Are you planning to choose sociology as the optional subject? Wondering whether it will be okay to choose sociology as an optional paper? If so, then you have come to the right place. The optional paper consists of 500 marks. So, if you can choose the correct subject, you can certainly succeed in getting better scores.
When choosing an optional subject for your UPSC Mains, these are the parameters that you need to look forward to:
⎯ If the subject has the potential to help you score higher
⎯ The size of the syllabus
⎯ Whether it is easy to grasp the concepts and topics of the subject
⎯ Whether you prefer studying the subject or not
To your surprise, all the qualities mentioned above are fulfilled by sociology. For a better understanding of the subject, aspirants can sit for the sociology optional test series. However, there are several other reasons to choose sociology.
Reasons to choose sociology as the optional subject for UPSC Mains
Here are some of the reasons to select sociology as the optional subject for UPSC:
a. Safe and scoring subject
Not only does sociology allow you to get better scores, but it is also a safe subject compared to other optional papers. You might wonder why sociology has been termed a ‘safe’ subject. This is because you are sure to get some score for whatever relevant you write. In sociology, you can expect to get at least 180 – 200 marks on average. However, with determination, concentration and suitable study materials, you can even get more than 350 marks out of 500.
b. Chosen by many
You will come across many UPSC aspirants and toppers who have taken up sociology as their optional subject. If you look at the previous years rank holders, you will find at least one in ten of them have topped the UPSC with sociology as their optional subject.
c. Easy and concise syllabus
Since sociology deals with the society you live in, understanding sociology and its related concepts can be easier for you to understand. Studying the underlying cause of day-to-day issues in society can be interesting for the UPSC aspirants. For studying sociology, no basic knowledge is required. People with a science and even a commerce background can study sociology without any hesitation.
d. Restricted syllabus
There is a list of optional subjects in the CSE, among which most of them have a lengthy syllabus. However, the syllabus is concise and can be covered within 3 – 4 months when it comes to sociology. The lengthier the syllabus, the more time it takes to complete it. Once you complete the syllabus, you can focus more on the UPSC optional test series.
e. Helps to write essays
Writing essays can be a tough job for many, especially for those who do not know how to write good essays at this level. To write good essays, sociology can help immensely. Incorporating social issues into the essays can help fetch more marks. Various issues are talked about in sociology like caste, Indian sociology, Indian traditions, etc. So, whatever be the topic of the essay, the knowledge gained from sociology can help one write essays from diverse viewpoints.
f. Helps in the general studies paper
There are two papers in the general studies – GS paper I and GS paper II. In the first paper of general studies, there are topics like women and society, communalism, society empowerment, etc., while the second paper deals with management and development of social structures. Going through these essential topics will make one knowledgeable to write better essays.
Conclusion
Therefore, choosing sociology as an optional subject will help one gain more marks. However, it is the responsibility of the UPSC aspirant to select an optional subject that he feels comfortable studying.
