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Important Topics in Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025

Important Topics in Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025 include caste dynamics, gender issues, secularism, communalism, globalization impacts, poverty, social justice, and regionalism. Prepare with important topics in Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit19 Sept, 2025
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Indian Society for UPSC Mains

 

Important Topics in Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025: Indian Society is one of the most important subjects in the UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper. Every year, questions worth 60 to 70 marks are asked from the Indian Society section, making it crucial for preparation. However, the UPSC Mains exam covers a wide range of topics under the Indian Society section.

Therefore, candidates should prioritize topics such as poverty, population, urbanization, women's empowerment, etc., during preparation. By focusing on these areas in the Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025, candidates can increase their scores in the UPSC Mains exam.

Important Topics in Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025

Indian society is a complex and dynamic subject that holds immense significance in the UPSC Mains GS Paper 1. Candidates need to have a conceptual understanding of Indian Society topics for Mains 2025 first, and then interlink current affairs according to their relevance. Given the limited time available, revise these important topics in Indian Society that are likely to appear in the UPSC Mains 2025 exam:
Important Topics in Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025
Topic Subtopics
Demography Population Growth, Distribution, and associated issues; Urbanization and its Challenges; Migration Patterns and their Socio-Economic Implications
Salient Features of Indian Society Caste System, Tribes and Tribal Societies,  Affirmative Action and Reservation Policies, Diversity of India
Role of women and women’s organization Role of Women in Society, Welfare Schemes, and Empowerment Initiatives.
Globalization Globalization Challenges and Opportunities, Effects of Globalization on Indian Society
Poverty and developmental issues Poverty, Inequality, and Developmental Challenges, Poverty Alleviation Programs
Religion and Secularism Diversity of Religious Beliefs and Practices; Communal Harmony and Religious Conflicts; Concept of Secularism and its Implementation, Challenges
Health & Education      Ayushman Bharat, Malnutrition, TB, Literacy, Education Policy, Family Planning    
Contemporary Social Issues      Mob lynching, LGBTQ rights, Manual Scavenging, Same-sex marriage, Transgender Act    
Social Reforms and Movements Key Social Reform Movements (e.g., Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission); Role of Social Reformers and Their Impact On Indian Society
Miscellaneous Social Empowerment, Communalism, The Role of Education in Social Transformation, The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion, and Promoting Social Change

 

Tips to Prepare Indian Society for UPSC Mains

Preparing for the Indian Society for UPSC Mains requires a comprehensive and strategic approach, as this subject covers a wide range of topics. By following a structured plan and utilizing effective study techniques, candidates can improve their performance for the exam. Here is how to approach the Indian Society for UPSC Mains:
  • Read Standard Resources: Refer to standard books like 'Indian Society' by Ram Ahuja and ' PWONLYIAS UPSC Society Book’. These books provide a comprehensive understanding of the topics to strengthen basic concepts.
  • Strong Conceptual Understanding: Thoroughly study the key concepts, theories, and frameworks related to Indian society, such as the caste system, secularism, gender roles, and social movements.
  • Interlink Current Affairs: Closely follow the current affairs and interlink them with social issues in India. This will help you connect the theoretical knowledge with the current trends.
  • Make Notes: While studying, make concise revision notes by interlinking theory with current affairs. Follow government reports, such as the Census, for data and insights into various social issues.
  • Analyze Past Question Papers: Solve previous years' UPSC Mains question papers to identify the recurring themes, types of questions, and the expected depth of answers in Indian Society.
  • Practice Answer Writing: Regularly practice answer writing. This will help you develop the skill of articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Focus on structuring your answers well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Indian Society Previous Year Questions for UPSC Mains

Questions in the Indian Society section test analytical and conceptual understanding of social issues. Therefore, solving the previous year's questions is useful to gain valuable insights for effective preparation. In 2023, around six questions were asked from the Indian Society section. Indian Society Mains PYQs 2024 are given here for candidates' reference:
Indian Society Previous Year Questions for UPSC Mains
Questions Word Limit Marks
Q.1 Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? 150 Words 10 Marks
Q.2 Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. 150 Words 10 Marks
Q.3 In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? 150 Words 10 Marks
Q.4 What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? 250 Words 15 Marks
Q.5 Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. 250 Words 15 Marks
Q.6 Globalisation has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? 250 Words 15 Marks
Q.7 Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.   250 Words   15 Marks
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Important Topics in Indian Society for UPSC Mains 2025 FAQs

What is the weightage of the Indian Society in UPSC Mains?

The Indian Society section typically carries a weightage of 60 to 70 marks in the UPSC Mains GS 1 Paper.

Where to cover the Indian Society for UPSC Mains?

Refer to standard books like 'Indian Society' by Ram Ahuja and ‘PWONLYIAS UPSC Society Book’ for comprehensive coverage.

What are the most important topics in the Indian Society section for UPSC Mains 2025?

Unity in Diversity, caste, women, secularism, globalization, social justice, and urban issues are key topics in the Indian Society section for UPSC Mains 2025.

How do I integrate Current Affairs into Indian society for UPSC Mains?

Follow current events closely and relate them to social issues, making concise revision notes that link theoretical concepts with current trends.

Which NCERT to read for UPSC Mains' Indian Society section?

For the Indian Society section of UPSC Mains, read the NCERT textbooks from Class XI Sociology (Understanding Society and Introducing Sociology) and Class XII Sociology (Indian Society and Social Change and Development in India).
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