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ClearIAS » UPSC Books Review » Sociology Optional Paper: Books to read for Civil Services Main Exam

Sociology Optional Paper: Books to read for Civil Services Main Exam

Last updated on November 10, 2020 by Alex Andrews George

Sociology has turned out as a crucial part of GS paper well as an optional paper in Civil Services Examination. Being considered as one of the easiest and generalist optional, around 3000-4000 candidates take Sociology each year as their optional subject for mains. An in-depth understanding of Indian society and sociological thinkers is essential.

Being a traditional hot favorite, plenty of books and study materials are available in the market. For clarity regarding the subject, the below-mentioned books can help.

Sociology Optional Paper the Books to read for Civil Services Main Exam

Recommended Books for Sociology – Civil Services Books – Mains Exam

  • Sociology Themes and Perspectives – Michael Haralambos, Martin Holborn
  • Society In India: Concepts, Theories And Recent Trends – Ram Ahuja
  • Social Problems In India – Ram Ahuja
  • Sociology – Anthony Giddens
  • Sociological Theory – George Ritzer
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Sociology
  • Modernization Of Indian Tradition – Yogendra Singh
  • Sociological Thought – Francis Abraham, John Henry Morgan
  • Social Change In Modern India – M. N. SRINIVAS
  • Caste Its Twentieth Century Avatar – M. N. SRINIVAS
  • Persistence and Change in Tribal India – M.V. Rao
  • Social Background of Indian Nationalism – A. R. Desai

Extra Tips

  • Indian editions of the imported books may cost you less. But, make sure that the book has not compromised on quality and content.
  • Old NCERT on sociology is a good source.
  • For current aspects of Sociology, EPW magazine is a good read.
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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training, Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped thousands of aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nirbhay Singh says

    December 1, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    Is sociology is a scoring subject in upsc as a optional ?? pls give me detail about this immediately….

    Reply
    • Saurav says

      June 8, 2016 at 6:13 am

      Yes, its scoring subject than others. So, if u are planning or taken the same than its best for you read as well as knowledge.

  2. Nirbhay Singh says

    December 1, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Books are available in market for hindi medium or not ?????

    Reply
    • Dheeraj says

      June 12, 2018 at 6:52 pm

      You will have o buy

  3. MAX l says

    March 29, 2016 at 12:19 am

    There’s nothing as scoring subject , it all depends on your comfort level…so choose wisely

    Reply
  4. Mohit says

    September 23, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Which writer book is best of sociology

    Reply
  5. shivakumar says

    January 20, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    I have need to ncert books civils

    Reply
    • Wais Ali says

      April 17, 2021 at 8:48 am

      I want name of books medium in hindi for sociology as it my optional subject.

  6. Laukesh Yadav says

    July 16, 2017 at 9:47 am

    Is the Haralambos sociology book is available in hindi medium

    Reply
    • Laukesh Yadav says

      July 16, 2017 at 9:56 am

      Plz tell me second good book after haralambos in hindi medium

  7. Kartik Kaamra says

    October 2, 2017 at 9:36 am

    How to prepare sociology strategy for civil services…… So, Join Now… Best institute for sociology (civil services) in Delhi……….
    http://www.sociologybyadityamongra.com/

    Reply
  8. Neeraj says

    June 23, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    Is agriculture subject,should I take as optional

    Reply
  9. Bunny says

    January 14, 2019 at 9:33 pm

    I want name of books for sociology.. as it my optional subject

    Reply
  10. Vaishali says

    March 3, 2019 at 8:11 pm

    Sir can u plz give me best books list for preperation and also di notes

    Reply
  11. Ashutosh londhe says

    April 28, 2019 at 7:07 pm

    Clear ias helps a lot

    Reply
  12. Pallavi says

    May 24, 2019 at 12:03 am

    Sir plz tell me sociology books for upsc but in hindi medium and one other question – is haralambus book available,in hindi, in the market.

    Reply
  13. msks says

    July 24, 2019 at 7:16 pm

    best books for sociology preparation??

    Reply
  14. Balbir says

    September 20, 2019 at 4:54 pm

    Sir This is the sociology syllabus for Himachal Pradesh Adm Service Mains
    Salient features of Indian Society, Unity in Diversity.
     Social Institutions: Family, Marriage, Kinship, Religion and Social stratification in India.
    Please recommend books to cover it

    Regards Balbir Thakur

    Reply
  15. akanksha says

    January 5, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    need suggestion for sociology optional books for hindi medium aspirant

    Reply
  16. Shekhar Singh says

    December 20, 2020 at 2:19 am

    Sir how is medical science optional as a subject?
    Other options which one can take?

    Reply

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