The Civil Services IAS Exam 2015 was commenced from 18th December 2015 and 23rd December 2015 was the day for the exam of Optional papers. The respective two optional papers, Paper I and Paper II were conducted in morning and afternoon sessions on the same day.
The Sociology (Optional) Question Paper II of UPSC IAS Main Exam 2015 carried total 250 marks and time duration was limited to 3 hours. A candidate has to attempt five questions out of eight questions in which Question number 1 and 5 were compulsory and out of the remaining questions, three were to be attempted choosing at least one from each section.
SECTION-A
1.Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Verrier Elwin's views on freedom for the tribals
(b) Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical.
(c) Louis Dumont's perspective on Indian caste system
(d) How far Gandhi was trusted by the untouchables?
(e) Feminization of poverty
2.(a) Is caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India? 20
(b) Give some of the important studies relating to the structural changes in the Indian family system. 20
(c) Broadly compare the kinship system of North and South India.
3.(a) Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian tradition in analyzing social change in India. 20
(b) What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization pattern in India? 20
(c) Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different perspectives to solve their problems? 10
4.(a) Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism. 20
(b) What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism? 20
(c) Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India? 10
SECTION-B
5. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words each: 10x5=50
(a) Important components of National Education Policy in India
(b) Main objectives of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP)
(c) Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless and marginal farmers
(d) Issues relating to the informal labour market in urban India
(e) How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India?
6.(a) Discuss the impact of post-1970 feminist movement on Indian middle class. 20
(b) What are the major concerns of ethnic identity and religious identity in India? 20
(c) How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India? 10
7. (a) Discuss B. R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat. 20
(b) Discuss the main features of farmers' movements in Independent India. 20
(c) What extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist agenda? 10
8.(a) Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of action through his Hind Swaraj. 20
(b) Human development approach affirms that education and health-care growth are more important than economic growth. Discuss this issue in the light of post-liberalized Indian society. 20
(c) Write a brief note on the freedom of press. 10
