In comparison to other optional subjects, the UPSC Sociology Syllabus is thought to be shorter, clearer, and simpler to understand. Candidates who have Sociology as an optional subject should go over the entire UPSC Sociology Syllabus and comprehend the themes that will be covered. It is recommended to read through the detailed UPSC Syllabus along with the optional syllabus to understand the subjects to be covered under each section for adequate exam preparation.
In addition to overlapping with the GS Paper 1 in the UPSC Mains (Indian Society Part), the UPSC Sociology Syllabus aids in the preparation of the GS 2, GS 3, and Essay Paper. The entire sociology optional syllabus for the UPSC for both papers 1 and 2 is presented below. To help you keep track of your preparation for the sociology optional, we will also give a PDF of the UPSC sociology syllabus.
Syllabus Overview for UPSC Sociology
The UPSC’s optional syllabus for sociology is divided into two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, the same as the syllabus for other optional disciplines. Each paper is worth 250 points, for a total of 500 points on the optional paper. Getting high marks on the optional paper would aid the candidates in the UPSC Mains exam.
- The basics of sociology, such as social changes in contemporary society, religion and society, politics and society, work and economic life, sociological thinkers, etc., are covered in Paper 1 of the UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus.
- The Paper 2 of the UPSC Sociology syllabus provides an introduction to Indian society, social organization, and social change. Knowing these subjects would be beneficial for preparing the UPSC Mains Syllabus’ GS papers as well.
Totaling 10 units, paper 1 is primarily divided into 4 components, including
- Sociology Fundamentals: In the first three units, candidates will learn about the history of sociology, whether it is a scientific field or not, research techniques, and other topics.
- Thinkers: Paper 1 of the sociology syllabus for the UPSC contains six thinkers. Durkheim, Merton, and Parsons are functionalists, as are GH Mead, Karl Marx, symbolic interactionists, conflict theorists, and interpretive sociologists (Weber).
- Social Changes: This course focuses heavily on how education, science and technology, education, and mass media have changed society.
Paper 2 of the UPSC’s optional sociology syllabus consists of the following 15 units:
- Introduction: In this section, students are given an overview of Indian sociology and the effects of British rule on our culture.
- Changes in Indian Society: The impact of laws and the constitution is covered in this section. How do the government’s policies and the expansion of education affect society and the process of human growth?
- One of the most significant areas of the Paper 2 of the UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus is the Structure of Indian Society. It covers significant social institutions in six divisions, including religion, kinship and family systems, caste systems, various classes, and tribal communities.
The UPSC syllabus for 2022
The UPSC syllabus for 2022 has not changed and is comparable to that of the previous year. From the links provided below, candidates can directly download the English and Hindi PDF versions of the UPSC syllabus. Some of the popular UPSC subjects are geography, sociology, political science, public administration, history, law, and philosophy.
The IAS syllabus is separated into two sections based on the selection procedure and stages – prelims and mains. The preliminary exam is the initial step of the examination and is only for qualifying purposes. For the main exam, which is descriptive, candidates must pass the preliminary examination.
The UPSC syllabus for both the GS and optional exams is available for download by aspirants. Following the main exam, selected applicants are invited to the interview stage. To guarantee that you are thoroughly prepared, you must first read the entire UPSC curriculum before beginning your preparation.