UPSC Sociology Optional Paper 1 2026 PYQ

Section a · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociological Thinkers: Karl Marx

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Section b · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

Critically examine the position of women in the informal economy.

Sociology

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Section c · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Social Change in Modern Society

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Section d · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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Section e · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Politics and Society

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Section a · Q2 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

Describe the impact of capitalist mode of production on society

Sociological Thinkers: Karl Marx

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Section b · Q2 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Sociological Thinkers: Karl Marx

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Section c · Q2 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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Section a · Q3 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Religion and Society

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Section b · Q3 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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Section c · Q3 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociological Thinkers: Karl Marx

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Section a · Q4 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

Elaborate major sociological theories of power. How does power shape political process in modern societies?

Politics and Society

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Section b · Q4 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

Evaluate the socio-economic impacts of migration on rural households

Sociology

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Section c · Q4 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

"The methods of natural sciences are inadequate in understanding the complex social phenomena." Discuss

Sociology

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Section a · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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Section b · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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Section c · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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Section d · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociological Thinkers: Karl Marx

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Section e · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Stratification and Mobility: Concepts

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Section a · Q6 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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Section b · Q6 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

Critically analyse the nature-nurture debate from different perspectives

Sociology

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Section c · Q6 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Religion and Society

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Section a · Q7 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Sociology as Science

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Section b · Q7 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Stratification and Mobility: Concepts

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Section c · Q7 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociological Thinkers: Karl Marx

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Section a · Q8 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Politics and Society

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Section b · Q8 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Social Change in Modern Society

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Section c · Q8 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 1 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Sociology

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