Sociology Books for UPSC – Best UPSC Sociology Optional Books PDF
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Sociology Books for UPSC are a vital part of the preparation for the candidates who have chosen sociology as their optional subject. Being one of the popular optional, sociology can be covered easily with the right Sociology Book for UPSC and a rock-solid strategy. However, there are tons of books available in the market which makes things complicated for the candidates, and they end up feeling confused while choosing the book. It is required to make the right Sociology book selection or candidates will feel overwhelmed during the preparation.
That’s why we have prepared a list of the best Sociology Optional Books for UPSC that would help the candidates to cover the sociology syllabus efficiently. In addition, we will also share some tips and tricks that would allow the candidates to cover the Sociology Optional Books in the best possible way.
Table of content
Sociology Books for UPSC
NCERTs should be a good starting point as it provides a strong base to complete advanced books for sociology optional UPSC. In the beginning, you must go through the following Sociology optional books to have a basic understanding of what is to be covered in the Sociology Syllabus for UPSC. Download NCERT Sociology Books for UPSC PDF from the link given below and kickstart your preparation.
| Sociology Books for UPSC PDF | |
| Topics | Download PDF |
| Introduction to Sociology | Class 11 Sociology Books for UPSC PDF |
| Class 11 – Understanding Sociology | Class 11 Sociology Optional Books PDF |
| Class 12 – Indian Society | Class 12 Sociology Books for UPSC PDF |
| Class 12 – Social Change and Development in India | Class 12 Sociology Optional Books PDF |
Sociology Books for UPSC Paper 1
Paper 1 of the Sociology optional syllabus deals with the Fundamentals of Sociology which comprises topics including Poverty in India, Research methods & analysis, sociological thinkers, equality, economic life, etc. Below we have listed the best Sociology Book for UPSC Paper 1 to cover all topics from the Fundamentals of Sociology.
Best 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 Books for UPSC Paper 2
Paper-2 of the sociology optional subject in UPSC Mains is all about Indian Society: Structure and Change. Following Sociology Books for UPSC would give in-depth information on topics covered in Indian Society Syllabus such as Its Social Structure, Women’s Movement, Environmental Movement, Citizenship, Social Movements in India, Peasant movements, Social Issues in India, etc.
Best 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
How to Choose the Best Sociology Books for UPSC?
It is recommended that the students keep the list of Sociology optional books to a minimum, or it will hinder UPSC Mains exam preparation. Above we have listed so many books but there is no pressure to study all of them. Instead of referring to tons of Sociology books for UPSC, candidates need to cover the top books in the best possible manner. Choose the book that you find easy to understand and cover, then shortlist those Sociology optional books.
- Make sure the books have all the topics mentioned in the Sociology Syllabus.
- You can also ask your teachers, or mentor to suggest some good books. Additionally, you can follow the sociology books referred to by UPSC Toppers. Make sure you pick the latest edition of the Sociology Books for UPSC.
- In addition, you need to see if the language of the book is easy to comprehend or not and then make a choice. Because, to develop better UPSC Answer Writing skills, you need to understand the topics in a better manner. And it can be possible only with a book that is easy to understand and read.
How to Cover Sociology Book for UPSC?
Civil Service Exam is tough, and the questions can be tricky. Only if you cover the Books in the right manner, you will get fruitful results. Now that you have shortlisted your Sociology Books for UPSC, it is time for you to know the best way to read them.
- When you start covering a topic from the sociology UPSC Syllabus, make sure you read from two recommended Sociology optional books.
- Any additional information you come across should be added to your notes, and in this way, you will be able to keep all relevant information in one place.
- Don’t read every topic from multiple books, and refer to only one suggested source. Also, keep the list of Sociology Books for UPSC simple and short.
- You can pick Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan for both papers, as it is mandatory reading.
