UPSC Mains – How to Prepare for Anthropology Optional? What is the success rate of Anthropology optional in UPSC?

Is anthropology a viable UPSC option? How do we pick the appropriate optional subject? Can we get a better grade if we choose anthropology? In that case, there’s no need to worry because this article will clear up all of your doubts and problems. Before selecting the optional subject, these are the main queries in every aspirant’s mind.

Many CSE aspirants choose to major in anthropology. This increases your chances of passing the exam and puts you closer to the local knowledge. The choice of the ideal optional subject for them is the most important one for UPSC hopefuls.

Making the right optional decision is very important and difficult. If you are stressed about making this crucial choice and considering anthropology, we must inform you that it is a decent option for the IAS Exam, but a lot relies on how much emphasis you put on conceptual comprehension. There are several guidelines to remember when choosing an optional subject. Out of the list of optional subjects for the IAS exam, you must choose the one that best suits you.

The only subject for the UPSC test is anthropology. In order to perform better on the test, many candidates chose this subject. This is a fantastic subject, but in order to finish it and perform the most revisions, you must manage your time during the preparation.

Science graduates often choose anthropology since it is filled with scientific ideas. The affiliated students chose this field since they feel it to be simpler and more rewarding for them because of this. Because this topic is science-focused and demands clear and concise responses to each question, you must study well for the main exam. Therefore, it is recommended to join am IAS coaching institute for better performance.

Anthropology – Benefits

  • Direct and specific questions are posed in the study.
  • You must provide clear, concise responses to the questions posed to receive credit for your replies. It scores higher when compared to subjects in the humanities. The majority of the questions on this exam are scientific, therefore you can save time and get better grades by creating flowcharts or diagrams to represent the solution.
  • Students studying science and engineering should consider it because they are familiar with the fundamentals and know-how to apply them to succeed academically. It is an option for students who don’t want to continue with their graduate subjects.
  • The subject’s syllabus is not overly complicated or long. If the proper plan, time management, and study material are used, it might be finished in 4-5 months.
  • It is simple to comprehend, and both online and offline learning resources are offered. For scoring, this subject’s performance has proven reliable.
  • Through this course, biology and biotechnology are covered in great detail. 
  • If you have studied anthropology, issues like society and social justice will be simple and straightforward for you to score on.

Anthropology – Syllabus – Paper 1

  1. Meaning, Scope and development of Anthropology, Relationships with other disciplines, Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance, Human Evolution and the emergence of Man, The biological basis of Life, Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology. Chronology, Cultural Evolution. 
  2. Nature of Culture, Society, Marriage, Family, Kinship
  3. Economic Organization
  4. Political Organization and Social Control
  5. Religion
  6. Anthropological theories
  7. Culture, Language, and Communication
  8. Research methods in Anthropology
  9. Human Genetics
  10. Concept of human growth and Development
  11. Relevance of menarche, menopause, and other bioevents to fertility. Fertility patterns and differentials.
  12. Applications of Anthropology

Anthropology – Syllabus – Paper 2

  1. Evolution of Indian Culture & Civilization, Palaeo, Ethno-archaeology in India
  2. Demographic Profile of India
  3. Structure & Nature of Traditional Indian Social System, Caste System in India, Sacred Complex and Nature-Man-Spirit Complex, Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Christianity on Indian society. 
  4. Emergence, growth, and development in India
  5. Indian Village, Linguistic and religious minorities and their social, political, and economic status, Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change in Indian society.
  6. The tribal situation in India, Problems of the tribal Communities
  7. Problems of exploitation and deprivation of SC, ST, and OBC, Social change and contemporary tribal societies. 
  8. Tribe and nation-state, Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions on tribal societies.
  9. History of administration of tribal areas, Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development.

Anthropology – Books – Paper 1

  • Introducing Sociology NCERT Class XI
  • Biology NCERT book For Class Xll (Chapter 5, 6, 7)
  • An Introduction to Social-Cultural Anthropology – N.K Vaid
  • An Introduction to Social Anthropology – D.N. Majumdar and T.N. Madan (for basic understating of Anthropology)
  • Anthropological Theories – Makhan Jha
  • Measuring Time (Chapter 2) of Indian Prehistory – D.K Bhattacharya
  • Biology NCERT Class XII
  • Physical Anthropology – P. Nath
  • IGNOU MA Course for Anthropology

Anthropology – Books – Paper 2

  • Indian Anthropology – Nadeem Hasnain
  • Indian Society – NCERT Class XII
  • Social Change and Development in India – NCERT Class XII
  • Tribal India – Nadeem Hasnain
  • Xaxa Committee Report
  • Tribal Culture Of India – L P Vidyarathi
  • Tribal Ministry Website
  • IGNOU MA Course For Anthropology