When it comes to the UPSC IAS Exam, the Optional subjects hold significant importance. They can greatly influence a candidate's ranking in the IAS Exam . Among the 48 subjects offered by UPSC, Sociology optional is a popular choice. The optional paper is an integral part of the Mains examination, which consists of 9 subjective papers.
Best Sociology Optional Books for IAS Mains - Testbook
Essential Sociology Optional Books for UPSC
Sociology has become a key part of the general studies paper as well as an optional paper in the civil services mains examination. Due to its relative simplicity as a subject, a large number of aspirants opt for Sociology as their optional for the UPSC Mains Exam each year. With the right strategies, the syllabus of sociology optional subject for IAS exam can be managed effectively.
Like most optional subjects, sociology consists of two papers. Paper I of Sociology covers the basics of Sociology, while Paper-II delves into the Indian society, its structure, and changes over time.
Below, we provide a list of important books for Paper I and Paper II of sociology optional for UPSC IAS Mains.
Recommended Sociology Optional Books for Paper-I
The following table lists the recommended books for covering the Sociology syllabus:
| Suggested Sociology Optional Books (Paper-I) |
| Sociology – Anthony Giddens |
| Sociological Theory – Ritzer George |
| Sociology – Haralambos & Holborn |
| Oxford Dictionary Of Sociology |
| Sociological Thought – M Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan |
| Political Theory – O P Gauba |
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Recommended Sociology Optional Books for Paper-II
The following table lists the recommended books for covering the Sociology syllabus:
| Suggested Sociology Optional Books (Paper-II) |
| Social Change in India – M N Srinivas |
| Caste Its Twentieth Century Avatar – M N Srinivas |
| Handbook of Indian Sociology – Veena Das |
| Indian Society and Culture – Nadeem Hasnain |
| Modernization of Indian Tradition – Yogendra Singh |
| Persistence and Change in Tribal India – M.V. Rao |
| Rural Sociology – S L Doshi |
| Social Background of Indian Nationalism – A R Desai |
You may also find the following articles useful for your UPSC Sociology Syllabus and IAS exam preparation:
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