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Aditi Sinha August 14, 2023 04:19 13248 0
Ace the UPSC Anthropology Optional with insights from toppers, recommended books, previous year questions (PYQs), and comprehensive notes.
Anthropology optional has emerged as a favored optional subject among UPSC aspirants, offering a profound understanding of human society, culture, and evolution. In this article we will go deeper into the anthropology optional syllabus, previous year questions (PYQs), recommended books, notes, and insights from toppers to assist you in navigating this subject effectively.
What is the Anthropology Subject?
Anthropology explores into the scientific study of humankind, exploring themes like human evolution, social structures, cultural development, and societal progress. The UPSC syllabus for Anthropology is comprehensive, covering various aspects such as the foundation and history of the discipline, its connections to other fields, and its four main branches: social-cultural, biological, archaeological, and linguistic anthropology.
Anthropology optional Syllabus also covers human evolution, the essence of culture and society, economic systems and social change, kinship structures, marriage and family dynamics, religious beliefs and practices, political systems and social control mechanisms, caste systems and tribal communities, gender and development issues, cultural communication, and anthropological research methodologies. By studying this subject, candidates gain a critical perspective on human societies and cultures, equipping them with valuable knowledge for a civil service career.
The anthropology optional syllabus is meticulously crafted to encompass various facets of human evolution, society, and culture. It consists of two papers i.e Paper 1 and Paper 2.
The UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper 1 syllabus consists of 12 main topics, each with its own sub-topics. In Paper 1 of the Anthropology Optional syllabus, you will study subjects such as the development and scope of anthropology, different branches of anthropology, human evolution, the biological foundations of life, and more.
Paper 1: Syllabus
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UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus Paper 2 provides a detailed exploration of the rich diversity found within human societies and cultures. This knowledge is crucial for aspiring civil servants as it enables them to develop a deep understanding of the social and cultural contexts of the communities they will serve. The topics covered in Paper 2 of the Anthropology UPSC Syllabus include the Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization, Ethno-archaeology in India, the Caste system in India, and more.
Paper 2: Syllabus
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The anthropology optional paper comprises two papers, each carrying 250 marks, totaling 500 marks. Paper I predominantly deals with theoretical frameworks and conceptual understanding, while Paper II emphasizes the application of anthropological knowledge, particularly in the context of India. Each paper is divided into two sections. Both sections have four questions. Question 1 from section 1 and Question 5 from section 2 are compulsory. Out of the remaining 6 questions, candidates are allowed to choose their questions. Here, Candidates have to apply their strategy by picking the most mark-fetching questions where they feel they can write the best answer.
Year | UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Papers PDF Link |
2023 | UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 1 |
2022 | UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 1
UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 2 |
2021 | UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 1
UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 2 |
2020 | UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 1
UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 2 |
2019 | UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 1
UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 2 |
2018 | UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 1
UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper 2 |
There are several benefits to choosing anthropology as an optional subject, especially if candidates are interested in understanding human societies and cultures. Here are some of the key advantages:
Success in the UPSC examination depends on various factors, including the choice of the optional subject. Anthropology has witnessed a fair share of success stories, with candidates securing commendable scores. The subject’s interdisciplinary approach allows candidates to connect anthropological theories with current societal issues, enhancing their chances of success.
The table below offers a comprehensive overview of the success rate achieved by candidates who opted for Anthropology during this period:
UPSC Anthropology Optional Success Rate | |||
Year | Number of Candidates | Number of Candidates Selected | Success Rate (%) |
2020 | 1211 | 100 | 8.30% |
2019 | 1189 | 108 | 9.1 |
2018 | 797 | 65 | 8.2 |
2017 | 880 | 85 | 9.7 |
Anthropology is a popular optional subject for UPSC aspirants due to its interdisciplinary nature and relevance to various aspects of society. Aspirants often find it engaging and rewarding to study the evolution of human societies, cultures, and behaviors.
Over the years, Anthropology has maintained a steady popularity among UPSC aspirants. The subject’s comprehensive coverage of human society, its dynamic nature, and its applicability to contemporary challenges make it a subject of choice for many.
Candidates who have chosen Anthropology as their elective subject can greatly benefit from completing previous year’s UPSC Anthropology Question Papers. This practice provides them with valuable insights into the expected question patterns, test format, and other crucial aspects of the examination. Anthropology, being an optional subject, is known for featuring 5–6 recurring themes, either directly or indirectly, each year.
This characteristic makes it a high-scoring and weighty optional subject. By solving UPSC Anthropology Previous Year Question Papers, candidates can assess and improve their speed, accuracy, time management skills, and pinpoint the specific themes they should focus on for their Philosophy optional paper. Additionally, comprehending the UPSC Anthropology Optional Question Paper Trend Analysis aids candidates in streamlining their preparation strategy for this optional subject more effectively.
Analyzing the responses of successful candidates can provide valuable guidance on effective exam strategies. Toppers typically emphasize a thorough grasp of core concepts, succinct yet comprehensive articulation of ideas, and the integration of illustrative examples and case studies to bolster arguments.
Name | Year | Marks | Rank |
Nidhi Pal | 2022 | 325 | 36 |
Shubham Kumar | 2020 | 320 | 1 |
Mandar Patki | 2019 | 286 | 22 |
Yogesh Patil | 2019 | 285 | 63 |
Akshat Jain | 2018 | 335 | 2 |
Lakshmi | 2018 | 362 | 45 |
Anudeep Durishetty | 2017 | 318 | 1 |
Comprehensive notes are indispensable for effective preparation. These notes should encompass all topics outlined in the syllabus, presented with clarity and coherence. While many coaching institutes offer anthropology optional notes, candidates can also compile their own by synthesizing information from standard textbooks and online resources.
A selection of recommended books for anthropology optional preparation includes:
Anthropology Papers | Recommended Books |
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These textbooks offer comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and are endorsed by both toppers and subject matter experts.
The anthropology optional question paper is designed to evaluate candidates’ comprehension of anthropological concepts, analytical abilities, and written communication skills. It is imperative to meticulously read and interpret each question, strategize the response structure, and present arguments cogently within the stipulated time frame.
In summary, anthropology presents a captivating exploration of human societies and cultures. With diligent preparation utilizing the syllabus, previous year questions, recommended readings, notes, and insights from successful candidates, aspirants can navigate this subject proficiently and excel in the UPSC examinations. It represents an enriching journey of discovery into the complexities of human existence and behavior, offering invaluable insights for those aspiring to comprehend the intricacies of the world around them.
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