UPSC Sociology Syllabus 2024 for Paper 1 & Paper 2

UPSC Sociology Syllabus 2024 for Paper 1 & Paper 2

Edited By Soujanya K | Updated on Feb 14, 2024 05:49 PM IST | #UPSC CSE

Candidates attempting the UPSC Sociology optional in the civil services exam are advised to acquaint themselves with the IAS Sociology 2024 Syllabus. The UPSC sociology syllabus pdf download can be done on the official UPSC website- upsc.gov.in. The sociology syllabus contains a list of important topics that will be covered in the IAS exam.
Download - IAS Sociology Syllabus 2024 pdf

The UPSC CSE Syllabus and the official Civil services exam pattern can help aspirants prepare a solid preparation strategy. Candidates are encouraged to consult the UPSC Sociology syllabus and account for the topics in the syllabus while drafting a preparation strategy for the IAS exam.

Sociology as a subject is very important for UPSC Exam Preparation because there is an overlap between the topics covered in the IAS Sociology 2024 Syllabus and the topics covered in the general studies paper. This makes sociology a valuable optional subject to choose because candidates can study more efficiently due to the overlap of topics from the UPSC Sociology Syllabus. Candidates are encouraged to download the UPSC sociology optional syllabus pdf and go through the material below for information regarding the IAS Sociology Syllabus.

UPSC Sociology Syllabus 2024 (Paper 1 & 2)

It is important for candidates preparing for Sociology as an optional subject must go through the Sociology Optional Syllabus for IAS 2024. UPSC Sociology syllabus for IAS is released separately for both the CSE prelims and the mains. For more details, candidates can consult the IAS Sociology Syllabus in the table below.

UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus for Paper I

Chapters

Topics

Sociology - The Discipline

  • Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.

  • Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of Sociology.

  • Sociology and common sense.

Research Methods and Analysis

  • Qualitative and quantitative methods.

  • Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.

  • Techniques of data collection.

Works and Economic Life

  • Formal and informal organization of work.

  • Social organization of work in different types of society - slave society, feudal society, industrial capitalist society.

  • Labour and society.

Sociological Thinkers

  • Emile Durkhteim - Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion and society.

  • Talcott Parsons - Social system, pattern variables.

  • Max Weber - Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.

  • Mead - Self and identity

  • Robert K. Merton - Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups.

  • Karl Marx - Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle.

Sociology as Science

  • Non-positivist methodologies.

  • Science, scientific method and critique.

  • Fact value and objectivity.

  • Major theoretical strands of research methodology.

  • Positivism and its critique.

Stratification and Mobility

  • Theories of social stratification - Structural functionalist theory, Marxist theory, Weberian theory.

  • Concepts - equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty and deprivation.

  • Social mobility - open and closed systems, types of mobility, sources and causes of mobility.

  • Dimensions - Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, ethnicity and race.

Politics and Society

  • Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.

  • Sociological theories of power.

  • Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.

  • Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups and political parties.

Religion and Society

  • Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularization, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.

  • Sociological theories of religion.

  • Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.

Social Change in Modern Society

  • Development and dependency.

  • Sociological theories of social change.

  • Education and social change.

  • Science, technology and social change.

  • Agents of social change.

Systems of Kinship

  • Lineage and descent.

  • Patriarchy and sexual division of labour.

  • Types and forms of family.

  • Contemporary trends.

  • Family, household, marriage.

Also read: Information about category-wise career exams

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UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus for Paper II

Chapter

Topics

Introducing Indian Society

Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society

  • Indology (G.S. Ghure).

  • Marxist sociology (A. R. Desai).

  • Structural functionalism (M. N. Srinivas).

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

  • Modernization of Indian tradition.

  • Social reforms.

  • Social background of Indian nationalism.

  • Protests and movements during the colonial period.

Social Structure



Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:

  • Agrarian social structure— evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.

  • The idea of Indian village and village studies.

Caste System in India

  • Untouchability-forms and perspectives

  • Features of caste system.

  • Perspectives on the study of caste systems: G. S. Ghurye, M. N. Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.

Systems of Kinship in India

  • Household dimensions of the family.

  • Lineage and descent in India.

  • Types of kinship systems.

  • Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour.

  • Family and marriage in India.

Rural and Agrarian Transformation in India

  • Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration

  • Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation schemes.

  • Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture.

  • Green revolution and social change.

Religion and Society

  • Social Changes in India

  • Problems of religious minorities.

  • Religious communities in India.

Tribal Communities in India

  • Definitional problems.

  • Colonial policies and tribes.

  • Issues of integration and autonomy.

  • Geographical spread.

Social Classes in India

  • Industrial class structure.

  • Agrarian class structure.

  • Middle classes in India.

Visions of Social Change in India

  • Education and social change.

  • Constitution, law and social change.

  • Idea of development planning and mixed economy.

Politics and Society

  • Regionalism and decentralization of power.

  • Political parties, pressure groups, social and political elite.

  • Secularization.

  • Nation, democracy and citizenship.

Industrialization and Urbanisation in India

  • Evolution of modern industry in India.

  • Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.

  • Slums and deprivation in urban areas.

  • Growth of urban settlements in India.

  • Informal sector, child labour.

Social Movements in Modern India

  • Backward classes & Dalit movements.

  • Peasants and farmers movements.

  • Women’s movement.

  • Environmental movements.

  • Ethnicity and Identity movements.

Population Dynamics

  • Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.

  • Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.

  • Population Policy and family planning.

  • Population size, growth, composition and distribution.

Challenges of Social Transformation

  • Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.

  • Illiteracy and disparities in education.

  • Poverty, deprivation and inequalities.

  • Violence against women.

  • Caste conflicts.

  • Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability.

UPSC Subject-wise Questions for various Subjects

Why Choose Sociology as UPSC Optional Subject?

Given the large number of optional subjects that one can choose from while writing the IAS exam 2024, many candidates are bound to get confused about the best optional subject for them. Let’s discuss some of the advantages of choosing Sociology as an optional subject to provide some clarity to those looking to take this subject.

  • Candidates taking sociology will be able to study efficiently as there is an overlap in topics covered in the IAS sociology optional syllabus and the General studies paper.

  • Candidates from any background can pick sociology as a subject

  • The sociology syllabus is relatively shorter compared to some other subjects

  • Sociology is a great choice of optional subject for those who prefer subjects that can be learnt by conceptual understanding over rote learning

  • Sociology as a subject complements the profession of an IAS officer really well as the topics covered by the UPSC Sociology Syllabus deal with the condition of society.

UPSC Sociology Books 2024

Along with the UPSC Sociology Syllabus 2024, candidates can also refer to this curated list of the best books for IAS Sociology optional to find good study material for preparation.

  • Yogendra Singh book- Modernisation of Indian Tradition

  • Social change in India - M.N. Srinivas

  • Mahapatra class notes

  • Upendra sir notes

  • Haralambos Blue book

  • NCERT books of sociology

  • IGNOU books (Certain chapters)

  • Social Background of Indian Nationalism - A.R. Desai

Also read: UPSC Mock Tests Series for UPSC


UPSC Sociology Optional Books

Candidates preparing for the UPSC Sociology 2024 exam must go through the list of recommended books for the exam in order to study the topics from the UPSC Sociology Syllabus effectively. For more details, candidates can consult the table given below.

Sociology Optional Books for Paper-I

Book name

Author

Sociological Theory

Ritzer George

Political Theory

O P Gauba

Related Articles


Sociology Optional Books for Paper-II

Book name

Author

Indian Society and Culture

Nadeem Hasnain

Persistence and Change in Tribal India

M.V. Rao

Also check:


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the selection process of the IAS 2024 exam?

IAS selection process 2024 comprises prelims exam, mains exam and personal interview.

2. What is the age limit to apply for IAS 2024 application form?

Candidates between the age of 21 to 32 years can fill out the IAS application form.

3. Can I challenge the answer key of IAS 2024?

No candidates are not allowed to challenge the IAS answer key.

4. How will the IAS 2024 result be released?

IAS result 2024 will be released in PDF having roll numbers of all the qualified candidates.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

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Steps to become an IAS officer


Graduation


You should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a known university

Arts: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology

Commerce: Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies

Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Examination:


Study the Syllabus: Learn the syllabus for Preliminary and Main exams.

Choose Elective Subjects: Take elective subjects that you enjoy and have expertise in

Study Material: Reference textbooks, handouts distributed during the coaching and internet resources.

Practice: Previous years' question paper, mock tests, etc

Coaching Institutes: Join a good coaching institute for formal guidance 3. UPSC Civil Services Examination:

Prelims Exam: An objective-type qualifying test that will make you eligible to appear in the Main examination.

Main Exam: Very subjective test which includes all subjects.

Interview: Personality test by a panel of experts.

Important Tips:


Start Early: Better preparation starts early.

Time Management: Manage your time very efficiently.

Consistency: Follow a regular study routine.

Stay Updated: Current affairs and news.

Seek Guidance: Who have an experience can be consulted upon for guidance.

Practice Regularly: Solve the previous year's paper and mock tests.

Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and work hard.

Hence, with these steps and dedication and perseverance, you're sure to achieve your end as an IAS officer.

Hello,

Yes, while IAS (Indian Administrative Services) preparation requires a graduation degree, here are steps you can take to start your IAS journey after completing your 11th standard (BiPC):

  1. Focus on Graduation : Choose a stream for your higher studies that aligns with your interest. Graduation is a mandatory qualification for IAS eligibility.
  2. Early Preparation : Start building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science, which are part of the IAS syllabus.
  3. Develop General Knowledge : Read newspapers daily and follow current affairs magazines to stay updated with national and international news.
  4. Improve Language Skills : Enhance your proficiency in English and one Indian language as per the Civil Services syllabus.
  5. Join Study Circles or Coaching : Enroll in pre-IAS foundation courses available for school students for a head start.
  6. Time Management : Create a balanced study schedule alongside your schoolwork to gradually prepare for the IAS exam.
  7. Participate in Competitions : Engage in essay writing and debates to boost your analytical skills and confidence.

To get more help, you can visit : https://www.careers360.com/careers/ias-officer

Hope it helps 1

Hello there,

Becoming both an IAS officer and a doctor is achievable but requires dedication and clear planning, as each career has distinct educational and examination paths. Here’s a roadmap to help you achieve both:

1. Complete Your MBBS to Become a Doctor

  • Enroll in an MBBS Program : First, you need to qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and get admission to a medical college.

  • Complete Your Medical Degree : The MBBS program typically takes 5.5 years, including an internship.

  • Gain Experience (Optional) : You may choose to practice medicine for a few years to gain clinical experience, but it’s not mandatory if your goal is to pursue IAS right after MBBS.

    2. Prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

  • Understand the UPSC Exam Structure : The UPSC CSE has three stages—Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. You can start preparing while in medical school or after completing MBBS.

  • Choose Your Optional Subject : As a doctor, you may consider taking medical science as your optional subject, though it’s not mandatory.

  • Develop a Study Plan : Balance your medical studies or job with UPSC preparation. Many doctors manage both by allocating dedicated study time each day.

  • Appear for the Exam : With a systematic approach, crack the UPSC exam and qualify for the IAS position.

    3. Career Path as a Doctor-IAS

  • IAS Training and Posting : After clearing UPSC, complete your training and take up your role as an IAS officer. You’ll have a broad scope to influence healthcare, public policy, and social development.

  • Consider Government Health Roles : In administrative roles, you could use your medical background to work in health-related departments, where your knowledge of medicine would be a unique asset.

    Additional Pathways

  • Alternative Approach : You could also join as a doctor in a government hospital and then transition to administration by appearing for the UPSC exam when ready.

  • Health Policy and Administration : Use your medical background in policy formulation or in roles within the Ministry of Health, combining both careers for impactful healthcare reforms.

This dual career path is ambitious but can be very rewarding, allowing you to serve in both the medical and administrative fields.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant, The answer to this question is no. Both of these areas require your complete commitment and dedication. You can not manage both of these together. Also it is not allowed to do any other profession while performing duties as a IAS officer. If you want to practice medical profession then you have to leave your job.

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

Hello,

When choosing an IAS coaching institute, it's important to consider factors such as faculty quality, study materials, success rate, infrastructure, fees, and student support. Here are some highly regarded IAS coaching institutes in India:

1. Vajiram & Ravi

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, high success rate.
  • Cons: Relatively expensive.

2. ALS IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in various cities.
  • Pros: Good faculty, structured programs, and regular tests.
  • Cons: Can be costly, and the quality may vary across branches.

3. Vision IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Detailed study materials, current affairs updates, regular mock tests.
  • Cons: Some students find the pace fast.

4. Sriram IAS

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Strong emphasis on comprehensive understanding, quality teaching.
  • Cons: Limited branches compared to others.

5. Drishti IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with a few branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Affordable fees, good study material, and supportive faculty.
  • Cons: Infrastructure might be less impressive.

6. Upkar Institute

  • Location: Multiple cities.
  • Pros: Focus on affordable coaching, quality materials.
  • Cons: Less known compared to the top-tier institutes.

7. The Hindu Zone

  • Location: Online coaching.
  • Pros: Flexibility of online classes, good faculty, and resources.
  • Cons: Online learning might not suit everyone.

Hope it helps !

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