UPSC Mains 2024 Sociology Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Sociology Optional PYQs

1. What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain.

2. Discuss the changes taking place in the industrial class structure in India.

3. Is patriarchy a key to understanding different forms of inequalities in Indian society? Elaborate.

4. Do you think that family bondings are being affected by the changing kinship patterns in India? Comment.

5. Despite the efforts of the government, bonded labour still continues in India. Discuss.

6. Differentiate between 'Western' and 'Indological' perspectives on the study of Indian society. Bring out the major aspects of G. S. Ghurye's contribution to Indological' approach.

   20 marks

7. What are the definitional problems involved in identifying tribes in India? Discuss the main obstacles to tribal development in India.

   20 marks

8. What, according to Andre Beteille, are the bases of agrarian class structure in India? Analyse.

9. Why is the study of marriage important in Sociology? Analyse the implications of changing marriage patterns for Indian society.

   20 marks

10. Do you think that the constitutional provisions for women have led to their uplift? Give reasons for your answer.

    20 marks

11. Education is a key to social development. Elucidate.

12. How do religious communities contribute to the cultural diversity of India?

    20 marks

13. What do you understand by decentralisation of power? What is its role in strengthening the roots of democracy in India? Elaborate.

    20 marks

14. What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations.

15. Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the growth of urban settlements in India.

16. Is there a connection between labour migration and informal sector? Justify your answer with reference to Indian context.

17. Are slums the manifestations of industrialisation and urbanisation in India? Explain.

18. Discuss the changing nature of political elites in India.

19. What is your assessment about the recent farmers' movement in India? Elaborate. Discuss 3 [ P.T.O.

20. Discuss the major challenges related to women's reproductive health in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome these challenges?

    20 marks

21. What is sustainable development? How can sustainability be achieved in India where livelihood needs conflict with environmental protection?

    20 marks

22. Critically examine the relevance of development planning in India.

23. Analyse the trilogy between environmental movement, development and tribal identity.

    20 marks

24. To what extent have the legal provisions been effective in curbing violence against women in India? Give your argument.

    20 marks

25. Trace the social and historical origins of Dalit movements in modern India.

26. Highlight the major contributions of the reform movements in pre-independent India.

    20 marks

27. Identify different forms of inequalities associated with agrarian social structure in India.

    20 marks

28. What are pressure groups? Discuss their role in decision-making in democracy.