What is Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC?

Anthropology is one of the Optional Subjects in UPSC , and candidates who have opted for Anthropology as their optional must know the complete Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC. The syllabus comprises topics such as meaning, development, and anthropology, main branches of anthropology, human evolution, nature of culture & society, biological basis of life, etc.

How to download Anthropology Optional Syllabus?

To download the Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC candidates can visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission . Candidates can directly download the syllabus in English from Here as well, and to download the Hindi syllabus they can click Here .

Can I prepare the Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC along with the UPSC Prelims syllabus?

Yes, it is possible to prepare for the Anthropology syllabus and UPSC Prelims Syllabus , but you should have a logical approach and a well-planned strategy for it. In fact, it is recommended that candidates must complete their optional syllabus along with the prelims syllabus.

Is there any overlap between the Anthropology Optional Syllabus and GS syllabus?

Yes, there is an overlap with the GS syllabus Paper 1 and Paper 2, which includes topics like society and social justice, Welfare of weaker sections of society. Additionally, the Anthropology syllabus for UPSC is relevant to GS Paper 4 too. GS 1 Syllabus GS 2 Syllabus GS 3 Syllabus

Is Anthropology Optional Scoring?

It is a popular opinion that Anthropology Optional Syllabus UPSC is easy to complete and comprehend. It is also opted by a lot of applicants, therefore, the study material and guidance is easily accessible. If the candidates prepare the Anthropology Optional Syllabus is a comprehensive manner and revise it multiple times, it can be a scoring subject. So, it is considered as one of the best optional subjects for UPSC .

How to cover Anthropology Optional Syllabus in 6 months?

To comprehensively cover the Syllabus of Anthropology for the UPSC Exam, the first step is to understand the topics included in the syllabus. The next step is to choose the right books and download the Anthropology Previous Year Question Papers to analyze the types of questions asked. Once you understand topic-wise weightage and the best way to cover a topic, create a timetable for 6 months and divide the topics in Anthropology Optional Syllabus. UPSC Mains Preparation UPSC Preparation at Home

What is the UPSC Anthropology Syllabus in Hindi?

Candidates from Hindi medium backgrounds can appear for the exam in Hindi Medium. The Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC in Hindi is pretty much similar to that of the English syllabus. The only difference is the language between them.

Is Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC difficult?

UPSC Anthropology Syllabus is considered an easy subject for science graduates, as most of the topics are based on the concepts of science. In 2017, AIR 1 and AIR 2 both had Anthropology as their optional subject. Many UPSC Toppers in the past have chosen it as their optional subject.

What is the success rate of Anthropology Optional for UPSC?

The UPSC Success Rate of Anthropology is better than most of the optional subjects. In 2015 the success rate was 14.8 and in 2016 it was 10.7. If candidates cover the Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC well, then there is a high chance that they will be able to ace the optional paper.

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Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC – Anthropology Optional Syllabus PDF

By Balaji

Updated on: March 21st, 2023

Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC 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 Syllabus for UPSC and come up with a solid strategy to prepare for it. Those who have studied this subject in their curricula 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 Syllabus for UPSC.

Table of content

1. Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC
2. Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC PDF
3. Anthropology Optional Syllabus for UPSC Paper 1
4. Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC Paper 2
5. How to Prepare for Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC?
6. Best Books for Anthropology Optional Syllabus

Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC

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, Marriage, Family, Kinship, Economic organization
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, Tribal situation in India, The concept of ethnicity, Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development.

Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC 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. Some of the most important books to complete in paper 1 of the Anthropology Optional Syllabus is P. Nath and Ember & Ember. As per UPSC Toppers and exam experts, the use of diagrams and flowchart is paper 1.

Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC Paper 2

There are 6 topics covered in the Paper 2 of the Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC. It can be noticed that the Paper 2 syllabus is shorter than that of the Paper 1 syllabus. Candidates need to take a strategic approach while covering the syllabus. Anthropology Optional Syllabus

How to Prepare for Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC?

Here are some basic preparation tips which you will require in covering the entire Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC Exam.

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 UPSC Exam Preparation. That’s why it is important to choose the right books to cover the Anthropology Optional Syllabus. Regarding UPSC Anthropology Optional Books there are so many options but we have selected the best ones for you below.

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

List of UPSC Optional Subjects Syllabus
UPSC Agriculture Syllabus	UPSC Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Syllabus
UPSC CSAT Syllabus	UPSC Botany Syllabus
UPSC Chemistry Syllabus	UPSC Civil Engineering Syllabus
UPSC Commerce and Accountancy Syllabus	UPSC Economics Syllabus