22 Apr Anthropology or Sociology Which is better optional for UPSC CSE mains exam?
Anthropology or Sociology: Which Optional Subject is Better for UPSC CSE?
The selection of the right optional subject in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most important decisions that can impact your Mains score and final rank. With 500 marks allocated to the optional paper, aspirants often find themselves debating between popular humanities subjects like Anthropology and Sociology. Both these optionals have produced several toppers over the years and remain highly sought after. But which one is the better choice for you? In this article, we provide a detailed comparison of Anthropology vs Sociology optional for UPSC CSE to help you make the right decision based on scoring trends, syllabus, overlap with GS papers, and coaching availability.
1. Understanding the Subjects
Anthropology is the study of human evolution, biological aspects, cultural diversity, and tribal communities. It combines elements of both natural science (biology) and social science (culture, society). The subject is diagram-based and factual, making it easy to understand even for beginners without prior background.
Sociology is the scientific study of society, social institutions, relationships, and social change. It focuses on contemporary social issues like caste, gender, globalization, poverty, social movements, and political structures. Sociology has a broader theoretical base and is widely chosen by candidates from various academic streams.
2. Syllabus Comparison
Anthropology syllabus is divided into two papers:
- Paper I: General Anthropology (Physical, Socio-cultural, Archaeological)
- Paper II: Indian Anthropology (Tribal issues, Constitutional provisions, Welfare programs)
Sociology syllabus also consists of two papers:
- Paper I: Sociological Thinkers, Research Methods, Concepts like Social Stratification, Gender, Religion, etc.
- Paper II: Indian Society – Caste, Class, Kinship, Social Movements, Development, and Change
Verdict: Anthropology’s syllabus is more factual and concise, while Sociology’s syllabus is broader with more theoretical discussions.
3. Scoring Potential
Over the last few years, Anthropology has emerged as a high-scoring optional. Many toppers, including Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017), have opted for Anthropology due to its diagram-friendly answers and predictable paper pattern.
Sociology is also a consistent scorer but often depends on writing skills, interpretation, and quality of arguments. The subjective nature of the answers may lead to slight variability in scores between candidates.
According to a Anthropology optional coaching, Anthropology students have been able to complete the syllabus quickly and achieve higher marks in Mains.
4. Overlap with General Studies and Essay
Anthropology overlaps well with:
- GS Paper I: Indian Society, Tribal Issues
- GS Paper II: Welfare schemes for tribals
- GS Paper IV: Ethics (Human values, Social issues)
- Essay: Topics related to human development, social issues
Sociology overlaps with:
- GS Paper I: Indian Society, Social Issues
- GS Paper II: Social Justice, Women and Child Welfare, NGOs
- GS Paper IV: Ethics (Sociological perspectives)
- Essay: Society-related themes like gender equality, globalization, social change
Verdict: Both subjects offer good overlap with GS and Essay papers. Sociology, however, provides a slightly broader integration with GS II and Essay.
5. Background Suitability
Anthropology is suitable for both science and humanities graduates. Biology students may have an added advantage due to familiarity with evolution and genetics topics.
Sociology is suitable for aspirants from humanities, social sciences, or even commerce backgrounds. It doesn’t require prior background, but good analytical and writing skills are crucial.
6. Coaching and Study Material Availability: Dr Huma Hassan a doctorate from JNU is considered best teacher for Anthropology optional
Both subjects have excellent study material and test series available. For Anthropology, expert guidance is available from mentors like Dr. Huma Hassan at PlutusIAS , who is known for structured test series and personal mentorship.
Sociology also has reputed faculty and resources. You can explore this list of best Sociology optional coaching to check top mentors and institutes for Sociology preparation.
7. Time Management and Preparation Strategy
Anthropology can be completed within 3-4 months due to its static nature. Diagram practice and test series are critical to scoring high.
Sociology preparation may take 4-5 months, as it involves reading sociological thinkers, understanding theories, and writing application-based answers. More time is needed for practicing essay-type questions and improving writing style.
8. Question Paper Trend and Difficulty Level
Anthropology questions are mostly direct, factual, and diagram-oriented. Psychology-based human behavior questions are predictable, and diagrams fetch better marks.
Sociology questions require analysis, interpretation of social theories, and application of thinkers’ viewpoints. This makes Sociology papers slightly more subjective in nature.
Visit the UPSC official previous year question papers to analyze Anthropology and Sociology question trends before making your choice.
9. Success Rate and Popularity
Anthropology has seen a high success rate and remains a top-scoring optional among science and engineering graduates. Many aspirants without prior background have also succeeded due to its predictable pattern and static syllabus.
Sociology remains one of the most popular optionals due to its relevance in understanding society and contemporary issues. It is widely chosen by humanities students and has produced several toppers over the years.
Conclusion: Which Optional Should You Choose?
Choosing between Anthropology and Sociology should depend on your academic background, interest, writing skills, and time available for preparation. Here’s a quick summary:
- Choose Anthropology if you prefer a concise syllabus, objective-type questions, diagrams, and faster preparation.
- Choose Sociology if you enjoy writing analytical essays, debating social issues, and are comfortable with theoretical discussions.
Both are excellent optionals with high scoring potential. With the right mentorship and preparation strategy, success in either subject is achievable.
Check out these helpful resources:
- Top Anthropology Coaching Institutes – Oureducation
- Best Sociology Optional Coaching for UPSC – Oureducation
- UPSC Previous Year Question Papers – Official Website
- Best Teachers and Mentors for UPSC Optional – TheHinduZone
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