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 |
| 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
