Hi students
One important suggestion:
Don't refer to any PYQ book for Sociology or GS. If you really want to refer to anything, it should be only Toppers copies. Nothing else.
Why not refer to any Book ?
There is a huge difference between Answer and notes, even greater difference between Perfect answer and Feasible answer, and greatest difference between "130-150 handwritten words possible in 7-8 minutes" and 2-3 printed pages which "can't be reproduced even in 20 minutes by hand".
Most of the PYQ books will give you 'extra content' and not 'feasible answer', and more often than not, PYQ books may take away the 'first attempt simplicity & innocence' from your answer.
Conserve the innocence and simplicity. It's easy to write difficult but very difficult to write simple.
One important suggestion:
Don't refer to any PYQ book for Sociology or GS. If you really want to refer to anything, it should be only Toppers copies. Nothing else.
Why not refer to any Book ?
There is a huge difference between Answer and notes, even greater difference between Perfect answer and Feasible answer, and greatest difference between "130-150 handwritten words possible in 7-8 minutes" and 2-3 printed pages which "can't be reproduced even in 20 minutes by hand".
Most of the PYQ books will give you 'extra content' and not 'feasible answer', and more often than not, PYQ books may take away the 'first attempt simplicity & innocence' from your answer.
Conserve the innocence and simplicity. It's easy to write difficult but very difficult to write simple.
Important query :
I haven't made short notes of Sociology yet ? What shall I do ?
Shall I make it now or just highlight and revise my base notes ?
Suggestion:
Making short notes or your own notes for optional is a necessity.
Why ?
Optional subject is relatively static, a bit longer than GS, syllabus well defined, and carries highest weightage in terms of selection, and that's why short notes in optional gives higher yield.
Best time to make short notes ?
Making short notes is a continuous process, but the final/precise and most rewarding version of short notes can be made after writing tests.
Why so ?
Before writing tests, you spend most of your time collecting 'best content' or 'new content' or feel good content.
But after writing tests (in 3 hrs), you realise that whatever you have learned over the years and from multiple sources can't be written in 8 mins or 12 mins.
This is the time when you start understanding the difference between "notes" and "answer", when you start separating grains from chaff, and that's when you have your final notes : the notes which can be reviewed, revised and reproduced.
I haven't made short notes of Sociology yet ? What shall I do ?
Shall I make it now or just highlight and revise my base notes ?
Suggestion:
Making short notes or your own notes for optional is a necessity.
Why ?
Optional subject is relatively static, a bit longer than GS, syllabus well defined, and carries highest weightage in terms of selection, and that's why short notes in optional gives higher yield.
Best time to make short notes ?
Making short notes is a continuous process, but the final/precise and most rewarding version of short notes can be made after writing tests.
Why so ?
Before writing tests, you spend most of your time collecting 'best content' or 'new content' or feel good content.
But after writing tests (in 3 hrs), you realise that whatever you have learned over the years and from multiple sources can't be written in 8 mins or 12 mins.
This is the time when you start understanding the difference between "notes" and "answer", when you start separating grains from chaff, and that's when you have your final notes : the notes which can be reviewed, revised and reproduced.
Sociology optional Nishat Sir (LevelupIAS)
https://www.youtube.com/live/CEw85df08mQ?si=PGSLbH0zGNgHPqUb
Aradhana Chauhan, just like many students, had scored in 220s in previous attempt (her score was 216), but in 2023 attempt she managed to score 280.
She was a part of LevelupIAS Sociology Crash course cum test series 2023.
She was consistently getting highest in most of our tests & was one of the favorites of our evaluation team.
8/8 Tests ✅
Let's understand what exactly she did. Is this the game of content or is this the game of answer writing strategy ?is this about X number of scholars or is it about demand ?
We will figure these things out today at 6:30 pm (right before the final match of India & Africa) ✅✅
She was a part of LevelupIAS Sociology Crash course cum test series 2023.
She was consistently getting highest in most of our tests & was one of the favorites of our evaluation team.
8/8 Tests ✅
Let's understand what exactly she did. Is this the game of content or is this the game of answer writing strategy ?is this about X number of scholars or is it about demand ?
We will figure these things out today at 6:30 pm (right before the final match of India & Africa) ✅✅
Suggestion
Whenever you refer to Toppers copies, don't use it as a text to borrow content, rather use it as a tool to understand how to write.
Selection of 1000 students means selection of 1000 different dimensions and handwriting types.
What you must learn from their copies is not "what" they write, but "how" they write.
Secondly, whenever you refer to Toppers copies, don't get judgemental.
You may start feeling that how can he/she get selected with such a basic write up. You may start feeling that if he got selected with basics, you can get rank 1 with your knowledge.
But that's not how it works.
Writing difficult is easy , but writing simple is difficult. You have to exercise restraint, unlearn many things, repeat this continuously till the end of cycle, not feel fomo, and trust the process. It's a process with its own set of rules.
Whenever you refer to Toppers copies, don't use it as a text to borrow content, rather use it as a tool to understand how to write.
Selection of 1000 students means selection of 1000 different dimensions and handwriting types.
What you must learn from their copies is not "what" they write, but "how" they write.
Secondly, whenever you refer to Toppers copies, don't get judgemental.
You may start feeling that how can he/she get selected with such a basic write up. You may start feeling that if he got selected with basics, you can get rank 1 with your knowledge.
But that's not how it works.
Writing difficult is easy , but writing simple is difficult. You have to exercise restraint, unlearn many things, repeat this continuously till the end of cycle, not feel fomo, and trust the process. It's a process with its own set of rules.
Suggestion
It is often observed during the evaluation process, that the mind of the students, when they read a question, goes in the opposite direction of the demand .
For example, if the question is
"Is reference group theory a universally applicable model ? Elucidate."
When a student reads such a question, they are directly thinking of why it's NOT universally applicable.
We must stay away from "negativity bias".
This is more visible in the answers of Sociology paper 1, specially in such questions.
Avoid thinking like that.
First, we must respect these theories and show their universal application for 1.5 pages.
And then we can dedicate 0.5 page to show its non applicability.
Coming to demand of the question, we definitely see universal application of reference group theory all over the world.
Individuals, around the world, do have reference groups at school, college, workplace, public administration ,fitness centre, shopping places and even in their everyday micro life during preparation of exams.
Not just in India but all over the world.
Don't even directly jump to sanskritisation, desanskritization, westernisation, islamisation, hinduization etc.
Think basic first (pure first attempt basic mindset), then write some theories, then show the other side.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
It is often observed during the evaluation process, that the mind of the students, when they read a question, goes in the opposite direction of the demand .
For example, if the question is
"Is reference group theory a universally applicable model ? Elucidate."
When a student reads such a question, they are directly thinking of why it's NOT universally applicable.
We must stay away from "negativity bias".
This is more visible in the answers of Sociology paper 1, specially in such questions.
Avoid thinking like that.
First, we must respect these theories and show their universal application for 1.5 pages.
And then we can dedicate 0.5 page to show its non applicability.
Coming to demand of the question, we definitely see universal application of reference group theory all over the world.
Individuals, around the world, do have reference groups at school, college, workplace, public administration ,fitness centre, shopping places and even in their everyday micro life during preparation of exams.
Not just in India but all over the world.
Don't even directly jump to sanskritisation, desanskritization, westernisation, islamisation, hinduization etc.
Think basic first (pure first attempt basic mindset), then write some theories, then show the other side.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Other side will have very basic content (no need to write any thinker). Don't even think of force fitting any thinker.
Other side:
Individuals don't necessarily feel relative deprivation.
Individuals don't necessarily emulate the lifestyle of others. They have their own mindset and aspirations.
Instead of a reference group, sometimes individuals have reference individuals.
(No thinker required). You are your own thinker for such questions. Don't undermine your creative self. You guys are geniuses.
Other side:
Individuals don't necessarily feel relative deprivation.
Individuals don't necessarily emulate the lifestyle of others. They have their own mindset and aspirations.
Instead of a reference group, sometimes individuals have reference individuals.
(No thinker required). You are your own thinker for such questions. Don't undermine your creative self. You guys are geniuses.
HOW NOT TO WRITE EXAMPLES
Positivists develop generalizations based on data.
Example: Durkheim's study of suicide ❌
Non positivist study meanings and motivations of individuals.
Example: Weber's study of social action❌
HOW TO WRITE EXAMPLES
Positivist develop generalization based on data.
Example: On basis of data, it's found Suicide rate increase with economic bust✅
Non positivist study meanings and motivations of individuals
Example: The motivation behind suicide should be understood (could be sacrifice, could be financial loss ) ✅
Conclusion:
1)Simply dropping words will NOT help.
2) make things EXPLICIT. Don't leave it to the intellect of the examiner.
Positivists develop generalizations based on data.
Example: Durkheim's study of suicide ❌
Non positivist study meanings and motivations of individuals.
Example: Weber's study of social action❌
HOW TO WRITE EXAMPLES
Positivist develop generalization based on data.
Example: On basis of data, it's found Suicide rate increase with economic bust✅
Non positivist study meanings and motivations of individuals
Example: The motivation behind suicide should be understood (could be sacrifice, could be financial loss ) ✅
Conclusion:
1)Simply dropping words will NOT help.
2) make things EXPLICIT. Don't leave it to the intellect of the examiner.
A short write up for the "dark horses" of CSE.
What makes UPSC Mains highly subjective paper ?
1) Compulsory Language paper - Everyone can opt for any Indian language (Assamese, Hindi, Gujrati, Bengali etc ).
A opts bengali, B opts for Gujrati, and C opts Hindi.
2) Essay: 8 essays are given with 4 essays divided across 2 sections.
A can opt for any of the two.
B can opt for any of the two.
4) Optional- Anyone can choose any optional.
5) Ethics- each case study presents an open ground of challenges before students. Each would approach the case differently.
6) Personality Test- Everyone is assessed on different day by different board, different members, & a different set of questions. A student scoring 120 in CSE PT gets 180 in IFoS PT.
7) GS I, II and III- Students can opt to write in any medium of language they have opted.
8) Evaluation is done by different experts led by different teams across the nation.
What brings objectivity then ?
Despite these complexities, there is a set of students who consistently clear the mains stage. Each year they appear in mains, they clear it (with few exceptions). It means despite appearing in different years and being evaluated by a broad spectrum of examiners across different regions , they are deemed fit to clear. Their consistent selection in mains lends validation & objectivity to this seemingly subjective exam.
These are the "dark horses". Their copies are neat & handwriting overtly visible. Their answer looks simple & precise.
The reliability (consistency) of their performance is often undermined due to the validity of the toppers talk & copies.
They may not have found their names in the final PDF yet, but they know what they DON'T have to know.
What makes UPSC Mains highly subjective paper ?
1) Compulsory Language paper - Everyone can opt for any Indian language (Assamese, Hindi, Gujrati, Bengali etc ).
A opts bengali, B opts for Gujrati, and C opts Hindi.
2) Essay: 8 essays are given with 4 essays divided across 2 sections.
A can opt for any of the two.
B can opt for any of the two.
4) Optional- Anyone can choose any optional.
5) Ethics- each case study presents an open ground of challenges before students. Each would approach the case differently.
6) Personality Test- Everyone is assessed on different day by different board, different members, & a different set of questions. A student scoring 120 in CSE PT gets 180 in IFoS PT.
7) GS I, II and III- Students can opt to write in any medium of language they have opted.
8) Evaluation is done by different experts led by different teams across the nation.
What brings objectivity then ?
Despite these complexities, there is a set of students who consistently clear the mains stage. Each year they appear in mains, they clear it (with few exceptions). It means despite appearing in different years and being evaluated by a broad spectrum of examiners across different regions , they are deemed fit to clear. Their consistent selection in mains lends validation & objectivity to this seemingly subjective exam.
These are the "dark horses". Their copies are neat & handwriting overtly visible. Their answer looks simple & precise.
The reliability (consistency) of their performance is often undermined due to the validity of the toppers talk & copies.
They may not have found their names in the final PDF yet, but they know what they DON'T have to know.
Student scoring 190-220 consistently in the sociology mains exam. What is the fundamental flaw ?
Friend A: Lack of scholars. He has written only 4 scholars. He should write at least 6 more.
Friend B : Lack of current affairs. He should write the latest data and reports from the year 2024 to get more marks.
Friend C : Lack of diagrams. He should make more diagrams in every answer.
Friend D : Lack of book name and year name. He should write the name of books and year whenever he refers to a scholar in answer.
Friend E: He is writing in points. He should write in paragraphs.
Friend F : He did not write criticism.
True friend: The core meaning of basic concepts is not clear. He is struggling to explain the core meaning of secularization , structural functionalism, research design, reliability, validity etc, writing random scholars to fill the gaps, writing critique to fill the pages, dropping examples without explanation etc.
The fundamental flaw is that the flaw is in the fundamentals.
Friend A: Lack of scholars. He has written only 4 scholars. He should write at least 6 more.
Friend B : Lack of current affairs. He should write the latest data and reports from the year 2024 to get more marks.
Friend C : Lack of diagrams. He should make more diagrams in every answer.
Friend D : Lack of book name and year name. He should write the name of books and year whenever he refers to a scholar in answer.
Friend E: He is writing in points. He should write in paragraphs.
Friend F : He did not write criticism.
True friend: The core meaning of basic concepts is not clear. He is struggling to explain the core meaning of secularization , structural functionalism, research design, reliability, validity etc, writing random scholars to fill the gaps, writing critique to fill the pages, dropping examples without explanation etc.
The fundamental flaw is that the flaw is in the fundamentals.
Deeply saddened by the events that unfolded at ORN yesterday. The loss of young, inspiring minds who had their whole life ahead of them is unbearable. May the departed souls rest in peace. I sincerely hope that administration wakes up from its slumber and strictest action is taken.
I can understand the feelings of pain, dejection, frustration you might be feeling right now.
I request you all to also avoid dingy basement libraries, etc spaces. Your safety and well being is of utmost importance 🙏
I can understand the feelings of pain, dejection, frustration you might be feeling right now.
I request you all to also avoid dingy basement libraries, etc spaces. Your safety and well being is of utmost importance 🙏
How NOT to analyse toppers copies ?
Usually when students refer to the topper copies , they tend to observe the 'left hand side' of the page more than the 'right hand side'.
It means they end up looking for 'number of thinkers' and 'number of points' on the left hand side of the answer sheets.
This reduces the whole "Qualitative experience" of the topper's copy reference to a mere "Quantitative data".
The right way is to check the right hand side and the quality of arguments. One may easily notice that the arguments 'hit' the demand with a 'simple example'.
It is this quality of maintaining quality that will produce the quantity (of marks).
Usually when students refer to the topper copies , they tend to observe the 'left hand side' of the page more than the 'right hand side'.
It means they end up looking for 'number of thinkers' and 'number of points' on the left hand side of the answer sheets.
This reduces the whole "Qualitative experience" of the topper's copy reference to a mere "Quantitative data".
The right way is to check the right hand side and the quality of arguments. One may easily notice that the arguments 'hit' the demand with a 'simple example'.
It is this quality of maintaining quality that will produce the quantity (of marks).
There is some news about government considering action against telegram. It may all be just speculation. But to be on safer side and to ensure that you keep getting regular updates please follow the following channels:
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Sociology Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamxiYIElagyIBOgs93z
Whatsapp Current Affairs Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamFgit6BIEl1sXP753B
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Official Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9hcyh7IUYWPIp2JO0l
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Anthro Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai5ZfABadmQremclj0K
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS History Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahsPBQHFxP7vxUfsZ1f
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Philosophy Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamJP7MJP21B9GrRaD3g
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS PSIR Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai1WBIKgsNxDWirJg2u
Whatsapp History and Culture Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahCVaIB4hdU6bU5iA45
Youtube LevelUp IAS Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelUpIAS
Youtube LevelUp IAS History Optional Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryOptionalforUPSC
About Privacy of Whatsapp: Apart from encryption, WhatsApp channels have added privacy features. Unlike in Telegram, even the admins cannot know the members there, if they already dont have the phone number saved. So, you are not required to worry about privacy issue there.
Regards,
Team LevelUp IAS
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Sociology Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamxiYIElagyIBOgs93z
Whatsapp Current Affairs Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamFgit6BIEl1sXP753B
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Official Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9hcyh7IUYWPIp2JO0l
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Anthro Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai5ZfABadmQremclj0K
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS History Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahsPBQHFxP7vxUfsZ1f
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS Philosophy Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VamJP7MJP21B9GrRaD3g
Whatsapp LevelUp IAS PSIR Optional Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vai1WBIKgsNxDWirJg2u
Whatsapp History and Culture Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VahCVaIB4hdU6bU5iA45
Youtube LevelUp IAS Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LevelUpIAS
Youtube LevelUp IAS History Optional Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryOptionalforUPSC
About Privacy of Whatsapp: Apart from encryption, WhatsApp channels have added privacy features. Unlike in Telegram, even the admins cannot know the members there, if they already dont have the phone number saved. So, you are not required to worry about privacy issue there.
Regards,
Team LevelUp IAS
WhatsApp.com
Sociology (LevelUp IAS) | WhatsApp Channel
Sociology (LevelUp IAS) WhatsApp Channel. This is an official channel by LevelUp IAS to help the aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. 596 followers
One of the reasons why I encourage students to make flow charts and diagrams in Sociology answers is : Sociologists, or any social scientist, would make them too.
An excerpt from SC Dube’s Indian Village (1955).
Did you know ?
SC Dube was the first ever ethnographer to have produced a social anthropological account of any Indian village, even before MN Srinivas.
An excerpt from SC Dube’s Indian Village (1955).
Did you know ?
SC Dube was the first ever ethnographer to have produced a social anthropological account of any Indian village, even before MN Srinivas.
Sometimes, on skimming through some answers, we realise how the core concepts like Marx’s alienation & Durkheim’s Anomie have been alienated from their roots & assumed anomic meaning (including the application in this particular sentence).
These concepts have become debased and used in metaphorical sense in everyday life in very loose manner.
Today, when we come across statements like ‘elderly and students feeling isolated and frustrated’ as the application of Alienation, and 'norm-less state of mind' as the meaning of Anomie, it reminds me of a book we had read in our post graduation days: ’ The death of author’ by Roland Barthes.
Their authorship is dead when we invent new meanings and confuse application with metaphorical usage. I empathise with Barthes and realise how we have killed Marx and Durkheim.
The whole exercise of value addition becomes futile when the core ideas are debased.
Therefore, I would like to clarify the meaning of these concepts today.
I will share a small write up with you on anomie first (hardly a para) in a short while.
These concepts have become debased and used in metaphorical sense in everyday life in very loose manner.
Today, when we come across statements like ‘elderly and students feeling isolated and frustrated’ as the application of Alienation, and 'norm-less state of mind' as the meaning of Anomie, it reminds me of a book we had read in our post graduation days: ’ The death of author’ by Roland Barthes.
Their authorship is dead when we invent new meanings and confuse application with metaphorical usage. I empathise with Barthes and realise how we have killed Marx and Durkheim.
The whole exercise of value addition becomes futile when the core ideas are debased.
Therefore, I would like to clarify the meaning of these concepts today.
I will share a small write up with you on anomie first (hardly a para) in a short while.
Man's aspirations have constantly increased since the beginnings of history. Hmm... So imagine a man wanting to have a billion worth of property, luxury car, house help at his disposal today.
His desires can make him restless.
Durkheim firmly believed that there is nothing inside the man that can regulate his unlimited desire.This must be done by some force exterior to him. That force is nothing but collective norms and institutions like religion, family, morality, state etc.
These institutions will regulate the man and his desires.
Religion, morality, family, state will make him stay content with limited needs, not be greedy or selfish, and follow the rightful means.
Now imagine "sudden changes" in society like the spread of modern education which questioned the religious ideas, economic boom which promised prosperity & wealth, spread of internet and smartphones which presented multiple choices of partners, clothing, latest goods to be purchased, YouTube showcasing reels 'power of IPS & IAS' , what will happen ?
The man will become restless and anxious. The collective norms regulating the man's desires start breaking down and here comes the unregulated man.
In case, he doesn't achieve all of this, he feels frustrated, disgusted, and in extreme case, may commit suicide thinking that he was not succesful.
Anomie is 'nothing but a phase where collective norms regulating the individual's desires break down'.
His desires can make him restless.
Durkheim firmly believed that there is nothing inside the man that can regulate his unlimited desire.This must be done by some force exterior to him. That force is nothing but collective norms and institutions like religion, family, morality, state etc.
These institutions will regulate the man and his desires.
Religion, morality, family, state will make him stay content with limited needs, not be greedy or selfish, and follow the rightful means.
Now imagine "sudden changes" in society like the spread of modern education which questioned the religious ideas, economic boom which promised prosperity & wealth, spread of internet and smartphones which presented multiple choices of partners, clothing, latest goods to be purchased, YouTube showcasing reels 'power of IPS & IAS' , what will happen ?
The man will become restless and anxious. The collective norms regulating the man's desires start breaking down and here comes the unregulated man.
In case, he doesn't achieve all of this, he feels frustrated, disgusted, and in extreme case, may commit suicide thinking that he was not succesful.
Anomie is 'nothing but a phase where collective norms regulating the individual's desires break down'.
Sociology Foundation for UPSC CSE 2025 starts 12th Sept ✅
Get mentored by Nishat sir, the mentor of 100+ UPSC Toppers like AIR 18, Wardah Khan; AIR 29 Saloni Khanna and many more.
https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-sociology-optional/
Call here for details: 08045248491 / 7041021151
Get mentored by Nishat sir, the mentor of 100+ UPSC Toppers like AIR 18, Wardah Khan; AIR 29 Saloni Khanna and many more.
https://www.levelupias.com/upsc-sociology-optional/
Call here for details: 08045248491 / 7041021151