ISC Class 12 Sociology Sample Paper 2027 with Solutions

SECTION A - 14 MARKS

Question 1

(i) The BTC-Bodoland Territorial Council created in 2003, was influenced by the ideals of Nehru’s policy of tribal integration. It aimed to provide self-governance to the indigenous community and promote development, while protecting the community’s land forest rights, language, culture, and traditional institutions.
(Source (edited): The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) - Assam (2003))
Which of the following influenced the formation of the BTC? [1 Mark]
(a) LAMPS
(b) TRIFED
(c) Tribal Panchsheel
(d) Special Central Assistance

Answer: (c) Tribal Panchsheel

Tribal Panchsheel framed by Jawaharlal Nehru influenced the policies of tribal integration and self-governance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Tribal Panchsheel emphasizes development along the lines of the tribes' own genius without imposing external values.
b) Students must not confuse Tribal Panchsheel with specific economic schemes like LAMPS or TRIFED.

(ii) Rita a qualified engineer from an upper-middle class family, chose to marry Srikant, a skilled electrician from a lower socio-economic group. Rita’s relatives criticised her decision arguing that such a marriage would lower her family’s prestige and social balance.
Choose the correct statements that explain the motivation for Rita’s decision. [1 Mark]
(P) She exercised her individual choice.
(Q) She was influenced by caste endogamy.
(R) Her decision was influenced by social movements.
(S) Her basis for selecting her spouse was 'shared understanding' among other factors.
(a) Only (P) and (Q)
(b) Only (P) and (S)
(c) Only (Q) and (R)
(d) Only (R) and (S)

Answer: (b) Only (P) and (S)

Rita's choice reflects individual autonomy and modern egalitarian values of companionship rather than traditional restrictions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Modern mate selection often prioritizes personal compatibility and individual choice over rigid caste boundaries.
b) Caste endogamy (Q) requires marrying within the same caste, which was violated in this inter-class scenario.

(iii) A government school in a semi-urban area admitted children from economically weaker sections to comply with the Right to Education Act (RTE). It provided them with free textbooks, uniforms, mid-day meals, and charged no fees.
What provisions of RTE Act were made available by the government school? [1 Mark]
(P) Free elementary education
(Q) High quality testing standards
(R) Availability of trained teachers in all schools
(S) Ensuring inclusion of children from underprivileged sections of society
(a) Only (P) and (Q)
(b) Only (Q) and (R)
(c) Only (R) and (S)
(d) Only (P) and (S)

Answer: (d) Only (P) and (S)

The scenario highlights free elementary education and the inclusion of children from underprivileged sections mandated by the RTE Act.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Right to Education Act guarantees free and compulsory elementary education to all children aged 6 to 14 years.
b) Pay close attention to the specific welfare measures mentioned in the stem, which point directly to statements (P) and (S).

(iv) The major problem of Baindi, a village in Haryana, was waste disposal in public places. Overflowing ponds and waterlogged streets had become a common and unpleasant sight. Reusing wastewater for agriculture and fisheries, effective disposal of garbage and improved sanitation were desperately needed.
(Source (edited): https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/waste-water-governance-dream-becomes-r…)
With reference to the above case, identify the local authority that would help the villagers resolve the issue. [1 Mark]
(a) Panchayati Raj
(b) Bal panchayat
(c) Mandal Commission
(d) Kaka Kalelkar Commission

Answer: (a) Panchayati Raj

Local rural sanitation and waste management issues are addressed by the local self-government institution, the Panchayati Raj.

Teacher's Note:
a) Panchayati Raj institutions are responsible for rural development, sanitation, and local civic amenities in India.
b) Commissions like Mandal and Kaka Kalelkar deal with reservation and backward classes, not village civic administration.

(v) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: According to Radcliffe Brown, religion instils a sense of dependence among people for social survival.
Reason: Functionalists perceive religion as a force that mobilises political revolution. [1 Mark]
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Answer: (c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.

Radcliffe Brown viewed religion functionally as fostering solidarity and dependence, whereas functionalists view religion as promoting social integration and order, not political revolution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Functionalist perspective emphasizes social cohesion, stability, and integration rather than revolutionary political change.
b) Always evaluate sociological statements based on established theoretical paradigms like functionalism.

(vi) Given below are two statements marked as Assertion and Reason. Read the statements carefully and choose the correct option.
Assertion: The world today has become a 'global village'.
Reason: Rapid advancements in technology, reduced trade barriers and improved transportation have led to the expansion of Multinational Corporations. [1 Mark]
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Answer: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

Global interconnectedness (global village) is driven by globalization factors like technology, trade, and Multinational Corporations.

Teacher's Note:
a) The term 'global village' reflects how time-space compression brings the world closer together.
b) Check if the reason directly causes or explains the phenomenon stated in the assertion.

(vii) The editor of a newspaper was given two different articles and required to choose one for publishing. The gist of the articles is given below.
Item I: A survey conducted in various parts of the country revealed that women in rural areas face more challenges compared to urban women, which hinder their development and wellbeing. Targeted policies that address the unique issues experienced by these women need to be implemented to close the gaps.
Item II: Rumours of salt shortage caused 'panic buying' in many parts of India and led to a temporary surge in its price. Many shopkeepers and wholesalers were overwhelmed with the crowd, while the buyers felt frustrated standing in long queues to buy the item.
The editor decided to publish Item I in the newspaper. Which one of the following BEST explains the editor's decision? [1 Mark]
(a) Social responsibility of media
(b) Potential popularity of the news item
(c) Preference of the newspaper to report gender issues
(d) Meeting the requirement for the number of articles on that day

Answer: (a) Social responsibility of media

Highlighting developmental challenges faced by rural women fulfills the media's social responsibility to address structural inequalities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Media acts as an instrument of social change by bringing marginalized issues to public attention.
b) Panic buying is a fleeting sensational event, whereas rural women's challenges represent a significant social issue.

(viii) An episode of 'Beyond Boundaries' aired on YouTube, titled 'Three Brothers, One Wife-Inside India's Rare Marriage Tradition', begins with the story of Kiran who is married to three brothers at the same time. This traditional marriage practice known as 'Jajda' is followed by the Hatti tribe of Himachal Pradesh where polyandry is common.
(Source: Youtube- Beyond Boundaries- 27 February, 2026)
Which one of the following is the MOST appropriate justification for the form of marriage referred to above? [1 Mark]
(a) To reduce jealousy
(b) To create large families
(c) To manage family assets
(d) To clearly define paternity and parental roles

Answer: (c) To manage family assets

Fraternal polyandry is often practiced in agrarian societies to prevent the division of land and family property.

Teacher's Note:
a) Economic factors such as land fragmentation control play a vital role in institutionalized marriage practices like fraternal polyandry.
b) Read the functional justification carefully in the context of tribal property and agrarian setups.

(ix)
Pregnancy period → ? → Reinforces inheritance norms
Strengthens marital bond ← ? → Reinforces paternity
The flowchart above represents different aspects of: [1 Mark]
[Figure: A circular flowchart showing 'Pregnancy period' at the top, pointing down to a central question mark '?', with arrows connecting outwards to 'Strengthens marital bond', 'Reinforces inheritance norms', and 'Reinforces paternity']
(a) Amitate
(b) Couvade
(c) Avunculate
(d) Teknonymy

Answer: (b) Couvade

Couvade is a custom where the husband adopts certain ritual restrictions during his wife's pregnancy, reinforcing paternity and family bonds.

Teacher's Note:
a) Couvade customs highlight the sociological recognition of fatherhood and kinship ties during the vulnerable period of childbirth.
b) Differentiate couvade from avunculate (role of maternal uncle) and amitate (special role of paternal aunt).

(x) Which one of the following scenarios reflects the function of religion as providing emotional resilience in times of distress? [1 Mark]
(a) When Payal lost her mother, regular prayers and chanting helped her cope with grief.
(b) Samantha listened to music regularly after her surgery to regain her mental strength.
(c) In the Mahabharata, Yudhishtir forgave his enemies in spite of losing his sons on the battlefield.
(d) During the tsunami of 2004, missionaries in the Thailand Bangkok Mission packed food and hygiene kits to help the victims and their families.

Answer: (a) When Payal lost her mother, regular prayers and chanting helped her cope with grief.

Prayers and religious rituals provide psychological solace and emotional resilience during personal tragedy and grief.

Teacher's Note:
a) Religion acts as a psychological anchor, helping individuals cope with crises, suffering, and bereavement.
b) Option (d) is humanitarian service, while option (b) is secular therapy through music.

(xi) Analyse the relationship between the first pair and complete the analogy.
Moral Code: Ensures social conformity:: Totemism: ________________ [1 Mark]

Answer: Provides solace / mental peace

Totemism acts as a sacred symbol that fosters collective unity and provides psychological reassurance and solidarity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analogies test conceptual correlation between sociological terms and their primary functions.
b) Any other valid sociological implication of totemism such as group solidarity is accepted by the marking scheme.

(xii) 'In the remote village of a state in India, women rarely owned land or handled money, even though they worked on family farms for long hours. Any attempt by women to question decisions was labelled as disrespectful and damaging to family honour. Men continued to dominate social, economic, and political spheres.'
(Source: https://www.themint.com)
Name the ideology reflected in the above scenario. [1 Mark]

Answer: Patriarchal Ideology

Male dominance, lack of property ownership for women, and control over decision-making characterize a patriarchal ideology.

Teacher's Note:
a) Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and social privilege.
b) Ensure precise naming of sociological ideologies as requested in direct identification questions.

(xiii) The carpenter, potter, weaver and barber, who were all known as Kamins, provided specialised services to Manimohan, the village landlord. In return, he provided them agricultural produce and took care of their basic needs.
Which system of exchange relations is highlighted in the above situation? [1 Mark]

Answer: Jajmani System

The hereditary reciprocal economic and social relationship between landowners and occupational castes in rural India is known as the Jajmani system.

Teacher's Note:
a) The Jajmani system involves exchange of goods and services based on caste hierarchy and patronage.
b) Kamins (service castes) provided traditional services to the Jajman (landlord) in exchange for grains and protection.

(xiv) State one merit of caste. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Caste created stability in society and assigned traditional occupations to its members.

Teacher's Note:
a) Traditionally, the caste system provided economic security and division of labor through hereditary occupations.
b) Students can write any valid merit such as social stability, cultural continuity, or predictability of roles.

SECTION B - 28 MARKS

Question 2. According to the Kumbaras, a caste of potters from Karnataka, their origin is from the Creator. They firmly believe that they are the only ones who can produce unique clay items such as idols of deities and oil lamps which are used for religious and cultural occasions in that region.
(Source edited: https://www.ijcrt.org)
With reference to the above case, discuss the theory of origin of caste being referred to. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The excerpt refers to the Divine Origin Theory of caste, which traces occupation and social hierarchy to divine creation.
2. This theory has been outlined in the Purushasukta of the Rig Veda, stating that the four varnas originated from the different body parts of Brahma - the Supreme Being.
3. The place of origin for each caste indicates its specific function in society, such as Brahmins from the mouth, Kshatriyas from the arms, Vaishyas from the thighs, and Shudras from the feet.
4. Such origin myths validate hereditary occupations, ritual purity, and traditional division of labor among castes like the Kumbaras.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the sacred or mythological basis of the caste system as described in ancient Hindu texts.
b) Connect the theoretical concept clearly to the specific community example provided in the question stem.

Question 3. Describe four functions of Superstition in religion. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Superstition acts as a psychological tool that helps reduce anxiety and uncertainty in daily life.
2. It helps individuals navigate uncontrollable situations where logical or technical measures are insufficient.
3. It provides people with a sense of confidence and emotional control over the outcomes of specific events.
4. Shared superstitions and collective rituals bind the community together, strengthening social solidarity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Functionalist perspectives view superstitions not merely as irrational beliefs, but as mechanisms serving psychological and social needs.
b) List any four distinct functions clearly with brief explanations to secure full marks.

Question 4. The graph given below depicts the allocation of funds, total expenditure, and the percentage of utilisation of funds for MGNREGA between 2006 to 2018. Study the graph and answer the questions that follow.
(Source: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21582440211052281)

[Figure: Bar and line graph showing MGNREGA allocation in Rs. Crore, expenditure in Rs. Crore, and percentage utilisation from 2006-07 to 2017-18, with utilization ranging between 73% and over 100%]

(i) What does the graph indicate about the implementation of MGNREGA? [1 Mark]

Answer:
The graph indicates that the government has increasingly invested in MGNREGA over the years, except during the period between 2011 and 2016 when allocation and expenditure decreased, while the percentage of utilisation remained consistently high, ranging between 70% and over 100%.

Teacher's Note:
a) Read the data trends across years carefully to identify overall investment patterns and fund utilization rates.
b) Keep the answer concise and strictly based on visual evidence from the graph.

(ii) What do you infer about the effectiveness of MGNREGA in meeting employment needs over the period? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The high fund utilisation percentage indicates that the allocated financial resources have largely been put to use, showing general effectiveness in providing rural livelihood security.
2. However, fluctuations in fund allocation and dips in expenditure during certain periods reveal systemic challenges such as lack of adequate funding, delayed wage payments, and administrative hurdles.
3. While the scheme serves as a vital social safety net, issues such as leakages, fake job cards, and implementation bottlenecks restrict its optimal effectiveness in meeting rural employment needs.

Teacher's Note:
a) Evaluation questions require both positive achievements and critical limitations derived from empirical data.
b) Ensure points are structured logically to cover financial utilization, administrative challenges, and ground-level impact.

Question 5. (i) 'Small family, big dreams.'
Do you agree with the above slogan? Justify your answer with the help of four arguments. [4 Marks]
OR
(ii) Marriage within the same kin group where members are related by blood is often considered a 'systematic solution' to the needs of the community.
Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your answer with the help of four arguments. [4 Marks]

Answer: (For option (i))
1. A small family allows parents to provide better care, quality education, and health facilities to their children.
2. Smaller families achieve a higher standard of living due to lower financial pressure and better resource management.
3. Financial stability in small families enables individuals to pursue higher education, professional success, and personal aspirations.
4. Small families contribute effectively to population control, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.
(Note: Arguments refuting the slogan by citing overparenting, lack of social support systems, or loneliness are also accepted if argued strongly.)

Teacher's Note:
a) Students can either agree or disagree with the slogan provided they substantiate their stance with valid sociological arguments.
b) Ensure at least four clear points are detailed with appropriate socio-economic justifications.

Question 6. (i) Income and class status play a significant role in determining sustainable lifestyles. Comment on the statement with the help of suitable examples. [4 Marks]
OR
(ii) The relationship between Joint family Systems and Social Change and Development is an inverse one. Comment on the statement with the help of relevant examples. [4 Marks]

Answer: (For option (i))
1. Sustainable lifestyles are often determined by economic resources; green alternatives like solar panels and electric vehicles require significant financial investment.
2. High-income groups can afford eco-friendly products and certified organic goods as lifestyle choices, while possessing a larger overall consumption footprint.
3. Conversely, sustainability for lower-income groups is often an economic necessity driven by scarcity rather than choice, involving reusing discarded items and minimizing waste.
4. Traditional rural communities have practiced sustainability through local eco-friendly housing materials and energy conservation due to structural living conditions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect lifestyle choices to social stratification, emphasizing how class and purchasing power dictate environmental practices.
b) Use contrasting examples of luxury green consumption versus poverty-driven conservation.

Question 7. The table given below shows the results of a study done to assess the number of protests across the globe between 2006 to 2020. Study the data and answer the questions that follow.
(Source (edited): indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in)

[Figure: Table showing protest counts across regions (Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, North America, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Global Protests) across three periods: 2006-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2020, with totals rising from 425 to 946]

(i) What does the above data reveal about the trend of social movements across the world? [1 Mark]

Answer:
The data reveals that social movements and protests have steadily and significantly increased across the globe over the three observed periods, with the total number rising from 425 to 946.

Teacher's Note:
a) Examine overall totals and regional progression across time frames in the table.
b) Keep the descriptive statement direct and backed by numerical increase.

(ii) Analyse the reasons for this trend. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. The wide reach and accessibility of the internet and social media allow people to connect instantly, share information, and build global solidarity for collective expression.
2. Widespread public outrage against failing socio-economic systems, including inflation, unemployment, corruption, and economic inequality, has sparked protests across nations.
3. Increased awareness among citizens regarding their rights empowers them to question injustice and hold political and economic authorities accountable.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide sociological factors such as digital connectivity, systemic disillusionment, and rights awareness.
b) Ensure each point explains why protest frequency has grown globally.

Question 8. (i) Discuss the origin of dormitories in tribal societies. [4 Marks]
OR
(ii) Discuss the political problems of tribes in India. [4 Marks]

Answer: (For option (i))
1. Youth dormitories among primitive tribal societies originated as institutional associations where young people lived and underwent socialization and training for future adult roles.
2. They were established to train young boys and girls in tribal warfare, defense skills, and hunting techniques.
3. Dormitories served to impart tribal culture, religious beliefs, arts, and economic activities practiced by the community.
4. They also provided communal living spaces that fostered tribal solidarity, discipline, and community protection against wild animals or rival groups.

Teacher's Note:
a) Youth dormitories (like Ghotul in Murias) are vital socio-cultural institutions in tribal life.
b) Highlight both educational and protective functions in explaining their origin and significance.

SECTION C - 28 MARKS

Question 9. (i) "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman."
(Source: Melinda Gates)
Examine the above quote. [7 Marks]
OR
(ii) 'Be a man and toughen up.'
Examine the above statement. [7 Marks]

Answer: (For option (i))
1. The quote highlights women's empowerment through agency and 'voice', which challenges patriarchal structures, redefines traditional gender roles, and reduces gender-based violence.
2. Women's empowerment is predicated on legal awareness, ensuring that women understand and claim their constitutional and statutory rights.
3. Economic independence through employment, financial literacy, and equal property rights serves as a fundamental pillar of women's strength.
4. Access to quality education and skill development enables women to break the glass ceiling in workplaces and take up leadership roles.
5. Digital platforms and social media provide diverse mediums for women to express dissent, mobilize opinion, and participate in decision-making processes.
6. Critical counter-perspectives note that empowerment does not automatically eliminate violence; increased economic autonomy can sometimes trigger male backlash and domestic friction in deeply entrenched patriarchal societies.
7. Therefore, true empowerment requires holistic structural transformation, changing gender stereotypes, and active male participation in reform movements.

Teacher's Note:
a) Long-answer questions require comprehensive analysis covering theoretical dimensions, supporting factors, and critical limitations.
b) Structure the answer logically from conceptual meaning to enabling factors and counter-arguments.

Question 10. (i) Summarise features of Belief in Religion. [7 Marks]
OR
(ii) Summarise Max Mueller's theory of Naturism in Religion. [7 Marks]

Answer: (For option (i))
1. Supernatural Element: Religious beliefs revolve around sacred powers, entities, or supernatural forces that transcend empirical scientific explanation.
2. Faith-based Foundation: Belief in religion relies heavily on faith, devotion, and spiritual conviction rather than logical or scientific verification.
3. Emotional and Psychological Support: Religious beliefs provide comfort, hope, and resilience during personal crises, suffering, and existential uncertainty.
4. Moral Guidance: Beliefs promote core ethical values such as honesty, charity, compassion, and self-control within society.
5. Collective and Social Nature: Religious beliefs are shared collectively by groups, fostering a sense of social solidarity, shared identity, and community cohesion.
6. Expression through Rituals: Beliefs are reinforced and externalized through regular prayers, worship, sacred festivals, and religious ceremonies.
7. Meaning and Purpose: Belief answers fundamental human questions regarding life, death, and suffering, providing ultimate direction and meaning to human existence.

Teacher's Note:
a) Detail at least seven distinct sociological features of religious belief clearly.
b) Use appropriate sociological terminology such as 'supernatural', 'solidarity', and 'collective consciousness'.

Question 11. Elaborate on seven features of the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act. [7 Marks]

Answer:
1. Establishment of a uniform three-tier Panchayati Raj structure across states at village, intermediate, and district levels.
2. Gram Sabha established as the foundational body of rural democracy comprising all registered voters in a village.
3. Mandatory direct elections to all panchayat seats every five years to ensure regular democratic participation.
4. Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women to ensure political inclusion of marginalized groups.
5. Mandatory reservation of not less than one-third of total seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
6. Establishment of a State Election Commission in every state to superintend, direct, and control panchayat elections.
7. Establishment of a State Finance Commission and the addition of the Eleventh Schedule containing subjects transferred to Panchayats for decentralized local governance.

Teacher's Note:
a) The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act is a landmark legislation institutionalizing local self-government in rural India.
b) List exactly seven key features with accurate institutional details to secure full marks.

Question 12. Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow.
Come Friday, every week the Old Trunk Road running parallel to the arterial G.S.T. Road, comes alive with hundreds of vendors competing to pitch their sheets on the ground at the famous Pallavaram Sandhai in Chennai.
The age old Sandhai, whose exact period is a subject of conjecture but believed to be more than 150 years old has earned a reputation for 'selling everything under the sun'.
(Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-thriving-business-hub/ar…)

(i) Identify the centre of economic exchange referred to above. [1 Mark]

Answer:
Traditional Market (Weekly Market / Sandhai)

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the specific economic institution described in the passage accurately.
b) Traditional weekly markets are locally termed 'Sandhai' in Tamil Nadu.

(ii) Examine the importance of the centre of exchange identified in subpart (i) on the lives of people living in India. [6 Marks]

Answer:
1. Traditional markets reflect the indigenous culture and social fabric of a society, playing a crucial role in preserving rural and tribal customs.
2. In agrarian and rural societies, weekly markets are not merely economic institutions but integrated social spaces that sustain livelihoods and reinforce social structure.
3. These markets act as community gathering places where villagers, traders, artisans, astrologers, and entertainers congregate.
4. They serve as social hubs for interpersonal interaction, alliance building, exchange of news and gossip, and meeting kin members.
5. The spatial arrangement of sellers in traditional markets often mirrors caste and class hierarchies, reflecting inter-group relations within the region.
6. Despite urban connectivity and permanent retail outlets, rural people continue to prefer traditional markets because they offer high sales platforms and community solidarity.

Teacher's Note:
a) Discuss both economic and socio-cultural dimensions of traditional markets in rural and semi-urban India.
b) Ensure points cover social embeddedness, caste-class reflection, and community bonding.