Synopsis IAS
  • Profile
    • New Student
      New to Synopsis IAS?Create an account to register.
      Register
    • Already Registered
      Login to buy courses.
      Log In
  • Home
  • Courses
  • Blog
  • PYQs (GS & Optional)
  • Sociology Optional 2014 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional UPSC Solved PYQs
    • Sociology Optional 2024 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2024 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2023 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2023 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2022 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2022 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2021 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2021 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2020 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2020 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2019 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2019 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2018 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2018 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2017 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2017 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2016 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2016 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2015 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2015 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2014 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2014 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology Optional 2013 Solved PYQs Paper 1
    • Sociology Optional 2013 Solved PYQs Paper 2
    • Sociology PYQs
    • Topic 1. Sociology Fundamentals
    • Topic 2. Sociological Thinkers
    • Topic 3. Introducing Indian Society
    • Topic 4. Social Stratification
    • Topic 5. Sociology of Religion
    • Topic 6. Political Sociology
    • Topic 7. Kinship
    • Topic 8. Rural sociology
    • Topic 9. Industrial and Urban Sociology
    • Topic 10. Demographic Sociology
    • Topic 11. Social Change
    • A. Unit 1. Sociology - The Discipline
    • B. Unit 2. Sociology as Science
    • C. Unit 3. Research Methods and Analysis
    • Unit 4. Thinkers
    • A. Unit 11. Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society
    • B. Unit 12. Impact of colonial rule on Indian society
    • A. Unit 5. Stratification and Mobility
    • B. Unit 14. Caste System
    • C. Unit 15. Tribal Communities in India
    • D. Unit 16. Social Classes in India
    • Unit 8 and 18. Sociology of Religion
    • Unit 7 and 22. Political Sociology
    • Unit 9 and 17. Kinship
    • A. Unit 13. Rural and Agrarian Social Structure
    • B. Unit 20. Rural and Agrarian Transformation in India
    • A. Unit 6. Works and Economic Life
    • B. Unit 21. Industrialization and Urbanisation in India
    • Unit 24. Demographic Sociology
    • A. Unit 10. Social Change in Modern Society
    • B. Unit 19. Visions of Social Change in India
    • C. Unit 23. Social Movements in Modern India
    • D. Unit 25. Social Changes in India: Challenges of Social Transformation
    • Write short note: Modernisation.
    • Enlightenment and Renaissance
    • French revolution and Industrial revolution
    • Scope of the subject
    • Comparison with other Social Sciences
    • Sociology and Common Sense
    • Science, scientific method, and critique
    • Science
    • Scientific method
    • Major theoretical strands of research methodology
    • Research
    • Positivism and its critique
    • Non-positivist methodologies
    • Fact value and objectivity
    • Value
    • "Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent." Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.
    • Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
    • Techniques of Data Collection
    • Different Techniques
    • Variables
    • Sampling
    • Hypothesis
    • Reliability and Validity
    • Karl Marx– Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle
    • Historical materialism
    • Mode of production
    • Alienation
    • Class struggle
    • Emile Durkheim– Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion and society
    • Division of labour
    • Social fact
    • Suicide
    • Religion
      • Examine the role of religion in Indian Electoral Politics in the contemporary times.
      • Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss.
      • Comment: Politics of terrorism in India
      • Discuss how far the politics of regionalism and communalism have affected nation-building in India.
      • Comment: Jinnah’s two-nation theory.
      • Analyse the problems of nation building in India.
      • Comment: Politics of terrorism.
      • Comment: Cultural secularisation
    • Emile Durkheim–religion
    • Comparison: Durkheim vs Waber’s Religion
    • Society
    • Max Weber– Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.
    • Max Waber: Social action
    • Max Waber: Ideal Types
    • Max Waber: Authority
    • Max Waber: Bureaucracy
    • Max Waber: Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism
    • Comparison: Durkheim vs Waber’s Religion
    • Talcolt Parsons– Social system, pattern variables
    • Social system
    • Pattern Variables
    • Robert K. Merton– Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups
    • Latent and manifest functions
    • Conformity and deviance
    • Anomie
    • Reference groups
    • Mead – Self and identity
    • Hindu society
    • Impact of different cultures on Indian society
    • Indology (G.S. Ghure)
    • Structural functionalism (M. N. Srinivas)
    • Marxist sociology (A. R. Desai)
    • Yogendra Singh
    • Social background of Indian nationalism
    • Modernization of Indian tradition
    • Protests and movements during the colonial period, social reforms
    • Concepts
    • Equality, Inequality, Hierarchy
    • Exclusion, Poverty, Deprivation
    • Theories of social stratification
    • Structural Functionalist Theory
    • Marxist Theory
    • Weberian Theory
    • Marx and Weber
    • Dimensions
    • Social Stratification of Class
    • Status Groups
    • Gender
    • Ethnicity and Race
    • Social mobility
    • Open and Closed Systems
    • Types of Mobility
    • Sources and causes of mobility
    • Perspectives on the study of caste systems
    • G. S. Ghurye
    • M. N. Srinivas
    • Sanskritization
    • Louis Dumont
    • Andre Beteille
    • Features of caste system
    • Structural and cultural perspective
    • Caste and class
    • Caste mobility
    • Change in caste structure
    • Dalit Castes
    • Caste and Polity
    • Caste Conflict
    • Untouchability – forms and perspectives
    • Misc.
      • Food Web.
      • Ozone layer and its importance.
      • Ozone layer depletion.
      • What are the possible consequences of ozone layer depletion?
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • What is ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Describe the carbon cycle and discuss its peculiarities. How do human activities interfere with the carbon cycle?
      • The ozone layer and its impact.
      • Global warming, its causes, and effects.
      • Suitable examples describe the biotic factors that influence intra- and interspecific relations.
      • Draw a flow diagram of the nitrogen cycle and give accounts of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
      • Give the mechanism of ozone degradation by chlorofluorocarbons.
      • Draw diagrams to differentiate between ecological pyramids based on predator-prey relationship and energy flow in an ecological niche.
      • Write note on ecological pyramids with suitable examples.
      • Ecological niche.
      • What is Integrated Pest Management? Describe the different strategies of integrated pest management employed in agriculture.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the structure and functions of ecosystem.
      • Discuss environmental degradation with regards to inland water resources. Suggest measures to restore the water quality of our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
      • Elaborate the term 'Ecosystem' and explain its structural components with examples. Comment on Trophic Dynamics concept.
      • What is Ganga action plan? Explain.
      • Give an account of causes and consequences of pollution of aquatic resources and the problem of cultural eutrophication. Suggest measures for the abatement of water degradation.
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the dynamic of the ecosystem and the factors influencing it.
      • Explicate the 'Nitrogen Cycle' and comment on its importance in the ecosystem?
      • Aquatic ecosystem
      • Trophic levels.
      • Trophic levels.
      • What is meant by the population? Describe various characteristics of a population. Discuss the phenomenon of stabilization of populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” (Wynne Edwards). Explain.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” Justify.
      • What is population growth? Delineate different factors affecting population growth. Distinguish between “J” shaped and “S” shaped growth curve with examples.
      • Differentiate between population dispersal and population dispersion.
      • Define population. Explain the characteristics of a population.
      • Describe various means which result in change in gene frequencies in a population.
      • Distinguish between founder effect and bottleneck effect. How do these forces affect gene frequency of a large population?
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • What are various biological resources? Discuss in detail the efforts made and present status of conservation of biological resources in India.
      • Write an account of the mission "Project Tiger" and mention the conservation strategies.
      • What is Project Tiger? Discuss the various threats and conservation strategies to protect tigers in India.
      • What are Euphenics? Explain its use for the improvement of human welfare.
      • Distinguish between in situ and ex situ conservation of animals. Provide suitable examples.
      • Discuss the role of molecular taxonomy in coding of biodiversity.
      • What is taxonomic hierarchy? Explain biodiversity on the basis of molecular taxonomy using suitable examples.
      • Red Data Book.
      • What is ‘Ganga action plan’? Explain.
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Discuss briefly the degradation of terrestrial ecosystems by human activities.
      • Ozone layer, its destruction, and effects.
      • Describe the rapidly acting synaptic transmitters with suitable examples.
      • Define ‘insight’. Explain this behavior using the example of Chimpanzees.
      • How do animals navigate in the dark? Use owl and chiropterans as examples and highlight the features of their navigational sensory equipment.
      • How do animals perceive mechanical and olfactory stimuli from the environment? Explain.
      • Explain Aggressive and Territorial behaviour in animals, with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • With suitable example describe the neuro-endocrine control of behaviors.
      • Indian major carps and Exotic carps
      • What are the different criteria for the selection of candidate species for aquaculture?
      • Through a labelled diagram, show the stages of the life-history of Bombyx mori.
      • Beneficial insects.
      • Induced breeding.
      • Induced breeding for major carps.
      • Culture of freshwater prawns.
      • Elaborate on the structural organization of compound eye in prawn.
      • What are the major carps of India? Describe the polyculture methods of rearing the major carps.
      • Amniocentesis
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusilla. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusiella. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Describe the life history and pathogenicity of Pyrilla perpusilla. Note on its preventive measures.
      • Write scientific names of any three pests of stored grains and describe the nature of damage and management of Sitophilus oryzae.
      • Account for the damage caused by two major insect pests for each of the paddy and stored cereals, with a note on the bionomics and control measures of the pests.
      • Mean and Mode
      • Natality and Mortality
      • Lotka-Volterra model
      • Give an account of “Analysis of variance” and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle and application of ANOVA.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Standard deviation, standard error, and methods of sampling.
      • Explain the arithmetic mean. Calculate arithmetic mean of classified data with an example.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle, working mechanism and applications of Geiger Muller counter.
      • Describe the principle, working and applications of Scintillation counter.
      • Insect vision.
      • Describe the principle and working of a Geiger-Muller counter and its use in Biology.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Describe the principle, structure and function of Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Describe the principle, structure, and function of the Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Explain the principle, working, and applications of the Geiger-Muller counter.
      • While using a compound microscope, how will you know how much you are magnifying an object? Through a distance under low and high powers. (150 words)
      • Describe the principle and working of a flame photometer.
      • Illustrate the organisation of electron transport particles on the inner mitochondrial membrane and explain their role in ATP synthesis.
      • Describe in detail about the respiratory chain or electron transport during oxidative phosphorylation in Mitochondria.
      • Explain with the help of diagrams, how the transport of electrons through the four complexes of the respiratory chain in mitochondria leads to the formation of a proton gradient and ATP synthesis.
      • Give schematic representation of electron transport chain. Describe the energy coupling mechanism in oxidative phosphorylation using chemiosmotic model.
      • Difference between male heterogamety and female heterogamety with examples.
      • Explain how the biological energy transformations obey the laws of thermodynamics.
      • What is Hox gene? Give the properties of Hox Gene and its cluster. What role do they play in humans?
      • What is DNA fingerprinting? Explain the principles and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Describe the principle, procedure and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Explain the following: (i) Principle of DNA fingerprinting
      • Explain the following: (ii) Michaelis-Menten kinetic pattern of an enzymatic reaction
      • What do you mean by a genetic clone? Describe a protocol of cloning of a recombinant DNA.
      • Explain the use of minisatellite DNA in the process of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Intraspecific relations.
      • Enumerate the selection pressures that led to bipedal locomotion in hominids.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Fossil reptiles and their evolutionary significance.
      • Write an essay on the fossil records of amphibians to explain their origin and evolution.
      • Eohippus and Parahippus.
      • Dating of fossils.
      • Identify the five important evolutionary changes that led to the evolution of modern Homo sapiens from the ancestral stock during various Geological eras and epochs.
      • What are fossils? Describe the process of fossil formation and give two methods of determining the age of fossils.
      • Write an account of the methods of determination of the age of fossils.
      • How are fossils formed? Describe the methods of dating of fossils.
      • Affinities of Balanoglossus.
      • Describe the traditional methods of classification of animals.
      • Discuss the laws of thermodynamics and their applications in biological systems.
      • Describe the use of molecular techniques in animal taxonomy.
      • Describe different types of vectors.
      • What is ICZN? Explain the principle, scope, and limitations in the presentday scenario of nomenclature.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • Species and Subspecies.
      • Genera and Species.
      • Binomial system of classification.
      • Methods of zoological classification.
      • Chemotaxonomy and cytotaxonomy.
      • Chemotaxonomy.
      • Affinities and systematic position of Balanoglossus.
      • Write the systematic position of an oilseed pest. Give an account of its life cycle and the damage caused by this pest. Write a note on its control measures.
      • Describe the mechanism of synthesis of protein and steroid hormones. How do they affect cellular activity.
      • What are gap junction proteins? Discuss the roles of connexins in cellular interaction.
      • Peroxysome and Glyoxysome.
      • Neurohormones and Neurohumors.
      • ACTH.
      • Draw welllabelled diagrams of transverse sections of mammalian testis and ovary. Describe the functions of male and female sex hormones (Testosterone and Estrogen).
      • Compare the functions of prostaglandins and histamine. Give reasons for their being considered as hormones.
      • Describe the functional anatomy of neuroendocrine interrelationship in mammalian hypophysis. Name hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones in the tabular form showing their functional relationship. With the help of the diagram only, explain feedback mechanism in the HPG axis.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Explain the neuroendocrine regulation of insect metamorphosis with suitable illustrations. Comment on the role of JH (Juvenile Hormone) in insect metamorphosis.
      • Define Apoptosis. Explain its mechanism with suitable example.
      • Give an account of chemical nature and function of Neurohypophyseal hormones in mammals.
      • Illustrate the structure of a dipeptide and mention the characteristics of the peptide bond.
      • What is thermoregulation? How do homeothermic animals sustain by maintaining their body temperature in harsh climatic condition?
      • With the help of a welllabelled diagram (ventral aspect), describe the heart of rabbit showing major blood vessels. Add a note on the mechanism of circulation through the heart.
      • What controls heartbeat, and the rate at which blood flows through the circulatory system?
      • How does the structure of antibody give its specificity of functions? Add a note on the causes of allergic reaction.
      • Mention the different steps in the metabolism of iron. What are the functions that require iron? Add a note on the regulatory mechanism that ensure stable titers of iron in the body.
      • Explain ABO blood groups with its genetic basis and significance in blood transfusion.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Give a comprehensive account of gaseous transport in blood.
      • Genetic basis of ABO blood group system.
      • Describe the role of Calcitonin, Parathormone and Vitamin D3, in calcium metabolism.
      • Explain the extrinsic pathway for initiation of blood clotting.
      • Describe the genetics of ABO human blood groups. Can a man of blood group B be the father of the child of a woman of blood group A? The blood group of the child is O. Explain the genotypes.
      • Give a diagrammatic representation of citric acid cycle and discuss its role in metabolism.
      • Define thermoregulation. How do homeotherms regulate body temperature in hot and cold climates?
      • (i) Explain ATP utilizing reactions of glycolytic pathway.
      • (ii) Write NADH and FADH, producing reactions of Krebs cycle.
      • ABO system of blood groups and its basis, and erythroblastosis foetalis.
      • Chloride shift
      • What are erythroid cells? Explain the RBC lineage in balancing haemoglobin manufacture.
      • Draw a welllabelled schematic diagram of the feeding current through the gut of Branchiostoma, and comment on the mechanism of feeding and digestion.
      • Henley's loop.
      • On your answerbook, write down the name of each of the ganglia marked (i) to (vii) in the diagram below on the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of autonomic nervous system: parasympathetic sympathetic Nervous system; Nervous System. How do they regulate the visceral and reflex functions of the body?
      • Discuss the mechanism involved in the survival of estuarine animals in varying salinities.
      • Explain the role of ADH and juxtaglomerular complex in the regulation of kidney function.
      • Illustrate the countercurrent mechanism by vasa recta and mention its physiological importance.
      • Explain the counter current mechanism operating at vasa recta and its role in urine formation.
      • With suitable examples, compare the chemical structure and functions of acetylcholine (in adrenergic neuron) and serotonin / 5hydroxytryptamine / γamino butyric acid (in peptidergic neurons).
      • What do you understand by osmoregulation? Describe the phenomenon and physiology of urine formation.
      • What is hypothalamopituitary axis? Draw a welllabelled diagram of pituitary gland and describe the functions of its hormones.
      • Capacitation and Acrosome reaction.
      • Organogenesis in the frog embryo.
      • Comparison of alimentary canal of frog and rabbit.
      • Draw well labelled diagrams only of male urinogenital system of Labeo and frog.
      • Describe the role of neuroendocrine factors and Sertoli cell secretions on spermatogenic functions of human seminiferous tubules.
      • Describe hyoid apparatus in Frog or Necturus.
      • What are the stages of the development of animals? How is it done?
      • Explain in detail about the events involved in the transformation of spermatid into sperm. Comment on why you consider these changes as essential.
      • Describe the process of metamorphosis in frogs and explain the role of thyroxin.
      • Illustrate the process of development during gastrulation in a chick embryo.
      • Describe with welllabelled diagram, the stages involved in Meiotic prophase.
      • What is primordial germ cell? With the help of suitable diagram, discuss the process of oogenesis.
      • Competence in embryology.
      • Regeneration and Neoplasia.
      • Regeneration.
      • Regeneration.
      • What is embryonic induction? Describe the mechanism of induction giving examples.
      • Describe the mechanism of embryonic induction giving examples.
      • Give a schematic representation of differentiation of sexual phenotypes during early embryonic development in mammals.
      • Explain the functions of mammalian integument.
      • Role of mosquitoes as vectors of human diseases.
      • Give an account of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle and briefly discuss their pathogenicity.
      • Explain various measures implemented by the government to manage vehicular pollution in India.
      • List various population characteristics. Explain Jshaped and Sshaped growth forms with suitable examples.
      • Differentiate between inner and outer mitochondrial membrane.
      • Explain different steps in the activation of receptor protein tyrosine kinase with diagrams.
      • Give a brief account of evolution of man in Pleistocene period.
      • How does glucagon regulate the glycogen metabolism?
      • Using R groups properties, classify amino acids.
      • Describe the structure and functions of antibody isotypes with diagrams.
      • What is regeneration? Describe regenerative ability in hydra, planaria and urodele amphibians.
    • Definitional problems
    • Geographical spread
    • Colonial policies and tribes
    • Isolation approach
    • Assimination Approach/ Indological Approach
    • Issues of integration and autonomy
    • Tribal policy
    • Tribal unrest
    • Misc.
      • Food Web.
      • Ozone layer and its importance.
      • Ozone layer depletion.
      • What are the possible consequences of ozone layer depletion?
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • What is ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Describe the carbon cycle and discuss its peculiarities. How do human activities interfere with the carbon cycle?
      • The ozone layer and its impact.
      • Global warming, its causes, and effects.
      • Suitable examples describe the biotic factors that influence intra- and interspecific relations.
      • Draw a flow diagram of the nitrogen cycle and give accounts of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
      • Give the mechanism of ozone degradation by chlorofluorocarbons.
      • Draw diagrams to differentiate between ecological pyramids based on predator-prey relationship and energy flow in an ecological niche.
      • Write note on ecological pyramids with suitable examples.
      • Ecological niche.
      • What is Integrated Pest Management? Describe the different strategies of integrated pest management employed in agriculture.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the structure and functions of ecosystem.
      • Discuss environmental degradation with regards to inland water resources. Suggest measures to restore the water quality of our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
      • Elaborate the term 'Ecosystem' and explain its structural components with examples. Comment on Trophic Dynamics concept.
      • What is Ganga action plan? Explain.
      • Give an account of causes and consequences of pollution of aquatic resources and the problem of cultural eutrophication. Suggest measures for the abatement of water degradation.
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the dynamic of the ecosystem and the factors influencing it.
      • Explicate the 'Nitrogen Cycle' and comment on its importance in the ecosystem?
      • Aquatic ecosystem
      • Trophic levels.
      • Trophic levels.
      • What is meant by the population? Describe various characteristics of a population. Discuss the phenomenon of stabilization of populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” (Wynne Edwards). Explain.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” Justify.
      • What is population growth? Delineate different factors affecting population growth. Distinguish between “J” shaped and “S” shaped growth curve with examples.
      • Differentiate between population dispersal and population dispersion.
      • Define population. Explain the characteristics of a population.
      • Describe various means which result in change in gene frequencies in a population.
      • Distinguish between founder effect and bottleneck effect. How do these forces affect gene frequency of a large population?
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • What are various biological resources? Discuss in detail the efforts made and present status of conservation of biological resources in India.
      • Write an account of the mission "Project Tiger" and mention the conservation strategies.
      • What is Project Tiger? Discuss the various threats and conservation strategies to protect tigers in India.
      • What are Euphenics? Explain its use for the improvement of human welfare.
      • Distinguish between in situ and ex situ conservation of animals. Provide suitable examples.
      • Discuss the role of molecular taxonomy in coding of biodiversity.
      • What is taxonomic hierarchy? Explain biodiversity on the basis of molecular taxonomy using suitable examples.
      • Red Data Book.
      • What is ‘Ganga action plan’? Explain.
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Discuss briefly the degradation of terrestrial ecosystems by human activities.
      • Ozone layer, its destruction, and effects.
      • Describe the rapidly acting synaptic transmitters with suitable examples.
      • Define ‘insight’. Explain this behavior using the example of Chimpanzees.
      • How do animals navigate in the dark? Use owl and chiropterans as examples and highlight the features of their navigational sensory equipment.
      • How do animals perceive mechanical and olfactory stimuli from the environment? Explain.
      • Explain Aggressive and Territorial behaviour in animals, with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • With suitable example describe the neuro-endocrine control of behaviors.
      • Indian major carps and Exotic carps
      • What are the different criteria for the selection of candidate species for aquaculture?
      • Through a labelled diagram, show the stages of the life-history of Bombyx mori.
      • Beneficial insects.
      • Induced breeding.
      • Induced breeding for major carps.
      • Culture of freshwater prawns.
      • Elaborate on the structural organization of compound eye in prawn.
      • What are the major carps of India? Describe the polyculture methods of rearing the major carps.
      • Amniocentesis
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusilla. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusiella. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Describe the life history and pathogenicity of Pyrilla perpusilla. Note on its preventive measures.
      • Write scientific names of any three pests of stored grains and describe the nature of damage and management of Sitophilus oryzae.
      • Account for the damage caused by two major insect pests for each of the paddy and stored cereals, with a note on the bionomics and control measures of the pests.
      • Mean and Mode
      • Natality and Mortality
      • Lotka-Volterra model
      • Give an account of “Analysis of variance” and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle and application of ANOVA.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Standard deviation, standard error, and methods of sampling.
      • Explain the arithmetic mean. Calculate arithmetic mean of classified data with an example.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle, working mechanism and applications of Geiger Muller counter.
      • Describe the principle, working and applications of Scintillation counter.
      • Insect vision.
      • Describe the principle and working of a Geiger-Muller counter and its use in Biology.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Describe the principle, structure and function of Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Describe the principle, structure, and function of the Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Explain the principle, working, and applications of the Geiger-Muller counter.
      • While using a compound microscope, how will you know how much you are magnifying an object? Through a distance under low and high powers. (150 words)
      • Describe the principle and working of a flame photometer.
      • Illustrate the organisation of electron transport particles on the inner mitochondrial membrane and explain their role in ATP synthesis.
      • Describe in detail about the respiratory chain or electron transport during oxidative phosphorylation in Mitochondria.
      • Explain with the help of diagrams, how the transport of electrons through the four complexes of the respiratory chain in mitochondria leads to the formation of a proton gradient and ATP synthesis.
      • Give schematic representation of electron transport chain. Describe the energy coupling mechanism in oxidative phosphorylation using chemiosmotic model.
      • Difference between male heterogamety and female heterogamety with examples.
      • Explain how the biological energy transformations obey the laws of thermodynamics.
      • What is Hox gene? Give the properties of Hox Gene and its cluster. What role do they play in humans?
      • What is DNA fingerprinting? Explain the principles and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Describe the principle, procedure and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Explain the following: (i) Principle of DNA fingerprinting
      • Explain the following: (ii) Michaelis-Menten kinetic pattern of an enzymatic reaction
      • What do you mean by a genetic clone? Describe a protocol of cloning of a recombinant DNA.
      • Explain the use of minisatellite DNA in the process of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Intraspecific relations.
      • Enumerate the selection pressures that led to bipedal locomotion in hominids.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Fossil reptiles and their evolutionary significance.
      • Write an essay on the fossil records of amphibians to explain their origin and evolution.
      • Eohippus and Parahippus.
      • Dating of fossils.
      • Identify the five important evolutionary changes that led to the evolution of modern Homo sapiens from the ancestral stock during various Geological eras and epochs.
      • What are fossils? Describe the process of fossil formation and give two methods of determining the age of fossils.
      • Write an account of the methods of determination of the age of fossils.
      • How are fossils formed? Describe the methods of dating of fossils.
      • Affinities of Balanoglossus.
      • Describe the traditional methods of classification of animals.
      • Discuss the laws of thermodynamics and their applications in biological systems.
      • Describe the use of molecular techniques in animal taxonomy.
      • Describe different types of vectors.
      • What is ICZN? Explain the principle, scope, and limitations in the presentday scenario of nomenclature.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • Species and Subspecies.
      • Genera and Species.
      • Binomial system of classification.
      • Methods of zoological classification.
      • Chemotaxonomy and cytotaxonomy.
      • Chemotaxonomy.
      • Affinities and systematic position of Balanoglossus.
      • Write the systematic position of an oilseed pest. Give an account of its life cycle and the damage caused by this pest. Write a note on its control measures.
      • Describe the mechanism of synthesis of protein and steroid hormones. How do they affect cellular activity.
      • What are gap junction proteins? Discuss the roles of connexins in cellular interaction.
      • Peroxysome and Glyoxysome.
      • Neurohormones and Neurohumors.
      • ACTH.
      • Draw welllabelled diagrams of transverse sections of mammalian testis and ovary. Describe the functions of male and female sex hormones (Testosterone and Estrogen).
      • Compare the functions of prostaglandins and histamine. Give reasons for their being considered as hormones.
      • Describe the functional anatomy of neuroendocrine interrelationship in mammalian hypophysis. Name hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones in the tabular form showing their functional relationship. With the help of the diagram only, explain feedback mechanism in the HPG axis.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Explain the neuroendocrine regulation of insect metamorphosis with suitable illustrations. Comment on the role of JH (Juvenile Hormone) in insect metamorphosis.
      • Define Apoptosis. Explain its mechanism with suitable example.
      • Give an account of chemical nature and function of Neurohypophyseal hormones in mammals.
      • Illustrate the structure of a dipeptide and mention the characteristics of the peptide bond.
      • What is thermoregulation? How do homeothermic animals sustain by maintaining their body temperature in harsh climatic condition?
      • With the help of a welllabelled diagram (ventral aspect), describe the heart of rabbit showing major blood vessels. Add a note on the mechanism of circulation through the heart.
      • What controls heartbeat, and the rate at which blood flows through the circulatory system?
      • How does the structure of antibody give its specificity of functions? Add a note on the causes of allergic reaction.
      • Mention the different steps in the metabolism of iron. What are the functions that require iron? Add a note on the regulatory mechanism that ensure stable titers of iron in the body.
      • Explain ABO blood groups with its genetic basis and significance in blood transfusion.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Give a comprehensive account of gaseous transport in blood.
      • Genetic basis of ABO blood group system.
      • Describe the role of Calcitonin, Parathormone and Vitamin D3, in calcium metabolism.
      • Explain the extrinsic pathway for initiation of blood clotting.
      • Describe the genetics of ABO human blood groups. Can a man of blood group B be the father of the child of a woman of blood group A? The blood group of the child is O. Explain the genotypes.
      • Give a diagrammatic representation of citric acid cycle and discuss its role in metabolism.
      • Define thermoregulation. How do homeotherms regulate body temperature in hot and cold climates?
      • (i) Explain ATP utilizing reactions of glycolytic pathway.
      • (ii) Write NADH and FADH, producing reactions of Krebs cycle.
      • ABO system of blood groups and its basis, and erythroblastosis foetalis.
      • Chloride shift
      • What are erythroid cells? Explain the RBC lineage in balancing haemoglobin manufacture.
      • Draw a welllabelled schematic diagram of the feeding current through the gut of Branchiostoma, and comment on the mechanism of feeding and digestion.
      • Henley's loop.
      • On your answerbook, write down the name of each of the ganglia marked (i) to (vii) in the diagram below on the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of autonomic nervous system: parasympathetic sympathetic Nervous system; Nervous System. How do they regulate the visceral and reflex functions of the body?
      • Discuss the mechanism involved in the survival of estuarine animals in varying salinities.
      • Explain the role of ADH and juxtaglomerular complex in the regulation of kidney function.
      • Illustrate the countercurrent mechanism by vasa recta and mention its physiological importance.
      • Explain the counter current mechanism operating at vasa recta and its role in urine formation.
      • With suitable examples, compare the chemical structure and functions of acetylcholine (in adrenergic neuron) and serotonin / 5hydroxytryptamine / γamino butyric acid (in peptidergic neurons).
      • What do you understand by osmoregulation? Describe the phenomenon and physiology of urine formation.
      • What is hypothalamopituitary axis? Draw a welllabelled diagram of pituitary gland and describe the functions of its hormones.
      • Capacitation and Acrosome reaction.
      • Organogenesis in the frog embryo.
      • Comparison of alimentary canal of frog and rabbit.
      • Draw well labelled diagrams only of male urinogenital system of Labeo and frog.
      • Describe the role of neuroendocrine factors and Sertoli cell secretions on spermatogenic functions of human seminiferous tubules.
      • Describe hyoid apparatus in Frog or Necturus.
      • What are the stages of the development of animals? How is it done?
      • Explain in detail about the events involved in the transformation of spermatid into sperm. Comment on why you consider these changes as essential.
      • Describe the process of metamorphosis in frogs and explain the role of thyroxin.
      • Illustrate the process of development during gastrulation in a chick embryo.
      • Describe with welllabelled diagram, the stages involved in Meiotic prophase.
      • What is primordial germ cell? With the help of suitable diagram, discuss the process of oogenesis.
      • Competence in embryology.
      • Regeneration and Neoplasia.
      • Regeneration.
      • Regeneration.
      • What is embryonic induction? Describe the mechanism of induction giving examples.
      • Describe the mechanism of embryonic induction giving examples.
      • Give a schematic representation of differentiation of sexual phenotypes during early embryonic development in mammals.
      • Explain the functions of mammalian integument.
      • Role of mosquitoes as vectors of human diseases.
      • Give an account of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle and briefly discuss their pathogenicity.
      • Explain various measures implemented by the government to manage vehicular pollution in India.
      • List various population characteristics. Explain Jshaped and Sshaped growth forms with suitable examples.
      • Differentiate between inner and outer mitochondrial membrane.
      • Explain different steps in the activation of receptor protein tyrosine kinase with diagrams.
      • Give a brief account of evolution of man in Pleistocene period.
      • How does glucagon regulate the glycogen metabolism?
      • Using R groups properties, classify amino acids.
      • Describe the structure and functions of antibody isotypes with diagrams.
      • What is regeneration? Describe regenerative ability in hydra, planaria and urodele amphibians.
    • Class System
    • Agrarian Class Structure
    • Industrial Class Structure
    • Middle Classes in India
    • Religion
      • Examine the role of religion in Indian Electoral Politics in the contemporary times.
      • Religion is still an important factor in Indian politics. Discuss.
      • Comment: Politics of terrorism in India
      • Discuss how far the politics of regionalism and communalism have affected nation-building in India.
      • Comment: Jinnah’s two-nation theory.
      • Analyse the problems of nation building in India.
      • Comment: Politics of terrorism.
      • Comment: Cultural secularisation
    • Sociological theories of religion
    • Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.
    • Animism, monism
    • Sects, cults
    • Pluralism
    • Religion in modern society
    • New Religious Movements
    • Religion and science
    • Secularization
    • Religious revivalism
    • Fundamentalism
    • Secularism
    • Religious communities in India
    • Religious minorities
    • Communalism
    • Role of Religion
    • Sociological theories of power
    • Power elite, social and political elite
    • Pareto and Mills
    • Origin of elites
    • Power
    • Authority
    • Max Waber: Bureaucracy
    • Democracy
      • How does democratic politics construct citizenship?
      • How has the electoral democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process?
      • The modernization thesis asserts that affluence breeds stable democracy. How do you explain the success of India being the world's largest democracy as an exceptional case?
      • Is democracy promotion in developing countries a feasible idea?
      • ‘The struggle for democracy has been marked by bitter strife and tribulations.’ Examine the statement, illustrating the cases of Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar.
    • Pressure Groups
      • Critically assess the role of pressure groups in the decision-making process of the government.
      • Explain how pressure groups have been influencing public policy-making with suitable illustrations.
      • Comment: Trade unions as pressure group in Indian politics.
      • In what ways do pressure groups and movements exert influence in politics? In the Indian political context, discuss the implications of such influence being exerted.
      • Identify the major pressure-groups in Indian Politics and examine their role in it.
      • Differentiate a political party from a pressure group. Explain the role of R.S.S. and Bajrang Dal-units of Sangh-Parivar as pressure-groups in the Indian political system.
      • "Political parties and pressure groups are sine qua non of democracy." Comment.
      • Do interest groups help to promote democracy or to undermine it? Give your opinion.
      • What is the difference between Interest Groups and Pressure Groups? Are the Pressure Groups in India in a position to fully protect or promote the interests of their members?
      • Evaluate the nature and distinction of anomic and associational interest groups in the pressure politics of developing countries (200 words)
      • How does functioning of interest groups differ from political parties? Discuss with appropriate examples.
    • Political Parties and Political Partnership
    • Regionalism
    • Nation and State
    • Citizenship
    • Civil Society
    • Ideology
    • Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution
    • Decentralization of Power
    • Misc.
      • Food Web.
      • Ozone layer and its importance.
      • Ozone layer depletion.
      • What are the possible consequences of ozone layer depletion?
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • What is ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Describe the carbon cycle and discuss its peculiarities. How do human activities interfere with the carbon cycle?
      • The ozone layer and its impact.
      • Global warming, its causes, and effects.
      • Suitable examples describe the biotic factors that influence intra- and interspecific relations.
      • Draw a flow diagram of the nitrogen cycle and give accounts of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
      • Give the mechanism of ozone degradation by chlorofluorocarbons.
      • Draw diagrams to differentiate between ecological pyramids based on predator-prey relationship and energy flow in an ecological niche.
      • Write note on ecological pyramids with suitable examples.
      • Ecological niche.
      • What is Integrated Pest Management? Describe the different strategies of integrated pest management employed in agriculture.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the structure and functions of ecosystem.
      • Discuss environmental degradation with regards to inland water resources. Suggest measures to restore the water quality of our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
      • Elaborate the term 'Ecosystem' and explain its structural components with examples. Comment on Trophic Dynamics concept.
      • What is Ganga action plan? Explain.
      • Give an account of causes and consequences of pollution of aquatic resources and the problem of cultural eutrophication. Suggest measures for the abatement of water degradation.
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the dynamic of the ecosystem and the factors influencing it.
      • Explicate the 'Nitrogen Cycle' and comment on its importance in the ecosystem?
      • Aquatic ecosystem
      • Trophic levels.
      • Trophic levels.
      • What is meant by the population? Describe various characteristics of a population. Discuss the phenomenon of stabilization of populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” (Wynne Edwards). Explain.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” Justify.
      • What is population growth? Delineate different factors affecting population growth. Distinguish between “J” shaped and “S” shaped growth curve with examples.
      • Differentiate between population dispersal and population dispersion.
      • Define population. Explain the characteristics of a population.
      • Describe various means which result in change in gene frequencies in a population.
      • Distinguish between founder effect and bottleneck effect. How do these forces affect gene frequency of a large population?
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • What are various biological resources? Discuss in detail the efforts made and present status of conservation of biological resources in India.
      • Write an account of the mission "Project Tiger" and mention the conservation strategies.
      • What is Project Tiger? Discuss the various threats and conservation strategies to protect tigers in India.
      • What are Euphenics? Explain its use for the improvement of human welfare.
      • Distinguish between in situ and ex situ conservation of animals. Provide suitable examples.
      • Discuss the role of molecular taxonomy in coding of biodiversity.
      • What is taxonomic hierarchy? Explain biodiversity on the basis of molecular taxonomy using suitable examples.
      • Red Data Book.
      • What is ‘Ganga action plan’? Explain.
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Discuss briefly the degradation of terrestrial ecosystems by human activities.
      • Ozone layer, its destruction, and effects.
      • Describe the rapidly acting synaptic transmitters with suitable examples.
      • Define ‘insight’. Explain this behavior using the example of Chimpanzees.
      • How do animals navigate in the dark? Use owl and chiropterans as examples and highlight the features of their navigational sensory equipment.
      • How do animals perceive mechanical and olfactory stimuli from the environment? Explain.
      • Explain Aggressive and Territorial behaviour in animals, with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • With suitable example describe the neuro-endocrine control of behaviors.
      • Indian major carps and Exotic carps
      • What are the different criteria for the selection of candidate species for aquaculture?
      • Through a labelled diagram, show the stages of the life-history of Bombyx mori.
      • Beneficial insects.
      • Induced breeding.
      • Induced breeding for major carps.
      • Culture of freshwater prawns.
      • Elaborate on the structural organization of compound eye in prawn.
      • What are the major carps of India? Describe the polyculture methods of rearing the major carps.
      • Amniocentesis
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusilla. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusiella. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Describe the life history and pathogenicity of Pyrilla perpusilla. Note on its preventive measures.
      • Write scientific names of any three pests of stored grains and describe the nature of damage and management of Sitophilus oryzae.
      • Account for the damage caused by two major insect pests for each of the paddy and stored cereals, with a note on the bionomics and control measures of the pests.
      • Mean and Mode
      • Natality and Mortality
      • Lotka-Volterra model
      • Give an account of “Analysis of variance” and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle and application of ANOVA.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Standard deviation, standard error, and methods of sampling.
      • Explain the arithmetic mean. Calculate arithmetic mean of classified data with an example.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle, working mechanism and applications of Geiger Muller counter.
      • Describe the principle, working and applications of Scintillation counter.
      • Insect vision.
      • Describe the principle and working of a Geiger-Muller counter and its use in Biology.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Describe the principle, structure and function of Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Describe the principle, structure, and function of the Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Explain the principle, working, and applications of the Geiger-Muller counter.
      • While using a compound microscope, how will you know how much you are magnifying an object? Through a distance under low and high powers. (150 words)
      • Describe the principle and working of a flame photometer.
      • Illustrate the organisation of electron transport particles on the inner mitochondrial membrane and explain their role in ATP synthesis.
      • Describe in detail about the respiratory chain or electron transport during oxidative phosphorylation in Mitochondria.
      • Explain with the help of diagrams, how the transport of electrons through the four complexes of the respiratory chain in mitochondria leads to the formation of a proton gradient and ATP synthesis.
      • Give schematic representation of electron transport chain. Describe the energy coupling mechanism in oxidative phosphorylation using chemiosmotic model.
      • Difference between male heterogamety and female heterogamety with examples.
      • Explain how the biological energy transformations obey the laws of thermodynamics.
      • What is Hox gene? Give the properties of Hox Gene and its cluster. What role do they play in humans?
      • What is DNA fingerprinting? Explain the principles and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Describe the principle, procedure and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Explain the following: (i) Principle of DNA fingerprinting
      • Explain the following: (ii) Michaelis-Menten kinetic pattern of an enzymatic reaction
      • What do you mean by a genetic clone? Describe a protocol of cloning of a recombinant DNA.
      • Explain the use of minisatellite DNA in the process of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Intraspecific relations.
      • Enumerate the selection pressures that led to bipedal locomotion in hominids.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Fossil reptiles and their evolutionary significance.
      • Write an essay on the fossil records of amphibians to explain their origin and evolution.
      • Eohippus and Parahippus.
      • Dating of fossils.
      • Identify the five important evolutionary changes that led to the evolution of modern Homo sapiens from the ancestral stock during various Geological eras and epochs.
      • What are fossils? Describe the process of fossil formation and give two methods of determining the age of fossils.
      • Write an account of the methods of determination of the age of fossils.
      • How are fossils formed? Describe the methods of dating of fossils.
      • Affinities of Balanoglossus.
      • Describe the traditional methods of classification of animals.
      • Discuss the laws of thermodynamics and their applications in biological systems.
      • Describe the use of molecular techniques in animal taxonomy.
      • Describe different types of vectors.
      • What is ICZN? Explain the principle, scope, and limitations in the presentday scenario of nomenclature.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • Species and Subspecies.
      • Genera and Species.
      • Binomial system of classification.
      • Methods of zoological classification.
      • Chemotaxonomy and cytotaxonomy.
      • Chemotaxonomy.
      • Affinities and systematic position of Balanoglossus.
      • Write the systematic position of an oilseed pest. Give an account of its life cycle and the damage caused by this pest. Write a note on its control measures.
      • Describe the mechanism of synthesis of protein and steroid hormones. How do they affect cellular activity.
      • What are gap junction proteins? Discuss the roles of connexins in cellular interaction.
      • Peroxysome and Glyoxysome.
      • Neurohormones and Neurohumors.
      • ACTH.
      • Draw welllabelled diagrams of transverse sections of mammalian testis and ovary. Describe the functions of male and female sex hormones (Testosterone and Estrogen).
      • Compare the functions of prostaglandins and histamine. Give reasons for their being considered as hormones.
      • Describe the functional anatomy of neuroendocrine interrelationship in mammalian hypophysis. Name hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones in the tabular form showing their functional relationship. With the help of the diagram only, explain feedback mechanism in the HPG axis.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Explain the neuroendocrine regulation of insect metamorphosis with suitable illustrations. Comment on the role of JH (Juvenile Hormone) in insect metamorphosis.
      • Define Apoptosis. Explain its mechanism with suitable example.
      • Give an account of chemical nature and function of Neurohypophyseal hormones in mammals.
      • Illustrate the structure of a dipeptide and mention the characteristics of the peptide bond.
      • What is thermoregulation? How do homeothermic animals sustain by maintaining their body temperature in harsh climatic condition?
      • With the help of a welllabelled diagram (ventral aspect), describe the heart of rabbit showing major blood vessels. Add a note on the mechanism of circulation through the heart.
      • What controls heartbeat, and the rate at which blood flows through the circulatory system?
      • How does the structure of antibody give its specificity of functions? Add a note on the causes of allergic reaction.
      • Mention the different steps in the metabolism of iron. What are the functions that require iron? Add a note on the regulatory mechanism that ensure stable titers of iron in the body.
      • Explain ABO blood groups with its genetic basis and significance in blood transfusion.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Give a comprehensive account of gaseous transport in blood.
      • Genetic basis of ABO blood group system.
      • Describe the role of Calcitonin, Parathormone and Vitamin D3, in calcium metabolism.
      • Explain the extrinsic pathway for initiation of blood clotting.
      • Describe the genetics of ABO human blood groups. Can a man of blood group B be the father of the child of a woman of blood group A? The blood group of the child is O. Explain the genotypes.
      • Give a diagrammatic representation of citric acid cycle and discuss its role in metabolism.
      • Define thermoregulation. How do homeotherms regulate body temperature in hot and cold climates?
      • (i) Explain ATP utilizing reactions of glycolytic pathway.
      • (ii) Write NADH and FADH, producing reactions of Krebs cycle.
      • ABO system of blood groups and its basis, and erythroblastosis foetalis.
      • Chloride shift
      • What are erythroid cells? Explain the RBC lineage in balancing haemoglobin manufacture.
      • Draw a welllabelled schematic diagram of the feeding current through the gut of Branchiostoma, and comment on the mechanism of feeding and digestion.
      • Henley's loop.
      • On your answerbook, write down the name of each of the ganglia marked (i) to (vii) in the diagram below on the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of autonomic nervous system: parasympathetic sympathetic Nervous system; Nervous System. How do they regulate the visceral and reflex functions of the body?
      • Discuss the mechanism involved in the survival of estuarine animals in varying salinities.
      • Explain the role of ADH and juxtaglomerular complex in the regulation of kidney function.
      • Illustrate the countercurrent mechanism by vasa recta and mention its physiological importance.
      • Explain the counter current mechanism operating at vasa recta and its role in urine formation.
      • With suitable examples, compare the chemical structure and functions of acetylcholine (in adrenergic neuron) and serotonin / 5hydroxytryptamine / γamino butyric acid (in peptidergic neurons).
      • What do you understand by osmoregulation? Describe the phenomenon and physiology of urine formation.
      • What is hypothalamopituitary axis? Draw a welllabelled diagram of pituitary gland and describe the functions of its hormones.
      • Capacitation and Acrosome reaction.
      • Organogenesis in the frog embryo.
      • Comparison of alimentary canal of frog and rabbit.
      • Draw well labelled diagrams only of male urinogenital system of Labeo and frog.
      • Describe the role of neuroendocrine factors and Sertoli cell secretions on spermatogenic functions of human seminiferous tubules.
      • Describe hyoid apparatus in Frog or Necturus.
      • What are the stages of the development of animals? How is it done?
      • Explain in detail about the events involved in the transformation of spermatid into sperm. Comment on why you consider these changes as essential.
      • Describe the process of metamorphosis in frogs and explain the role of thyroxin.
      • Illustrate the process of development during gastrulation in a chick embryo.
      • Describe with welllabelled diagram, the stages involved in Meiotic prophase.
      • What is primordial germ cell? With the help of suitable diagram, discuss the process of oogenesis.
      • Competence in embryology.
      • Regeneration and Neoplasia.
      • Regeneration.
      • Regeneration.
      • What is embryonic induction? Describe the mechanism of induction giving examples.
      • Describe the mechanism of embryonic induction giving examples.
      • Give a schematic representation of differentiation of sexual phenotypes during early embryonic development in mammals.
      • Explain the functions of mammalian integument.
      • Role of mosquitoes as vectors of human diseases.
      • Give an account of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle and briefly discuss their pathogenicity.
      • Explain various measures implemented by the government to manage vehicular pollution in India.
      • List various population characteristics. Explain Jshaped and Sshaped growth forms with suitable examples.
      • Differentiate between inner and outer mitochondrial membrane.
      • Explain different steps in the activation of receptor protein tyrosine kinase with diagrams.
      • Give a brief account of evolution of man in Pleistocene period.
      • How does glucagon regulate the glycogen metabolism?
      • Using R groups properties, classify amino acids.
      • Describe the structure and functions of antibody isotypes with diagrams.
      • What is regeneration? Describe regenerative ability in hydra, planaria and urodele amphibians.
    • Systems of Kinship
    • Types of kinship systems
    • Family
    • Nuclear and Joint family
    • Changing structure of family
    • Industrialization and family
    • Types and forms of family
    • Household, Household dimensions of the family
    • Marriage
    • Emerging trends in marriage
    • Lineage and descent
    • Entitlements
    • Patriarchy
    • Sexual division of labour
    • Misc. and Contemporary Issues
    • Generation gap
    • Socialization and social control
    • Role of culture
    • The Idea of Indian Village and Village Studies
    • Evolution of Land Tenure system
    • Land Reforms
    • Programmes of Rural Development
    • Community Development Programme
    • Cooperatives
    • Poverty Alleviation Schemes
    • Green Revolution and Social Change
    • Changing modes of production in Indian Agriculture
    • Problems of Rural Labour, Bondage and Migration
    • Economic Development in India
    • Social organization of work in different types of society
    • Slave Society
    • Feudal Society
    • Industrial / Capitalist Society
    • Formal and Informal Organization of Work
    • Labour and Society
    • Misc.
      • Food Web.
      • Ozone layer and its importance.
      • Ozone layer depletion.
      • What are the possible consequences of ozone layer depletion?
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • What is ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Describe the carbon cycle and discuss its peculiarities. How do human activities interfere with the carbon cycle?
      • The ozone layer and its impact.
      • Global warming, its causes, and effects.
      • Suitable examples describe the biotic factors that influence intra- and interspecific relations.
      • Draw a flow diagram of the nitrogen cycle and give accounts of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
      • Give the mechanism of ozone degradation by chlorofluorocarbons.
      • Draw diagrams to differentiate between ecological pyramids based on predator-prey relationship and energy flow in an ecological niche.
      • Write note on ecological pyramids with suitable examples.
      • Ecological niche.
      • What is Integrated Pest Management? Describe the different strategies of integrated pest management employed in agriculture.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the structure and functions of ecosystem.
      • Discuss environmental degradation with regards to inland water resources. Suggest measures to restore the water quality of our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
      • Elaborate the term 'Ecosystem' and explain its structural components with examples. Comment on Trophic Dynamics concept.
      • What is Ganga action plan? Explain.
      • Give an account of causes and consequences of pollution of aquatic resources and the problem of cultural eutrophication. Suggest measures for the abatement of water degradation.
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • Define ecosystem. Discuss the dynamic of the ecosystem and the factors influencing it.
      • Explicate the 'Nitrogen Cycle' and comment on its importance in the ecosystem?
      • Aquatic ecosystem
      • Trophic levels.
      • Trophic levels.
      • What is meant by the population? Describe various characteristics of a population. Discuss the phenomenon of stabilization of populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” (Wynne Edwards). Explain.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • What is meant by distribution? Explain patterns of distribution in natural populations.
      • “A population is a self-regulating system.” Justify.
      • What is population growth? Delineate different factors affecting population growth. Distinguish between “J” shaped and “S” shaped growth curve with examples.
      • Differentiate between population dispersal and population dispersion.
      • Define population. Explain the characteristics of a population.
      • Describe various means which result in change in gene frequencies in a population.
      • Distinguish between founder effect and bottleneck effect. How do these forces affect gene frequency of a large population?
      • Distinguish between a dominant and keystone species. Add a note on the crucial role played by the keystone species on the community structure and structure of a food web.
      • What are various biological resources? Discuss in detail the efforts made and present status of conservation of biological resources in India.
      • Write an account of the mission "Project Tiger" and mention the conservation strategies.
      • What is Project Tiger? Discuss the various threats and conservation strategies to protect tigers in India.
      • What are Euphenics? Explain its use for the improvement of human welfare.
      • Distinguish between in situ and ex situ conservation of animals. Provide suitable examples.
      • Discuss the role of molecular taxonomy in coding of biodiversity.
      • What is taxonomic hierarchy? Explain biodiversity on the basis of molecular taxonomy using suitable examples.
      • Red Data Book.
      • What is ‘Ganga action plan’? Explain.
      • What is the ozone layer? Describe the mechanism of degradation of the ozone layer and its impact.
      • Discuss briefly the degradation of terrestrial ecosystems by human activities.
      • Ozone layer, its destruction, and effects.
      • Describe the rapidly acting synaptic transmitters with suitable examples.
      • Define ‘insight’. Explain this behavior using the example of Chimpanzees.
      • How do animals navigate in the dark? Use owl and chiropterans as examples and highlight the features of their navigational sensory equipment.
      • How do animals perceive mechanical and olfactory stimuli from the environment? Explain.
      • Explain Aggressive and Territorial behaviour in animals, with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • Describe the Predator-Prey relationship with suitable examples.
      • With suitable example describe the neuro-endocrine control of behaviors.
      • Indian major carps and Exotic carps
      • What are the different criteria for the selection of candidate species for aquaculture?
      • Through a labelled diagram, show the stages of the life-history of Bombyx mori.
      • Beneficial insects.
      • Induced breeding.
      • Induced breeding for major carps.
      • Culture of freshwater prawns.
      • Elaborate on the structural organization of compound eye in prawn.
      • What are the major carps of India? Describe the polyculture methods of rearing the major carps.
      • Amniocentesis
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusilla. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Define a pest. Describe the life cycle of Pyrilla perpusiella. Add notes on the damage caused by it and its control measures.
      • Describe the life history and pathogenicity of Pyrilla perpusilla. Note on its preventive measures.
      • Write scientific names of any three pests of stored grains and describe the nature of damage and management of Sitophilus oryzae.
      • Account for the damage caused by two major insect pests for each of the paddy and stored cereals, with a note on the bionomics and control measures of the pests.
      • Mean and Mode
      • Natality and Mortality
      • Lotka-Volterra model
      • Give an account of “Analysis of variance” and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle and application of ANOVA.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Standard deviation, standard error, and methods of sampling.
      • Explain the arithmetic mean. Calculate arithmetic mean of classified data with an example.
      • Give an account of "Analysis of variance" and mention its significance.
      • Describe the principle, working mechanism and applications of Geiger Muller counter.
      • Describe the principle, working and applications of Scintillation counter.
      • Insect vision.
      • Describe the principle and working of a Geiger-Muller counter and its use in Biology.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss.
      • Describe the principle, structure and function of Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Describe the principle, structure, and function of the Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application.
      • Explain the principle, working, and applications of the Geiger-Muller counter.
      • While using a compound microscope, how will you know how much you are magnifying an object? Through a distance under low and high powers. (150 words)
      • Describe the principle and working of a flame photometer.
      • Illustrate the organisation of electron transport particles on the inner mitochondrial membrane and explain their role in ATP synthesis.
      • Describe in detail about the respiratory chain or electron transport during oxidative phosphorylation in Mitochondria.
      • Explain with the help of diagrams, how the transport of electrons through the four complexes of the respiratory chain in mitochondria leads to the formation of a proton gradient and ATP synthesis.
      • Give schematic representation of electron transport chain. Describe the energy coupling mechanism in oxidative phosphorylation using chemiosmotic model.
      • Difference between male heterogamety and female heterogamety with examples.
      • Explain how the biological energy transformations obey the laws of thermodynamics.
      • What is Hox gene? Give the properties of Hox Gene and its cluster. What role do they play in humans?
      • What is DNA fingerprinting? Explain the principles and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Describe the principle, procedure and applications of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Explain the following: (i) Principle of DNA fingerprinting
      • Explain the following: (ii) Michaelis-Menten kinetic pattern of an enzymatic reaction
      • What do you mean by a genetic clone? Describe a protocol of cloning of a recombinant DNA.
      • Explain the use of minisatellite DNA in the process of DNA fingerprinting.
      • Intraspecific relations.
      • Enumerate the selection pressures that led to bipedal locomotion in hominids.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Haeckel propounded the concept (law), “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”. Give evidence and examples that negate it or favor it.
      • Fossil reptiles and their evolutionary significance.
      • Write an essay on the fossil records of amphibians to explain their origin and evolution.
      • Eohippus and Parahippus.
      • Dating of fossils.
      • Identify the five important evolutionary changes that led to the evolution of modern Homo sapiens from the ancestral stock during various Geological eras and epochs.
      • What are fossils? Describe the process of fossil formation and give two methods of determining the age of fossils.
      • Write an account of the methods of determination of the age of fossils.
      • How are fossils formed? Describe the methods of dating of fossils.
      • Affinities of Balanoglossus.
      • Describe the traditional methods of classification of animals.
      • Discuss the laws of thermodynamics and their applications in biological systems.
      • Describe the use of molecular techniques in animal taxonomy.
      • Describe different types of vectors.
      • What is ICZN? Explain the principle, scope, and limitations in the presentday scenario of nomenclature.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • What is I.V.F.? Make a flow chart of steps in I.V.F. Add a note on its applications.
      • Species and Subspecies.
      • Genera and Species.
      • Binomial system of classification.
      • Methods of zoological classification.
      • Chemotaxonomy and cytotaxonomy.
      • Chemotaxonomy.
      • Affinities and systematic position of Balanoglossus.
      • Write the systematic position of an oilseed pest. Give an account of its life cycle and the damage caused by this pest. Write a note on its control measures.
      • Describe the mechanism of synthesis of protein and steroid hormones. How do they affect cellular activity.
      • What are gap junction proteins? Discuss the roles of connexins in cellular interaction.
      • Peroxysome and Glyoxysome.
      • Neurohormones and Neurohumors.
      • ACTH.
      • Draw welllabelled diagrams of transverse sections of mammalian testis and ovary. Describe the functions of male and female sex hormones (Testosterone and Estrogen).
      • Compare the functions of prostaglandins and histamine. Give reasons for their being considered as hormones.
      • Describe the functional anatomy of neuroendocrine interrelationship in mammalian hypophysis. Name hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones in the tabular form showing their functional relationship. With the help of the diagram only, explain feedback mechanism in the HPG axis.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Give the structural formula of an amino acid and show how a peptide bond formation occurs. Also explain how amino acids differ from each other.
      • Explain the neuroendocrine regulation of insect metamorphosis with suitable illustrations. Comment on the role of JH (Juvenile Hormone) in insect metamorphosis.
      • Define Apoptosis. Explain its mechanism with suitable example.
      • Give an account of chemical nature and function of Neurohypophyseal hormones in mammals.
      • Illustrate the structure of a dipeptide and mention the characteristics of the peptide bond.
      • What is thermoregulation? How do homeothermic animals sustain by maintaining their body temperature in harsh climatic condition?
      • With the help of a welllabelled diagram (ventral aspect), describe the heart of rabbit showing major blood vessels. Add a note on the mechanism of circulation through the heart.
      • What controls heartbeat, and the rate at which blood flows through the circulatory system?
      • How does the structure of antibody give its specificity of functions? Add a note on the causes of allergic reaction.
      • Mention the different steps in the metabolism of iron. What are the functions that require iron? Add a note on the regulatory mechanism that ensure stable titers of iron in the body.
      • Explain ABO blood groups with its genetic basis and significance in blood transfusion.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Elucidate the importance of thermoregulation with reference to its relationship with homeostasis in endothermic animals.
      • Give a comprehensive account of gaseous transport in blood.
      • Genetic basis of ABO blood group system.
      • Describe the role of Calcitonin, Parathormone and Vitamin D3, in calcium metabolism.
      • Explain the extrinsic pathway for initiation of blood clotting.
      • Describe the genetics of ABO human blood groups. Can a man of blood group B be the father of the child of a woman of blood group A? The blood group of the child is O. Explain the genotypes.
      • Give a diagrammatic representation of citric acid cycle and discuss its role in metabolism.
      • Define thermoregulation. How do homeotherms regulate body temperature in hot and cold climates?
      • (i) Explain ATP utilizing reactions of glycolytic pathway.
      • (ii) Write NADH and FADH, producing reactions of Krebs cycle.
      • ABO system of blood groups and its basis, and erythroblastosis foetalis.
      • Chloride shift
      • What are erythroid cells? Explain the RBC lineage in balancing haemoglobin manufacture.
      • Draw a welllabelled schematic diagram of the feeding current through the gut of Branchiostoma, and comment on the mechanism of feeding and digestion.
      • Henley's loop.
      • On your answerbook, write down the name of each of the ganglia marked (i) to (vii) in the diagram below on the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of autonomic nervous system: parasympathetic sympathetic Nervous system; Nervous System. How do they regulate the visceral and reflex functions of the body?
      • Discuss the mechanism involved in the survival of estuarine animals in varying salinities.
      • Explain the role of ADH and juxtaglomerular complex in the regulation of kidney function.
      • Illustrate the countercurrent mechanism by vasa recta and mention its physiological importance.
      • Explain the counter current mechanism operating at vasa recta and its role in urine formation.
      • With suitable examples, compare the chemical structure and functions of acetylcholine (in adrenergic neuron) and serotonin / 5hydroxytryptamine / γamino butyric acid (in peptidergic neurons).
      • What do you understand by osmoregulation? Describe the phenomenon and physiology of urine formation.
      • What is hypothalamopituitary axis? Draw a welllabelled diagram of pituitary gland and describe the functions of its hormones.
      • Capacitation and Acrosome reaction.
      • Organogenesis in the frog embryo.
      • Comparison of alimentary canal of frog and rabbit.
      • Draw well labelled diagrams only of male urinogenital system of Labeo and frog.
      • Describe the role of neuroendocrine factors and Sertoli cell secretions on spermatogenic functions of human seminiferous tubules.
      • Describe hyoid apparatus in Frog or Necturus.
      • What are the stages of the development of animals? How is it done?
      • Explain in detail about the events involved in the transformation of spermatid into sperm. Comment on why you consider these changes as essential.
      • Describe the process of metamorphosis in frogs and explain the role of thyroxin.
      • Illustrate the process of development during gastrulation in a chick embryo.
      • Describe with welllabelled diagram, the stages involved in Meiotic prophase.
      • What is primordial germ cell? With the help of suitable diagram, discuss the process of oogenesis.
      • Competence in embryology.
      • Regeneration and Neoplasia.
      • Regeneration.
      • Regeneration.
      • What is embryonic induction? Describe the mechanism of induction giving examples.
      • Describe the mechanism of embryonic induction giving examples.
      • Give a schematic representation of differentiation of sexual phenotypes during early embryonic development in mammals.
      • Explain the functions of mammalian integument.
      • Role of mosquitoes as vectors of human diseases.
      • Give an account of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle and briefly discuss their pathogenicity.
      • Explain various measures implemented by the government to manage vehicular pollution in India.
      • List various population characteristics. Explain Jshaped and Sshaped growth forms with suitable examples.
      • Differentiate between inner and outer mitochondrial membrane.
      • Explain different steps in the activation of receptor protein tyrosine kinase with diagrams.
      • Give a brief account of evolution of man in Pleistocene period.
      • How does glucagon regulate the glycogen metabolism?
      • Using R groups properties, classify amino acids.
      • Describe the structure and functions of antibody isotypes with diagrams.
      • What is regeneration? Describe regenerative ability in hydra, planaria and urodele amphibians.
    • Urbanisation in India
    • Evolution of modern industry in India
    • LPG Reforms
    • Globalisation
    • Market Economy
    • Growth of urban settlements in India
    • Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization
    • Labour class movements
    • Informal sector
    • Globalization and Informal sector
    • Child labour
    • Slums and deprivation in urban areas
    • Population Dynamics
      • What is population dynamics and what are its controlling factors? State how population size and density are calculated. Write a note on the importance of population dynamics.
      • Population dynamics.
      • What do you mean by Population Dynamics? Analyze critically this phenomenon in animals.
    • Population Size, Growth, Composition and Distribution
    • Components of Population Growth: Birth, Death and Migration
    • Recent trends of Migration
    • Population Policy and Family Planning
    • Emerging issues
    • Ageing
    • Sex Ratio
    • Child and Infant Mortality Rate
    • Reproductive Health
    • Sociological theories of social change
    • Development of Underdevelopment
    • Marx
      • Marx's concept of 'alienation' is an essential part of the reality in capitalism. Explain.
      • Discuss Karl Marx's concept of class.
      • Explain Marx’s understanding of Human Essence and Alienation.
      • What is meant by ‘relative autonomy’ of State in Marxist analysis?
      • Evaluate Marx’s instrumentalist approach to the State.
      • Examine in detail Marx’s prescription for ending alienation and reaching the stage of de-alienation.
      • Comment: “Marx’s work could be seen as a compound of three elements—Green philosophy, English political economy and French socialism.” (Lenin)
      • Comment: “It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being determines their consciousness.” (Marx)
      • ‘Marx treats individual primarily as a member of a class.’ Critically examine his views on the ‘economic man.’
    • Theory of Cultural Lag
    • Dependency Theory
    • Talcott Parsons
    • Development and Dependency
    • Agents of Social Change
    • Tradition and Modernisation
    • Media
    • Education and Social Change
    • Science, Technology and Social Change
    • Social Changes in India
    • Modernization of Indian society
    • Idea of development planning and mixed economy
    • Constitution, law, and social change
    • Social Movements in Modern India
    • Peasants and Farmers Movements
    • Women’s Movement
    • Backward Classes & Dalit Movements
    • Dalit Movement
    • Satya Sodhak Samaj
    • Self-respect movement
    • Naxalbari Movement
    • Environmental Movements
    • Ethnicity and Identity Movements
    • Ethnic conflicts
    • Crisis of Development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability
    • Violence Against Women
    • Violence
    • Law and Order Issues
    • Changing Status of Women
    • Women empowerment
    • Illiteracy and Disparities in Education
    • Social Problems
    • Corruption
    • Alcoholism and drug addiction
    • Sociology Optional 2024 Paper 1 With Solution
      • Discuss the nature of Sociology. Highlight its relationship with Social Anthropology.
      • Analyse the changing nature of caste as a status group.
      • Marriage as an institution has undergone a radical transformation from ‘ritual’ to ‘commercial’ in its outlook. Explain the factors behind this change.
      • Democracy needs a vibrant culture of civil society in order to strengthen its foundation of citizenship. Comment.
      • What are the ‘basic and irreducible’ functions of the family as proposed by Talcott Parsons? Explain.
      • Sociology is the product of European enlightenment and renaissance. Critically examine this statement.
      • Do you think ‘objectivity’ is an over-hyped idea in sociological research? Discuss the merits and demerits of non-positivist methods.
      • What is social mobility? Critically examine the classification of ‘closed’ and ‘open’ models of social stratification.
      • How do you view and assess the increasing trend of digital ethnography and the use of visual culture in sociological research?
      • Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism as a critique of Marxism.
      • Critically explain the salient features of ‘alienation’ as propounded by Karl Marx.
      • What do you understand by ‘mixed method’? Discuss its strengths and limitations in social research.
      • Define the concept of ‘gig’ economy and discuss its impact on the labour market and workers’ social security net.
      • Critically assess the impact of technological advancement and automation on the nature of work and employment.
      • Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact’. How is the rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim?
      • Explain G.H. Mead’s idea of development of ‘self’ through the ‘generalised other’.
      • Describe the differing principles of work organization in feudal and capitalist societies.
      • How is ‘power’ different from ‘authority’? Discuss various types of authorities as theorized by Max Weber.
      • Critically examine the roles of science and technology in social change. What is your opinion on their increasing trend in ‘online’ education and teaching?
      • Underline the role of social media in contemporary social movements and describe its challenges.
      • How does a multicultural society accommodate diversities of all kinds—ethnic, linguistic, and religious? Discuss its major challenges.
      • Discuss the concept of animism and differentiate it from naturism.
      • Do modernization and secularization necessarily go together? Give your views.
      • How do you understand the phenomena of the mushrooming of sects and cults in contemporary society? Discuss the factors responsible for the trend.
      • Discuss the dimensions of power in the construction and maintenance of social hierarchies in a society.
      • Modern families have not just become nuclear and neo-local, but also filiocentric. How do you explain this trend?
      • Discuss various theories of social change. Explain the limitations of unilinear theory of social change.
      • Critically examine the World-Systems theory of Immanuel Wallerstein in terms of development and dependency of various nations.
    • Sociology Optional 2024 Paper 2 With Solution
      • What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain.
      • Discuss the changes taking place in the industrial class structure in India.
      • Is patriarchy a key to understanding different forms of inequalities in Indian society? Elaborate.
      • Do you think that family bondings are being affected by the changing kinship patterns in India? Comment.
      • Despite the efforts of the government, bonded labour still continues in India. Discuss.
      • Differentiate between ‘Western’ and ‘Indological’ perspectives on the study of Indian society. Bring out the major aspects of G. S. Ghurye’s contribution to ‘Indological’ approach.
      • What are the definitional problems involved in identifying tribes in India? Discuss the main obstacles to tribal development in India.
      • What, according to Andre Beteille, are the bases of agrarian class structure in India? Analyse.
      • Why is the study of marriage important in Sociology? Analyse the implications of changing marriage patterns for Indian society.
      • Do you think that the constitutional provisions for women have led to their uplift? Give reasons for your answer.
      • Education is a key to social development. Elucidate.
      • How do religious communities contribute to the cultural diversity of India?
      • What do you understand by decentralisation of power? What is its role in strengthening the roots of democracy in India? Elaborate.
      • What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations.
      • Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the growth of urban settlements in India.
      • Is there a connection between labour migration and informal sector? Justify your answer with reference to Indian context.
      • Are slums the manifestations of industrialisation and urbanisation in India? Explain.
      • Discuss the changing nature of political elites in India.
      • What is your assessment about the recent farmers’ movement in India? Elaborate.
      • Discuss the major challenges related to women’s reproductive health in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome these challenges?
      • What is sustainable development? How can sustainability be achieved in India where livelihood needs conflict with environmental protection?
      • Critically examine the relevance of development planning in India.
      • Analyse the trilogy between environmental movement, development, and tribal identity.
      • To what extent have the legal provisions been effective in curbing violence against women in India? Give your argument.
      • Trace the social and historical origins of Dalit movements in modern India.
      • Highlight the major contributions of the reform movements in pre-independent India.
      • Identify different forms of inequalities associated with agrarian social structure in India.
      • What are pressure groups? Discuss their role in decision-making in democracy.
    • Sociology Optional 2025 Paper 1 With Solution
      • What is common sense? How are common knowledge and sociology related to each other? Explain.
      • What is the relationship (similarities and differences) between sociology and history in terms of their area of study and methodology? Discuss.
      • What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate.
      • Can Merton's reference group theory be relevant in understanding 'identity making' in digital world? Explain.
      • Is the social stratification theory gender-blind? Elucidate.
      • What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it.
      • Highlight the main features of historical materialism as propounded by Marx. How far is this theory relevant in understanding contemporary societies? Explain.
      • What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research.
      • Compare capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty.
      • Are pressure groups a threat to or a necessary element of democracy? Explain with suitable illustrations.
      • What is hypothesis? Critically evaluate the significance of hypothesis in social research.
      • Give an account of the recent trends of marriage in the Indian context. How are these different from traditional practices?
      • What would you identify as the similarities and differences in the elite theories of Mosca, Michels and Pareto? Discuss their main/crucial issues.
      • Critically analyze the sociological significance of informal sector in the economy of developing societies.
      • In what way is the scope of sociology unique? Explain.
      • Does the structural-functionalist perspective on social stratification promote a status quo? Give reasons for your answer.
      • Do you think that the formal workspaces are free of gender bias? Argue your case.
      • How does Weber's Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology?
      • To what extent can education and skill development be an agent of social change? Critically analyze.
      • What is science? Do you think that the methods used in natural sciences can be applied to sociology? Give reasons for your answer.
      • What do you understand by gender-based domestic division of labour? Is it undergoing a change in the wake of increasing participation of women in formal employment? Clarify your answer with illustrations.
      • How can you assess the significance of social movements in the digital era? Explain.
      • What is sampling in the context of social research? Discuss different forms of sampling with their relative advantages and disadvantages.
      • How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? Explain.
      • What is the nature of relationship between science and religion in modern society? Analyze with suitable examples.
      • What do you understand by sustainable development? Discuss the elements of sustainable development as proposed in the UNDP's Sustainable Development Goals Report-2015.
      • How do 'Civil Society Organizations' such as 'NGOs' and 'Self-Help Groups' contribute to grassroot level social changes? Discuss.
      • In what way does queer kinship challenge the traditional kinship system? Substantiate by giving illustrations.
    • Sociology Optional 2025 Paper 2 With Solution
      • "Textual perspective is important in understanding of Indian Social System." Discuss.
      • Justify that the Indian traditions are modernizing. Also discuss its contributing factors.
      • According to you, which social reform movement has played the most effective role in uplifting the status of women? Explain.
      • How did Colonial Policies for the tribes affect their socio-economic conditions in India? Discuss.
      • How would you appropriate to characterise G. S. Ghurye as a practitioner of 'theoretical pluralism'?
      • Do you think that in a society like India orthogenetic changes take place through differentiation? Do you observe continuities in the orthogenetic process? Elaborate your answer with suitable examples.
      • "Agrarian class structure has been undergoing changes due to modern forces." Critically examine.
      • How same sex marriages are responsible for population dynamics in India? Discuss.
      • What do you mean by nation building? What is the role of religion in nation building? Elaborate your answer.
      • Do you think that new economic reforms of British rule have disrupted the old economic system of India? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.
      • Describe the main features of Indian new middle class. How is it different from the old middle class?
      • Who is said to be the pioneer of village studies in India? Illustratively describe contributions of some Indian sociologists on village studies. How their approaches are distinct from each other?
      • "Industrial class structure is a function of social structure of Indian society." Do you agree with this statement? Analyze.
      • What is kinship? Briefly explain G. P. Murdock's contribution to the study of the kinship system.
      • 'The transfer of land from cultivating to the non-cultivating owners is bringing about transformation in Indian society.' Justify your answer by giving suitable illustrations.
      • Bring out various factors responsible for declining of village Industries in India.
      • Discuss the social bases of political mobilization in Independent India. Has some change occurred in these during the last 60-70 years?
      • What are the major problems faced by the labour migrants while working in informal sectors of Indian States? Discuss.
      • Do you think that law has been able to abolish child labour in India? Comment.
      • In what respects have the constitutional provisions changed the socio-economic and political conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India? Critically examine.
      • Discuss the trend of urbanization in India. Do you think that Industrialization is the only precondition of urbanization? Give your arguments.
      • Which measures would you suggest for preventing caste conflicts in India? Justify your argument.
      • What are the Private and Public network and support systems operative in Indian society for the aged? Suggest measures to curb down the challenges before care givers of the aged.
      • "Educational development is the only Panacea for country's all ills and evils." Critically examine the above statement with reference to NEP-2020.
      • How Dalit movements in India have facilitated their Identity formation? Analyze.
      • Is it possible to have sustainable development in India? Cite major environmental issues and suggest a few measures to achieve the sustainability.
      • Do you think that forced displacement of labourers has caused their deprivation and resultant inequalities during the recent past years? Elaborate.
      • What are the Indian government's schemes launched for poverty alleviation after the United Nation's Declaration of 'Sustainable Development Goals - 2015'? Briefly describe.
    • Sociology Optional Test 1 2026
      • Discuss the impact of modernity on social changes in Europe and how it led to the emergence of Sociology as a distinct discipline.
      • Compare and contrast the scope of Sociology with other social sciences. How does Sociology's approach differ from common sense understanding of social phenomena?
      • Examine the role of the scientific method in Sociology. How do major theoretical strands of research methodology contribute to the discipline?
      • Critically analyze the concept of positivism in Sociology. What are the main critiques of positivism, and how do they influence the study of social sciences?
      • Evaluate the relationship between fact, value, and objectivity in sociological research. How do non-positivist methodologies address these aspects?
      • Discuss the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods in Sociology. What are the key techniques of data collection, and how do they ensure reliability and validity in research?
      • Discuss the impact of modernity on social changes in Europe and how it led to the emergence of Sociology as a distinct discipline.
      • Compare and contrast the scope of Sociology with other social sciences. How does Sociology differ in its approach and methodology?
      • Examine the relationship between Sociology and common sense. Can Sociology be considered as an extension of common sense?
      • Critically analyze the application of the scientific method in Sociology. What are the major critiques of using scientific methods in social research?
      • Evaluate the major theoretical strands of research methodology in Sociology. How do these methodologies influence sociological research?
      • Positivism has been a dominant approach in Sociology. Discuss its principles and provide a critique of its limitations.
      • How do fact, value, and objectivity interplay in sociological research? Discuss with relevant examples.
      • Explore the significance of non-positivist methodologies in Sociology. How do they contribute to a deeper understanding of social phenomena?
      • Compare qualitative and quantitative methods in sociological research. What are the strengths and limitations of each approach?
      • Discuss the various techniques of data collection in Sociology. How do these techniques ensure the reliability and validity of research findings?
      • Analyze the contributions of Karl Marx to Sociology, focusing on historical materialism and class struggle. How are these concepts relevant today?
      • Emile Durkheim's concept of social fact is central to his sociological theory. Discuss its significance and application in contemporary society.
      • Examine the role of social stratification in shaping social mobility. How do open and closed systems affect individual mobility?
  2. PYQs and Practice Questions
  3. UPSC Optionals
  4. Sociology Optional
  5. Sociology Optional 2014 Solved PYQs Paper 1
Login

Login With Username/password

---------------------- OR ----------------------

Login With OTP

Forget Password

Register

Login (If You are already registered)
Submit

Forget Password

Login/Register

Welcome

Coutinue to Purchase Courses
View Courses
My Courses
View My Purchased Courses
Refer and Earn
© Copyright Synopsis IAS. All Rights Reserved