Sociology Books for UPSC: Best Optional Books For UPSC Mains Exam 2025
Sociology Books for UPSC can be considered to hold crucial importance in UPSC exam preparation. Sociology books for UPSC are a key resource for aspirants who choose sociology as their optional subject. Candidates who have chosen Sociology as their optional subject in the UPSC IAS Mains stage must ensure going through all important study materials including Sociology Notes and Sociology optional books for UPSC. Many UPSC toppers credit their success to the right strategy and the right sociology books for UPSC. Being one of the popular and high-scoring optional, its syllabus can be easily covered by reading some of the Best Sociology Books for UPSC with effective strategies. In this article, we have provided a complete list of the best Sociology Books for UPSC that candidates can refer to for exam preparation.
- Candidates must also read the best sociology books for UPSC topics related to Society & Social Justice as present in UPSC Prelims Syllabus.
- picking the best sociology books for UPSC that explain concepts in a simple and exam-relevant way.
- Similar to the other 48 UPSC Optional Subjects, the UPSC Syllabus for Sociology optional can be subdivided into Paper 1: Fundamentals of Sociology, and Paper 2: Indian Society, Structure & Change.
- Apart from reading both general and NCERT Sociology books or sociology books for UPSC, candidates must also attempt UPSC Sociology Previous Year Question Papers, test series, and important practice sets for solid preparation.
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Sociology Optional Books For UPSC
Sociology optional books for UPSC are easy to understand. Before choosing books for sociology optional UPSC, know the syllabus well. As per the previous UPSC IAS Exam Analysis, some of the most important UPSC Sociology topics or sociology books for UPSC are related to Indian society structure, Marxist sociology, social movements, agrarian society, kinship, politics and religion in relation to modern society, etc. Thus, to cover such comprehensive topics, you must take the help of the best books for Sociology optional subject. Understanding the sociology optional syllabus for UPSC helps in choosing the right sociology books for UPSC.
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Toppers recommend the following sociology optional books by toppers. These sociology optional books are useful for both English and Hindi mediums. Check out the list of best sociology optional books for UPSC in the below section.
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UPSC Sociology Optional Book List - Paper 1 |
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Book Name |
Author/Publication |
Book Description |
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Introduction to Sociology |
Anthony Giddens |
It covers introductory sociological concepts with an emphasis on linking micro and macro sociology as per the latest research. |
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Sociological Theory |
George Ritzer |
The Ritzer Sociology book for UPSC contains different aspects of both classic and modern sociological theories with attention to postmodern social theory as well. |
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A Dictionary of Sociology |
John Scott |
It’s a best-seller that contains over 2500+ entries on the terminology, methods, concepts and thinkers in Sociology as well as related political fields. |
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An Introduction to Political Theory |
O P Gauba |
It’s a great sociology book for UPSC Optional paper 1 covers the latest themes on Politics and Society with good examples. |
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Sociology: Principles Of Sociology With An Introduction To Social Thoughts |
S Chand |
This book covers different and aspects of social changes from the past to modern society with critical concepts of Marx, Rousseau, etc. |
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Sociology Themes and Perspectives |
Haralambos & Holborn |
It’s fully updated to contain the latest sociology teaching, research and developments to support learnings on stratification, class and mobility, gender, sex and religion in society, etc. |
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UPSC Sociology Optional Book List - Paper 2 |
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Book Name |
Author/Publication |
Book Description |
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Social Background Of Indian Nationalism |
A R Desai |
It presents a comprehensive study of rise of nationalism in Indian society for over a decade in social, cultural, religious, political and economic forms. |
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Society in India: Concepts, Theories and Recent Trends |
Ram Ahuja |
The book looks at the complex structure of the Indian Society from the historical, political, religious and philosophical points of view. |
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Caste: Its Twentieth Century Avatar |
M N Srinivas |
This anthology presents a volume of essays on topics related to the appraisal of the role women play in perpetuating caste; the relationship between caste and the economy, and between caste and Hinduism. |
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Modernization Of Indian Tradition |
Yogendra Singh |
This book covers Modern social traditions on kinship and social theories from late 17th to 19th centuries in India. |
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Social Change in Modern India |
MN Srinivas |
This volume is a compilation of a series of lectures delivered by the eminent social anthropologist Srinivas. It’s applicable as a classic Sociological text for UPSC as well as UG/PG aspirants |
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Rural Sociology |
Doshi & Jain |
This book covers classic Rural Sociology concepts applicable in UPSC Mains optional papers for topics like Agrarian social structure, land reforms and rural developments, etc. |
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Candidates can choose Sociology NCERT Books for their initial IAS preparation which will also build a strong foundation. Below is the sociology optional booklist recommended by toppers and teachers. These sociology optional books will cover both Paper I and II. After completing the NCERTs, candidates can start reading standard Sociology optional books available in the market. To gain an understanding of the UPSC Sociology Syllabus topics, candidates can download the Sociology NCERT Books for UPSC PDF given in the table below. Start with NCERT for sociology optional to build your basic knowledge for Sociology.
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Sociology NCERT Books For UPSC PDF |
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Book Name |
PDF Link |
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Introducing Sociology – A Textbook for Class XI |
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Understanding Society – A Textbook for Class XI |
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Social Change and Development in India – Textbook in Sociology for Class XII |
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Indian Society – Textbook in Sociology for Class XII |
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Check the List of NCERT Books For UPSC for other subject preparation here!
How To Choose The Best Sociology Book For UPSC?
Several candidates, who have chosen Sociology in their optional, ask “How to choose the best Sociology book for UPSC?” It’s recommended that students read limited books. Above we have mentioned a lot of books but you are not required to study all of those books for Sociology optional UPSC. Follow the expert tips to choose the best Sociology books for UPSC as given below –
- Choose Language First: Before selecting any Sociology books for the UPSC IAS exam, make sure you understand the contents and language of the book for easy understanding.
- Books as per Latest Syllabus: Always choose those books that cover the updated UPSC IAS Syllabus for Mains optional. You can choose 1-2 books from both Paper 1 and 2 as mentioned above.
- Teacher & Expert Recommendations: You can ask your subject teachers or coaching experts to recommend the best Sociology books for UPSC. The Testbook faculty has also recommended some UPSC Civil Services Books for Sociology here!’
- Go for the Latest Editions: You must ensure to pick up only the latest or revised editions of the UPSC Sociology books.
- Prioritize Renowned Writers and Publishers: Although there are several Sociology books available in the market, candidates must choose only proficient writers and publishers. For instance, go for the Ritzer sociology book for UPSC Optional Paper 1 and Nitin Sangwan’s Essential Sociology for both Papers 1 and 2.
- Books with Model Papers and Questions: You can also go for other miscellaneous books for Sociology optional UPSC that contains sample papers and model questions. Additionally, solve UPSC IAS Previous Year Papers to level up your preparation.
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We hope that this article delivered the right information you needed before buying the Sociology Books for the UPSC examination. For more such optional subject-related study materials and resources, download the Testbook App for free or join our UPSC Online Coaching program to get the best learning experience.
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Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions |
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