Sociology Preparation Tips For UPSC If a candidate can crack the Prelims in the UPSC exam, he has to sit for the Mains. The UPSC Mains consists of nine papers, out of which there is an optional paper. In most cases, IAS aspirants prefer choosing an easy subject in their optional paper. However, amidst a sea of optional subjects, students are in a dilemma. They get confused and do not know what to choose. If you want something more manageable and with a lighter syllabus, opt for sociology. The sociology optional online test series are available for better preparation of the students. Also, you can join an online IAS coaching that will prepare you via their sociology test series.
Why should one choose sociology as an optional subject? IAS aspirants prefer choosing sociology for the following reasons: 1. First of all, sociology does not demand any prior knowledge on the subject. Hence, reading sociology and understanding its topics right from the introduction is sure to have a clear idea about the subject. 2. Several shreds of evidence show that IAS aspirants who came out with flying colors did not study sociology in their school or college days. 3. The first paper of sociology is known as the thinker’s paper. In this paper, every candidate has to study the philosophies of these six thinkers – Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parson, Mead and R.K. Merton. Therefore, this paper is known as the theoretical paper. 4. The second paper on sociology is practical. This implies that reasons need to be put forth to prove various viewpoints. 5. In sociology, current affairs are also important as the paper deals with recent developments and events.
How to prepare for sociology? To prepare sociology for the UPSC Mains, there are some strategies that you need to follow: 1. Analyzing syllabus
Before you start studying, you need to analyze the syllabus and understand the essential parts. To have an idea about the critical sections, you can also go through previous years’ question papers. Besides, once you know the syllabus, you will never go out of track. You will know exactly what to study and how much to learn. 1. IGNOU books
Students who are just beginning to study for the UPSC optional paper should start with the IGNOU books. The concepts in these books are given very clearly. If you think you can pass the UPSC exam only by mugging, then you are highly mistaken. All candidates need to have a more profound knowledge of the concepts. In such situations, the IGNOU books will come to aid. Once you are done with the IGNOU books, you can move on to the NCERTs. 1. Topics to start
The first book one should start with is ‘Sociology: Themes and Perspective’ by Haralambos and Holborn. This book will give you a clear idea of the concepts and fundamentals of sociology. Moreover, IAS aspirants should not skip the case studies mentioned in this book, as this will help them write descriptive answers. 1. Focus on thinkers
As has already been named previously, there are six thinkers in the first paper of sociology. A lot of questions come from the philosophies of these thinkers. Aspirants should cover all these theories in detail. Knowing more about the thinkers will help one write better answers in the long run. 1. Answer writing
In the UPSC exam, answer writing is an art that one needs to master. Since the sociology questions demand explanatory answers, it is imperative to practice writing answers as much as possible. Conclusion Therefore, sociology is easy, provided you adopt the right strategy to complete the syllabus and revise. Besides, there are many study materials available both offline and online from which you can take help. Originally Posted: https://thearticlesdirectory.co.uk/sociology-preparation-tips-for-upsc/