About Neha Bhosle
Neha Bhosle showcases the usefulness of the Sociology Optional in the Civil Services Exam. She feels that sociology was the most important factor in her improvement at Mains.
She managed to score around 270 marks in Sociology in the previous attempt, but found gaps in content, thinker application, and value addition. After Mains, she spent almost three months exclusively on Sociology, refining her notes, strengthening concepts, and improving answer writing. This strategy made the next attempt easier, requiring only structured revision rather than fresh preparation.
Why Sociology Optional Worked for Her
Before choosing Sociology as her optional, Neha:
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Attended to the UPSC Sociology syllabus in detail
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Studied the last 10 years of question papers
This helped her gauge UPSC’s expectations, recurring themes, and the importance of sociological thinkers, methods, and application of ideas in answers.
Sociology Preparation Strategy
Paper I – Foundations & Thinkers
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Use NCERTs (Class 11 & 12) for clear concepts
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Use IGNOU Sociology material for deeper theory
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Use Sociology: Themes and Perspectives (Haralambos & Holborn) as the main text
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Add selective readings of thinkers and research methods
Her approach remained simple:
Few sources, repeated revision, and strong conceptual clarity.
Paper II – Indian Society
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Standard texts on Indian Society
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Overview notes connecting Paper I thinkers to Indian social issues
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Include points on caste, gender, religion, social movements, and social change
Mentorship & Guidance at IAS Gurukul
During her preparation, IAS Gurukul played an important role. Under the mentorship of Pranay Aggarwal, she benefited from:
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Clear explanations of complex sociological ideas
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Simple and effective answer-writing structures
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Emphasis on thinker-based and application-oriented answers
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Integration of Sociology with current affairs
This guidance helped her improve answer structure, articulate sociological concepts clearly, and maintain consistency throughout preparation.
Revision & Answer Writing
After Prelims, Neha mainly relied on:
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Her own consolidated notes
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Selected highlighted material
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Regular practice through answer writing and tests
Multiple revisions and continuous improvement of answers were key contributors to her success in Sociology.
Message for Sociology Aspirants
Neha Bhosle’s journey shows that strong mentorship, disciplined planning, and consistent revision can lead to high scores in Sociology Optional. Her experience highlights how mentors like Pranay Aggarwal at IAS Gurukul help aspirants convert sociological understanding into marks.
IAS Gurukul continues to guide Sociology aspirants with a clear, concept-focused, and results-driven approach, helping students perform at their best in UPSC Mains.
