UPSC Mains 2026 Sociology Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Sociology Optional PYQs

1. In what respect is M. N. Srinivas' study of Indian village society based on structural and functional perspective? Analyse.

2. According to you, which social reform had long-lasting impact on a specific

3. In the context of women's movements and laws do you think that matriarchy is the need of the hour? Discuss in detail.

4. Discuss the debates on the concepts 'duty' and 'worship' while understanding religion in India.

5. How does the concept 'secular' go beyond any religion in plural society like India? Analyse.

6. Indian society through Indian texts. How can Indological approach be useful in the study of other society? Comment in detail.

   20 marks

7. Examine how Indian Nationalism was a result of 'Akhand Bharat'/Indian Subcontinent's socio-cultural and political consciousness.

   20 marks

8. How does A. R. Desai argue that Indian social classes must be studied through the colonial mode of production? Elucidate.

   10 marks

9. Examine the challenges of applying micro-level village studies to macro-level village structure of Indian society.

   20 marks

10. Explain the emergence of middle class in agrarian society in India. What have been the socio-structural implications of the emergence of this middle class?

    20 marks

11. When land reform was a paradigm shift, then what type of land reforms would you recommend to make India a more equitable society?

    10 marks

12. How does the Constitution of India promote education? Do you think that education can be a major instrument of social change? Clarify.

    20 marks

13. Draw the current population pyramid of India. What policy measures would you recommend for population dynamics to achieve sustainability?

    20 marks

14. Indian society.

    10 marks

15. Discuss the challenges faced by the aged people in receiving 'elder care'.

16. Examine the transiting social movements from physical movements to virtual movements in 21st century India.

17. Clarify how the family planning programmes have taken a political 'U'-turn in present India.

18. How do Louis Dumont and Andre Beteille differ in their approaches in understanding caste system in India? Explain.

19. Bring out the debates of 'insiders' and 'outsiders' approaches in understanding Indian society.

20. Differentiate between protests and movements. Discuss some of those movements which changed the fabric of Indian agrarian society during the colonial period.

    20 marks

21. Synchronise the developmental programmes and social change in India, and describe them through visible and lived experiences.

    20 marks

22. Why was the category of 'criminal tribe' created by law during the colonial period in India? Discuss its implications.

    10 marks

23. Urbanisation in Independent India has been characterized by over- urbanization and rural push. Explain with demographic and sociological dimensions.

    20 marks

24. Give a sociological explanation of violence against women in India. What suggestions would you give to mitigate these violences?

    20 marks

25. Examine the process of formalisation of informal sector to safeguard the interests of marginalised sections of the society.

    10 marks

26. How has colonial rule transformed Indian society? If it (Indian society) had not undergone colonial rule, then what type of Indian society would have been there? Elaborate.

    20 marks

27. How have the women's movements made the presence of women in every moment felt and more women participation in various fields? Discuss.

    20 marks

28. Where would you locate the tribal community in the Varna system of India? Discuss.

    10 marks