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SECTION A – Objective Type Questions (1 Mark Each)
Section A mainly includes:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Assertion–Reason Questions
Case-based short questions
This section tests basic knowledge, definitions, concepts, and factual clarity.
For example, in:
Chapter 1 – Introducing Indian Society
Section A focuses on: Meaning of Sociology
Self-reflexivity Social map
Community identity Colonialism and nationalism
Reform movements
You must know definitions like:
Society – A group of people sharing a common culture and territory.
Self-reflexivity – The ability to critically examine oneself from an outsider’s perspective.
Community identity – Identity based on birth and belonging.
Questions test whether you understand:
Difference between personal troubles and social issues
Impact of colonialism
Role of reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Gandhi
Chapter 2 – Demographic Structure
Section A tests: Meaning of demography
Birth rate, death rate, fertility rate Sex ratio
Infant mortality rate Malthusian theory
Demographic transition theory
You must clearly remember:
Population grows in geometric progression (Malthus).
Food grows in arithmetic progression.
Replacement level means population stabilisation.
Chapter 3 – Social Institutions
Section A includes: Meaning of caste, varna, jati
Endogamy and exogamy Sanskritisation
Dominant casten Tribal classification
Nuclear and joint family
This section mainly checks memory and conceptual clarity.
SECTION B – Short Answer Questions (3–4 Marks)
Section B requires explanation in paragraph form.
You must write structured answers with clear understanding.
Example 1: Colonialism and Caste
You must explain: British census and classification
Herbert Risley’s hierarchy Rigidification of caste
Government of India Act 1935 Emergence of Scheduled Castes and Tribes
Explain how colonial rule reshaped caste identity.
Example 2: Malthusian Theory (Critical Explanation)
You should explain: Population growth vs food supply
Preventive and positive checks Criticism by liberal and Marxist scholars
European example proving Malthus wrong
Answers must show both explanation and criticism.
Example 3: Demographic Transition Theory
Explain the three stages: High birth & death rate
High birth & low death rate (population explosion)
Low birth & death rate
Explain why stage two causes rapid population growth.
Example 4: Tribal Development Issues
Explain: Resource loss
Forest exploitation Migration of non-tribals
Identity movements Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh creation
You must show understanding of both historical and modern changes.
Example 5: Family Structure
Explain: Nuclear family
Joint family Matrilineal and patrilineal systems
Changes due to urbanisation
Section B tests conceptual clarity and ability to explain logically.
SECTION C – Long Answer Questions (6 Marks)
Section C tests analytical ability, comparison, evaluation, and structured writing.
Answers must be detailed and well-organized.
1. Caste: Continuity and Change
You must explain: Traditional features of caste
Purity and pollution principle Endogamy
Occupational rigidity Colonial impact
Constitutional provisions Reservation policy
Sanskritisation Dominant caste concept
Show how caste has changed but still continues in modern India.
2. Tribal Identity and Development
Explain: Tribal characteristics
Permanent and acquired traits Exploitation under colonialism
Post-independence displacement Development projects
Forest rights Tribal movements
Emerging tribal middle class
You must analyse both problems and progress.
3. Demographic Changes in India
Explain: Population growth trends
Age structure Youth population
Sex ratio decline Government programmes
National Health Policy 2017 Literacy growth
Rural-urban differences
Answers must connect statistics with social impact.
4. Social Institutions and Modernisation
Discuss: How modernization affects caste
Impact of urbanisation Industrialisation
Education Political mobilisation
Caste-based parties
Provide examples like: Yadavs
Jats Marathas
Patidars