Mock Test Paper - 1 (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) What are the social and economic factors sustaining the caste system in rural India?
(b) Discuss the impact of globalization on India’s industrial class structure.
(c) Is patriarchy a key to understanding different forms of inequalities in Indian society? Elaborate.(PYQ2024)
(d) Analyze how changing marriage patterns affect family structures in urban India.
(e) Examine the persistence of child labour in India despite legal measures.

Q2.
(a) 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) (PYQ2024) 
(b) Discuss the challenges in defining and classifying tribes in India. Highlight the socio-economic barriers to their development. (20 marks)
(c) Explain M. N. Srinivas’s concept of ‘Sanskritization’ and its relevance in contemporary India. (10 marks)

Q3.
(a) Evaluate the role of education in addressing social inequalities in India. Provide recent examples. (20 marks)
(b) Do you think that the constitutional provisions for women have led to their uplift? Give reasons for your answer. (20 marks) (PYQ2024)
(c) Discuss the role of religion in fostering social cohesion in India. (10 marks)

Q4.
(a) Analyze the impact of decentralization on grassroots democracy in India. Highlight its challenges. (20 marks)
(b) (PYQ) What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations. (20 marks)
(c) Examine the role of caste in shaping political mobilization in India. (10 marks)

SECTION B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50)
(a) Discuss the factors contributing to the growth of metropolitan cities in India.
(b)Is there a connection between labour migration and informal sector? Justify your answer with reference to Indian context.  (PYQ 2024) 
(c) Analyze the relationship between urbanization and the rise of slum settlements in India.
(d) Examine the changing role of women in Indian politics.
(e) Assess the impact of the 2024-2025 farmers’ protests on India’s agrarian policy.

Q6.
(a) Discuss the challenges of maternal healthcare in India. Suggest measures to address them. (20 marks)
(b)What is sustainable development? How can sustainability be achieved in India where livelihood needs conflict with environmental protection? (20 marks) (PYQ 2024)
(c) Explain the concept of ‘pressure groups’ and their role in Indian democracy. (10 marks)

Q7.
(a) Analyze the interplay between tribal identity, environmental movements, and development policies in India. (20 marks)
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of legal measures in reducing gender-based violence in India. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the historical evolution of tribal movements in India. (10 marks)

Q8.
(a) Highlight the contributions of women-led social reform movements in colonial India. (20 marks)
(b) Identify different forms of inequalities associated with agrarian social structure in India. (20 marks) (PYQ 2024)
(c) Critically examine the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India’s development process. (10 marks)