Mock Test Paper - 3 (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)
(a) Define the relationship of Sociology with other social sciences.
(b) Comment on the role of value neutrality in social research.
(c) (PYQ) The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment.
(d) Explain Durkheim’s contribution to the study of social facts.
(e) How do sociologists view the concept of caste in the analysis of social inequality?

Q2.
(a) Which aspects of the Enlightenment contributed to the development of Sociology? Elaborate. (20 marks)
(b) Explain the types of non-probability sampling techniques. Clarify their usage with examples. (20 marks)
(c) How can social mobility be understood in open and closed systems? (10 marks)

Q3.
(a) (PYQ) What are the shortfalls of positivist philosophy that gave rise to non-positivist methods of studying social reality? (20 marks)
(b) Critically analyze Weber’s theory of bureaucracy in the context of modern organizations. (20 marks)
(c) Suggest measures to minimize the researcher’s influence in focus group discussions. (10 marks)

Q4.
(a) What characterizes the degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx? (20 marks)
(b) Critically assess the claim that social stratification contributes to social order and stability. (20 marks)
(c) Explain the different tests available to a social science researcher to establish reliability. (10 marks)

Section- B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50)
(a) Analyze the relevance of Durkheim’s views on religion in contemporary society.
(b) Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family.
(c) Explain the implications of the feminization of work in developing societies.
(d) (PYQ) Write a note on global trends of secularization.
(e) Review the perspectives of development in the context of social change.

Q6.
(a) According to Mead, how does the concept of self develop? Explain. (20 marks)
(b) Analyze the transition from ideology-based to identity-based politics in India. (20 marks)
(c) Comment on the role of science and technology in social change in contemporary Indian society. (10 marks)

Q7.
(a) Analyze Parsons’ theory of social system in the context of contemporary Indian society. (20 marks)
(b) Explain environmentalism from the perspective of new social movements, with examples from 2024-2025. (20 marks)
(c) Illustrate with examples the role of pressure groups in the formulation of social policies. (10 marks)

Q8.
(a) Comment on the argument for the democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. (20 marks)
(b) Are traditional social institutions weakening as agents of social change in contemporary society? Substantiate. (20 marks)
(c) How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development? (10 marks)