In this article, You will know the Best Sociology Optional Books for UPSC recommended by Toppers (such as Srushti Deshmukh, Anu kumari, Jagrati Awasthi, Gamini Singla, Vishal Sah)

Sociology Optional is the most popular and opted optional subject in the UPSC mains exam. Sociology Optional assumes great significanc in Mains examination of the UPSC IAS Exam. If the approach to the subject is right, this is the most scoring optional that also helps in general studies paper. Many candidates have cracked the UPSC Mains examination by opting Sociology as their Optional Subject.

Download Complete Notes of Sociology Optional for UPSC

Sociology optional books (Basic booklist)

Here, I have divided the complete Sociology Optional Booklist into two-part i.e. for Paper 1 and Paper 2. In Sociology Optional, Before reading the standard reference books, You have to read some basic books for your strong foundation, So first of all Let’s see the Basic Booklist of Sociology Optional for UPSC.

Syllabus

Question Papers

NCERT ( Class 11th and 12th)

Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan

IGNOU BA & MA Materials ( Selective Reading)

Sociology Optional Booklist (Reference Books)

After reading the basic books, You have to read the Standard Reference Books of Sociology Optional.

Sociology Optional Books for Paper 1
  • Introduction to Sociology by Anthony Giddens
  • Sociological Theory by George Ritzer
  • Sociology Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos & Holborn
  • A Dictionary of Sociology by John Scott
  • Sociological Thought by Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan
  • An Introduction to Political Theory by O P Gauba

Sociology Optional Books for Paper 2
  • Social Change in Modern India by M N Srinivas
  • Caste Its Twentieth Century Avatar by M N Srinivas
  • Handbook of Indian Sociology by Veena Das
  • Indian Society: Themes and Social Issues by Nadeem Hasnain
  • Modernization of Indian Tradition by Yogendra Singh
  • Rural Sociology by S.L Doshi and P.C Jain
  • Social Background of Indian Nationalism by A R Desai

Note: You do not need to read these books cover to cover. Refer to the syllabus and read only the syllabus-specific topics. You can prepare short notes for ease of understanding and quick revision.

Sociology Optional (Other Study Resources/Materials)