In the UPSC civil service exam, a vital role is played by the optional paper constituted in the UPSC Mains. So, after you crack the UPSC Prelims, you have to prepare for the UPSC Mains, especially for the optional paper. The Indian Civil Service gives an array of subjects to choose one as optional. Therefore, candidates prefer choosing something easy. One of the most common UPSC optional subjects is sociology. To prepare better, the UPSC aspirants outside Delhi or working professionals or college goers can join any sociology optional coaching online.
Not many are aware of the strategy they need to follow to complete the UPSC sociology syllabus within a prescribed time. To help you in this matter, the mentors of the best sociology optional coaching in Delhi have outlined these strategies that you can follow:
- Chalk out the time for preparation
The time you will take to finish the sociology syllabus is very subjective. It depends on your grasping and retention power and the number of hours you devote to completing the syllabus. If you study every day for 6 – 8 hours, you can finish the UPSC sociology syllabus within four months. Make sure that you divide the time between papers I and II. Begin with paper I as it deals with the fundamental aspects of sociology and the theory portion. In paper II, you will find the Indian context, which should be linked to the theoretical aspects of paper I. Once you know to connect the theories of paper I with paper II, you can write answers analytically.
- Study the performance of other aspirants in sociology over the years
Now, you have to analyze the performance of the candidates who took up sociology as their optional success over a few years. Try to find out the success rate and the reason behind their success. One of the dominant reasons for aspirants taking up sociology as their optional subject is that a few sociology areas overlap with the general studies paper.
- Go through standard study materials
It is highly essential to choose study materials that are of good quality. There are several online sources from where you can quickly get study materials. However, not all study materials are of standard quality. Since this is the UPSC exam, one of the most challenging civil service exams, the standard of answers should also be the same. Besides, you can also join a reputed IAS coaching centre for gathering standard study materials.
- Pay attention to the thinkers
A large and significant portion of the UPSC syllabus constitutes the thinkers. In the UPSC sociology syllabus, there are six thinkers: Karl Marx, Max Weber, Mead, Emile Durkheim, R.K. Merton, and Talcott Parsons. The philosophies of all six of them should be studied well. Every year, the UPSC sociology question paper consists of few questions that concern the philosophies of these six thinkers. So, knowing about them thoroughly is a must.
- Draw connections while studying
The UPSC sociology paper is divided into two parts – paper I and paper II. In the first paper, the fundamental aspects and the theories are dealt with along with the philosophies of the six thinkers. On the other hand, in the second paper of sociology, the Indian context is highlighted. Therefore, it is wise to begin with the first paper and then move on to the second paper. When an aspirant is studying the second paper, he should know to connect the topics with the topics of the first paper. This way, aspirants can analytically deal with the questions.
Conclusion
Therefore, sociology as an optional subject is chosen by various IAS aspirants for its concise syllabus and overlapping portions. Along with the strategies mentioned above, one has to pay attention to current affairs as well. Last but not the least, you should join any mock sociology test series. Evaluator’s feedback is very valuable, you can know your writing strengths and weaknesses. This will help you not to repeat the same mistake in actual UPSC mains examination. Also boost your confidence.
