UPSC Mains 2026 Sociology Paper II

Section A

1. 1

   Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 1(a)

      In what respect is M. N. Srinivas' study of Indian village society based on structural and functional perspective? Analyse.

      10marks
   2. 1(b)

      According to you, which social reform had long-lasting impact on a specific section of society? Support your answer with suitable example.

      10marks
   3. 1(c)

      In the context of women's movements and laws do you think that matriarchy is the need of the hour? Discuss in detail.

      10marks
   4. 1(d)

      Discuss the debates on the concepts 'duty' and 'worship' while understanding religion in India.

      10marks
   5. 1(e)

      How does the concept 'secular' go beyond any religion in plural society like India? Analyse.

      10marks
2. 2

   Question 2

   50marks
   1. 2(a)

      Indological approach, advocated by G. S. Ghurye, focuses on the study of Indian society through Indian texts. How can Indological approach be useful in the study of other society? Comment in detail.

      20marks
   2. 2(b)

      Examine how Indian Nationalism was a result of 'Akhand Bharat'/Indian Subcontinent's socio-cultural and political consciousness.

      20marks
   3. 2(c)

      How does A. R. Desai argue that Indian social classes must be studied through the colonial mode of production? Elucidate.

      10marks
3. 3

   Question 3

   50marks
   1. 3(a)

      Examine the challenges of applying micro-level village studies to macro-level village structure of Indian society.

      20marks
   2. 3(b)

      Explain the emergence of middle class in agrarian society in India. What have been the socio-structural implications of the emergence of this middle class?

      20marks
   3. 3(c)

      When land reform was a paradigm shift, then what type of land reforms would you recommend to make India a more equitable society?

      10marks
4. 4

   Question 4

   50marks
   1. 4(a)

      How does the Constitution of India promote education? Do you think that education can be a major instrument of social change? Clarify.

      20marks
   2. 4(b)

      Draw the current population pyramid of India. What policy measures would you recommend for population dynamics to achieve sustainability?

      20marks
   3. 4(c)

      Compare G. S. Ghurye's and A. R. Desai's approaches used in understanding Indian society.

      10marks

Section B

1. 5

   Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 5(a)

      Discuss the challenges faced by the aged people in receiving 'elder care'.

      10marks
   2. 5(b)

      Examine the transiting social movements from physical movements to virtual movements in 21st century India.

      10marks
   3. 5(c)

      Clarify how the family planning programmes have taken a political 'U'-turn in present India.

      10marks
   4. 5(d)

      How do Louis Dumont and Andre Beteille differ in their approaches in understanding caste system in India? Explain.

      10marks
   5. 5(e)

      Bring out the debates of 'insiders' and 'outsiders' approaches in understanding Indian society.

      10marks
2. 6

   Question 6

   50marks
   1. 6(a)

      Differentiate between protests and movements. Discuss some of those movements which changed the fabric of Indian agrarian society during the colonial period.

      20marks
   2. 6(b)

      Synchronise the developmental programmes and social change in India, and describe them through visible and lived experiences.

      20marks
   3. 6(c)

      Why was the category of 'criminal tribe' created by law during the colonial period in India? Discuss its implications.

      10marks
3. 7

   Question 7

   50marks
   1. 7(a)

      Urbanisation in Independent India has been characterized by over-urbanization and rural push. Explain with demographic and sociological dimensions.

      20marks
   2. 7(b)

      Give a sociological explanation of violence against women in India. What suggestions would you give to mitigate these violences?

      20marks
   3. 7(c)

      Examine the process of formalisation of informal sector to safeguard the interests of marginalised sections of the society.

      10marks
4. 8

   Question 8

   50marks
   1. 8(a)

      How has colonial rule transformed Indian society? If it (Indian society) had not undergone colonial rule, then what type of Indian society would have been there? Elaborate.

      20marks
   2. 8(b)

      How have the women's movements made the presence of women in every moment felt and more women participation in various fields? Discuss.

      20marks
   3. 8(c)

      Where would you locate the tribal community in the Varna system of India? Discuss.

      10marks

Typed by UPSC Gurus from the official UPSC question paper. Spotted an error? Tell us on WhatsApp at 81220 02172.