How to Study Sociology for UGC NET
Hello friends, today we will know about How to Study Sociology for UGC NET. The National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is an exam to determine eligibility for lectureship and for awarding JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) to Indian nationals to ensure minimum standards for entrants in the teaching profession & research.
The UGC NET exam consists of two papers – Paper I and Paper II. Paper I tests teaching and reasoning ability, research aptitude, comprehension, communication skills, etc. Paper II tests the candidate’s expertise in the chosen subject. Sociology is one of the subjects that candidates can choose for the UGC NET exam.
Sociology is the systematic study of society and people’s social relationships and behaviour within groups. If you aspire to clear the UGC NET exam for Sociology, you need a strategic plan and robust preparation. This article provides tips on studying Sociology effectively to crack the UGC NET.
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Have clarity on the syllabus and exam pattern
The first step towards your UGC NET Sociology preparation is to thoroughly understand the syllabus, exam pattern and weightage of topics.
The Sociology syllabus for UGC NET is vast, with many theoretical perspectives, concepts, thinkers and issues to cover.
Please review the syllabus the UGC prescribes segregate topics according to their importance, and mark weightage.
This will help you to optimize your preparation accordingly. Additionally, know the exam pattern well – the questions asked, maximum marks, negative marking, etc. Conceptual clarity on the syllabus and exam format will start your preparation on the right footing.
Prepare notes from standard reference books
Reading from multiple Sociology reference books can often get overwhelming without clear direction.
To optimize your reading time, refer to standard books and scholarly articles suggested by experts or toppers. Prepare chapter-wise notes from these resources to consolidate your understanding of concepts.
Handwritten notes, especially, are more effective for retaining information. Some reference books you can refer to include Sociology by Richard T Schaefer, Sociology: Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos and Holborn, Sociology in India: Intellectual and Institutional Practices edited by Veena Das and Sociology by CN Shankar Rao.
Practice with previous years’ question papers
Solving previous years’ question papers should be integral to your exam preparation strategy. Analyze the past ten years’ UGC NET Sociology question papers and note the frequently asked topics, question types, difficulty level of questions and recurring concepts. Identify your knowledge gaps and work on them.
Also, attempt mock tests regularly in a simulated environment, adhering to the exam duration. This will give you a feel of the exam experience and build your test-taking skills. Evaluate your answers to improve. You can find UGC NET previous years’ papers easily online or in book format.
Strengthen theoretical knowledge and perspectives
Sociology requires learning many theories, perspectives and concepts put forth by eminent thinkers over the years. For instance – Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, interpretivism, postmodernism, etc.
Have a clear understanding of these sociological theories, their origin, characteristics, thinkers’ views, applications, criticisms and comparisons. Similarly, an in-depth understanding of critical concepts like social structure, social stratification, deviance, social control, ethnicity, family, religion, etc.
Refer to notes and highlight the crux. Creating diagrams or info-graphics helps retain this information. A solid conceptual grasp is crucial to applying this knowledge across questions.
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Work on your research aptitude
The UGC NET paper-1 tests research aptitude – meaning and types of research, research methods and steps, sampling methods, data analysis, ethical considerations in research, etc.
Hence, studying this section diligently would help you score high. Understand the commonly used research methodologies like surveys, experiments, ethnography, etc., and their appropriateness for sociological research.
Brush up your knowledge of data analysis methods and tools like SPSS, Excel, etc. Solving research aptitude MCQs will also hone this skill.
Practice writing descriptive answers
The UGC NET Sociology paper has 50 objective questions for 100 marks and four descriptive questions for 100 marks. Objective questions include MCQs,
Very Short Answers (1 mark) and Short Answers (2 marks). Descriptive questions carry 15-20 marks each and test your in-depth understanding of sociological themes, perspectives, thinkers, concepts, etc.
Regular practice of writing long answers will build your application & analytical skills. Write responses within word limits given word limits. Also, work on your language, structure and presentation of answers.
Keep revising concepts
Consistency and regular revision are imperative for clearing UGC NET Sociology. Keep revising concepts learned earlier so they remain fresh in your memory. Cross-check facts/statistics and update your notes if needed.
Memorizing theories, perspectives, a chronology of key events, contributions of sociologists, etc, also helps. Make revision schedules with realistic targets. Give more time and priority to topics carrying higher weightage.
Take brief breaks to prevent fatigue. Use memory aids like acronyms, diagrams, flashcards, recitation, etc., to enable efficient revision.
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Conclusion
Preparing for competitive exams like UGC NET needs rigorous efforts on a persistent basis. Along with thoroughly covering the vast sociology syllabus, you also need to hone your reasoning, research aptitude and linguistic skills.
Practice answering previous years’ questions within the stipulated time. Revise concepts regularly through self-assessment to reinforce retention. Stay motivated and focused while preparing to crack the UGC NET Sociology exam successfully.
Utilize the tips outlined here as a helpful guide while creating your strategic preparation plan.
We hope you like our article on How to Study Sociology for UGC NET.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The three main classical sociological theories are functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, which sociologists like Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Mead developed.
Durkheim studied suicide rates among various religions to establish sociology as a distinct discipline based on observation and analysis.
Social structure refers to the organized pattern of social relationships and institutions. It includes groups, roles, hierarchies, networks, etc., that create the ‘structure’ of society.
Cultural lag refers to the phenomenon wherein one aspect of culture changes before and faster than the corresponding dependent part. E.g. advanced medical procedures and outdated beliefs about pregnancy.
To study sociology for UGC NET, follow these four key points:
1 Thoroughly revise important topics by going through relevant textbooks and reference materials.
2 Understand the concepts and make notes for quick reference.
3 Take a quick revision from your notes, which will help consolidate your understanding and refresh your memory.
4 Pay special attention to revising the essential topics frequently appearing in the UGC NET exam. Focus on crucial theories, thinkers, and sociological perspectives.
Before the exam, ensure you are composed and relaxed.
Practice mindfulness techniques, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and have a positive mindset to perform your best on exam day.
At Mantram UGC NET Sociology Coaching Institute, with the proper guidance and study material, it is easy to pass the UGC NET Sociology exam. Our institute is dedicated to providing the best coaching for UGC NET Sociology, both offline and online. We have experienced faculty members specializing in sociology and are well-versed in the exam pattern and syllabus.
Our comprehensive study material is designed to cover all the essential topics, ensuring that students thoroughly understand the subject. Join Mantram UGC NET Sociology Coaching for expert guidance and increase your chances of success in the exam.
In the UGC NET examination, candidates are not penalized for incorrect answers, as no negative marking policy exists. The exam is conducted online through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. Participants can choose whether their question paper should be in either English or Hindi, a selection made during the application process on the UGC NET form.
Annually, the NTA UGC NET sees over 37,000 aspirants successfully qualifying for roles such as Assistant Professor and for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), according to the 2023 result analysis.
Achieving an overall score above 60% is generally regarded as commendable in the UGC NET, particularly for those aiming for the Assistant Professor designation. For candidates aspiring to secure a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), aiming for a score of 65% or higher is advisable.