All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Sociology
2025 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full,
with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2025Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Indian social system, traditions, social reform, tribes, Ghurye (1)Orthogenetic changes, agrarian class structure, same sex marriages (1)Nation building, British economic reforms, new middle class (1)Village studies, industrial class structure, kinship (1)Land transfer, village industries, political mobilization, labour migrants, child labour (1)Constitutional provisions for SC/ST, urbanization, caste conflicts (1)Aged care systems, NEP-2020, Dalit movements and identity (1)Sustainable development, forced displacement of labourers, SDG-2015 poverty schemes (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussIndian social system, traditions, social reform, tribes, Ghurye
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) 'Textual perspective is important in understanding of Indian Social System.' Discuss. (10 marks)
(b) Justify that the Indian traditions are modernizing. Also discuss its contributing factors. (10 marks)
(c) According to you, which social reform movement has played the most effective role in uplifting the status of women? Explain. (10 marks)
(d) How did Colonial Policies for the tribes affected their socio-economic conditions in India? Discuss. (10 marks)
(e) How would you appropriate to characterise G. S. Ghurye as a practitioner of 'theoretical pluralism'? (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रश्नों का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) 'भारतीय विद्या परिप्रेक्ष्य, भारतीय सामाजिक व्यवस्था को समझने में महत्वपूर्ण है।' विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) पुष्टि कीजिये कि भारतीय परम्पराओं का आधुनिकीकरण हो रहा है । इसमें योगदान करने वाले कारकों की भी विवेचना कीजिये । (10 अंक)
(c) आपके अनुसार महिलाओं की स्थिति के उत्थान के लिए कौन से सामाजिक सुधार आंदोलन ने सबसे अधिक प्रभावशाली भूमिका का निर्वाह किया है ? व्याख्या कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(d) औपनिवेशिक नीतियों ने भारत में जनजातियों की सामाजिक-आर्थिक दशाओं को किस प्रकार से प्रभावित किया था ? विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(e) आप जी. एस. घुर्ये को 'सैद्धान्तिक बहुलवाद' के प्रयोगकर्ता के रूप में किस प्रकार से उचित ठहरायेंगे । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Indian Society). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise, well-structured, uses specific examples and data, clear argumentation.
50Mcritically examineOrthogenetic changes, agrarian class structure, same sex marriages
(a) Do you think that in a society like India orthogenetic changes take place through differentiation? Do you observe continuities in the orthogenetic process? Elaborate your answer with suitable examples. (20 marks)
(b) 'Agrarian class structure has been undergoing changes due to modern forces.' Critically examine. (20 marks)
(c) How same sex marriages are responsible for population dynamics in India? Discuss. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या आप सोचते हैं कि भारत जैसे समाज में नियतविकासीय परिवर्तन विभेदीकरण के द्वारा होते हैं ? क्या आप नियतविकासीय प्रक्रिया में निरंतरता को देखते हैं ? अपना उत्तर उपयुक्त उदाहरण सहित विस्तार से दीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) 'कृषक वर्ग संरचना आधुनिक शक्तियों के कारण परिवर्तित हो रही है ।' आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) समलैंगिक विवाह, भारत में जनसंख्यात्मक गतिकी के लिए किस प्रकार उत्तरदायी हैं ? विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II: Define > Thinker > Argument > Indian illustration. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, theoretically grounded, with strong Indian examples and critical analysis.
Define orthogenesis and differentiation (e.g., Radcliffe-Brown)
Explain continuity in the orthogenetic process
Provide Indian examples of differentiation (e.g., caste, class)
Take a position on the extent of change
Identify modern forces (e.g., market, technology, policy)
Examine changes in class structure (e.g., land ownership, labor)
50MelaborateNation building, British economic reforms, new middle class
(a) What do you mean by nation building? What is the role of religion in nation building? Elaborate your answer. (20 marks)
(b) Do you think that new economic reforms of British rule have disrupted the old economic system of India? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. (20 marks)
(c) Describe the main features of Indian new middle class. How is it different from the old middle class? (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) राष्ट्र निर्माण से आप क्या समझते हैं ? राष्ट्र निर्माण में धर्म की क्या भूमिका होती है ? अपने उत्तर को विस्तार पूर्वक लिखिए । (20 अंक)
(b) क्या आप सोचते हैं कि ब्रिटिश शासन द्वारा किए गए नवीन आर्थिक सुधारों ने भारत की पुरानी अर्थ व्यवस्था को विघटित किया है ? उपयुक्त उदाहरण दे कर अपने उत्तर को प्रमाणित कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारतीय नव मध्य वर्ग की मुख्य विशेषताओं का वर्णन कीजिए । ये पूर्व/पुराने मध्य वर्ग से किस प्रकार भिन्न हैं ? (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II: Define > Thinker > Argument > Indian illustration. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise definitions, named thinkers, specific Indian examples, clear argumentation.
Define nation building as social/political integration
Identify religion as a source of social cohesion
Identify religion as a source of social conflict
Provide Indian examples of religious role in nation building
Describe the pre-colonial economic system (e.g., village economy)
Detail specific British reforms (e.g., land revenue, deindustrialization)
Analyze the disruption of traditional trade and industry
50ManalyseVillage studies, industrial class structure, kinship
(a) Who is said to be the pioneer of village studies in India? Illustratively describe contributions of some Indian sociologists on village studies. How their approaches are distinct from each other? (20 marks)
(b) "Industrial class structure is a function of social structure of Indian society." Do you agree with this statement? Analyze. (20 marks)
(c) What is kinship? Briefly explain G. P. Murdock's contribution to the study of the kinship system. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में ग्राम अध्ययन के लिए किसे अग्रणी माना जाता है ? उदाहरण के तौर पर कुछ भारतीय समाजशास्त्रियों के ग्राम अध्ययन पर योगदान को बताइये । उनके उपागम परस्पर किस प्रकार से भिन्न हैं ? (20 अंक)
(b) "औद्योगिक वर्ग संरचना भारतीय समाज की सामाजिक संरचना का एक प्रकार्य है !" क्या आप इस कथन से सहमत हैं ? विश्लेषण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) नातेदारी क्या है ? नातेदारी व्यवस्था के अध्ययन में जी. पी. मर्डॉक के योगदान की संक्षेप में व्याख्या कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (Social Structure & Social Change). (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, and analytically sound with specific examples and references.
Identify M.N. Srinivas as the pioneer of village studies
Describe the contribution of M.N. Srinivas (e.g., Rampur, Sanskritization)
Describe the contribution of G.S. Ghurye (e.g., Waghaleshwar, caste focus)
Contrast the distinct approaches of the sociologists mentioned
Define the relationship between industrial class and social structure
Explain how caste influences industrial class formation
Discuss the role of education and occupation in class mobility
Provide examples of how social structure shapes industrial hierarchy
50M150wCompulsorydiscussLand transfer, village industries, political mobilization, labour migrants, child labour
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) 'The transfer of land from cultivating to the non-cultivating owners is bringing about transformation in Indian society.' Justify your answer by giving suitable illustrations. (10 marks)
(b) Bring out various factors responsible for declining of village Industries in India. (10 marks)
(c) Discuss the social bases of political mobilization in Independent India. Has some change occurred in these during the last 60-70 years? (10 marks)
(d) What are the major problems faced by the labour migrants while working in informal sectors of Indian States? Discuss. (10 marks)
(e) Do you think that law has been able to abolish child labour in India? Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए :
(a) 'भूस्वामित्व खेतिहर से गैर खेतिहर स्वामियों को हस्तांतरित किये जाने से भारतीय समाज रूपांतरण (ट्रांसफॉर्मेशन) हो रहा है ।' उपयुक्त उदाहरण दे कर अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(b) भारत में ग्रामीण उद्योगों के पतन के लिए उत्तरदायी विभिन्न कारकों का वर्णन कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(c) स्वतंत्र भारत में राजनीतिक गतिशीलता के सामाजिक आधारों की विवेचना कीजिए । क्या पिछले 60-70 वर्षों में इन में (आधारों में) कोई परिवर्तन हुआ है ? (10 अंक)
(d) भारतीय राज्यों में अनौपचारिक क्षेत्रों में कार्य करने वाले प्रवासी श्रमिकों की प्रमुख समस्याएं क्या हैं ? विवेचना कीजिए । (10 अंक)
(e) क्या आप सोचते हैं कि कानून भारत में बाल श्रम को समाप्त करने के लिए सक्षम है ? टिप्पणी कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II (UPSC). (a) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (b) account for: state the phenomenon > the causes in order of weight > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured answers with specific examples, data, and balanced analysis.
Define the phenomenon of land transfer to non-cultivating owners
Provide 3-4 reasons for social transformation
Give suitable illustrations of this transformation
Conclude with a balanced assessment
State the phenomenon of declining village industries
50Mcritically examineConstitutional provisions for SC/ST, urbanization, caste conflicts
(a) In what respects have the constitutional provisions changed the socio-economic and political conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India? Critically examine. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the trend of urbanization in India. Do you think that Industrialization is the only precondition of urbanization? Give you arguments. (20 marks)
(c) Which measures would you suggest for preventing caste conflicts in India? Justify your argument. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) संवैधानिक प्रावधानों ने किस अर्थ में अनुसूचित जातियों तथा अनुसूचित जनजातियों की सामाजिक, आर्थिक एवं राजनीतिक दशाओं को परिवर्तित किया है ? आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) भारत में नगरीकरण की प्रवृत्ति की विवेचना कीजिए । क्या आप सोचते हैं कि औद्योगीकरण नगरीकरण की पूर्व शर्त है ? अपने तर्क दीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में जाति संघर्ष को रोकने के लिए आप कौन से उपाय सुझाएंगे ? अपने तर्क की पुष्टि कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II: Constitutional Sociology & Urbanization. (a) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, critical, and well-structured with specific data and legal references.
Cite specific Articles (e.g., 15, 16, 335, 340, 341, 342).
Analyze political representation via reservation (Lok Sabha/State Assemblies).
Examine socio-economic changes (education, employment, land rights).
Critically evaluate limitations (e.g., social boycott, implementation gaps).
50Mcritically examineAged care systems, NEP-2020, Dalit movements and identity
(a) What are the Private and Public network and support systems operative in Indian society for the aged? Suggest measures to curb down the challenges before care givers of the aged. (20 marks)
(b) "Educational development is the only Panacea for country's all ills and evils." Critically examine the above statement with reference to NEP-2020. (20 marks)
(c) How Dalit movements in India have facilitated their Identity formation? Analyze. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय समाज में बुड्ढों के लिए प्रवर्तनशील निजी तथा सार्वजनिक संजाल (नेटवर्क) एवं सहायक व्यवस्थाएं क्या हैं ? बुड्ढों की देख-रेख करने वालों के सामने आने वाली चुनौतियों को कम करने के लिए किये जाने वाले प्रयासों के सुझाव दीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) "शैक्षिक विकास ही देश की समस्त बीमारियों तथा बुराइयों का एकमात्र उपचार है ।" उपर्युक्त कथन का राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति-2020 के संदर्भ में आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत में दलित आंदोलनों ने उनकी पहचान बनाने को किस प्रकार से सहज बनाया है ? विश्लेषण कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(a) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion | (b) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Precise definitions, specific schemes/NEP points, and clear analytical links.
Define private and public support networks
Identify specific public schemes (e.g., Indira Gandhi scheme)
List challenges faced by care givers
Suggest implementable measures to curb these challenges
Analyze NEP-2020's role in social mobility
Critique the 'only panacea' claim (limits of education)
Link education to specific social ills (poverty, caste)
50MelaborateSustainable development, forced displacement of labourers, SDG-2015 poverty schemes
(a) Is it possible to have sustainable development in India? Cite major environmental issues and suggest a few measures to achieve the sustainability. (20 marks)
(b) Do you think that forced displacement of labourers has caused their deprivation and resultant inequalities during the recent past years? Elaborate. (20 marks)
(c) What are the Indian government's schemes launched for poverty alleviation after the United Nation's Declaration of 'Sustainable Development Goals - 2015'? Briefly describe. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या भारत में संधारणीय विकास होना संभव है ? पर्यावरणीय मुद्दों को ध्यान में रखते हुए संधारणीयता को अर्जित करने के लिए कुछ उपाय सुझाइये । (20 अंक)
(b) क्या आप सोचते हैं कि मजदूरों का जबरन विस्थापन उनके वंचन का कारण है तथा उसके परिणामस्वरूप हाल ही के कुछ वर्षों से भारत में असमानता आई है ? विस्तार से उत्तर दीजिए । (20 अंक)
(c) भारत सरकार ने यूनाइटेड नेशंस द्वारा 'सस्टेनेबल डेवलपमेंट गोल्स - 2015' की घोषणा के पश्चात् निर्धनता उन्मूलन के लिए कौन सी योजनाएं प्रारंभ की हैं ? संक्षेप में वर्णन कीजिए । (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Sociology Paper II: Social Development & Welfare. (a) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise Indian context, specific schemes/data, clear analytical linkages, balanced judgment.
Define sustainable development in Indian context
Cite 3-4 major environmental issues (e.g., air/water pollution)
Suggest specific measures for sustainability
Conclude on feasibility with balanced judgment
Define forced displacement in recent context (e.g., pandemic)
Explain mechanisms of deprivation (loss of income/assets)