How do I prepare for Anthropology optional for Civil Services?

Answer 1

Anthropology as an optional subject is popular among UPSC aspirants because it is considered scoring and also, its syllabus is relatively less now, after a few portions were omitted. It is also helpful for science students as it is a perfect combination of science and social science. It has certain elements of Biology and anatomy. It also includes social topics in it. As an administrator, some knowledge of anthropology is also helpful.

UPSC MAINS EXAM PATTERN

There are 2 optional papers, as you would be aware.

Optional Paper 1 & Optional Paper 2

Paper I

1. Anthropology - Meaning, etc.
2. Relationship with other disciplines
3. Branches of Anthropology
4. Human Evolution
5. Primates
6. Phylogenetic status, hominids, neanderthal man, homo sapiens etc.
7. Biological basis of life - cell, DNA, Mutation
8. Prehistoric Archaeology
9. Culture
10. Society, Marriage, Family, Kinship
11. Economic organization
12. Political organization and Social Control
13. Religion
14. Anthropological theories
15. Culture, language and communication
16. Research methods
17. Human Genetics
18. Race, racism
19. Epidemiological Anthropology
20. Human growth and development, fertility
21. Demographic theories
22. Applications of Anthropology

Paper II

1. Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization
2. Demographic profile of India
3. Traditional Indian social system, caste, etc.
4. Emergence and growth of anthropology in India
5. Indian Village, Linguistic and religious minorities, socio-cultural change in Indian society
6. Tribals
7. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes

For UPSC Anthropology syllabus PDF download

REASONS TO SELECT ANTHROPOLOGY AS AN OPTIONAL

• If you have an anthropology background.
• Students with any other science background can also opt for this subject as the elements of science in anthropology can make it easier to grasp.
• If you have a genuine interest in this subject, you should definitely go for this optional.
• This subject contains both biological and social topics. The biology-related topics like in physical anthropology are scoring as they are not subjective.
• A good understanding of anthropology also helps you in your Ethics and Essay paper.
• A lot of good study material are also easily available for anthropology IAS exam.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR IAS ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL - TIPS AND STRATEGIES

• Understand the basics of each topic. They will help you correlate topics which is very important in anthropology.
• Always correlate topics while studying and writing answers. You must try and develop interrelationships among the topics. Understand the commonality among concepts (for example, synthetic theory and race formation, though appears to be different are related concepts).
• Understand theories in anthropology as this is essential for a good understanding of social anthropology concepts like marriage, family, kinship, political organisation, etc.
• Always apply concepts to current issues affecting people; and which are in the news regularly. Tribal issues and concerns are very important. Link current problems and realities especially in the Indian context to theoritical concepts.
• Practice diagrams for the physical anthropology part since they fetch more marks and also help explain concepts better.
• Always make good notes while you prepare as it helps you remember more and enable better revision.
• Always refer to previous year question papers while you prepare so that you get a fair idea about the type of questions and the important topics to study.

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