Anthropology is a popular optional subject in the UPSC exam, which has consistently been among the top 10 optional subjects chosen by candidates in recent years. The subject has gained relevance in the current scenario due to its ability to provide a holistic understanding of diverse societies and cultures.
This article shares the UPSC Anthropology Optional Strategy along with the Study Materials, writing techniques, UPSC Anthropology optional success rate. Also, you can get the discussion and analysis of this! Continue reading to learn more!.
Is Anthropology a good option for UPSC?
Anthropology can be a good option for the UPSC exam, especially for those with a background in social sciences or an interest in studying human societies and cultures. Anthropology is one of the optional subjects offered in the UPSC exam, and it covers a wide range of topics such as social structure, cultural institutions, kinship, and belief systems. One of the advantages of choosing Anthropology as an optional subject is that it is a relatively small and focused discipline, which means that the syllabus is not too vast compared to some other subjects. This can make it easier for candidates to cover the entire syllabus in a limited time frame and score well in the exam.
However, like with any other optional subject, it is important to consider one’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses before choosing Anthropology. Candidates should also thoroughly research the syllabus, previous year’s question papers, and the availability of study materials and coaching before making a decision.
UPSC Anthropology Optional Strategy:
1. Understanding the syllabus:
- It is important to read the syllabus of every option before deciding on it. The candidate’s strategy for Anthropology Optional begins with decoding the syllabus and determining which areas of concern he has. This will help you get a better understanding of the matter.
- Recommended UPSC Anthropology optional books:
- · Physical Anthropology – P. Nath
- · Indian Anthropology – R.N.Sharm
- · Outlines of Physical Anthropology – B.M.Das
- · Tribal India – Nadeem Hasnain
- · An Introduction to Social Anthropology – Majumdar & Madan
- · An Introduction to Social Anthropology – Makhan Jha
- · Tribal India – Nadeem Hasnain
- · Indian Anthropology – Nadeem Hasnain (Good source of case studies
2. How to prepare Anthropology optional Subject for UPSC:
The next step in this preparation is to gather all of the necessary resources. They must leave no stone unturned, collect all the available tools, and enroll in a proper coaching class for their needs and write mock tests. Since the marks on the optional subject paper are so important in determining your ultimate final score, you must do it extremely well on your chosen paper. Since the majority of the papers are required for all the aspirants, the optional paper is the only one that will make your fate.
Important Topics in Anthropology Papers I and II
- · Holism
- · Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Cultures
- · Neolithic revolution
- · Linguistic Anthropology
- · Neolithic revolution
- · Branches of Anthropology, various dating techniques
- · Relevance of Anthropology
- · Family
- · Marriage
- · Society
- · Copper bronze age
- · Language, culture, and communication
- · Culture, civilization
UPSC Anthropology optional success rate:
The number of Anthropology applicants for the IAS is small, but their success rate is great. You are bound to get good marks in this subject if you try it out. Amongst all those toppers, many had this as an optional subject. The success rate is around 10% – 12%
Previous Years Rankers in UPSC who have taken Anthropology as an optional subject
| Name | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Anudeep Durishetty | 1 | 2017 |
| Sachin Gupta | 3 | 2017 |
| Koya Sree Harsha | 6 | 2017 |
| Milind Bapna | 61 | 2016 |
| Devendra Kumar | 97 | 2016 |
| Samir Saurabh | 127 | 2016 |
| Kirthi Chekuri | 14 | 2015 |
| Neha Kumari | 26 | 2014 |
| Arunraj | 34 | 2014 |
| Raja Gopal Sunkara | 49 | 2014 |
UPSC Anthropology Optional Subject: FAQs
Anthropology is a very interesting subject and you can score well using the good strategies listed above.
Selecting the best optional subject is a significant decision for UPSC aspirants. It is an interesting subject, so you can choose it! and coming to the preparation strategies, we have shared that information above.
In this article, we have shared the syllabus and strategies of Anthropology optional subject briefly. Candidates can check it out and start preparing well.
In this article, we have briefly shared the details about this subject’s success rate. Candidates can check it out and start preparing well.
This article shares all the important details regarding UPSC Anthropology Optional Strategy. continue reading to learn more.