11 Jun How Many Students Take Anthropology as Optional in UPSC
How Many Students Take Anthropology as Optional in UPSC?
Introduction
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is known for its diversity and vast syllabus. One of the most crucial decisions that aspirants make during their preparation journey is selecting the right optional subject for the Mains exam. While many optional subjects have gained or lost popularity over time, Anthropology has emerged as a consistent performer in terms of scoring potential and manageable syllabus. But how many students actually choose Anthropology as their optional subject every year? What are the trends, success rates, and reasons behind its popularity?
In this article, we explore in depth how many students take Anthropology, success rate analysis, benefits and challenges, and the best mentorship available in 2025.
Anthropology Optional: A Snapshot
Anthropology is the study of human evolution, society, culture, and biological diversity. It is one of the most opted-for optional subjects among science graduates, medical students, and even humanities aspirants due to its interdisciplinary nature.
The subject is divided into two papers:
- Paper I: General anthropology – physical anthropology, archaeology, and social anthropology.
- Paper II: Indian anthropology – tribal India, constitutional safeguards, issues, and development programs.
How Many Students Choose Anthropology Optional?
The number of candidates opting for Anthropology as an optional subject has seen significant growth over the last decade, particularly after several toppers scored exceptionally high with this subject.
| Year | Students Appeared | Students Selected | Success Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2,154 | 43 | 2.0% |
| 2017 | 2,566 | 52 | 2.03% |
| 2019 | 3,431 | 76 | 2.21% |
| 2021 | 4,988 | 118 | 2.36% |
| 2023 | Approx. 5,300 | Data Awaited | — |
In 2025, the estimated number of aspirants taking Anthropology is expected to be in the range of 5,000 to 5,800. This number puts Anthropology among the top 6 most opted UPSC optional subjects.
Why Anthropology is Gaining Popularity
Several factors have contributed to the rise in the number of students taking Anthropology as optional:
- Scientific but Lucid: The subject uses scientific terminology but remains logical and relatively easy to grasp even for non-science students.
- Compact and Defined Syllabus: Unlike History or Geography, the Anthropology syllabus is well-defined and can be completed in 4–5 months.
- Scoring Nature: With diagrams, flowcharts, and structured answers, Anthropology helps students score 270+ easily with proper strategy.
- Overlap with GS and Essay: Some portions such as tribal issues, social justice, and development are helpful in GS Paper II and III.
- Direct Questions: UPSC has maintained the trend of asking mostly direct and static questions, especially in Paper I.
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Toppers Who Took Anthropology Optional
Anthropology has helped many aspirants secure top ranks in recent years. Some notable examples include:
- Gaurav Agarwal (AIR 1, 2013): A former IITian, Gaurav scored exceptionally in Anthropology.
- Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017): Though known for Public Administration, Anthropology remained one of the subjects he studied deeply during earlier attempts.
- Many candidates in the top 100 in 2021–2023 cracked UPSC with Anthropology due to its scoring and structured nature.
Challenges with Anthropology Optional
Despite being high scoring, Anthropology comes with its set of challenges:
- Paper II Complexity: Indian anthropology is vast and often confusing due to overlapping tribal case studies.
- Answer Writing Practice Required: The subject demands diagrams and use of anthropological terms even in theoretical answers.
- Lack of Updated Resources: Standard books like Ember & Ember, P. Nath, and Nadeem Hasnain are not fully aligned with UPSC format.
- Case Study Memorization: Paper II requires strong command over examples from tribal India and constitutional provisions.
Best Teacher for Anthropology Optional in 2025
Choosing the right mentor is essential for success. One of the most trusted names in India for Anthropology optional is Dr. Huma Hassan, who teaches at PlutusIAS.
She is known for:
- Clear explanation of complex concepts from both Paper I and II.
- Scientific background in Zoology, ensuring in-depth understanding of biological anthropology.
- Structured notes with diagrams, terminologies, and tribal case studies.
- One-to-one mentorship, test evaluation, and answer writing feedback.
Under her guidance, several students have scored 280+ in Anthropology optional and made it to the final list.
Anthropology Optional vs Other Popular Subjects
| Optional Subject | Approx. Students (2023) | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 9,200 | 1.95% |
| PSIR | 8,700 | 1.82% |
| Anthropology | 5,300 | 2.36% |
| History | 6,800 | 1.22% |
| Geography | 7,200 | 1.41% |
Conclusion
To sum up, around 5,000 to 5,800 students opt for Anthropology every year in UPSC CSE Mains, and the trend is growing. Thanks to its scoring potential, defined syllabus, and guidance from expert mentors like Dr. Huma Hassan at PlutusIAS, Anthropology remains a strong contender for aspirants aiming to clear the exam in fewer attempts.
If you are looking for an optional that balances science and humanities, helps you score high with smart preparation, and doesn’t overwhelm you with unpredictability, Anthropology may be the right fit for UPSC 2025.
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