Mock Test Paper - 2 (Sociology Optional Paper- II): 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. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 marks)
(a) Highlight the key features of G.S. Ghurye’s approach to studying Indian society.
(b) (PYQ) The decade of 1950s was the golden period of village studies in Indian Sociology. Explain the statement.
(c) Analyze the role of education in transforming caste dynamics in contemporary India.
(d) Discuss the impact of urbanization on traditional Indian social structures.
(e) (PYQ) Discuss the main features of Land Reforms in post-independence India.

Q2.
(a) Do you agree with M.N. Srinivas that Sanskritization represents the aspirations of lower castes for upward mobility? Present a sociological overview. (20 marks)
(b) Elaborate on the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping India’s global cultural and economic influence. (20 marks)
(c) (PYQ) Analyze the role of market and modern forces in understanding the changing trends in marriage systems in India. (10 marks)

Q3.
(a) Contextualize Andre Beteille’s perspective on the interplay between caste and class in modern India. (20 marks)
(b) Define the concepts of ‘ hypergamy’ and ‘ hypogamy’. Differentiate between marriage practices in North and South India with examples. (20 marks)
(c) Critically examine the concept of Westernization with suitable illustrations. (10 marks)

Q4.
(a) Analyze the impact of globalization on India’s tribal communities from the perspectives of marginalization and empowerment. (20 marks)
(b) Explain the implications of technological advancements on India’s agrarian economy in the context of 2024-2025. (20 marks)
(c) Critique the social consequences of the Green Revolution in India. (10 marks)

Section-B

Q5. Write short answers, with a sociological perspective, on the following questions in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50 marks)
(a) Expand the concept of ‘environmental displacement’ with relevant case studies from 2024-2025.
(b) Examine the concept of ‘social capital’ in the context of India’s community-driven development.
(c) Highlight the key features of the Digital India initiative and its sociological implications.
(d) (PYQ) Analyze the sociological interconnections between social media and mass mobilization in India.
(e) Discuss the causes and consequences of skewed child sex ratios in India.

Q6.
(a) How do you account for the persistence of religious identities in India despite the secularization thesis? Explain. (20 marks)
(b) In the context of global sustainability concerns, analyze the relevance of the Narmada Bachao Andolan and its non-violent approach. (20 marks)
(c) Suggest measures to address the issue of bonded labor in India. (10 marks)

Q7.
(a) Do you think OBC political mobilizations have strengthened India’s democratic framework? Substantiate with facts. (20 marks)
(b) What is ‘circular migration’? Discuss its features, causes, and consequences in India with examples from 2024-2025. (20 marks)
(c) Discuss the phenomenon of urban-rural linkages with suitable examples. (10 marks)

Q8.
(a) Explain the linkages between caste-based discrimination and social exclusion in India, citing recent cases. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the challenges faced by women’s movements in India and suggest measures to strengthen them at the grassroots level. (20 marks)
(c) What is ‘social ageing’? Discuss the major challenges faced by the elderly in India. (10 marks)