Model answers for these questions. 34 UPSC questions from Education System and Social Change (1985–2026) are solved in Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions, with a full model answer for each. Use the View answer links in the table, or open the whole unit topic-wise, newest year first.
| Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | To what extent can education and skill development be an agent of social change? Critically analyze. (10 marks) | View answer |
| 2022 | Are traditional social institutions getting weakened as agents of social change in the contemporary society? Substantiate. | View answer |
| 2021 | Do you think Talcott Parsons gave an adequate theory of social change? Justify your answer. | View answer |
| 2020 | According to Durkheim, "The major function of education is the transmission of society's 17 norms and values." Discuss. | View answer |
| 2020 | How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change? | View answer |
| 2020 | Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss | View answer |
| 2019 | Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. | View answer |
| 2018 | Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of the society. Discuss with reference to class societies. | View answer |
| 2016 | "Education is a major source of social mobility in contemporary society." Explain. | View answer |
| 2015 | “Education helps in perpetuating social and economic inequalities.” Critically examine the statement. | View answer |
| 2014 | Education is often viewed as an agency of social change. However in reality it could also reinforce inequalities and conservatism. Discuss. | View answer |
| 2007 | Write short note : Education as an instrument of social change. | View answer |
| 2006 | “Education is one of the basic activities for the continued existence and development of a society”. Elaborate this statement. | View answer |
| 2005 | Discuss mass education as an instrument of social change and modernization. | View answer |
| 2004 | Discuss in detail impact of mass media and education on India Society. | View answer |
| 2004 | Write short note : Privatisation of Education & Equality of Opportunity | View answer |
| 2003 | Write short note : Education and Social Development. | View answer |
| 2001 | Distinguish between the process of formal education and socialization. Examine effectivity in formal education as an instrument of social change. | View answer |
| 1998 | Write short note : Education and culture. | View answer |
| 1997 | “Education is an instrument of social control and social change”. Critically examine the statement. | View answer |
| 1997 | What are the problems of universalisation of primary education? Discuss fully | View answer |
| 1997 | Write short note: Role of education in social development. | View answer |
| 1996 | Write short note: Education and social inequalities. | View answer |
| 1995 | Elaborate the meaning of the term ‘equality of educational opportunity’. Discuss education as a medium of cultural reproduction and social transformation. | View answer |
| 1992 | Write short note: Education as a medium of cultural reproduction. | View answer |
| 1991 | ‘Education is induction into the Learner’s culture’. Examine the statement in society today. | View answer |
| 1990 | Write short note : Education and inequality. | View answer |
| 1989 | Write short note : Education and Modernisation. | View answer |
| 1988 | Examine the role of education in cultural continuity. In the context of the Indian society, how would you reconcile this with the demand for social change ? | View answer |
| 1987 | What is meant by Equality of Educational Opportunities ? What are its possibilities in developing countries ? | View answer |
| 1986 | How do you relate the educational system to the economic development in India? | View answer |
| 1985 | Can education be considered as an agent of social change ? In what manner can it establish a new social order ? | View answer |
| 1985 | Write short note : Youth culture. | View answer |
| 1984 | Write short note :Education and modernisation. | View answer |
| 1983 | Examine the concept of equality of educational opportunity. What are the social constraints and social consequences implicit in the pursuit of this goal ? | View answer |
Solved PYQs for every Sociology topic
Notes tell you what a thinker said. Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions shows you how UPSC asks it and how a strong answer is written, on every question since 1985.
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