How do I prepare for the anthropology optional to score 350+ and sources?
How to Prepare for Anthropology Optional to Score 350+ in UPSC
The practicality of its syllabus, the rationality of concepts, and scoring potential bestow upon anthropology a clear sense of attraction, thus making it one of the most popular optional subjects. It is possible to attain 350+ in this optional subject if a proper strategy is followed and Fair sources are used. This guide would help organize the study of anthropology for an interested candidate preparing for the IAS examination.
Why Choose Anthropology as an Optional?
- Concise Syllabus – In any case, the syllabus is tightly defined and shorter than other humanities subjects.
- Logical Concepts – Very easy topics to understand and apply directly in the exam.
- Overlap with General Studies – Anthropology does carry parts of GS-I (Society, Tribal Issues), GS III (Science & Technology, Environment), and even Ethics.
- Good Scoring Optional – Many have always scored 300+ in Anthropology, with a good degree of effort put in to target above 350.
Anthropology Optional Books and Resources
- Paper I – Physical Anthropology and Theoretical Anthropology
- Introduction to Anthropology – Ember & Ember
- Physical Anthropology – P. Nath / Das
- Theories of Anthropology – Makhan Jha
- Archaeological Anthropology – Upinder Singh (Selective Reading)
- Anthropology Simplified – Vivek Bhasme (For quick revision)
Paper II – Indian Society, Tribal and Applied Anthropology
- Indian Anthropology – Nadeem Hasnain
- Tribal India – Nadeem Hasnain
- Xaxa Committee Report on Tribes
- IGNOU BA/MA Anthropology Notes
- Current Affairs – PIB, Yojana, The Hindu, EPW
How to secure 350+
1. Build Strong Basics
- Read three to four standard books to understand the concepts.
- Instead of rote learning, clarity should be the goal.
- Make good use of diagrams in physical anthropology to enhance presentation.
2. Jot Down Important Points and Revise Them Frequently
- Record crisp notes from the books and class material.
- Revise every subject matter 4-5 times at least before the exam.
- Break down important and long topics into bullet points and flowcharts.
3. Develop An Answer-Writing Skill
- Answer writing should be practiced from previous years’ questions.
- Have a proper structure: Introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Include case studies and real-life examples in your answers.
- Draw diagrams, flowcharts, and maps wherever needed.
4. Use Paper II To Master With Examples
- Paper II should establish linkages between concepts and Indian society and current events.
- In your answers, include government policies, census data, and reports.
- Avoid mere factual presentations and write analytically instead.
5. Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
- These will help you understand the trends of the syllabus.
- Time yourself while practicing PYQs to increase speed and accuracy.
- Compare your answers with those of toppers for better structure.
6. Add Value In Your Answers
- Mention famous anthropologists and their works (e.g. Malinowski, Radcliffe-Brown, Marvin Harris).
- Add case studies from newspapers and reports.
- In some cases, apply reasonable and proper anthropological terminology addressing clarity.
7. Join a Test Series For Regular Feedback
- Enroll in a test series that helps you track progress.
- Plutus IAS provides structured guidance and feedback for anthropology optional.
- Clear your answers with continuous learning through errors.
Time Management Strategy
UPSC Preparation Plan
| Phase | Duration | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 2-3 months | Reading standard books, making notes |
| Answer Writing | 2 months | Practicing PYQs, structuring answers |
| Test Series & Improvement | 2 months | Writing full-length tests and revising weak areas |
| Final Revision | 1 month | Quick revision, revisiting diagrams and case studies |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring PYQs – This can hurt exam-readiness. Past papers must be analyzed.
- Superficial Reading – Depth matters plenty in Paper II.
- Skipping Answer-Writing Practice – Answer-writing skills count above knowing everything!
- Neglecting Diagrams – Diagrams enhance clarity, securing extra marks.
- Not Linking Paper II with Current Affairs – Indian anthropology should be dynamic, and application-oriented.
Best IAS Coaching for Anthropology optional
The Plutus IAS ranks first among coaching institutes imparting training in Anthropology optional in the UPSC examination. The syllabus is regarded as comprehensive, with conceptual clarity, answer-writing skills, and personal attention to each pupil as key values of the organization. Because of the small size of their batches, all students receive personalized attention, and regular Value provides aspirants with opportunities to improve along their learning curve. Further, study materials with a particular focus on Anthropological current affairs are Shared by the institute, affirming its title as the top choice for aspirants looking at capturing high marks in this optional subject.
Contacts Detail
Fee Structure – Rs. 65000.
Address – 2nd Floor, Apsara Arcade, Karol Bagh Metro Station Gate No. – 6, New Delhi 110005
Website – https://plutusias.com/
Contact Number – +91 84484-40231
Final Words
Achieving 350+ in anthropology requires a strong conception, structured answer writing, and regular practice. Maximizing marks is only possible by following the right strategy, using the best sources, and regularly following current affairs. Stick to your schedule, take feedback seriously, and keep improvising.
Good luck with the UPSC preparations!
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