Anthropology is perhaps the only optional of which the syllabus has been changed significantly. Though Anthropology has lost its old glory, it is likely to be popular again with aspirants. Here are a few tips and simple ways that would help candidates in Anthropology preparation who have taken it has an optional subject for IAS Exam. Before going deep into the preparation let’s take a look at the advantages of choosing anthropology as an optional subject. It is a scoring subject, interesting and easy to grasp particularly for science graduates. Here are a few best ways for Anthropology Preparation:

Anthropology Syllabus

1. Know the syllabus:

Anthropology is divided into two papers: PAPER – I covers:

1. Physical Anthropology
2. Social Anthropology
3. Theories
4. Miscellaneous – demography, research methodology etc

PAPER-II consists:

1. Prehistory in India
2. Indian social system
3. Indian tribes and their problems

2. Preparation of Anthropology for Mains

Any preparation requires a focused and systematic study plan and IAS aspirants who choose this subject as optional it is advisable to them to start the preparation at the earliest. Some of the useful books to refer for Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC Exam are:

Anthropology Books for UPSC

1. Nath (preferred) or Das for physical anthropology. P. Nath would be very useful for miscellaneous topics
2. Social anthropology by Maunder/Madan
3. Makhan Jha’s book of Anthropology theories
4. Indian anthropology by R.N. Sharma
5. Indian anthropology by Nadeem Hasnain

Some tips for Anthropology Preparation:

• Always start early better to start the preparation once the UPSC Preliminary Examination is over.
• Focus on Physical Anthropology and theory-based questions as social anthropology fetch lesser marks relatively.
• Do not skip any case study, when you find any case studies make not of it and relate it with the syllabus that requires an elaborate explanation of the concept.
• Practice diagrams for the physical part as diagrams will eventually fetch more marks to a candidate.
• It is recommended not to go for selective study as it is risky and do not neglect the theory part.
• Making notes for theory and miscellaneous part is suggested as material for these is not available.
• Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and developments in Anthropology from the newspaper, magazines or the internet.
• Last but not the least, work on old question papers of Anthropology and it is advised to write the questions under each unit as this will give an idea of different proportions of each question and topic.

3. Role of Diagrams in Anthropology Preparation

• Diagrams given with relevant and clear information will be more appealing, hence neat diagrams in Physical Anthropology will be an edge for candidates. Hence, advised practising diagrams.
• Moreover, diagrams are significant as candidates can draw a picture which makes them write an explanation of the concept easy
• Candidates can also make use of flowchart as again it gives an edge over others.
• So, practice diagrams as it will fetch a candidate more marks.

Eventually, with a focused preparation that includes good strategy and guidance nothing can stop an IAS aspirant in touching that milestone.

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