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Sociology Books for UPSC can be considered to hold crucial importance in UPSC exam preparation. Candidates who have chosen Sociology as their optional subject in the UPSC IAS Mains stage must ensure going through all important study materials including Sociology Notes and Sociology optional books for UPSC. Being one of the popular and high-scoring optional, its syllabus can be easily covered by reading some of the Best Sociology Books for UPSC with effective strategies.
In this article, we have provided a complete list of the best Sociology Books for UPSC that candidates can refer to for exam preparation.
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As per the previous UPSC IAS Exam Analysis, some of the most important UPSC Sociology topics are related to Indian society structure, Marxist sociology, social movements, agrarian society, kinship, politics and religion in relation to modern society, etc. Thus, to cover such comprehensive topics, you must take the help of the best books for Sociology optional subject.
Check out the list of best sociology optional books for UPSC in the below section.
UPSC Sociology Optional Book List - Paper 1 |
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Book Name | Author/Publication | Book Description |
Introduction to Sociology | Anthony Giddens | It covers introductory sociological concepts with an emphasis on linking micro and macro sociology as per the latest research. |
Sociological Theory | George Ritzer | The Ritzer Sociology book for UPSC contains different aspects of both classic and modern sociological theories with attention to postmodern social theory as well. |
A Dictionary of Sociology | John Scott | It’s a best-seller that contains over 2500+ entries on the terminology, methods, concepts and thinkers in Sociology as well as related political fields. |
An Introduction to Political Theory | O P Gauba | It’s a great sociology book for UPSC Optional paper 1 covers the latest themes on Politics and Society with good examples. |
Sociology: Principles Of Sociology With An Introduction To Social Thoughts | S Chand | This book covers different and aspects of social changes from the past to modern society with critical concepts of Marx, Rousseau, etc. |
Sociology Themes and Perspectives | Haralambos & Holborn | It’s fully updated to contain the latest sociology teaching, research and developments to support learnings on stratification, class and mobility, gender, sex and religion in society, etc. |
UPSC Sociology Optional Book List - Paper 2 |
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Book Name | Author/Publication | Book Description |
Social Background Of Indian Nationalism | A R Desai | It presents a comprehensive study of rise of nationalism in Indian society for over a decade in social, cultural, religious, political and economic forms. |
Society in India: Concepts, Theories and Recent Trends | Ram Ahuja | The book looks at the complex structure of the Indian Society from the historical, political, religious and philosophical points of view. |
Caste: Its Twentieth Century Avatar | M N Srinivas | This anthology presents a volume of essay on topics related to the appraisal of the role women play in perpetuating caste; the relationship between caste and the economy, and between caste and Hinduism. |
Modernization Of Indian Tradition | Yogendra Singh | This book covers Modern social traditions on kinship and social theories from late 17th to 19th centuries in India. |
Social Change in Modern India | MN Srinivas | This volume is a compilation of a series of lectures delivered by the eminent social anthropologist Srinivas. It’s applicable as a classic Sociological text for UPSC as well as UG/PG aspirants |
Rural Sociology | Doshi & Jain | This book covers classic Rural Sociology concepts applicable in UPSC Mains optional papers for topics like Agrarian social structure, land reforms and rural developments, etc. |
Check the top UPSC IAS Prelims Strategy for good preparation here!
Candidates can choose Sociology NCERT Books for their initial IAS preparation which will also build a strong foundation. After completing the NCERTs, candidates can start reading standard Sociology optional books available in the market. To gain an understanding of the UPSC Sociology Syllabus topics, candidates can download the Sociology NCERT Books for UPSC PDF given in the table below.
Sociology NCERT Books For UPSC PDF | |
Book Name | PDF Link |
Introducing Sociology – A Textbook for Class XI | Download PDF |
Understanding Society – A Textbook for Class XI | Download PDF |
Social Change and Development in India – Textbook in Sociology for Class XII | Download PDF |
Indian Society – Textbook in Sociology for Class XII | Download PDF |
Check the List of NCERT Books For UPSC for other subject preparation here!
Several candidates, who have chosen Sociology in their optional, ask “How to choose the best Sociology book for UPSC?” It’s recommended that students read limited books. Above we have mentioned a lot of books but you are not required to study all of those books for Sociology optional UPSC. Follow the expert tips to choose the best Sociology books for UPSC as given below –
We hope that this article delivered the right information you needed before buying the Sociology Books for the UPSC examination. For more such optional subject-related study materials and resources, download the Testbook App for free or join our UPSC Online Coaching program to get the best learning experience.
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