Anthropology is an optional that is having high popularity among IAS aspirants in UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam. As per data about 500 candidates choose this subject in UPSC CSE Mains as the optional subject every year.

Course Descriptions:

• Recorded Lectures
• Course Duration: 100+ Hrs.
• Course Validity: 1 Year
• Faculty Handouts (PDF)
• Faculty: Dr. Pranoti Sankpal, IFS AIR 501
• Personal Guidance

1. Overview: Anthropology is the scientific study of human societies, cultures, and biological development over time. As an optional subject for the UPSC exam, the Anthropology syllabus covers various aspects related to human evolution, social and cultural diversity, kinship systems, socio-cultural institutions, and human adaptations to different environments.

2. Syllabus: The syllabus for Anthropology is quite comprehensive and is divided into two parts: Paper-I and Paper-II. Each paper covers different aspects of Anthropology, and candidates are required to choose any one subject for the examination.

Paper-I includes the following topics:

• Introduction to Anthropology
• Evolution of Man and Culture
• Human Genetics
• Human Growth and Development
• Primates and Fossil Evidence
• Race and Racism
• Demographic Anthropology
• Migration and Human Adaptations
• Indian Anthropology: Tribal and Non-Tribal Societies

Paper-II includes the following topics:

• Sociocultural Anthropology
• Marriage, Family, and Kinship
• Political and Economic Organization
• Religion and Rituals
• Language and Communication
• Ethnicity, Identity, and Culture
• Tribal and Peasant Movements
• Applied Anthropology
• Contemporary Issues and Debates in Anthropology

3. Preparation and Strategy: Aspirants opting for Anthropology as their optional subject must have a strong understanding of human societies, cultures, and evolution. The subject demands a comprehensive approach to memorize factual details, theories, and case studies. Candidates should focus on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications in contemporary society.

Here are some tips for preparing Anthropology as an optional subject for UPSC:

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and plan your study schedule accordingly.
• Refer to standard textbooks recommended by UPSC and make notes for quick revision.
• Practice writing answers regularly to develop your analytical and presentation skills.
• Use case studies and examples to support your answers, showing practical application of anthropological theories.
• Stay updated with recent developments and issues related to Anthropology, especially in the context of India.
• Join coaching institutes or online courses specifically designed for Anthropology optional preparation.

Remember, choosing Anthropology as an optional subject requires dedication and consistent effort. Make sure to focus on a multidimensional approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, to excel in the examination.