How to study sociology optional for UPSC


1. Understand the Syllabus for Sociology Optional:


Begin your sociology optional preparation by going through the detailed UPSC Mains syllabus for sociology optional. Familiarize yourself with the various topics and sub-topics.


2. Pick the Right Books for Sociology Optional:


Basic Textbooks for Sociology Optional:


For your sociology optional preparation, start with "Sociology: Themes and Perspectives" by Haralambos and Holborn. Also, consider the "Introducing Sociology" and "Social Change and Development in India" for NCERT Class 11 and 12 as crucial readings for sociology optional.

Advanced Books for Sociology Optional:


Dive deeper into sociology optional with "Indian Society: Sociological Perspectives" by M.N. Srinivas. "Social Background of Indian Nationalism" by A.R. Desai is another must-read for sociology optional aspirants.

3. Draft a Study Plan for Sociology Optional:


Segment the sociology optional syllabus into manageable parts and assign specific durations to each segment.


4. Link Sociology Optional with Current Affairs:


Since sociology optional is a dynamic subject, always relate its theoretical parts with the ongoing social issues in current affairs.


5. Prepare Notes Specifically for Sociology Optional:


Draft concise notes on each topic of the sociology optional syllabus, emphasizing essential concepts, thinkers, and relevant examples.


6. Answer Previous Year Questions from Sociology Optional:


To get a better grasp on sociology optional, ensure you answer and practice past UPSC Mains questions from sociology optional.


7. Enroll in a Test Series Specifically for Sociology Optional:


To enhance your preparation for sociology optional, consider joining a dedicated test series or study group.


8. Cultivate a Sociological Imagination for Sociology Optional:


To excel in sociology optional, an analytical mindset is pivotal. Aim for comprehension over mere memorization.


9. Stay Updated with the Latest in Sociology Optional:


For keeping abreast in sociology optional, refer to regular reports, studies, and articles that are relevant to the syllabus.


10. Attempt Mock Exams for Sociology Optional:


Regularly take mock tests centered on sociology optional to assess and refine your preparation.


11. Consistent Revisions for Sociology Optional:


Periodic revision ensures that you retain concepts and facts in your memory. It's advisable to revise your notes and important topics multiple times before the examination.


Remember, while the UPSC will assess your knowledge, it will also evaluate your analytical skills, especially in sociology optional. Keep refining your approach, practice writing, and always stay updated with recent developments for sociology optional.


A Look at Sociology Topper’s Answer Sheets


Name of Students Download Answer Sheets
Sudhir Kumar Rank - 42, 2017 Paper-I | Paper-II
Gaurav Kumar Rank - 34, 2017 Paper-I | Paper-II
Sanya Chhabra Rank - 84, 2018 Paper-I | Paper-II
Srushti Deshmukh Rank - 5, 2018 Paper-I | Paper-II
Neha Bandhu Rank - 121, 2019 Paper-I | Paper-II
Neha Bhosle Rank - 15, 2019 Paper-I | Paper-II

Sociology Optional Notes PDF


Topper IAS - Sociology Optional Notes
S. No. Sociology Optional Notes Download in PDF
1. Akshat Kaushal, ALL INDIA RANK - 55, P1 PDF Download
2. Akshat Kaushal, ALL INDIA RANK - 55, P2 PDF Download
3. Neha Bhosle, ALL INDIA RANK - 15, P1 PDF Download
3. Neha Bhosle, ALL INDIA RANK - 15, P2 PDF Download
4. Sindhuri, P1 PDF Download
5. Sindhuri, P2 PDF Download
6. Tusharanshu Sharma, ALL INDIA RANK - 75, P1 PDF Download
7. Tusharanshu Sharma, ALL INDIA RANK - 75, P2 PDF Download


Further Reading
Sociology Optional Notes
Sociology Optional Syllabus
IAS SALARY IN INDIA 2023
Sociology Question Paper UPSC
Sociology Optional Strategy

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Sociology Optional: Selected Students Testimonials

  • Sociology is a very interesting optional. It gives a unique perspective to see society and Ritesh sir has a very long background in sociology. He has done great research for the purpose of teaching sociology optional. He has a very vast, highly enriched and unique repository of contents to offer to his students. Also the quality of questions in test series was very good and it was very helpful for me to secure this 10th rank in CSE.


    Sanjita Mohapatra(IAS)
    AIR-10, CSE-2019
  • Ritesh sir is an excellent teacher when you look from the quality of content he provides to his student. My quality of answers really improved because I followed his lectures and discussions religiously. Ritesh sir gave me new perspective and insight to evaluate the things from sociological perspectives. Also sir provided me personal mentoring and guided me really well. I was in constant touch with him throughout my preparation. I would really thank Ritesh sir for mentoring me personally.


    Gamini Singla (IAS)
    AIR-3, CSE-2021
  • I want to thank Ritesh sir and Toppers IAS for helping with my sociology optional preparation. I am a civil engineer and a management post-graduate, no any background in sociology. I joined sociology foundation class of Ritesh sir and sir made sure that my journey of studying a new subject altogether was extremely smooth. Throughout my upsc journey Ritesh sir was always there to teach and guide me. He is very humble, responsive and directly approachable.

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    Anand Malhotra (IAS)
    AIR-67, CSE-2021
  • Ritesh sir is an amazing teacher having vast knowledge and experience in the field of teaching sociology optional. He makes sociology very interesting, easy to understand and relate it with contemporary development. Also because of his personal mentoring I was able to clear this exam in my very first attempt. Thank you sir.

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    Shubham Nokhwal (IAS),
    AIR-321, CSE-2022