Why is Sociology Optional the best optional for cracking UPSC civil services exam?
May 4, 2023
Sociology Optional is one of the most sought-after Optional subjects for UPSC Civil Services exam. There are large number of aspirants who made in to IAS, IPS and IFS by selecting Sociology as their optional. It is one of the safest optional one can choose because of plethora of reasons.
- Easy and relatable syllabus – Sociology optional syllabus is not vast compared to other popular optional subjects. Syllabus can be covered by aspirants in 2-3 months as a result. Sociology optional is one of the easiest to learn and interesting subject. It deals with things we see around in our daily life such as family, religion, politics etc. It gives aspirants multiple perspectives regarding the things that happen around us. Sociological theory helps us to view society from a wider perspective and gives us a better understanding of various social phenomenon.
- Chosen by aspirant from all academic backgrounds – Sociology optional doesn’t require prior academic knowledge. As a result, Sociology is chosen by students from Engineering, Medical, Science, Commerce and Arts background.
- Consistent and high scoring – Sociology optional scores are consistent compared to other optional subjects where the marks are highly fluctuation year on year. The scoring potential of the subject is also very high, and every year we can find All India Toppers who selected Sociology as their Optional. In 2020, SocioMentors’ student Meera K, secured All India Rank 6. Scoring 300 plus in Sociology is easily achievable provided aspirants get the right guidance.
- Repetitive questions – Every year at least 60% of the questions in Sociology Optional are repeated from previous year questions. Even if the phrasing of questions may change, the actual demand of the question remains almost the same.
- High Success rate: According to the Annual report released by UPSC in 2022, Sociology is having the best success rate (around 10%) among the popular optionals for UPSC Civil Services Exam.
- Availability of quality coaching and materials – Sociology optional coaching is widely available across India. Quality coaching institutions were able to create good results in Sociology Optional. SocioMentors’ student Afnan secured 288 marks in 2021 UPSC Civil Services exam. It is one of the highest marks in Sociology Optional at All India level. Best quality Sociology Optional materials are also available in the market. As there is comparatively less to cover in Sociology, aspirants get an opportunity to revise the syllabus multiple times before attending the mains examination.
- Mentorship guidance: Personalised attention and feedbacks are also available for Sociology Optional. Personalised attention through One-to-One feedbacks helped various SocioMentors students clear UPSC Civil Services by identifying their mistakes and improving their weak areas.
Due to the above-mentioned reasons, Sociology optional is considered one of the safest and most rewarding optionals for UPSC Civil Services exam. Candidates can choose Sociology as their optionals with confidence as the scoring potential of the subject is consistent and high. The two important factors one must consider while choosing an Optional is (a) interest in the subject and (b) Scoring potential. Sociology checks these two boxes easily and hence is considered to be one of the most popular optionals for civil services exam.
