The UPSC Mains 2025 Sociology Paper-I reaffirmed its reputation as a conceptually rich and theory-driven paper, blending classical foundations with contemporary relevance. This year’s questions tested not only the depth of aspirants’ knowledge of thinkers and theoretical perspectives but also their ability to link these ideas to evolving social realities.
From methodological debates to themes of modernity, social stratification, and everyday social phenomena, the paper called for analytical clarity, balanced argumentation, and multi-dimensional perspectives. Success required more than recalling theorists or definitions; it demanded integration of diverse sociological frameworks and the ability to contextualize them in the Indian setting.
At VisionIAS, we are proud to highlight the significant overlap between the Sociology Paper-I questions and our meticulously designed Mains Test Series. The reflections go beyond direct matches—they show how our tests ensured comprehensive preparedness by covering the same themes from different angles, allowing aspirants to approach the actual paper with confidence.
Download UPSC Mains 2025 Sociology Optional Question Papers PDF (Paper 1 & 2)
Question Reflection Mapping: UPSC 2025 vs. VisionIAS Test Series
This year, the Sociology Paper-I showcased 23 out of 28 questions reflected in our Optional Test Series, either directly or thematically. This high level of alignment demonstrates not just the predictive accuracy of our test design but also the depth of syllabus coverage we ensure.
Sociology Paper 1 | VisionIAS Test Series Mapping | Themes |
1a.What is common sense? How is common knowledge and sociology related to each other? Explain | 1a. Common sense is sociological nonsense. How far do you agree with this assertion in the context of 21st century sociology?(3343) | Common Sense |
1b. What is the relationship( similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology? Discuss | 2c.Discuss the changing equations of discipline of sociology with other social sciences. (Abhyaas) | Sociology and other disciplines |
1d- Can Merton's reference group theory be relevant in understanding 'identity making' in digital world? explain | 6c.Evaluate the impact of social media on primary and secondary group dynamics in modern society. ( Abhyaas)
5.(e) How does reference group lead to relative deprivation and eventually criminal behaviour?10 (3342) | Merton's reference group and social media |
1e.Is the social stratification gender blind? Elucidate | 7c.Social inequality is both a cause and consequence of social stratification. Discuss. (3342)
1.(e) "Globalization has created new forms of social stratification while dismantling traditional hierarchies." Critically analyze. (3348) | Social inequality and social stratification |
2.a What is positivism? Critically analyse the major arguments against it | 1b. Discuss the methodological debate between positivism and interpretivism in sociology (Abhyaas)
7.(a) “Positivism offers explanation, while critical theory offers emancipation.” Critically examine this dichotomy. (3348) | Positivism |
2c. What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research. | 4a. How do mixed methods designs strengthen the validity and reliability of sociological research? (Abhyaas)
2.(b) Explain the concept of triangulation in research. How does it enhance the validity and reliability of sociological studies? (3343) | Reliability |
3.a- Are pressure groups a threat to or a necessary element of democracy? Explain with suitable illustrations | 6c- Civil society enhances democratic legitimacy, but may not always function democratically. Critically evaluate.(3346) | Civil society |
3.c- What is hypothesis? critically evaluate the significance of hypothesis in social research. | 1.a- The journey from hypothesis to theory is the essence of the scientific method in sociology. Explain(3346) | Hypothesis |
4.a Give an account of the recent trends of marriage in the Indian context. how are these different from traditional practices? | 4b- The nuclear family is a product of industrialization, nut it's cause. evaluate this statement with reference to changing family structures in developing societies.(3348)
8.(b) Discuss how the traditional functions of marriage are increasingly replaced by contractual and consumer-driven roles. (3343)
6.(a) “Marriage as a social institution is undergoing transformation, not disintegration.” Critically comment in light of emerging alternatives to conventional marriage. (3346) | Family and it's changing structure |
4.b- What would you identify as similarities and differences in the elite theories of Mosca, Michels and Pareto? Discuss their main/ crucial issues | 5b-How does Michel Foucault's understanding of power differs from traditional conceptions? (3348) | Power |
4c.Critically analyse the sociological significance of informal sector in the economy of developing societies | 1b.Examine the growth of gig economy as a new form of informal work? What implications does it have on Job security and labour rights?(3343)
5c. "The informal sector serves as both a safety net and a trap in developing economies." Critically examine. (3342) | Informal sector |
5b. Does the structural functionalist perspective on social stratification promote a status quo? Give reasons for your answer. | 3b.Analyse the structural-functionalist explanation of social stratification and bring out it's limitations.(Abhyaas)
2c. Compare and contrast functionalist and conflict perspectives on social stratification. (3346) | Structural functionalist perspective on social stratification |
5c. Do you think that formal workspaces are free of gender bias? Argue your case. | 7a. how does the feminization of labour force participation challenge patriarchal structures while simultaneously creating new forms of gender based exploitation? Discuss with empirical examples.( Abhyaas) | Gender and labour |
5d. How does Weber's verstehen address the objectivity- subjectivity debate in sociology? | 4c. Explain Weber's concept of Verstehen. How does it enrich sociological enquiry(Abhyaas) | Verstehen |
5e. To what extent can education and skill development be an agent of social change? Critically analyse. | 3b.Discuss the role of education as an agent of social change with reference to issues of social mobility, equality and empowerment. (3343)
6b. How do educational disparities contribute to the perpetuation of poverty and social exclusion? Discuss with reference to contemporary society. (3342) | Education and social change |
6a. What is science? Do you think that the methods used in natural sciences can be applied to sociology? Give reasons for your answer | 2b. "Scientific temper and rational thinking are essential prerequisites for sociological inquiry ". Comment on this statement with reference to the debate on value neutrality in social research.(Abhyaas) | Science and sociology |
6b. What do you understand by gender biased domestic division of labour? Is it undergoing a change in the wake of increasing participation of women in formal employment? Clarify your answer with illustrations. | 6.(a) How does the feminization of labor impact the economic independence and social status of women in developing societies? (3342)
7a. how does the feminization of labour force participation challenge patriarchal structures while simultaneously creating new forms of gender based exploitation? Discuss with empirical examples.( Abhyaas) | Gender |
6c.How can you assess the significance of social movements in the digital era? Explain | 5e. Analyse the changing dynamics of social movements in India under the influence of modern values and institutions. (3346) | Social movements |
7b.How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? explain | 3b.Compare Durkheim approach to religion to that of Max Weber. How do their views on the role of religion in social change differ?(3342) | Religion and classical thinkers |
7c.What is the nature of relationship between science and religion in modern society? | 7b- Discuss the relationship between science and religion in the contemporary world.(3346) | Science and religion |
8a- What do you understand by sustainable development? Discuss the elements of sustainable development as proposed in the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals Report -2015 | 5c-Climate Change is not just an environmental issue but a social justice issue. Analyse from a sociological perspective .(3348) | Sustainable development |
8b.How do civil society organizations such as NGOs and Self help groups contribute to grassroot level social changes? Discuss | 5a. How is civil society used in deepening the roots of democracy?(Abhyaas) | Civil society |
8c.In what way does queer kinship challenge the traditional kinship system? Substantiate by giving illustrations | 6b."Family is transforming from a fixed structure to a fluid process in liquid modernity". Analyse this transition through the lenses of Bauman and contemporary family studies.(Abhyaas)
4.(b) "One is not born a woman, but becomes one.” In this context discuss feminist challenge of traditional kinship and family systems. (3343) | Changing family structures |
Conclusion: Building Sociological Depth with Practice
The 2025 Sociology Paper-I demonstrated that clarity of concepts, interlinking of theories, and contextual application are the real differentiators in scoring high. The strong reflection of our test series in this paper validates VisionIAS’s research-oriented and exam-centric approach.
For aspirants, the lesson is clear: sociology demands consistent practice and thematic integration, not fragmented study. Regular exposure to test series questions—combined with rigorous evaluation and feedback—helps refine answer-writing, sharpen analytical ability, and develop the sociological imagination needed to excel.
VisionIAS remains committed to supporting aspirants through this journey with structured practice, personalized mentoring, and a research-driven ecosystem that mirrors the actual demands of UPSC Mains.