Anthropology Optional Syllabus – Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC PDF
By Balaji
Updated on: May 16th, 2023
Anthropology Optional Syllabus includes some interesting topics like human evolution, social structures, cultural evolution, and development. In the past, many IAS toppers have chosen Anthropology as their optional. Aspirants opting for Anthropology as their optional subject must go through the Anthropology Optional Syllabus and come up with a solid strategy to prepare for it. Those who have studied this subject in their curriculum may find the Anthropology UPSC syllabus relevant and easy to cover.
If you are familiar with the Anthropology Optional subject for UPSC, you can make a proper strategy for exam preparation. That is why below we have provided Anthropology UPSC Syllabus PDF. In addition, we will also be covering the best books and preparation strategies for covering the Anthropology Optional Syllabus.
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Anthropology Optional Syllabus
Anthropology Optional Syllabus comprises the study of human beings related to all the aspects such as history, society, culture, and more. Candidates who opt for anthropology optional often find that the syllabus is easy to complete and comprehend due to the vast availability of study material. Anthropology is one of the famous optional subjects in the UPSC exam. One of the main reasons behind its popularity is the availability of study materials. We have mentioned the Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC in brief below. Candidates would get an idea about the types of topics they need to cover in Anthropology.
| Anthropology Optional Papers | Topics under Anthropology Syllabus |
| Paper 1 | Meaning, Scope, Relationship, and Branches of Anthropology, Human Evolution – Primates, Fossils, Biological basis of life, Cultural Evolution, The Nature of Culture, The Nature of Society |
| Paper 2 | Indian Prehistory, Indus Civilisation, Contribution of tribal cultures, Indian Fossils, Ethno-archaeology in India, Demographic and Linguistic Profile, and Indian Social System & Caste System in India |
Anthropology Optional Syllabus PDF
While preparing for the optional subjects for UPSC, a candidate’s first step should be to create a mind map of the syllabus. The approach should be the same while covering the Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC. Candidate needs to know all the topics he/she needs to cover during the preparation. In this case, having a copy of the Anthropology optional syllabus would be beneficial. That’s why we have attached the PDF for Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC that a candidate can refer to during his/her preparation for better results.
Anthropology Optional Syllabus for UPSC Paper 1
The Anthropology Paper 1 Syllabus comprises 12 major topics, further divided into sub-topics. Paper 1 of the Anthropology Optional syllabus includes topics related to the development & scope of anthropology. branches of anthropology, human evolution, biological basic of life, etc.
Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC Paper 2
The Anthropology optional syllabus Paper 2 offers a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of human societies and cultures, which is essential for aspiring civil servants who need to have a deep understanding of the social and cultural contexts of the communities they serve.
How to Prepare Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC?
If you are planning to take Anthropology as your optional subject, then you must be well-prepared to ace it. Anthropology is a vast subject that deals with the study of human evolution, culture, and societies. Let’s see how you can take a strategic approach to prepare for Anthropology Syllabus UPSC.
- Must explore the complete syllabus: The candidate must know the entire Anthropology Optional Syllabus for UPSC before the exam. As there are numerous topics in both Paper 1 and Paper 2, it’s important to understand the syllabus and plan the timeline accordingly.
- Revise the important topics: You should go through the important topics from the Anthropology Syllabus UPSC and revise them on a regular basis. Make sure you solve the UPSC Previous Year Question Paper questions to get to know the priority of multiple topics.
- Make notes: You should make your own Anthropology Notes for UPSC for the important topics, terminology, definitions, theoretical concepts, and many more. You should add some space so that you can add extra resources later.
- Must Practice diagrams and Labeling: There are many diagrams in Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC, so make sure you practice diagrams and do the labeling. Make sure you ensure a neat diagram while answering the questions. Anthropology optional should be prepared thoroughly if you have chosen it for the UPSC Mains or it can cost you another attempt.
- Revision: You need to complete the preparation early, and use the remaining time for revision. As it is a descriptive paper you need to keep revising your notes for maximum retention.
Best Books for Anthropology Optional Syllabus
UPSC Books are the backbone of exam preparation. That’s why it is important to choose the right books to cover the Anthropology Optional Syllabus. There are so many options when it comes to anthropology optional subjects, and aspirants need to be very selective about their choice to make the efficient use of their time.
- Physical Anthropology by P Nath
- Anthropology Simplified by Vivek Bhasme
- Ember and Ember
- Indian Anthropology by Nadeem Hasnain
- Tribal India by Nadeem Hasnain
- Vivek Bhasme’s Anthropology Simplified
- The Tribal Culture of India by LP Vidyarthi
