UPSC Optional Sociology 2025 Paper II – Reflections and Thematic Analysis

UPSC Mains 2025 Sociology Paper-II tested how well aspirants could apply sociological frameworks to Indian society—across caste and class, gender and family, rural–urban change, politics, religion, social movements, and development.

What stood out this year was the blend of evergreen areas (caste dynamics, village/agrarian change, gender relations) with contemporary concerns (digital influence, social policy evaluation, grassroots mobilisation). This demanded analytical clarity and the ability to connect theory with current realities.

Download UPSC Mains 2025 Sociology Optional Question Papers PDF (Paper 1 & 2) 

At VisionIAS, our All India Sociology Test Series is designed for exactly this balance—training aspirants to move from concept to application with model answers, evaluation, and progressive test coverage.

Before we dive into the themes, here’s how the All India Sociology Test Series mapped onto this year’s paper.

Reflections in Sociology Paper-II from VisionIAS Mains Test Series

This year, the Sociology Paper-II showcased 17 out of 28 questions reflected in the VisionIAS All India Sociology Test Series, either directly or thematically. The overlap illustrates the effectiveness of our systematic test design, which ensures that aspirants repeatedly engage with the core concerns of Indian society in ways that mirror the actual exam.

Sociology Paper 1	VisionIAS Test Series Mapping	Themes
1.(a) ‘Textual perspective is important in understanding of Indian Social System.’ Discuss. 10	7.b Discuss the key aspects of G.S. Ghurye’s indological approach to Indian society. How applicable is this perspective in understanding contemporary Indian society? 20 (3343)	Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society
1.(b) Justify that the Indian traditions are modernizing. Also discuss its contributing factors. 10	5.d Is tradition a barrier to modernisation or does modernisation take the form of traditionalism in Indian context? (3344)	Modernization of Indian tradition.
1.(d) How did Colonial Policies for the tribes affected their socio-economic conditions in India? Discuss. 10	7.c Analyze the impact of colonial policies on tribal social structure and economy. (3344)	Colonial policies and tribes.
1.(e) How would you appropriate to characterise G. S. Ghurye as a practitioner of ‘theoretical pluralism’? 10	7.b Discuss the key aspects of G.S. Ghurye’s indological approach to Indian society. How applicable is this perspective in understanding contemporary Indian society? (3344)	Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society – Indology (G.S. Ghure).
2.(b) ‘Agrarian class structure has been undergoing changes due to modern forces.’ Critically examine. 20	1.a ‘The soil grows castes: the machines make classes’. Comment. (3344)	Agrarian social structure— evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
3.(a) What do you mean by nation building? What is the role of religion in nation building? Elaborate your answer. 10	5.c Analyze the role of socio-religious reform movements in fostering the social background for Indian nationalism. (3344)	Nation, democracy and citizenship.
3.(c) Describe the main features of Indian new middle class. How is it different from the old middle class? 20	1.b Evaluate the role of education and professional mobility in the emergence of new middle classes in India. (3347) 5.a Can the new Indian middle class be considered a homogenous group? Discuss. (3344)	Middle classes in India.
4.(a) Who is said to be the pioneer of village studies in India? Illustratively describe contributions of some Indian sociologists on village studies. How their approaches are distinct from each other? 20	6.a Analyze how Indian villages illustrate the structural-functional historic relationships among various communities, with reference to S.C. Dube’s Shamirpet study. (3344)	The idea of Indian village and village studies

5.(a) ‘The transfer of land from cultivating to the non-cultivating owners is bringing about transformation in Indian society.’ Justify your answer by giving suitable illustrations. 10	7.a Changing intent of state was greatly reflected in the changing nature of the Land Tenure System. Discuss. (3347)	Agrarian social structure— evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
5.(e) Do you think that law has been able to abolish child labour in India? Comment. 10	8.a Investigate the relationship between child labor in urban India and the broader socio- economic conditions of families. (3345)	Constitution, law, and social change. Informal sector, child labour.
6.(a) In what respects have the constitutional provisions changed the socio-economic and political conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India? Critically examine. 20	6.b Analyze the impact of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 on tribal communities. Has it successfully addressed historical injustices? (3347)	Constitution, law, and social change.
6.(b) Discuss the trend of urbanization in India. Do you think that Industrialization is the only precondition of urbanization? Give your arguments. 20	5.d Urbanization based on inclusive development provides a long-term solution to urban poverty. Discuss (3347)	Growth of urban settlements in India. Slums and deprivation in urban areas.
6.(c) Which measures would you suggest for preventing caste conflicts in India? Justify your argument. 20	3.c Evaluate the recent judicial interpretations of sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes as a tool for social justice. (3349)	Caste conflicts.
7.(a) What are the Private and Public network and support systems operative in Indian society for the aged? Suggest measures to curb down the challenges before care givers of the aged? 20	2.a While the demographic dividend is seen as a driver of economic growth, the growing elderly population in India poses potential challenges that could undermine these efforts. Do you agree with this view? (3345)	Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.
7.(b) “Educational development is the only Panacea for country’s all ills and evils.” Critically examine the above statement with reference to NEP-2020. 20	5.a Outline the main objectives of the New Education Policy, 2020, and its likely implications for equity and access in India’s education system. (Abhyaas) 1.d How has the New Education Policy 2020 attempted to address traditional challenges while preparing for future needs? (3345)	Education and social change.
7.(c ) How Dalit movements in India have facilitated their Identity formation? Analyze. 10	8.c Discuss the relevance of Gail Omvedt’s work on Dalit and anti-caste movements in understanding contemporary social protests. (3347)	Backward classes & Dalit movements.
8.(a) Is it possible to have sustainable development in India? Cite major environmental issues and suggest a few measures to achieve the sustainability. 20	7.b What have been the social and policy outcomes of environmental movements in India, considering both successes and limitations? (3345)	Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability. Environmental movements.
8.(c) What are the Indian government’s schemes launched for poverty alleviation after United Nation’s Declaration of ‘Sustainable Development Goals – 2015’? Briefly describe. 10	7.c “Sustainable development is intimately linked to addressing poverty and malnutrition.” Examine. (Abhyaas)	Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability. Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation schemes.

With the reflection established, the following thematic breakdown organises the paper’s demand area-wise and translates it into preparation cues for 2026.

Thematic Analysis of Sociology Paper-II (2025) and strategy for 2026

Following thematic analysis provides a structured breakdown of the paper, highlighting the recurring focus areas, evolving trends, and predictable themes that can guide preparation for upcoming attempts. By studying the distribution of questions and thematic trends, aspirants can sharpen their strategy for 2026 and beyond.

A. Theoretical & Conceptual Foundations

• Textual perspective in understanding Indian social system
• Orthogenetic changes through differentiation & continuities
• G.S. Ghurye as practitioner of theoretical pluralism
• Industrial class structure as function of Indian social structure
• Nation-building and role of religion

Trend: Every year, approx.5 questions test direct theory + Indian application. Takeaway: Prepare major Indian sociologists (Ghurye, Srinivas, Karve, D.P. Mukerji, Yogendra Singh) + concepts (Sanskritization, modernization, secularization, orthogenesis).

B. Colonial Impact & Historical Change

• Colonial policies for tribes & socio-economic conditions
• British economic reforms disrupting old Indian system

Trend: UPSC loves colonial- post-colonial continuity. Takeaway: Always prep colonial impact on caste, agrarian structure, tribes, urbanization.

C. Social Change, Modernization & Development

• Indian traditions modernizing + contributing factors
• Agrarian class structure & modern forces
• Urbanization trend: is industrialization the only precondition?
• Sustainable development in India – issues & measures

Trend: Post-2018, more questions link structural changes with modern policies + globalization.

D. Caste, Tribe & Social Stratification

• Measures to prevent caste conflicts
• Dalit movements and identity formation
• Constitutional provisions and socio-political change for SC/ST

Trend: Repeated every year- caste mobility, conflicts, identity, politics. Takeaway: Must connect to contemporary issues (caste census, reservation debates, SC/ST atrocities).

E. Class & Middle Class

• New Indian middle class vs old middle class

Trend: Middle class is evergreen.

Earlier PYQs: consumerism (2016), globalization & class (2020), new middle class emergence (2021). Takeaway: Use data (NCAER, Pew, CSDS), highlight consumer culture, precariat, aspirational politics.

F. Gender & Family

• Which reform movement uplifted women most?
• Same-sex marriages & population dynamics
• Kinship – G.P. Murdock’s contribution

Trend: Gender/family questions appear every year: patriarchy, women movements, kinship systems. Takeaway: Link to recent legal issues (same-sex marriage SC judgment 2023, UCC debates, NEP’s gender inclusivity).

G. Village, Agrarian & Rural Economy

• Village studies & pioneers
• Decline of village industries
• Transfer of land from cultivators to non-cultivators – social change

Trend: Classic Paper II – agrarian structure, village studies, rural change. Takeaway: Prepare Srinivas, Dube, Katar Singh, and current themes (agrarian crisis, farm bills, rural-urban migration).

H. Labour, Migration & Informal Sector

• Problems of labour migrants in informal sectors
• Forced displacement of labourers deprivation & inequalities

Trend: Labour & migration has gained prominence post-COVID (2020). Takeaway: Use PLFS, ILO reports, migrant workers crisis during lockdown.

I. Law, Policy & Social Problems

• Law abolishing child labour – has it succeeded?
• Poverty alleviation schemes after SDG-2015
• Educational development as panacea – NEP-2020 reference

Trend: Law/policy questions now must connect to schemes + evaluation (e.g., POSHAN Abhiyan, NEP, MGNREGA).

J. Ageing & Social Security

• Private & public support systems for the aged + challenges for caregivers

Trend: Old age/ageing appears every 3–4 years (2015, 2019, 2025). Takeaway: Connect to NFHS-5 data on elderly, WHO “Decade of Healthy Ageing,” pensions, family disintegration.

K. Political Sociology & Mobilization

• Social bases of political mobilization in independent India – changes in last 60–70 years

Trend: Politics + society is always tested (2018: secularization, 2020: democracy, 2022: movements). Takeaway: Use Yogendra Yadav, Rajni Kothari, Suhas Palshikar’s frameworks.

Broad Theme Distribution (2025 – 28 Questions)

Theme	No. of Questions	Share (%)
Theory & Indian Sociologists	5	18%
Colonial / Historical	2	7%
Social Change & Development	4	14%
Caste, Tribe, Stratification	3	11%
Class & Middle Class	1	4%
Gender & Family	3	11%
Village / Agrarian / Rural Economy	3	11%
Labour, Migration, Informal Sector	2	7%
Law, Policy, Social Problems	3	11%
Ageing / Elderly	1	4%
Political Mobilization	1	4%

Big Takeaways for 2026

Evergreen Core Themes

• Caste, Class, Tribe: Continuity of questions on mobility, conflicts, and identity formation.
• Gender & Family: Reform movements, patriarchy, kinship, marriage laws, and new issues like same-sex marriage.
• Agrarian & Village Studies: Land transfer, agrarian class, rural industries, and village studies (Srinivas, Dube, Shah).
• Labour & Migration: Informal economy, forced displacement, migrant crises.
• Political Mobilization: Electoral changes, regionalism, Dalit/Bahujan politics.
• Social Problems & Policy: Poverty, child labour, ageing, education, sustainable development.

Emerging & Current Themes

• Digital Labour & AI: Impact on informal sector, precariat class.
• Climate Change & Displacement: Tribals, coastal communities, “climate refugees.”
• Caste Census & Demographic Debates: Identity politics in 2025–26.
• Urbanization Beyond Industry: Migration, services, IT corridors.
• Gender & Policy: Women’s Reservation Bill (passed 2023, first election impact 2029).

Anniversaries / Milestones Relevant for 2026

10 Years (2016 – 2026)

• GST Act (2016) impact on informal sector, federalism.
• Demonetisation (2016) impact on cash economy, informal labour.
• Smart Cities Mission (2015–16) urban sociology perspective.
• Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2016 Women & work, gender equality, work–family balance, labour rights
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) Social inclusion, affirmative action, rights-based approach.
• Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act 2016.

20 Years (2006 – 2026)

• Domestic Violence Act (2005–06) women’s rights, family sociology.
• Forest Rights Act (2006) tribals, land rights, displacement.
• RTI Act (2005–06) transparency, governance, civil society role.
• National Rural Health Mission (2005) public health and development.

25 Years (2001 – 2026)

• Census 2001 (debates around caste, religion, migration) now linked to caste survey politics.
• IT Act (2000, expanded in 2001) -digital society, cyber security.

50 Years (1976 – 2026)

• 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976)- socialism, secularism, fundamental duties.
• Bonded Labour System Abolition Act (1976) -labour exploitation.
• Urban Land Ceiling Act (1976) -land reforms & urban sociology.

Preparation Strategy with Anniversaries

For every anniversary-linked law/policy, prepare:

• Background (why it was enacted).
• Impact (success/failures with data).
• Contemporary relevance (link to today’s issues).
• Scholarly views (e.g., FRA : Virginius Xaxa; RTI : Aruna Roy).

Expected Question Frames for 2026

• “Critically examine the role of GST in reshaping India’s informal economy over the last decade.”
• “Discuss how 20 years of Forest Rights Act has shaped tribal identity and development.”
• “Evaluate the Domestic Violence Act in 20 years: has it transformed family relations in India?”
• “How has the 42nd Amendment (1976) changed the course of Indian constitutionalism?”
• “After 25 years of IT Act, how has digital society reshaped class and identity in India?”

Sources for Contemporary Topics in Sociology (Paper II)

Theme	2025 Questions	2026 Predictable Themes	Sources
Caste, Tribe, Identity & Mobilization	Caste conflicts, Dalit movements, SC/ST constitutional provisions	Caste census; caste in politics; PESA @30 yrs; FRA @20 yrs; SC/ST Atrocities Act @50 yrs (debates)	Christophe Jaffrelot: India’s Silent Revolution; Ghanshyam Shah: Social Movements in India; Indian Express; Virginius Xaxa’s papers (EPW)
Class, Middle Class, Agrarian & Village	New vs old middle class; agrarian class under modern forces; land transfer; decline of village industries	“Precariat” class; rural distress; urban–rural migration; farm mechanisation; AI in agriculture	Leela Fernandes: India’s New Middle Class; Surinder S. Jodhka: Agrarian Change in India; EPW
Labour, Migration, Informal Sector	Migrant labourers’ problems; forced displacement; poverty alleviation	Gig economy; Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act @50 yrs (1976); SEZ Act @20 yrs (2006)	Jan Breman: Footloose Labour; Indian Express (Gig Workers Bill, Migrant Workers Act)
Gender, Family, Marriage	Reform movements for women; same-sex marriage & population; kinship (Murdock)	10 yrs of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act (2016); 20 yrs of Domestic Violence Act (2005–06); UCC debates	Patricia Uberoi: Family, Kinship & Marriage in India; Govt: NFHS-5; EPW on women’s LFPR, marriage equality
Child Labour, Education, Ageing	Child labour abolition; NEP-2020; aged care systems	20 yrs of Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act (2006); NEP implementation debates; WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020–30)	Indian Express (NEP debates, pension reforms, elderly care); Mains 365
Environment, Development, SDGs	Sustainable development; poverty alleviation post-SDGs	Climate-induced migration; FRA @20 yrs; SDGs mid-term review (2030 agenda)	Amita Baviskar: In the Belly of the River; UNDP India SDG reports; Down to Earth
Political Sociology	Social bases of political mobilization	50 yrs of 42nd Amendment (1976); Electoral shifts post-2024	Yogendra Yadav & Suhas Palshikar (EPW on party system); Indian Express

Conclusion: Strategy for 2026—From Concepts to Context

The 2025 paper rewarded answers that joined classical concepts with India’s lived realities. Use the thematic map above to prioritise:

• Foundations: Indian sociologists, methods, and core theories to anchor arguments.
• Application: Policy milestones, legal changes, data/examples for contemporary linkage.

Align this with structured practice (sectional + full-length tests), targeted evaluation, and iterative refinement. That rhythm builds analytical precision and the exam-ready confidence Paper-II demands.