Why Choose Anthropology Optional for UPSC?

Anthropology has emerged as one of the most scoring and sought-after optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. With a crisp and well-defined syllabus, conceptual clarity, and overlap with GS Paper I and Essay, Anthropology is a top choice, especially among science and medical graduates.

In this article, we will cover:

• UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus (Download PDF)
• Best Anthropology Optional Books
• Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
• 6-Month Preparation Strategy
• FAQs for beginners and repeaters

UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus

The syllabus is divided into two papers of 250 marks each. It includes core anthropological theories, Indian tribes, genetics, cultural evolution, and applied anthropology.

? Download Anthropology Optional Syllabus PDF

UPSC Anthropology Optional_Syllabus_Hindi
Paper I: General Anthropology – Evolution, Primatology, Human Genetics, Social Anthropology

Paper II: Indian Anthropology – Tribal development, culture change, caste-tribe continuum, ethno-archaeology

Best Books for UPSC Anthropology Optional

Here’s a carefully curated list of Anthropology books based on topper recommendations and faculty inputs:

? Paper I – Physical & Social Anthropology

• P. Nath – Physical Anthropology
• Ember & Ember – Anthropology (for conceptual clarity)
• Nadeem Hasnain – Social Anthropology
• Majid Husain – Human Geography (for environment & adaptation)
• IGNOU MA/BA Anthropology PDFs

? Paper II – Indian Anthropology

• Nadeem Hasnain – Indian Anthropology
• IGNOU Tribal Anthropology Units
• Xaxa Committee Report on Tribes (highly useful)
• Current Affairs notes (for schemes and policies)

NCERTs: Class 11 & 12 Biology and Sociology are good for basics.

UPSC Anthropology Optional PYQs (Previous Year Questions)

Practicing PYQs is key to understanding the demand of the UPSC exam. Many questions are repeated with slight modifications.

? How to Use PYQs

• Download PYQs from 2013 to 2024
• Organize them topic-wise for Paper I and II
• Write 2 answers daily for practice with self-evaluation

? Sources of PYQs

• UPSC Official Website – www.upsc.gov.in
• PlutusIAS Test Series Booklet
• Online forums like Mrunal, IASScore, and TheHinduZone

Anthropology Optional Preparation Strategy (6-Month Plan)

?️ Month-Wise Plan

• Month 1: Basic concepts, NCERTs, and P. Nath for Paper I
• Month 2: Finish Social Anthropology + start Paper II (Indian Anthropology)
• Month 3: Practice PYQs + answer writing from Paper I
• Month 4: Paper II – tribes, governance, schemes, reports
• Month 5: Test series + revise weak topics
• Month 6: Final revision, diagrams, map practice, tribal case studies

✍️ Answer Writing Tips

• Structure your answer: Intro → Body → Conclusion
• Use diagrams wherever applicable (bone, brain, map, kinship)
• Mention anthropologists like A.L. Kroeber, Malinowski, M.N. Srinivas

? Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Indian Anthropology and focusing only on Paper I
• Not using diagrams and flowcharts
• Skipping tribal development programs and government schemes

Pros and Cons of Anthropology Optional

✅ Pros

• Compact and defined syllabus
• Easy to understand for science/non-history background students
• High scoring with good answer writing
• Useful in Essay and GS I (Society part)

⚠️ Cons

• Some concepts like genetics, osteology can be technical
• Lack of good test evaluation in many institutes

Best Coaching and Mentors for Anthropology Optional

Some of the best Anthropology mentors in India include:

• Dr. Huma Hassan (JNU) – PlutusIAS: Known for diagram-rich notes and individual mentorship
• NextIAS and Sapiens IAS – Provide test series
• TheHinduZone – Offers 1-to-1 mentorship support

PlutusIAS offers: 8 sectional + 4 full-length tests, regular evaluation, and weekly mentorship sessions for Anthropology Optional.

Best anthropology optional coaching

Best anthropology optional teacher

FAQs – Anthropology Optional UPSC

Q1. Is Anthropology good for non-science students?

Yes. Although some topics involve biology, they are very basic and manageable with good guidance.

Q2. What is a good score in Anthropology Optional?

270–300+ is considered a good score. Many toppers have crossed the 320+ mark with consistent practice.

Q3. Do I need coaching for Anthropology?

Self-study is possible, but a mentor for evaluation and structure helps tremendously. Coaching is advisable if you’re starting fresh.

Anthropology optional test series

Anthropology or Sociology which is better optional

Q4. How do I write Anthropology answers?

Use case studies, diagrams, and anthropologist names. Follow a structured approach with introduction-body-conclusion.