-National Identities and Diaspora
24. Globalisation, Nationalism and Transnational Communities
MSOE-003 Sociology of Religion
1. Religion Sociological Perspectives
2. Anthropological Approaches
3. Historical and Comparative Approach
4. RELIGION- PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES
5. Marxian Theory
6. Durkheim and Functionalism
7. Weber and the Question of Meaning
8. M N Srinivas The Coorgs
9. Evans Pritchard- The Nuer
10. T N Madan- Non- Renunciation
11. Sudhir Kakar- Shamans, Mystics and Doctors
12. Peter Berger- Phenomenology of Religion
13. Clifford Geertz- Cultural Analysis
14. Levi-Strauss Totemism
15. Sikhism
16. Jainism and Buddhism
17. Christianity
18. Islam
19. Hinduism
20. Secularism and Secularization
21. Communalism and Fundamentalism
22. Religious Conversion
23. Transcendental Meditation
24. Hare Krishna Movement
25. Radhasoami Satsang
26. Sai baba of shirdi
MSOE-004 Urban Sociology
1. What is Urban Sociology
2. Urban Centre, Urbanisation and Urban Growth
3. City and Metropolis
4. Rural-Urban Continuum
5. Invasion, Succession, Concentration, Centralization and Segregation
6. Models of Urban Growth Concentric Zones, Sectors, Multiple Nuclei, Explai tative,
Syrn bolic
7. Social Area Analysis and Recent Advances
8. Ancient, Medieval and Colonial Cities Case Studies
9. Typologies of Cities
10. Temporal Evolution of Ancient, Modern, Pre-Industrial and Industrial Cities
11. Functional Classification of Cities Commercial, Administrative and Pilgrimage
Towns
12. Trends and Pattern of Urbanisation
13. Development of Urban Sociology
14. Urban Sociology in lndia
15. Level, Trends and Patterns
16. Marriage, Family and Kinship
17. Traditional Neighbourhoods and Modern Cities
18. Urban lnf luences on Rural Areas
19. Formal Sector
20. Urban Informal Sector
21. Changing Occupational Structure and Impact of Economic Liberalization
22. Poverty
23. Slums
24. Environment and Infrastructure
25. Local Self Government and the Emergence of Voluntary Organisation
26. Urban Planning
27. Media and Urban Governance
Syllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 1
1. Sociology The Discipline:
i. Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of sociology.
ii. Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.
iii. Sociology and common sense.
2. Sociology as Science:
i. Science, scientific method and critique.
ii. Major theoretical strands of research methodology.
iii. Positivism and its critique.
iv. Fact value and objectivity.
v. Non- positivist methodologies.
3. Research Methods and Analysis:
i. Qualitative and quantitative methods.
ii. Techniques of data collection.
iii. Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.
4. Sociological Thinkers:
i. Karl Marx
i. Historical materialism
ii. mode of production
iii. alienation
iv. class struggle.
ii. Emile Durkheim
i. Division of labour
ii. social fact
iii. suicide
iv. religion
v. Society
iii. Max Weber
i. Social action
ii. ideal types
iii. authority
iv. bureaucracy
v. Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.
iv. Talcolt Parsons
i. Social system
ii. pattern variables.
v. Robert K. Merton
i. Latent and manifest functions
ii. conformity and deviance
iii. reference groups.
vi. Mead Self and identity.
5. Stratification and Mobility:
i. Concepts
i. equality
ii. inequality
iii. hierarchy
iv. exclusion
v. poverty
vi. Deprivation
ii. Theories of social stratification
i. Structural functionalist theory
ii. Marxist theory
iii. Weberian theory
iii. Dimensions
i. Social stratification of class
ii. status groups
iii. gender
iv. ethnicity and race.
iv. Social mobility
i. open and closed systems
ii. types of mobility
iii. Sources and causes of mobility.
6. Works and Economic Life:
i. Social organization of work in different types of society
i. slave society,
ii. feudal society,
iii. industrial /capitalist society.
iv. Formal and informal organization of work.
v. Labour and society.
7. Politics and Society:
i. Sociological theories of power.
ii. Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.
iii. Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.
iv. Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.
8. Religion and Society:
i. Sociological theories of religion.
ii. Types of religious practices:
i. animism
ii. monism
iii. pluralism
iv. sects
v. cults.
iii. Religion in modern society
i. religion and science
ii. secularization
iii. religious revivalism
iv. fundamentalism.
9. Systems of Kinship:
i. Family, household, marriage.
ii. Types and forms of family.
iii. Lineage and descent.
iv. Patriarchy and sexual division of labour.
v. Contemporary trends.
10. Social Change in Modern Society:
i. Sociological theories of social change.
ii. Development and dependency.
iii. Agents of social change.
iv. Education and social change.
v. Science, technology and social change.
Syllabus: UPSC Sociology (Mains) Paper 2
#1: Introducing Indian Society:
a. Perspectives on the study of Indian society:
i. Indology (GS. Ghurye).
ii. Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).
iii. Marxist sociology (A R Desai).
b. Impact of colonial rule on Indian society :
i. Social background of Indian nationalism.
ii. Modernization of Indian tradition.
iii. Protests and movements during the colonial period.
iv. Social reforms.
#2: Social Structure
1. Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:
i. The idea of Indian village and village studies.
ii. Agrarian social structure evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
2. Caste System:
i. Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GSGhurye, M N Srinivas, Louis
Dumont, Andre Beteille.
ii. Features of caste system.
iii. Untouchability forms and perspectives.
3. Tribal communities in India:
i. Definitional problems.
ii. Geographical spread.
iii. Colonial policies and tribes.
iv. Issues of integration and autonomy.
4. Social Classes in India:
i. Agrarian class structure.
ii. Industrial class structure.
iii. Middle classes in India.
5. Systems of Kinship in India:
i. Lineage and descent in India.
ii. Types of kinship systems.
iii. Family and marriage in India.
iv. Household dimensions of the family.
v. Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour.
6. Religion and Society:
i. Religious communities in India.
ii. Problems of religious minorities.
#3: Social Changes in India:
7. Visions of Social Change in India:
i. Idea of development planning and mixed economy.
ii. Constitution, law and social change.
iii. Education and social change.
8. Rural and Agrarian transformation in India:
i. Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme,
cooperatives, poverty alleviation
ii. schemes.
iii. Green revolution and social change.
iv. Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture .
v. Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration.
9. Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:
i. Evolution of modern industry in India.
ii. Growth of urban settlements in India.
iii. Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.
iv. Informal sector, child labour.
v. Slums and deprivation in urban areas.
10. Politics and Society:
i. Nation, democracy and citizenship.
ii. Political parties, pressure groups, social and political elite.
iii. Regionalism and decentralization of power.
iv. Secularization.
11. Social Movements in Modern India:
i. Peasants and farmers movements.
ii. Womens movement.
iii. Backward classes & Dalit movement.
iv. Environmental movements.
v. Ethnicity and Identity movements.
12. Population Dynamics:
i. Population size, growth, composition and distribution.
ii. Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.
iii. Population policy and family planning.
iv. Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive
health.
13. Challenges of Social Transformation:
i. Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and
sustainability.
ii. Poverty, deprivation and inequalities.
iii. Violence against women.
iv. Caste conflicts.
v. Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.
vi. Illiteracy and disparities in education.
Is sociology a good option for UPSC IAS Mains exam?
So, youve decided upon attempting UPSC IAS 2013. Youve already started preparing for Prelims with
full vigor. But, hang on! Have you decided upon your mains optional subjects yet? Leaving it to 4
month time period between pre and mains is a blunder no sane candidate should commit. So, from
now on, Ill be discussing merits of various optional subjects, so that you get to decide on your
optional subjects for Mains as soon as possible.

Here Ive gathered information on merits of taking sociology as an optional subject in
UPSC IAS mains exam:

1. First and foremost, you dont need to have any background in this subject. Students from
various fields like doctors & engineers have successfully cleared IAS mains by taking sociology
as an optional.
2. Sociology is about society you live in. It examines role of a human being as a social being. For
those of you interested in understanding social relations and interactions, sociology comes out
as an easy subject to opt for.
3. Comprising of limited syllabus, sociology has become a favorite choice among candidates.
Once youve understood and grasped the basics in sociology, it is just about practicing writing
and enlarging your vocabulary.

Important No candidate should decide upon taking sociology as an optional subject
merely on the basis of the above mentioned grounds.

A genuine interest in understanding the society we live in should be the only deciding
criteria.

Recommended book list for UPSC IAS Mains: Sociology as an optional subject:

1. Sociology by T B Bottomore
2. Society in India by Ram Ahuja
3. Modern Sociological Theory by Abraham and Francis
4. Sociology by Anthony Giddens
5. IGNOU notes (especially for thinkers & Indian society)
How to prepare Sociology Optional for IAS
Exam
Sociology has ever been popular optional subject in Civil Services (Prelims and mains)
Examination and during previous years its popularity has even increased substantially with
the tremendous performance shown by scores of candidates.
Nonetheless some deserving candidates fail To perform better to make their names appear in
the list. This does not happen due to their lack of knowledge or understanding of the subject
but primarily it is so because they lack proper guidance to tackle the subject in a right
direction.
Here my endeavour shall be to make the subject intelligible, easier and tricky so that even an
average candidate may have the honour to reach the prestigious score of 350.
Sociology: A safer optional subject
No special knowledge or academic background is required for the preparation of Sociology
as an optional subject. Numerous evidences show that candidates without any special skill in
Sociology have obtained high scores. The basic requirement of high scoring is actually the
understanding of different elements of Sociology in right direction and making their use in a
well-arranged and well-organised way. In other words, it can be said that Sociology is made
up of different elements and all the elements are inter-related with each other in one or other
way. How do we take up or understand these inter-relations, all depends on our personal
ability. We develop this ability with the help of standard books and notes but sharpen it only
under appropriate guidance, because books and notes are equally available to everyone,
however, extraction of needful material from them varies from person to person. Here an
appropriate guidance makes it easier even to an average student. A real guidance, through
some novel approaches, makes any subject so much acceptable that a curiosity of reading and
understanding the subject is easily born in us and that further paves the way for securing high
marks.
Sociology 1st paper is commonly known as Thinkers paper. There are six thinkers namely
Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, R.K. Merton and Mead
mentioned herein. So, the candidates are required to focus heavily on thinkers and that almost
completes the 1st paper. In this context, I wrote a book on thinkers in Hindi entitled with
( ) earlier; the English version of which is on the verge of its
completion. It will solve most of thinker's related problems.
Thinkers part is scaled as nearly 10 percent of the total syllabus of first paper but from the
examination point of view, its corresponding weightage is almost 70 percent. In this way 90
percent of the syllabus covers only 30 percent of questions. Therefore, your focus on the
syllabus should be in the same ratio ie, 70:30 and not 10:90.
It can be summarized in the following formula:
T : O :: 70 : 30
Here, T stands for Thinkers part
O stands for other parts
and f stands for focus.
Still the very question how to write better answer remains unanswered. I will not leave this
burden on your head. So, apart from giving you sufficient and appropriate notes, I will
discuss each and every question on the related topic in the class-room (the question so far
asked and expected to be asked) and provide you their better answers.
To make you expert in answer-writing I will discuss some new approaches which you are
required to insert in your answers. That, while giving you an extra edge in comparison to
others, will created a right impression before the examiner which, in turn, will fetch you good
marks.
The aforesaid approaches I will discuss in the coming sections.
Gifted advantages of Sociology:
1. In General studies (1st paper): Questions varying from 20 marks to 50 marks are asked
from social problems, do not require any special effort to deal with. The preparation of
sociology will complete this portion.
The topics covered in this section are: Demography and Human Resources and related
issues. Behavioural and social issues and social welfare problems, such as child labour,
gender equality, adult literacy, rehabilitation of the handicapped and other deprived segments
on the society, drug abuse, public health, corruption in public life, communal harmony etc.
2. In Essay paper: There are two to four topics directly based on social problems, which
would be arranged in a very systematic and logical manner. Sociology students always
remain in comfort zone in making a better presentation and obtaining good marks.
3. In Interview: Most of the current-based and situation-based questions have direct link
with social problems. A Sociology student has already been groomed for such questions. He
has built-in platform to tackle social problems. His updated knowledge makes him a perfect
interviewee and interviewers seek no boundation in awarding him marks.
Role of Case studies in Sociology
Sociology 2nd paper is basically a practical paper. Its facts are required to be proved with the
help of solid reasons. The reasons are found in the form of case studies, which make our
answers authentically powerful, if used appropriately. Altogether our analysis matching with
these case studies put the answer at its perfection.
Case studies and analysis are greatly inter-related. Both are complementary to each other.
Ones existence is incomplete and worthless with others absence.
Some Myths about case studies:
1. Addition of many more case studies pleases the examiner and he gives plenty of marks.
Truth: This kind of thinking is completely baseless and wrong. Case studies are no doubt
very essential but be careful, each case study has the ability to render a big truth and that
requires sufficient analysis. There are two facts in this context.
(a) When we write the answer in limited words and time constraint, we can not take the
support of too many studies also because most parts of our answer are covered by analysis.
Therefore, some studies and their analysis make the answer complete.
(b) If within word-limitation we focus mostly on case studies, we do not get time and words
to analyse them, then our answer will appear as incomplete and unorganized.
2. The nature of case studies is not as important as their number.
Truth: The nature of studies is very important. Along with some old studies you must try to
give some new studies. That effort is highly appreciated. The reason behind is that most of
the studies have been conducted in 60s and 70s. The 21st century society has met with a
drastic change vis--vis the decade of 60s and 70s. The level of change has gone to such an
extent that if both the societies are brought face to face, it would be quite difficult to tell that
they have a difference of only 30-40 years.
So it is advisable here to manoeuvre some new studies for which appropriate journals and
magazines are recommended. Moreover, one thing needs to be disclosed here that examiners
feel bored finding same case studies in everyones answer-sheets, they want some new
version and your effort in this direction may create miracle.
We will see in the following examples what mistakes are generally done by candidates in the
use of case studies.
Example (1): Explain the traditional power structure in rural India. Discuss the factors that
have contributed to its changing pattern in recent years.
General Answer: The abolition of privileges and economic rights of the intermediaries like
the Zamindars and feudal has though not succeeded in introducing an egalitarian class-
structure in villages, yet it has made a great social psychological impact on ex-tenant groups
and motivates them now for competition with traditional power groups for access to positions
of power and social status. Village leadership has now increasingly become more conciliatory
and pragmatic in orientation. With the traditional bases of power for the older village elite
having been removed, the leadership, which is now emerging, has to reconcile with factions
and opposite interest groups to stay in power.
In order to be effective, leaders now have to be pragmatic; exercise contract through informal
relations and integrate bureaucratic innovations.
Comment: A very impressive introduction but still there is no mention of decentralistion
process and empowerment of women. This addition will make it highly impressive.
Now candidates give plenty of studies to prove it.
Orenstein reports that informal leaders are more effective in the village he studied (a village
in Bombay) than formal leaders.
Alan Beals found the village leadership in Namhalli (Mysore) faction-ridden and villagers
prone to rely on a leader who had the capacity of successful action. Factional basis leadership
also seems to be the case in the village of Morsalli in Banglore district studied by William
Mc Cormack.
R. Bachenheimer finds in the Andhra village Padu, that leadership is in the hand of
economically dominant families within each caste and wealth plus high caste status determine
leadership.
Edward and L.G. harper find the continuity of traditional form of leadership in village
Totagadde in Karnataka.
According to Oscar Lewis traditional dominant Jats hold leadership in Rampur village in
North India. He observes four characteristics of Jat leadership:
(a) the tendency to minimize the status difference between the leader and the led within the
caste,
(b) resistance to delegate the authority to leaders permanently without consultation with the
appropriate faction,
(c) Complete absence of youth leadership,
(d) Lack of direct note of women in leadership.
This pattern may not be typical of all northern villages.
According to a survey conducted by Planning Commission, the structure of rural leadership
seems still dominated by rich and upper caste groups but there is a tendency towards
recruitment of younger members to the leadership role in villages and a majority of leaders
are literate.
Change in economic field also led to a change in leadership. It was proved by F.G. Bailey in
his study of Bisipara village. Bailey found that Boad and Ganjam distillers left their
traditional work and village and went to the town for better employment. They improved
their economic strength and after returning back to their village, showed interest in
leadership.
Andre Beteille, in Sripuram village, found that there has been a change in the power structure
of village without the traditional land-owning groups having lost their land to any substantial
extent. He observes that today political power, whether in the village or outside it, is not as
closely tied to ownership of land as it was in past. New bases of power have emerged which
are, to some extent, independent of both caste and class. Perhaps most important among these
is the strength of numerical power.
The findings of Beteille shows an instance of regional variation. In this context, an evaluation
of twelve villages of India from different regions by B.S. Cohn is very conclusive. In six
villages land control also compensates for lack of numerical dominance.
Conclusion: Generally speaking, there has been a break in the centripetal world view of
castes and classes in most villages in India. A great level of change has come as a result of
politicization of villages through the contemporary political reforms. It has also been
motivated by community development schemes which now cover almost all the villages in
India.
Comment: Case studies have been very beautifully presented and simultaneously there is no
proper analysis. The complete answer is full of studies but is not looking focused, because the
facts have not been analysed appropriately. Sometimes it seems as if some contradictory
statements have been given. So, do tell and discuss the right causes responsible for the faction
(if you are so talking about) in villages and also how they are supporting to change the
power-structure.
Improvement:
1. Give greater emphasis on 73rd Amendment Act.
2. Discuss the reservations given to SC/ST, women and backward class.
3. How did it bring changes in power-structure, corroborate with a few studies(one or two)
4. Discuss different programmes for the upliftment of poor sections and women
empowerment/emphasis on female participation in politics/impact of womens Reservation
Bill.
5. After giving all studies in a paragraph, discuss mainly about empowerment, democratic
decentralization, mass participation in administration, awareness among people, etc.
6. More than a decade have gone after the implementation of Panchayati Raj, we have
enormous studies on it, place a few of them rightly.
7. Give the views of Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen.
8. Give the opinion of World Bank in the very age of Globalisation in this context.
Generally candidates do not mention about Panchayati Raj because they think there is no
substantial impact of it on masses.
Your View point: Do tell that the level of changes is not upto the mark, why? Corroborate it
by studies, but keep telling that the change is taking place-though dimensions are varying,
like, there is caste-based faction, Dalit consciousness has increased Reason? The influence
of Dalit leaders at rural level (Politicisation of power in the name of Dalit Class) etc.
After such analysis, give a powerful conclusion.
Example (2): Joint family is dissociating into nuclear family. Analyse the statement.
General Answer: Definition of joint family- Its characteristics/Definition of nuclear family-its
characteristics/Nuclear Families in two different sovietise (In western countries and in Indias
poor Dalit class)-externally both look alike but internally they are quite different. Nuclear
family has been defined on the basis of western countrys structure and so that is the real
nuclear family. In western countries, nuclear family is a part of their system while that of in
India is due to economic crunch situation.
Now, in India, it is no more limited upto lower caste poor people but has been
institutionalized universally. Many sociologists have analysed it and0 have admitted not only
its disintegration but also attempted to give the factors responsible for this disintegration. In
this regard, they told one more important thing that in western countries that separation was
both physical and mental while in India it was only physical. People in India are always
mentally joint. This is the finding of I.P Desai which was later on approved by K.M. Kapadia.
Comment: Introduction of the answer is excellent but there is one thing lacking here. The
analysis of physical and mental separation should be socio-psychological ie, there should be
stress on socialization process. Discuss briefly the socialization-pattern of both the countries
and its impact on the child being socialized as to why at one place he becomes emotionless
while at the other place he is emotionally attached to his family members.
Now candidates describe so many case studies like the analysis and conclusion of I.P Desai/
the analysis and conclusion of K.M. Kapadia / the opinion poll conducted by Indian Institute
of Public opinion conclusion/ study of Delhis Agrawal families by M.S. Gore
Conclusion/ the study, analysis and conclusion of P.M. Kolenda, apart from it, three main
causes for integration divorce and remarriage, payment of bride wealth and dowry and
uxori laterality vs. virilaterality study and analysis of Banglore by Aileen Ross, etc.
Then candidates write the conclusion that the outcome of all these studies is that the joint
family is disintegrating into nuclear family. Though the direction of change is unlike western
countries but still the smaller form of family is universal phenomena.
Improvement:
1. The aim of most of the sociologists is to find the percentage of jointness and nuclearity in
the concerned society. Their studies and conclusions are mostly alike. So try to give them in
one or two paragraphs.
2. Among all these studies, the study of Ross is very important. Because she has focused on
those issues which are useful for even todays families and in which the issue of childrens
freedom is most important.
3. Discuss the impact of different Acts or laws related to family or marriage ie, the impact in
thinking process, behaviour, freedom of children and also its negative impact.
4. Impact of Globalisation, Privatisation and liberalization on society, also the impact of
Panchayati Raj, etc.
5. The impact of communication system and media on society and so on family system
Awareness level of people has tremendously raised, it paved the way to understand and
analyse the world and in this way a complete change in their world-view.
6. Empowerment emancipated women their decision making capacity increased they can
no more carry the traditional Purdah system consequences of all these in the form of a big
generation-gap and that leads to change in family-system.
7. Lastly give an emphatic conclusion.
Discussion on the Tail-Words of the questions
Every tail-word has a specific meaning and its understanding is quite essential for a candidate
to make his answer perfect. Here I am describing some important tail-words to resolve your
problem related with the understanding of the question.
Explain: To simplify the given statement. To write about the statement (may be based
on theory) in such a way that its meaning becomes clear and unequivocal.
Describe: It means general writing about the subject, is, giving straight forward
discussion on different aspects of the given subject. In a simple language it can be
said that whatever your know about the subject, write it systematically. No special
approach is needed.
Discuss: Like Describe
Elaborate: To describe elaborately.
Analyse: First break the statement in different parts, then describe them separately
and then give a systhesis.
Examine: Highlight different aspects of the given subject and then throw light on
relevancy and fruitfullnes of each aspect.
Criticise : Here both positive and negative aspects should be taken into account but
still the emphasis should be on negative aspect.
Review: Like criticise
Evaluate: Writing a conclusion after discussing different aspects of the statement.
Here, conclusion has special importance.
Elucidate: Describing with appropriate examples.
Critically Evaluate: Criticism in the approach of evaluation.
Critically Review: Criticism in the approach of review i.e., after giving criticism of
the theory, criticise the critiques.
Critically examine: First describe - Its positive + negative then criticise - Its
positive + negative. Now make a balance between the two.
Short Notes Type Questions
In both the papers, question number 1 and 5 are compulsory and are in the form of short
notes. For each such question, three out of four short notes are required to be written for
which the word limit is 200. As a convenience, you have 13 minutes of time for each short
notes from which you can allot 1-1 min. for framing the answer. This is the area which
gives you the apportunity to score 75 percent of marks easily, for which you need to be
conscious at certain points, like :
1. Write your answer straight forward without any introduction.
2. Your word-limit should not cross 220 mark.
3. Use an easy and free flow language to make your description easily understandable.
4. Try to ascertain the points on which more emphasis is given. Your answer should revolve
around that point. For example if you have to write short notes on value-free sociology, So
first tell its meaning and then quote some sociologists who have tried to establish sociology
as value neutral. Now discuss some problems which restrict sociology to be value free and
the contradictions in the thoughts of sociologists at this concept like Max Weber, a main
proponent of value free sociology, has adopted subjective meaning and verstehen
approach similarly Emile Durkheim advocated to consider social facts as things and
simultaneously for collective conscience. Finally give a conclusion in form of a practical
solution.
5. If the topic so requires, you may finish the short notes abruptly is, without giving any
conclusion. For example, short notes on Mode of production do not require any conclusion
and criticism.
6. Your knowledge of strong vocabulary is always appreciated. Writing more in limited
words is an art and does not come suddenly. It requires a continuous effort and a right
feedback.
7. In short notes, your accuracy and exactness and not your wide knowledge is praised.
Though knowledge of the subject is indispensable but the arrangement of elements at right
place is the measurement of exactness.
8. If required, you can mention one or two case studies briefly.
Classroom Technique
Any topic which is to be studied, should not be studied straight-forword but rather should be
broken in different possible dimensions having any kind of connection with the topic in
answer writing, select related dimensions according to the nature of the question. This
technique will help you complete your answer. An illustration of this technique is given as
follows:
Kark Marx : Theory of class-struggle
1. Introduction
2. Definition of class
3. Different classes in different ages : Role of mode of production
(a) Meaning of MOP - Its two aspects : (i) Material (Forces of Production) (ii) Social
(Relations of Production)
(b) Concept of substructure (Economic structure) and infrastructure/superstructure.
(c) Changing form of MOP - A special characteristic.
(d) Change in MOP - Beginning of a new age (Primitive communism-Ancient-feudal -
Capitalistic)
(e) In capitalism : 'Class-in-itself' changes into 'class-for-itself' : full consciousness
(f) Emergence of communism - A new MOP where change stops.
4. Beginning and development of capitalism-two different classes.
(i) Bourgeoisie (ii) Proletariat
5. Forced labourers : Sale-purchase of their labour power
6. Emergence of false-consciousness in Proletariat - Role of Religion
7. Surplus value & Profit - Maximisation
8. (a) Automation and Problem of unemployment among workers.
(b) Overproduction and end of Petty Bourgeoisie.
9. Alienation in Proletariat
(a) Meaning of Alienation
(b) Meaning - elaboration : (i) Economic aspect (ii) Social aspect
(c) Dominance of Specializaion - Alienation at its zenith.
(d) Religious explanation of Alienation
(e) Relevancy of Alienation
(f) Criticism
10. Polarisation of two classes - Due to some processes like Homogenisation,
Pauperization, Monopolisation.
11. Change of 'class-in-itself' into 'class-for-itself'
(a) Meaning of 'class-in-itself'
(b) 'Class-in-itself' : Objective Reality
(c) Position of labourers -from slaves of Ancient age till alienated Proletariat of capitalistic
age - 'class-in-itself'
(d) 'Class-for-itself' : Subjective perception
(e) Polarisation of two classes and role of Petty Bourgeoisie responsible for change of class-
in-itself into class-for-itself - A situation of full consciousness of Proletariat
12. Historical Revolution
13. Establishment of Communism
14. Criticism: (a) Functionalist: (i) Parsons (ii) Davis & Moore (iii) M.M. Tumin (iv) Eva
Rosenfeld (v) Michael Young
(b) Conflict theorists: (i) Max Weber (ii) Ralf Dahrendorf
15 Relevancy of Marx's theory
Recommended Books (For Mains)
1. Thinkers - Abraham Morgan
2. Sociology : Themes and Perspectives - Haralambos | Buy Online
3. IGNOU material
4. Modernization of Indian Tradition - Y. Singh | Buy Online
5. Social change and stratification - Y. Singh
6. Social change in Modern India - M.N. Sriniwas | Buy Online
7. Social Background of Indian Nationalism - A. R. Desai | Buy Online
8. Household Dimensions of the Family - A. M. Shah
9. A Hand book of Sociology - Veena Das | Buy Online
Is Sociology a good optional?

What is Sociology?
Sociology is a detailed study of society. Society is seen consisting of various systems: political system,
economic system, social system (caste, gender), religious system and educational system. Sociology
throws light on each system and its relationship with other systems. It studies inter-dependence
across the systems. It focuses on why things change in these systems as well as why there is
resistance to change.
What methods does it follow in its study of society? Primarily, it introduces how certain thinkers
viewed the society. These thinkers are grouped on the basis of the similarity of their orientation.
Karl Marx is one major thinker. His perspective is called conflict perspective looking at many
aspects of society in terms of conflict. In contrast, Talcott Parsons provided a totally different
perspective. His perspective is called functionalist perspective. It assumes that various aspects of
society are more or less in harmony with one another. If they are not they will be modified or
weeded out.
Within a perspective many issues of the society are studied and commented on. Various research
methods are employed to arrive at conclusions and to contest those conclusions. Issues are
debated within a perspective and it is also debated whether a particular issue can be better
explained with an alternative perspective. These perspectives differ in terms of the research
methods too.
Extremely useful for GS
The main advantage in taking Sociology is that it provides perspective on many contemporary issues
that a student has to anyway study in General Studies. A huge part of General Studies is information
oriented, though a part of it is analytical. General Studies is vast. Because of its vastness, a student
doesnt have time to do any issue in depth. So General Studies preparation tends be in the nature of
acquiring as much information as possible, with little time for reflection. General Studies is normally
not the subject in which contemporary issues are discussed at a fundamental level. This inadequacy
can be rectified by Sociology.
Sociology studies beyond the immediate. At the same time, it gives insights into the ways of studying
the immediate. What is the extent of poverty according to most recent estimate? is a General
Studies question, but what structural factors in society perpetuate poverty is a question in
Sociology. In General Studies they may ask recent legislation passed in the sphere of education, in
Sociology they will ask, whether education is reproducing inequalities. To conclude, Sociology gives
depth to what a student is anyway forced to study, though superficially, in General Studies.
Sociology makes General Studies preparation more interesting. With the help of Sociology, analytical
questions in GS can be answered easily. In addition to this, social issues mentioned in General
Studies syllabus come directly under Sociology.
Closest to General Essay
The optional that is closest to General Essay is Sociology. There are Geography-oriented essays, they
are Administration-oriented essays, but if we consider the totality of questions asked in Essay, we
can say Sociology is closer to Essay than any other optional is. In Essay, the questions are asked on
economy, polity, gender, inequalities, religion, education, and media. Sociology studies them all in
detail. Doing little more in addition to what is elaborately done in Sociology completes Essay
preparation on many topics.
Good for Viva
During Viva a student is tested not on the amount of information he has, but what he thinks of the
world and also about his role in it. Sociology equips a student to arrive at his own way of looking at
the world. He can be a better judge of the opinions expressed in the media. In fact he can be free
from the propaganda and ill-informed public opinion.
Sociology is not just analysis. It has a soul. In every topic it investigates, it is primarily focused on why
people are unequal, whether these inequalities are justified, how the institutions perpetuate the
social order. Its concern is creation of a just society at the same debating what is a just society and
whether creation of it is ever possible. Its concerns match with that of a student who wants to bring
about change towards a better society. Thus Sociology offers material on social change for the
purpose of reflection.
Recent changes
By removing 60-marks questions, UPSC increased the number of questions. There is also some
difference in the nature of questions. The questions are more analytical and more application-
oriented. And they call for critical reading of contemporary issues. However, these changes are
introduced in other social science optional papers also.
Sociology and CSAT
Out of 80 questions more than 35 questions are based on the passages taken from diverse areas like
economy, society, gender, philosophy. Exposure to Sociology makes you familiar with these diverse
areas, improving your performance in Prelims.
Posted by Venkata Mohan at 8:59 PM
Sociology Paper - 1



Here is how I approached Sociology paper-1. I began with the old edition of Haralambos. It
is a fantastic book for understanding the subject and its scope. I did not read the book from
cover to cover and confined myself strictly to the syllabus. This initiated me into the realm of
sociology. I then moved on to IGNOUs BA notes which are an extremely useful compilation
of sociological knowledge. I also scanned through a few chapters of Giddens to get a hang
of the subject. Before Prelims, I had made some notes for the first 3 chapters of paper 1 and
had read some of the thinkers. I had by then acclimatized myself with the subject and also
understood that the old edition of Haralambos was necessary but insufficient. After prelims, I
started filling the gaps and expanding my notes.I began referring to the new updated
version of Haralambos, internet, etc. (The topic-wise sources are given below). Though my
notes were pretty extensive, I remained alive to the problems associated with inclusion of
every topic in the notes. Therefore, at certain places, I left flags - page nos. or references
in my notes so that the topics best read whole from the book could be referred in a logical
and sequential manner during revision (For example, Talcott Parsons pattern variables
to be read from new Haralambos, pg.xxx). The end result was that by the end of my
preparation, I had a bunch of notes that could be revised in a single day It consisted of my
notes of around 200 pages, old and new Haralambos (for referred pages), and a couple of
booklets of IGNOU BA (out of many). I must have revised this bunch 4-5 times. I must also
emphasize the importance of keeping a copy of previous 10 years questions handy, along
with the syllabus. I made sure that there wasnt a question asked in previous 10 years that I
couldnt answer.



Here is what I could manage for Sociology Paper-1



1. Sociology - The Discipline:-------IGNOU BA, old NCERT, old Haralambos, internet

2. Sociology as Science:------old & new Haralambos

3. Research Methods and Analysis:-----New Haralambos, dictionary of sociology by WP
Scott / oxford dictionary of sociology

4. Sociological Thinkers:--------Old & New Haralambos, some comparative analyses and
remaining topics from IGNOU BA (only what is not covered by Haralambos)

5. Stratification and Mobility: Old Haralambos, IGNOU BA

6. Works and Economic Life: IGNOU BA, Giddens, internet.

7. Politics and Society: Old Haralambos, Giddens, IGNOU BA

8. Religion and Society: Old Haralambos, IGNOU BA, internet

9. Systems of Kinship: IGNOU BA, dictionaries, (minor portions from Giddens and
Haralambos)

10. Social Change in Modern Society: IGNOU BA, previous years questions, internet
Sociology Paper II by Tanvi Sundriyal (AIR
6/ CSE 2009)
Introduction
1. Before reading any notes or chaalu copy paste books I should be thorough with the
original books (mentioned later)
2. Thinkers and Theories(say Theories of social change,of power etc.) should be done in
great detail with elaborate notes,rest of the topics can be done via a single book(you
could pull out/photocopy relevant chapters and put them alongwith your notes so that
everything is in one place when you revise) or mere pointers can do (say for topics
like Child Labour).
3. Warning: No notes should be made before a third reading of the chapter/book/source
material especially for those who were, till they decided to plunge into cse preparation
completely alien to the subject and its nuances.
4. These notes/pointers were to be made in the format of:
First Page-The Syllabus with the newly added topics (info for the newbeeies, the syllabus
changed from 2008 Mains) highlighted (you can expect increased importance to be allotted to
the newer topics in the exam)and sources referred to for the various sub-topics written
alongwith a mention of whether you have written notes on it or not.
This will help you in cross referring the source books when you feel that there is something
missing in your notes when you revise after a long time,or to ask doubts/search for new
material 'cos you would know what you don't know very important since this would guide
you in selecting which questions to answer in the final exam hour ( no one is allowed to
askis there a choice in the question paper or even worsehow will it guide one in question
selection!)
Second Page-All old questions including the 1980's ones(according to syllabus of
course!)if you notice some of the really old questions pertain to the newly added
topicsbringing the changes made to a full circle! :)
Also, its important to know which sub topic can be interlinked with which other sub topic ,
which sub-topic requires more elaborate reading and note-making and which topics you cant
afford to miss(some questions have been repeatedly asked indirectly or directly)
All of this can only be gathered by a thorough analysis of the questions asked (preferably on
your own) in the previous years so pay attention to the second page too !
Third Page- Now your note making startsthe elaborate notes and even pointers should
follow this format :
a.Theory/Concept-Who said,What was said and in Which context was it said
b.Criticism-Every theoretician/perspective has a critique which points out the lacunae in the
same and at the same time takes it forwardone should be very clear with this aspect.
c.Application-
Paper I and II : Emphasis ?
1. In paper 1: Emphasise on case studies usa,uk('cos many studies are available from
there!) or any other foreign country if you have a relevant case study but , at the
same time do not forget to connect it to Indian examples.
2. In paper 2 : Emphasis should be placed on Indian Sociologists and application to
Indian context, though here too works of important sociologists(from paper 1) can be
applied .
Hence, studying , note making and then answer writing (in the same chronological order for
very obvious reasons!) should be done keeping in mind that paper 1 and paper 2 are not
exclusive of each other but are in fact interlinked and at times even draw sustenance from
each other.
The notes would be made preferably in the same format as the answer sheets given in
the upsc mains exam ie A4 blank sheets with space left at both sides(instead of
wasting time making margins with scale and pencil just fold the paper on both sides to
give the impression of a margin) and punched to be put into well organised folders.
This organisation of notes may sound like a very very childlike suggestion but it has
great bearing on your revisionremember you are not writing notes to publish them
for the benefit of mankind (which is not a bad idea but not your primary goal!) but to
apply them in the examination, so please revise revise revise(this is not a typo error :)
bad jokestill)
I would share resources like advice/coaching material/your own notes with another
serious studentits a personal belief that petty competitiveness pulls you down as
well.
Internet resources (some books have a few pages put out for reading online) and
library(D School,Arts Faculty-Delhi University) resources (through a student) would
be used appropriately.
Note :If you get hold of an amazing book for a very small sub-topic and don't have
time to go through it just read the Introduction+Prefaceit usually encapsulates the
whole argument
This was the "how to read" bit now lets come down now to the "what to read" part :
The "How to start" dilemna plagues most of the cse aspirants esp those who did not have a
humanities background.The solution is simple-
How to start Sociology Preparation?
Start with NCERT XI and XII (old and new editions both)
Then for :
Paper 1- Refer (in accordance with the syllabusif time permits you could read the whole
book as wellif nothing else it may help you in the essay or later on in the interview stage):
Anthony Giddens-Sociology(I believe the 5th edition is available in India in a paperback
formatexpensive book but its usefulness justifies its expense)
MacIonis-Sociology(brought to India by Pearsons publications)
These books give a basic understanding and at the same time an analysis of more
contemporary topics.
Now you could go onto the basic book for Thinkers which is:
Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan-Sociological Thought
You should also elaborate upon Thinkers by referring to Ritzer selectively(a must)
Some of my friends picked up tit-bits from Lewis Coser and some referred to Raymond Aron
too(optional)
For Paper 2- Start with IGNOU BA course material and stick to it! Take care to mention the
case studies considered in the IGNOU booklets in your examination.
You should also read:
1. M.N.Srinivas-Social Change in India
2. Yogendra Singh-Modernisation of Indian Tradition
3. Handbook of Indian Sociology-edited by Veena Das (selective reading of the book )
4. J.C.Verma (a NBT publication on Tribals) for the portion on problems faced by
tribals
I found books like Madan and Mazumdar- Social Anthropology and Horton and Hunt
relevant for prelims only
Though one could pick up meaning of terms like culture etc from the Horton and Hunt book
to understand its usage and maybe, apply it in the Essay paper (if it so demands)
Now the question arises
how to supplement this basic material ?
1. In paper 2 the theory portion should be connected to/updated by egs drawn from real
life /recent case studies covered in magazines like Yojana and Economic and Political
Weekly . You could become an online member of these magazines and avail the
benefit of browsing through their archives.
2. I was too lazy to do this and consequently suffered(thankfully not too badly!) in paper
2.
3. In paper 1 there is an excellent reference book by the name of Haralombos and
Halborn,its detailed,comprehensive and contemporary.unfortunately, reading it is a
time consuming exercise so do it only as a last resort and/or to add value to selective
topics(to avoid meandering away from relevant topics always keep the syllabus by
your side)
4. These are the books/resources which I found relevant ..if I later on recall more(not
that you would want me to, once you see the content of some of these books!) I would
add on to this post
5. Hopefully all of you would come to enjoy Sociology as much as I did (and also get
good marksvery imp! )
IMPORTANT POINTS-
-first and foremost,try memorising or atleast thoroughly going through the syllabus.it helps
to put the study material in right perspective.it also helps in knowing which topics hav not
been covered yet. a descent score demands completion of syllabus.
-Thinkers are the backbone of sociology,so understanding is very important rather than only
specific terms.infact,after studying individual thinker try comparing it with the views of other
thinkers.
-use these basics understanding of thinkers in paper1 long questions,short questions.
whenever a question in paper2 permits,try using the basic thinkers name and concepts,it
makes answers more holistic.
(the usual question asked to me is where to get these notes,if one is not doing coaching-best
source are friends who hav done coaching there...get the class notes...best idea would b to get
them from current batch undergoing coaching recently,as u will hav most updated
notes...undoubtedly,since new things r added to notes by sir with time...some people do say
notes r also available in photostat shops in mukherjee nagar,but personally i have no idea...)

mohopatra sir's notes are excellent mains material and are holistic.his collections of views of
contemporary and indiasn sociologist helps enrich answers esp.paper2. since i joined the oct
2007 batch for socio and gave mains in oct 2009,i did made additions from june 2008and
2009 batch,when i met my friends from these batches in test series of mohopatra sir in 2009
sept. what i i want to convey is,some topics in the syllabus were not so thoroughly covered in
my notes,so i searched those specific topics from others to complete my notes and left no
topic uncovered. with increasing unpredictable nature of paper this is impotant.
-wel,the test series of mohopatra sir is fantastic as it gives answer writing paractice,true
feedback,scope to improve see score improve in next exam .more because the discussion is
good,it helps churn the whole syllabus,interlink it and understand how to write answer
specific to minor variatipn in wordings of questions.and it does add some latest opinions
appearing n newspapers about current issues,which we may hav missed ourselves. here,i hav
to mention that i am not sure if it is opened for students who hav not done his mains
classes,but u can always inquire at vajiram for this.
yes,recently i talked to mohopatra sir,n he said he may not b able to conduct testseries for all
students except his old n present batch students for want of time.....but told that if someone is
interested in attending discussions of tests only(which is quite rich too) may do so...he plans
to start test series from 10 th sept...n if u want to attend discussions...pls contact sir for
this...as he is the final word to allow u to attend the same..

DURING PREPARATION:
-sociological concepts if clear,most questions can be easily understood and written.thus,get
concepts clear with basic quality books or teachers.
-YOJANA and KURUKSHETRA should be read by socio students,as it gives case studies as
well as rural touch to the answers.i used to collect all issues,though may not read it straight
away. whenever comfortable i used to giv one full day for yojana and kurukshetra.and
friends, still in that whole day u cant completely finish all articles thoroughly,so try to pick
and choose relevant topics,make side notes on book itself or a notebook as u prefer for value
addition in the socio answers.
( CASE STUDIES- basically means any specific study of an particular village or community
n evaluating it on a specific criteria...eg:recent yojana on water management,gives a case
study on traditional methods of water conservation in rajasthan....ignoring the data,u can put
it as an example of how modernity has lead to neglect of these systems n may b need to adapt
to climate change may force us to revive the same...hence the social change is not
unidirectional n many factors influence the same- the point i want to emphasise is that mould
that case study to hav a sociological perspective...)
-socio as an optional can help improve score in gs, essay and interview too.just while
studying socio,try interlinking with ur gs and essay material too.few people have asked
me,whether this will make their answer in gs and essay very technical.i feel if u write in gs
,relevant sociological arguments without mentioning scholars(unless very contemporary like
amartya sen or jean derze),it can help in better answers

-while reading hindu,do giv a thought from sociological point of view like
gender,disadvantage sections,capitalism,changing indian society etc.eg:khap panchayat
concept can very well used to enrich answer on changing pattern of indian marriage.

my prepn experience-
after my first prelims debacle basically due to unprepared socio optional,my focus of
improvement was sociology. i had already did coaching,but my knowledge was raw n
shallow,for the want of time n self study.i had no knowledge of which books to study except
few prescribed by mohopatra sir,nor any friends else than in my coaching of this
optional,who had same knowledge as mine.
so,i made list of all socio books prescribed by toppers intw in chronicle with socio optional n
on internet n went to book store buying all that i can get from that list...(thus i know value of
gud advices n knw passion to improve can overcome any hurdle)
i had a basic book in IGNOU M n M series,i read 10 chapters a day n finished its 2 parts in
around 20-25 days(it was a painful to realise that i knew so less,even after having given pre in
this optional) n this made me realise that i hav to study so much more.......so got to knw my
weakness,hence the improvement started...
then i read lots of books,as i hav mentioned n still others which were not enough to b
prescribed to others. i read even pcs books of raj n haryana for their socio ten yrs as i gav
their pre also(and found answers to their ques too-no stone unturned coz its my weak area)
in civils pre i marked around 94 ques correct for sure.actually in starting i marked 108 ques n
rubbed of all those answers in which i had slightest of doubt,thus 94 ques sure shot clear n i
know i making it this time,atleast thru socio part(this was the passion to make it to civils,i
had...so focussed,so committed,so mad of clearing it somehow,anyhow)
so,the question i was asked in guestbook which i had to answer here-how i prepared for socio
mains....the base was prepared,thinkers,basic topics clear n strong....what was left was indian
additions for paper2...i read mohopatra sirs notes n they were really gud,then his written
printed materials and also added extra points to paper1 material.so after pre, first was prepn
on paper2 n then paper1 esp. thinkers ,stratification n social change...
-i did scan thru msa rao,ram ahuja(it gives pretty old data though),but except for few points ,i
didnt add much as sir's notes had gist from these books in his notes n it was not needed to put
extra time into it.i feel the most comprehensive collection for paper2 is mohopatra sirs
notes,esp if u can get from current running batch,so that his latest additions r also there.
-IGNOU+mohopatra sir's notes+hindu+magzines are gud enough material to giv quality
answers. also u can add from social issues-wizard+ harlombus esp;family,stratification(in
socialist countries),education,alienation(search from index at back),gender...
i hav been asked to giv source of studying following topics;-
IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON INDIA-mohopatra sir's notes+modern history ncert-
few initial chapters may giv u points here...n even can add something contemporary here
eg:the mindset of seeing everything western as gud n indigenous as inferior is the hangover
of colonial rule-this explains OGBURN'S concepts too as physical things changes easily than
culture n attitudes..
RURAL AND AGRARIAN SOCIAL STRUCTURE-ya ofcourse,sir's notes ,kurukshetra n
something contemporary as studies on NREGA showing how this struc is changing n also can
include point of reverse migration due to NREGA.
SOCIAL CLASSES IN INDIA-this topic is an open one-include upper,middle(IGNOU
PART2 IS GUD) n lower class concepts,compare with caste struc, add concepts of
embourgeisement,how these classes r changing, middle class apathy towards politics,n ya
how lower class is using politics for empowerment n realising importance of investment of
educn for improving their class position....so-WHICH BOOK TO PRESCRIBE,ALMOST
ALL U HAVE READ CAN B RELATED HERE.
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA-mohopatra sirs notes,vidhya bhushans's movements,also
from history n recent movements using social media(eg: earth hour campaign across
countries),climate change movements etc.....also,here u can giv contemporary touch.
ANSWER WRITING:
-socio is most comfortable optional in this,lots of material is available in
notes,hindu,yojana,kurukshetra,daily news and experiences. we all hav some basic
understanding of society at large. all this should be incorporated in a balanced manner and a
good answer is ready.
-aim is to write quality answers,with basics,analysis of different thinkers,international and
rural orientation,currents related,some relevant facts to strengthen an argument,some self
opinionsetc.all these this may not b there in all answers but can be included if question
allows.what help one score better than other is SOMETHING EXTRA that examiner dont
find in others answers.socio gives lot of freedom to add this extra part.
-long ques should be around 600-650 words,short question around 200-250 words.i tried
making diagrams.this should be done only if u hav time.long ques takes around 30 min and
short one around12-15 min.with practice this speed can be attained.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
need is-simple english-small sentences-preferrably one point of view and its analysis in one
paragraph-interlinking various point of view as balanced view in end-try include max points
from different angles and dimensions-conclusion optimistic and potraying hope.
-key words to keep in mind while writing answers-
ANALYSIS,INTERLINKING,BALANCED VIEW.
-dont bluff in facts and analysis as examiner is experinced enough to make out..be genuine.
-one's own opinion can be included towards end.
-facts should not be forced into answers but should be inserted to strengthen a point of view.
-YOJANA and KURUKSHETRA gives rationale of govts policies and analysis from govts
mouth and are dependable and economical study material.
-
STRATEGY IN EXAM/ANXIETY MANAGEMENT/WHICH QUESTION TO ANSWER WHEN:
-changing and unexpected pattern demands on the spot decisions in exam.first thing is to
keep initial five minutes for reading question paper and stricking out ques u hav no idea at all.
selecting the questions best prepared and write them first.at this moment one will be
anxious,no doubt,but this is when u have to keep moving,without wasting time in repenting
or seeing around.
-when i opened gs 1,i too had no idea of history questions and was sure that most others will
also not know them,thus i planned to write it last.i started with polity which i knew well and
this helped me gain momentum in paper without getting struck on the tough question.
-psycho also had tough unpredictable research based questions.i simply struck them off in my
initial five minutes and attempted rest of questions which i had idea about. i mean that let not
tough questions disturb u n shake ur confidence,simply ignore them and move on to one u
know.
-another impotant aspect is to keep ur energies till second optional paper2.this paper also
checks ones stamina.since,i had socio and psycho back to back,i was very worried about my
energy levels in psycho paper2.i went home directly after socio 2,without discussing with
anyone and took gods name and slept. next day morning i was fresh after sound night
sleep.when i entered to write paper2 of psycho,my mind was focussed to write best answers
and fight the tiredness which was accumulating. the reward was 182 in psycho paper2,highest
among all my optional marks.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
see, target is 180 marks in 3 hours,i.e. 180 marks in 180 minutes.so,one minute means one
mark. this calculation comes handy when subtle changes happen in marking scheme as
happened in paper2 gs last time.if new ques comes for 4 marks,u know that max time for it is
4 minutes only.
-with practice,try writing 30 marks ques in 25-30 minutes,15 marks in 12-15 minuts and 2
marker in one minute each.initally it seems tough but later it becomes a habit almost.
-i wrote 15 marks first,as they r scoring and mind is fresh in starting.after 1 hour i started with
2 markers ,all of them together(around 30 r there in gs paper each) in 30 minutes.i preferred
pointwise writing in them with a bit analytical touch than stuffing bare facts.thereafter long
ques with 30 minutes alloted to each.
-exam means managing three things- TIME ,WORDS AND MARKS.from marks i mean,if u
are not scoring in a particular question,move on to another question in which u may score
better,hence best utilising time.i had practice on upsc like answer booklet in test series and
had a mental idea that 1 page of that means 120 words in my writing with my kind of
spacing. start new answer from new page only.
BREAK UP OF QUESTIONS/CONTENT:
most of my answer followed this psttern :-
20% answer having basics,very expected part of answer that almost everyone will be writing.
the direct demand of question.eg. in optional,the basic thinkers n their arguments
20% value addition from notes,a bit more richer part.
20% multiple dimensions,egs n case studies.
20% from magzines,hindu n interlinking of gs n optional
20% can be something new,innovative and different that will not be found in other candidates
paper.this something extra gives that 2-3 extra marks. a bit by bit addition of these marks,give
u extra 20-50 marks,this makes all the difference while determining ur rank,service n cadre.
-this propotion may vary acc to demand of question,eg paper2 being applied may
demand more interlinking,egs n case studies,indian n contemporary touch.
-all throughout the answer the FOCUS and FLOW should be maintained.by that i mean,the
question has a particular focus,something specific that has been asked,that needs to be
answered throughout the answer.infact,even while writing different dimensions,link it well to
focus of question.
-by FLOW,it means different paragraphs should be in a flow ie:interlinked ,when someone
reads the answer the different parts should not look disconnected.like an argument may
follow with a fact to strengthen,then counter argument, then other dimensions being balanced
towards end.
-personal views ,if included can be preferrably towards end;the conclusion should be
optimistic n balanced.
ANSWER WRITING PRACTICE;
-the booklet is unruled with right and left side margins...right side margins we can write the
question number n left margin is meant to b left empty by students..(this type of booklet is
usually available in book stores before mains exam,so hav a look...if u want write a paper in
these for practice...infact,testseries exam r usually conduced in similar booklets...) ..so we hav
to manage the spacing on our own..
as for improving handwriting,try writing a bit bigger in size as examiner may b old with poor
eyesight..proper spacing between words,lines n paragraphs..this may b troublesome in
starting but soon becomes habit.try writing in straight lines...
u can use blue or black pens...can keep one for headings n other for writing answers(but time
may b limited to use two pens)...so i preferred underlining mostly to highlight...u can use
capital letters or double underlining for something very important in answer,but dont do it
often...say,at max once in an answer u go for capitals or double underlining...
start new answer in new page only...as gives a neater look n also UPSC demands it that way
as in ending we hav to fill an index(on front page) where against every question number we
hav to mention the page in answer booklet...
pointwise answers should b avoided in gs ,essay or humanities based optionals....instead try
putting points as one in one para n para starting with words like
firstly,secondly,thirdly,lastly,also etc....in long questions,we may put points in a part of
answer,but never whole answer should b in points....
the practice is important,the aim is to develop capacity high quality answer consistently in
limited time,with limited words. also to decide which question to write first,then which n
which last. another important focus has to b time management in exam,not to spend too
much time on one question at the cost of another.
-answer writing is most useful when done in exam simulated situations ie with time limit n
similar difficulty level of questions.
SOCIOLOGY LONG ANSWER:
Pluralism is basically defined as the existence of multi-lingual,multi-religious and multi -
ethnic groups peacefully in the society.
it has been possible,due to mutual respect and acceptance of groups towards different
communities.In such a society the religious,ethnic or lingual identity is not exploited for the
political,economic or social gains.thus,this identity does not form the central focus of any
group's self identity.
Montesque had studied pluralism and explained it as peaceful existence of various groups of
different identities in a society.
sociologists have tried to explain the emergence of pluralism as a consequence of history as :-
1)Emergence of Modern state-was due to territorial invasion of various communities and
emergence of the new state led to recognition of presence of identity of different
communities.
2) colonialism-led to the increased contact between the people of different religious
faith,identities and cultures to come closer.
3)wars-had enevitably led to mixing of different communities and the acceptance of their way
of life to ensure the territorial integrity of newly acquired area to the conquerer's nation.
In the indian context, the pluralism had been seen as being present from ancient times. the
Composite culture of the society,with mutual respect and liking for other's customs,festivals
and ways of life fostered the feeling of pluralism.
sociologist have also tried to place pluralism as an evolutionary stage in the growth of the
society.the initial one-religion state slowly evolved into multi-religious state which in course
of time which in course of time with the development of toleration and respect for each other
grow into plural societies.
The contemporary Indian society from this view point,can only be placed in the multi-
religious category as the regular incidences of communal tension,riots have marred the
development of plural character in recent times.
The controversy over Burqua,the Sikh turban or Bangle in the west european countries have
also made one question `their plural character. The sociologists are of the opinion that this
plural character is developed as a result of scientific,logical and rational nature of
modernity.At best, it can be stated that plural character in these societies is also in
evolution,despite well established modernity.
Undoubtedly,the last few decades have seen the growth of fundamentalism resulting in the
terrorist attacks and formation of organisations to this effect. it is the reflection of growing
intolerance in the individuals in the name of religion.
also, the religious revitalisation and revivalism has been on rise.The reasons for its
emergence has been evaluated by many scholars as it was seen as an unexpected
phenomenon.Most of the positivist and evolutionary theorist had predicted the demise of the
institution of religion with the growth of science and technology,but in reality, the reversal is
being witnessed.
Few causes have been postulated-Malcom Turf had emphasised on the following causes :-
1) Trans-border Nationalism-the religious community today is not confined to only one
nation,rather is diffused over multiple nations. Thus in case of any crisis involving
community members,the transborder nationalism is witnessed. EG: the plight of indian
muslims discussed by various muslim countries leaders, the problems of Tamils in Sri lanka
has become a national issue in India,though it could have been considered as the internal
matter of Sri lanka.
2)Failure of capitalism- capitalism promised prosperity and happiness for all and having
failed in the delivery of the same,has caused the vaccum where the individuals are searching
happiness in religion.
3) Decline of the West-excessive materialism has made the yputh search for the means to
assert their identity and search for values. in this,the ethnic and religious identities are
glorified.
Since,the above mentioned causes have been prevalent in our contemporary societies on a
large scale, thus the religious revitalism has become the reality.
This revivalism,results in excessive assertion of one's exclusive identity and potrayal of other
community's interest as antagonistic to other communities,thus breeding intolerance.this
will,in turn,affect the plural fabric of the society with increasing distrust and decreased
respect.
The formation of political parties on the basis of religion,ethnic,linguistic identities is also
corroding the plural fabric.Recently,comments by few politicians that north indians are
responsible for the slow development of maharashtra,clearly demonstrates how the ethnic
identities can be exploited to get political mileage.
Another aspect of growing tendency of revivalism has been Saffronisation ,which even was
manifested in the trial to alter the syllabus of N.C.E.R.T books. such moves,will breed
insecurity in the minorties and further deteorating the situation.
The inclusive development of all communities,emphasis of mutual co-existence and respect
will only help in peaceful presence of various linguistic,ethnic or religious communities in a
single society. with the multi-cultural nature of indian society, pluralism as a tool to tackle
growing religious fundamentalism and revivalism is a necessity.
(I SCORED 58% IN THIS ANSWER IN MOHOPATRA SIR'S TEST SERIES.THERE HAS
BEEN SOCIOLOGICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO TOPIC AND ALSO
CONTEMPORARY EGS TO STRENGTHEN ARGUMENTS. THE
ANALYSIS,ARGUMENT,COUNTER-ARGUMENT AND BALANCE TOWARDS END
IS EMPHASISED IN THIS ANSWER.)
interview preparation:
the mains result came on 4 th march 2010....n being general candidate from delhi,i expected
my interview date to b on first or second day ,when the interview commences...interviews
started on 22 march n mine was on 23 rd....(i got to knw exact date around 14 th march)...
so clearly ,i had around 15 days to go....
basically,we cant call it an interview...in right perspective,it should be called
PERSONALITY TEST....actually seeing it this way answers lot of queries about intw ,-
WHEN TO START PREPARATION?
-by the time we write this exam,our basic personality would hav been formed...
-so from prepration we can expect only touch-ups...or fine tuning....
-.also,i feel,while reading gs for pre n mains,we form many self opinions
simultaneously....these r also part of preparation,informally...
-formally,one can start after mains exam...(actually,jus after mains ,u can take a break of a
month or so...coz by this time u will be mentally exhausted...n this time is safe too as prelims
is far n u must hav cracked it atleast once by now....n interview preparation can also
wait)....basically,focus should be on mains form's details....every entry by you,should be
researched well n expected questions prepared(like d meaning of ur name?ur hobbies? ur
extracurriculars?ur home state/education etc....)
- last year,vajiram conducted an orientation class for their students ,free of cost around 20 th
jan....the problem here is not everyone gets the information when is the class...so b in touch
with their administrative staff ,if u r keen to attend it...
-after mains result,within 3-4 days many coaching starts classes...this is time of
confusion,esp. if u r delhi based (caution:-just b careful as what u fill as ur address) because it
means u hav least time...
-vajiram is gud n so is samkalp....i got to know from my friends that many from vajiram ,also
joins samkalp....(there r some classes n mock interviews in both of them)...the time
management again becomes crucial here,so hav ur mains form details,hobbies etc worked out
on ur own.before mains result is announced ...n approach mock interviews as if it is the real
upsc one...infact do get fully dressed up for atleast one of them...as a practice.
(after mains exams is over,focus should be to prepare for both interview n prelims...coz after
intw is over ,very less time is left for prelims preparation...thus initial few months like dec,jan
,n feb..should have both being prepared simultaneously)
WHAT TO PREPARE?
again,since its ur personality test....its about ur opinions,ur thinking,ur biodata
etc....(yes,factual questions r asked but ur analysis n opinions matters the most.)
basically it is subject matter n interview skills...
subject matter is ur bio-data,background-educational n residential,national issues n
international ones,some practical aspects of ur optionals...
interview skills are about speaking with confidence,being brief n crisp in answers,be polite
but still taking a stand,having ability to convince,maintaining eye contact...etc...
HOW TO PREPARE?
take few photocopies of mains form..and mark out areas where questions r likely...after
collecting material about it...try predicting expected questions...
some people form groups n discuss issues.....after giving mains exam..(though this in no ways
is an absolute necessity).
read newspaper n try forming self opinions....
one should know of problems of one's own district.....n also census data of one's district....
personally,i focussed on INTROSPECTION....meaning after any newspaper article reading-i
used to ask myself what is my opinion on this?.....like in mains form,if my hobby was poetry
writing or playing chess...used to ask why i write poetry? or why i like chess?-this gives true
n innovative answers....the most important question in this can be why u want to join this
service?



points to be taken care of-

see,i believe being honest to the board is the best policy...coz they r so experienced that it is
almost impossible to out smart them...
-also,interview is about saying what u feel about the question,ur opinions r most important
than saying the cooked answers that everyone says...
-intw is about ur personality...
-also,be confident,speak in clear n short sentences...
-listen to question properly,for then only u can answer what has been demanded by
interviewer.....
ALL THE BEST...!!