Mock Test Paper - 2 (Sociology Optional Paper- I): Questions | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

​Please read each of the following instructions before attempting the questions 

1. There are EIGHT questions divided in TWO SECTIONS and printed in ENGLISH. 
2. Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all. Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, any THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from each section. 
3. The number of marks carried by a question / part is indicated against it. 
4. Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. 
5. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. Attempts of questions shall be counted in sequential order. 
6. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet must be clearly struck off.

Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 250

Section-A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 marks)
(a) What is the significance of the phenomenological approach in sociological research? Comment.
(b) Discuss the interplay between sociology and anthropology in understanding human societies.
(c) How does symbolic interactionism explain social behavior in everyday interactions?
(d) (PYQ) Is reference group theory a universally applicable model? Elucidate.
(e) Examine the role of social institutions in maintaining social order in contemporary societies.

Q2.
(a) Explain Talcott Parsons’ AGIL model of social systems. How relevant is it in analyzing modern welfare states? (20 marks)
(b) What is meant by positivism in sociology? Discuss its strengths and limitations in social research. (20 marks)
(c) (PYQ) What are variables? How do they facilitate research? (10 marks)

Q3.
(a) Discuss the concept of social fact as proposed by Emile Durkheim. How does it apply to understanding social phenomena in 2025? (20 marks)
(b) How has globalization impacted traditional caste structures in India? Provide recent examples. (20 marks)
(c) Differentiate between ascribed and achieved status with suitable examples. (10 marks)

Q4.
(a) (PYQ) Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain. (20 marks)
(b) Analyze the role of education in promoting social mobility in contemporary India. Use recent case studies. (20 marks)
(c) What is the difference between power and authority? Illustrate with examples. (10 marks)

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10×5=50  marks)
(a) How does urbanization influence family structures in modern India? Discuss with examples.
(b) Examine the role of social movements in addressing gender inequality in 2025.
(c) What is the significance of secularism in a multi-religious society like India?
(d) Discuss the impact of digital technology on social stratification in contemporary societies.
(e) Analyze the role of NGOs in promoting sustainable development in rural India.

Q6.
(a) Explain the concept of alienation as discussed by Karl Marx. How does it manifest in the gig economy of 2025? (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the relevance of functionalist perspective in understanding social cohesion in pluralistic societies. (20 marks)
(c) What are the challenges of using interviews as a data collection method in sociological research? (10 marks)

Q7.
(a) How has the rise of artificial intelligence impacted employment patterns in the 21st century? Provide recent examples. (20 marks)
(b) Analyze the role of media in shaping public opinion in democratic societies. Use case studies from 2024–2025. (20 marks)
(c) What is meant by social change? Differentiate between evolutionary and revolutionary change. (10 marks)

Q8.
(a) Discuss the concept of social capital and its role in community development. Use recent examples. (20 marks)
(b) Examine the impact of climate change on marginalized communities in India. Suggest sociological interventions. (20 marks)
(c) What is the role of rituals in maintaining social solidarity? Provide examples. (10 marks)