UPSC Sociology Optional Paper 2 2026 PYQ

Section a · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Perspectives on the study of Indian society

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Section b · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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Section c · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Social Movements in Modern India

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Section d · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Religion and Society

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Section e · Q1 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Religion and Society

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Section a · Q2 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Perspectives on the study of Indian society

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Section b · Q2 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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Section c · Q2 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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Section a · Q3 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Rural and Agrarian Social Structure

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Section b · Q3 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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?

Social Classes in India

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Section c · Q3 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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Section a · Q4 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Visions of Social Change in India

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Section b · Q4 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Population Dynamics

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Section c · Q4 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Perspectives on the study of Indian society

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Section a · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Perspectives on the study of Indian society

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Section b · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Social Movements in Modern India

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Section c · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Population Dynamics

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Section d · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Caste System

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Section e · Q5 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Perspectives on the study of Indian society

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Section a · Q6 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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Section b · Q6 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Rural and Agrarian transformation in India

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Section c · Q6 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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Section a · Q7 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Systems of Kinship in India

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Section b · Q7 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Challenges of Social Transformation

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Section c · Q7 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Industrialization and Urbanisation in India

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Section a · Q8 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Impact of colonial rule on Indian society

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Section b · Q8 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 20 marks · Solution

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

Social Movements in Modern India

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Section c · Q8 · UPSC 2026 · Sociology GS 2 · 10 marks · Solution

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

Tribal communities in India

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