INSIGHTSIAS

SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019

Sociology Answer Writing Program for Civil Services Main 2019

Why the Sociology Answer Writing Program (AWP) is NOT (just) a test series?

It will NOT be ‘personalised’ test series in which we force ourself to tell good things about your
answers in green ink. If something is bad, it’s bad!

Nor we believe in sharing bad things about your answers in red ink just because you didn’t write
the ‘model answer’ we had in our mind. Aren’t there many ways to write good answers?

We don’t want to pretend that we are of UPSC standard by imitating questions from 2018 Mains.
Because 2019 will be different. Nor we want to showcase our creativity or put you through clinical
trials by posing exotic or current affair based questions that will never come in the exam. Even if
they do, its sheer coincidence!

What about test discussions? Should we dust our hands off by simply sharing model answers?
Should we restrict the discussion to the questions strictly? Isn’t it important to understand the
underlying topic more than its manifestation (questions)? Questions can be twisted. And when we
understand the topic really well, aren’t we better equipped?

What then, is the Sociology AWP?

A first-of-it’s-kind program; for those who want to top Sociology in Civil Services Main 2019.

This Answer Writing Program – is an ideal mix of test series and classroom guidance given
the gap aspirants face despite classroom coaching, test series and self-study.

It will involve making students write previous years questions curated in a way that will cover
entire syllabus. Yes, just the previous years questions. That’s all you need to top Sociology
Mains.

Their answer approaches will be discussed and associated concepts clarified / taught in a
classroom (no online mode) after each test. Emphasis will be laid on theories and topics that
cause worry in Paper I. We will also focus on how to write Paper II in a ‘sociological’ manner.

Will individual scripts be evaluated? No. You won’t have that need anymore post classroom
guidance. However, if you still want to know if you are on the right side, your script will be checked
(on demand) post the discussion session. In sum, we will ensure you are exam-ready.

To conclude, you will take 12 full-length tests; each spanning 3 hours. The test schedule can
also act as reading timetable for sociology as we factored in prelims preparation. The entire
syllabus will be covered 3 times, thereby facilitating reading, revision and consolidation.
Please refer to the timetable for more details.

Which type of aspirants will benefit the most from the AWP?

This program has been created to meet the demands of two sets of aspirants:
(a) Those who believe in (began) self study but feel inadequate when it comes to answer writing
(b) Those who wrote mains / took coaching and yet feel under confident in solving questions

INSIGHTSIAS SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019

 INSIGHTSIAS SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019
Detailed Time Table
Test Date Syllabus
3 Jan 2019 Sociology – The Discipline
Sociology as Science
Research Methods and Analysis
Sociological Thinkers
17 Jan 2019 Stratification and Mobility
Tribal Communities in India (Paper II)
Works and Economic Life
Politics and Society – Both Paper I & II
31 Jan 2019 Religion and Society – Both Paper I & II
Systems of Kinship – Both Paper I & II
Social Change in Modern Society
Visions of Social Change in India
14 Feb 2019 Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society Sociological
Impact of Colonial Rule on Indian Society
Rural and Agrarian Social Structure
Caste System
Social Classes in India
28 Feb 2019 Rural and Agrarian Transformation in Social Movements must be studied in
India
Industrialization and Urbanisation in India Politics and Society – Papers I & II.
Social Movements in Modern India
Population Dynamics
Challenges of Social Transformation
20 June 2019 Sociology – The Discipline
Sociology as Science
Research Methods and Analysis
Sociological Thinkers
4 July 2019 Stratification and Mobility
Tribal Communities in India (Paper II)
Works and Economic Life
INSIGHTSIAS SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019
Comments and Suggestions
Cycle 1
The first 4 chapters are the core of
paper I – both in terms of
understanding Sociology as well as
scoring in UPSC. Spend more time.
Consolidate. But push yourself to be
ready by 3 Jan.
Chapter on tribes from Paper II has
been deliberately incorporated here.
Chapter 3 from Class XII Sociology
NCERT, ‘Indian Society’ would be
your core text apart from ESO 12, 14
& 16.
Notice the interconnections between
Paper I & II – be it Politics, Religion,
Kinship or Social Change. Apply
concepts, theories & thinkers across
papers.
Thinkers and
Stratification & Mobility from Paper
I should inform your reading of these
chapters. So don’t restrict your
reading (thinking) to ESO 12 or the
latter part of 14.
the broader context of the chapters,
Similarly, contents in Challenges of
Social Transformation must be read
in the context of topics such as
Development and Dependency,
Poverty and Deprivation, Patriarchy
and Sexual Division of Labour, parts
of Social Movements in Modern
India etc.
Cycle 2
If cycle 1 is about reading, cycle 2 is
about revision and consolidation.
 INSIGHTSIAS SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019

Politics and Society – Both Paper I & II
18 July 2019 Religion and Society – Both Paper I & II
Systems of Kinship – Both Paper I & II
Social Change in Modern Society
Visions of Social Change in India
1 Aug 2019 Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society
Impact of Colonial Rule on Indian Society
Rural and Agrarian Social Structure
Caste System
Social Classes in India
16 Aug 2019 Rural and Agrarian Transformation in India
Industrialization and Urbanisation in India
Social Movements in Modern India
Population Dynamics
Challenges of Social Transformation
Cycle 3
30 Aug 2019 Paper I: Whole Syllabus Now that you have read-revised-
reproduced answers that are organic
at UPSC-speed, Cycle 3 is more a
ritual. It aims to give you a closer-to-
exam feel.
30 Aug 2019 Paper II: Whole Syllabus
Sep 2019: Ace Sociology Mains Paper

Test Timings?

Though you can take the test anytime (given that some aspirants are working, some outstation,
some won’t complete the syllabus or worse, lack confidence), we strongly recommend you to be
present on the said day, and take the test from 9 am to 12 pm OR 2 pm to 5 pm (UPSC Mains
timings). Discipline is the key.

Sometimes, a good scare does more than a nice pat. So be present even if ill prepared, and take
that test. Your guilt will ensure you are on track henceforth.

When will the Answer Writing Guidance Sessions be conducted?

You will be notified about the dates and timings of the guidance sessions through a telegram
group. Keeping in mind that there would be aspirants stationed outside Bangalore, we will
intimate the dates well in advance.

Venue

InsightsIAS Centre Next to Sharavathi Hospital, Opposite Attiguppe Metro Station, Bangalore.

Fee & Registration

INSIGHTSIAS SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019

 INSIGHTSIAS SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019

Rs 13,000/- including 18% GST. Register for the course by paying full fee on or before the 1st test at
InsightsIAS OGP Centre.

Though it is highly recommended for you to sit through all cycles, those who wish to join the
program from June 2019 (post prelims) need to pay Rs 9000/- including taxes.

Good luck!
krishnamoorthy@uohyd.ac.in | offline@insightsias.com

INSIGHTSIAS SOCIOLOGY TEST SERIES 2019