How to prepare for Anthropology Optional for UPSC CSE?

How to prepare for Anthropology Optional?

• Choose the right resources for preparation. One textbook or resource material should be allotted to the eight major areas of the syllabus- Anthropology Basics, Socio-cultural Anthropology, Anthropological Theories and Research Methods, Linguistic Anthropology, Physical or Biological Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology, Indian Society and Indian Tribes. The allotted resources should be revised multiple times.
• As the subject has overlap with UPSC CSE Prelims (GS Paper I) and Mains GS papers, a study plan should be created accordingly. For example, ‘Indian society’ from Mains GS Paper I can be prepared while preparing Anthropology as an optional subject.
• Previous Years’ Papers should be analyzed diligently. The analysis can help in separating recurring topics and prioritizing them.
• Interesting case studies and diagrams should be revised regularly and should be used frequently while practicing the answer writing for Anthropology.
• Practicing mock tests and frequent evaluation of answers by the subject matter experts can help aspirants in improving their scores in UPSC CSE Main examination.
• Analyzing Toppers’ mock answer sheets can help the aspirants give a fair idea of acquiring different methods that can improve their scores.

Why should one choose Anthropology as an optional subject for UPSC CSE Mains?

• Anthropology is an interesting subject as it answers most of the questions related to humans. For example, the biological basis of institutions like marriage and kinship can be explained through Anthropology.
• Anthropology is a highly scoring subject. The subject has a relative objectivity which is reflected in the study of areas like archaeology and biology. These areas help aspirants fetch good marks.
• The syllabus for Anthropology as an optional subject is comparatively short and largely static. Compared to optionals like PSIR and Sociology, it does not require frequent updation of related Current Affairs. Diligently sticking to the topics in syllabus can assure more than average score in all the areas.
• The questions asked in UPSC CSE Mains for Anthropology optional are largely direct and can be well prepared by analyzing the Previous Years’ Papers.
• Studying Anthropology as an optional can help in GS Paper I preparation for UPSC CSE Prelims by covering areas such as Ancient history and topics from Science and Technology. It can also be useful for UPSC CSE Mains GS Papers I, II and III (topics related to Indian Society, Demography, Biology, Tribal governance etc). It can help aspirants enrich their Essays as well.

Next IAS- Anthropology Optional Foundation Course for CSE- 2024

• Anthropology Optional Foundation Course offers conceptual clarity by the subject matter expert in the field- Dr. Sudhir Kumar.
• Aspirants do not need to worry about the resources as the notes dictated in the classes along with the booklets provided with the course will be sufficient for preparing Anthropology as an optional subject.
• Key highlights of the course are daily assignments and daily evaluations. This will help in enrichment of the answers on a daily basis maintaining the required consistency in the preparation.
• Weekly Class Tests will help students assess their performances and do the course correction if required.
• Detailed Discussions on Previous Year Questions as well as expected questions will offer insights into the pattern analysis for both Anthropology Paper I and II.
• Personalized Mentorship will help students clarify any doubts they have regarding the optional preparation at any given time during the entire course of preparation.