Overview
The MaargX Sociology Optional Test Series (SAATHI) is a personalised 20-test programme for UPSC Sociology, with 15 sectional tests and 5 full-length tests across Paper 1 and Paper 2. It bridges the gap between theoretical sociology and what the examination actually asks, using rigorous testing, "Micro Mentoring" and flexible scheduling.
Every candidate gets a personalised, date-wise schedule and can reschedule tests, so the programme moves with their own availability.
Course at a glance
| Detail | What you get |
|---|---|
| Total tests | 20: 15 sectional tests (Paper 1 and 2) and 5 full-length tests |
| Full-length tests | Test 12 (Paper 1) as a mid-point benchmark, then Tests 17 to 20 in the final simulation phase |
| Pacing | Flexible dates, governed by a mentor-guided personalised strategy |
| Mentoring | The 5 I 'Micro Mentoring' approach and personalised weekly one-on-one sessions with faculty after every test |
| Integration | A Paper 1 and 2 Integration Matrix in Tests 8 to 11 |
| Mode | Online and offline |
| Program fee | ₹15,000 |
The Examable Learning Paradigm
The vast Sociology syllabus is narrowed through Micro Mentoring and the 5 I approach into the 'Examable' approach, which limits learning strictly to examination needs.
Related courses and resources
For personal guidance, see the Sociology Optional Mentorship or the Sociology Batch (Online). For a shorter plan that includes a Sociology track, see the GS Mains Test Series (75 Days Plan).
Test Schedule
Syllabus Map
The 15 sectional tests cover every Paper 1 unit and every Paper 2 section, and four tests deliberately pair the two papers.
Paper 1: fundamentals of sociology
| Unit | Topic | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Sociology, The Discipline | Test 1 |
| Unit 2 | Sociology as Science | Test 2 |
| Unit 3 | Research Methods and Analysis | Test 3 |
| Unit 4 | Sociological Thinkers: Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, R.K. Merton, Max Weber, G.H. Mead, Talcott Parsons | Tests 4 and 5 |
| Units 5 and 6 | Stratification and Mobility; Works and Economic Life | Test 6 |
| Unit 7 | Politics and Society | Test 7 |
| Unit 8 | Religion and Society | Test 9 |
| Unit 9 | System of Kinship | Test 10 |
| Unit 10 | Social Change in Modern Society | Test 11 |
Paper 2: Indian society
| Section | Topic | Test |
|---|---|---|
| A1, A2 | Perspectives on the Study of Indian Society; Impact of Colonial Rule | Test 13 |
| B1, C2 | Rural and Agrarian Social Structure; Rural and Agrarian Transformation | Test 14 |
| B2, B3, B4 | Caste System; Tribal Communities; Social Classes | Test 15 |
| C3, C6, C7 | Industrialization and Urbanisation; Population Dynamics; Challenges of Social Transformation | Test 16 |
| C4, C5 | Politics and Society; Social Movements in Modern India | Test 8 |
| B6 | Religion and Society | Test 9 (with Unit 8) |
| B5 | System of Kinship in India | Test 10 (with Unit 9) |
| C1 | Visions of Social Change in India | Test 11 (with Unit 10) |
Mentoring
Mentoring runs as a loop called Continuous Mastery: take the test, get a personalised diagnosis, calibrate with mentors, then evolve your notes and technique.
- Step 1, The Output: take the test (online or offline).
- Step 2, The Diagnosis: personalised evaluation and detailed analysis of the answers.
- Step 3, The Calibration: regular discussion and weekly P2P mentoring sessions.
- Step 4, The Evolution: topic-wise hand-holding and 'Examable' note-making.
The 5 I 'Micro Mentoring' approach
Topic-wise assistance in understanding, in-depth analysis and specialised note-making.
Personalised weekly P2P sessions
One-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty are held after every test, along with peer-to-peer mentoring, so students can refine their technique.
In-depth feedback
Regular discussion, detailed analysis and personalised evaluation for every test.
SAATHI vs Standard
The SAATHI ecosystem differs from a standard test series in four ways: flexible dates, micro mentoring, a Paper 1 and 2 integration matrix and personalised evaluation.
| Standard test series | The SAATHI ecosystem |
|---|---|
| Rigid, inflexible exam dates | A flexible date-wise schedule tailored to individual availability |
| Generic numerical scorecards | The unique 5 I approach and Micro Mentoring |
| Isolated Paper 1 and Paper 2 study | A smart Paper 1 and 2 Integration Matrix |
| Standard answer checking | Regular discussion, detailed analysis and personalised evaluation |
Flexibility & Fee
Each candidate receives a personalised strategy tailored to individual needs and availability, with a detailed date-wise schedule and the option to reschedule tests.
- Personalised strategy: a mentor-guided plan with a detailed, date-wise schedule.
- Unmatched flexibility: personalised rescheduling of tests keeps momentum without stress.
- Hybrid accessibility: the complete programme is available in both online and offline modes.
- Program fee: ₹15,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MaargX Sociology Optional Test Series?
It is a personalised 20-test UPSC Sociology optional programme called SAATHI. It has 15 sectional tests and 5 full-length tests across Paper 1 and Paper 2, with Micro Mentoring and flexible dates.
How many tests are sectional and how many are full-length?
There are 15 sectional tests (Tests 1 to 11 and 13 to 16) and 5 full-length tests. The full-length tests are Test 12 (Paper 1) as a mid-point benchmark, and Tests 17 to 20 in the final simulation, where Test 20 combines Paper 1 and Paper 2.
How is the series organised?
Phase 1 covers Paper 1 foundations (Tests 1 to 5), Phase 2 covers institutions and dynamics (Tests 6 to 8) and the Integration Phase pairs both papers (Tests 9 to 11). Test 12 is the mid-point benchmark, Phase 3 covers Paper 2 (Tests 13 to 16), and Phase 4 is the final simulation (Tests 17 to 20).
What is the Paper 1 and 2 Integration Matrix?
Tests 9 to 11 pair a Paper 1 unit with the matching Paper 2 section: Religion and Society (Unit 8 and B6), System of Kinship (Unit 9 and B5), and Social Change (Unit 10 and C1). It bridges global theory with the Indian reality.
What is the 5 I Micro Mentoring approach?
It is MaargX's approach of topic-wise assistance in understanding, in-depth analysis and specialised note-making, which narrows the vast Sociology syllabus to what the examination needs.
Can I reschedule tests?
Yes. Each candidate receives a personalised, date-wise schedule, and personalised rescheduling of tests is available so that momentum is maintained without stress.
What mentoring do I get after each test?
Personalised one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty are conducted after every test. Regular discussion, detailed analysis and personalised evaluation come with every test.
Is the programme available online and offline?
Yes. The complete programme is available in both online and offline modes.
What is the fee?
The total programme fee is ₹15,000.
How can I enrol?
Use the Explore Course / Enroll Now button at the top of this page, or call MaargX UPSC on +91-7877885089 or write to contact@maargxupsc.com.
