UPSC Mains 2026 Sociology Paper I

Section A

1. 1

   Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 1(a)

      In what ways do class and caste intersect and overlap in shaping social structure?

      10marks
   2. 1(b)

      Critically examine the position of women in the informal economy.

      10marks
   3. 1(c)

      Discuss the role of geographical factors in social change and development.

      10marks
   4. 1(d)

      Although sociology, as a subject of study, overarches all disciplines in social sciences yet it maintains its distinctiveness. Comment.

      10marks
   5. 1(e)

      Explain in brief the relationship between social movement, collective action and revolution in bringing about social and political changes.

      10marks
2. 2

   Question 2

   50marks
   1. 2(a)

      Describe the impact of capitalist mode of production on society.

      20marks
   2. 2(b)

      Differentiate between social hierarchy and social exclusion and substantiate your answer with reference to the caste system.

      20marks
   3. 2(c)

      'Data without theory is blind and theory without data is empty.' Comment.

      10marks
3. 3

   Question 3

   50marks
   1. 3(a)

      Discuss the relationship between religion and science in modern society. Do they necessarily remain in conflict?

      20marks
   2. 3(b)

      Is 'interpretativism' more effective than 'positivism' in analysing social reality? Discuss.

      20marks
   3. 3(c)

      How does Emile Durkheim conceptualize religion as a 'social fact'? Explain.

      10marks
4. 4

   Question 4

   50marks
   1. 4(a)

      Elaborate major sociological theories of power. How do power elite shape the political process in modern societies?

      20marks
   2. 4(b)

      Evaluate the socio-economic impacts of migration on rural households.

      20marks
   3. 4(c)

      'The methods of sociology are inadequate in understanding the complex social phenomena'. Discuss.

      10marks

Section B

1. 5

   Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 5(a)

      The major challenge for sociology researchers is to analyze social reality objectively. Critically analyze.

      10marks
   2. 5(b)

      Explain the concept of 'definition of the situation' and its significance in sociology.

      10marks
   3. 5(c)

      In what way the concept of 'patriarchal bargain' be applied to the institution of marriage? Comment.

      10marks
   4. 5(d)

      How does Max Weber's 'theory of authority' shape bureaucracy? Analyse.

      10marks
   5. 5(e)

      How do different theories explain social dimensions of social movements? Discuss.

      10marks
2. 6

   Question 6

   50marks
   1. 6(a)

      Discuss the intellectual origins of sociology and the historical antecedents of its evolution as a distinct field of study.

      20marks
   2. 6(b)

      Critically analyse the mode of production debate from different perspectives.

      20marks
   3. 6(c)

      How does the rise of new 'cults' and 'sects' influence intercaste relations?

      10marks
3. 7

   Question 7

   50marks
   1. 7(a)

      Compare and critically assess 'the grounded theory' with 'theory-driven research method' in sociology.

      20marks
   2. 7(b)

      According to Weber how do class, status and power interact to produce and sustain social inequality?

      20marks
   3. 7(c)

      Compare the social organisation of work in industrial capitalism and platform capitalism.

      10marks
4. 8

   Question 8

   50marks
   1. 8(a)

      How are the concepts of nation, state and citizenship interrelated in a democracy? Elaborate.

      20marks
   2. 8(b)

      Critically evaluate the relevance of the cyclical theory of social change in understanding contemporary societies.

      20marks
   3. 8(c)

      Discuss the significance and limitations of 'intersectionality' in social research.

      10marks

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