UPSC Rank 16 IRMS officer Adesh Sharma cracked the Civil Services Examination on his second attempt, crediting Sociology optional for much of his success. He shares ten tested strategies to help aspirants turn this subject into a high-scoring asset :

1. Start with curiosity, not compulsion – Choose Sociology because you're genuinely intrigued by its topics like caste, religion, and kinship.

2. Understand the syllabus – Read the official outline carefully, note keywords, and map your interest and planning around them.

3. Maximise scoring potential – Sociology often yields high scores (300+ out of 500), making it a strategic optional choice.

4. Analyse past papers – Review 10–12 years of UPSC questions to decode question patterns and plan your study timeline.

5. Limit resources – Avoid information overload—rely on concise, quality content like Sleepy Classes or Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan.

6. Write crisp notes – Handwrite topic-wise one-page summaries to simplify revision and improve recall.

7. Link with current affairs – Track 5–6 news items daily to infuse your answers with fresh, relevant examples.

8. Use retention hacks – Follow a “read-highlight-rewrite-in-your-own-words” cycle to strengthen memory.

9. Revise regularly – Revisit topics every 1–2 months to reinforce learning and avoid knowledge gaps.

10. Take breaks – Incorporate leisure activities—like movies or walks—to prevent burnout and maintain mental freshness.

Adesh’s approach underscores strategic focus, consistent reinforcement, and self-care - essential pillars for long-lasting UPSC preparation success.