Anthropology is the study of human societies, culture, and development. Anthropology optional for UPSC is generally considered a scoring subject and is often the first choice for many of the toppers. Understanding the pros and cons of anthropology optional for UPSC can help you make informed decisions, especially if you aim to perform well in the IAS exam.
But you should only take this subject if you are genuinely interested in it and not on the basis of the number of toppers. If you are not interested in the subject then it is not judicious to take anthropology as an optional subject in IAS.
Why Choose Anthropology as An Optional in UPSC CSE?
There are many benefits of choosing anthropology as an optional subject in the civil services examination (CSE). Anthropology is a science-oriented subject, and is considered relatively easy for science graduates. If you see the recent trends that show many candidates have scored well in anthropology in UPSC mains exam.
Let’s explore why anthropology is indeed a commendable option and anthropology optional pros and cons in detail below.
What are the Pros and Cons of Anthropology Optional in UPSC?
Before starting discussion about pros and cons of anthropology optional in UPSC, it is important to recognize you that every optional subject in UPSC has its unique advantages and disadvantages including Anthropology.
So, let’s discuss on the advantages and disadvantages of anthropology optional for UPSC civil service exam:
Anthropology Optional Advantages for UPSC Mains Exam
Short Syllabus:
Anthropology optional syllabus has been drastically reduced and can be easily covered within a time span of 4 months.
Static Nature:
Anthropology syllabus for UPSC is generally static in nature hence there are not many surprises in the question paper.
Repeated Questions:
Due to the static nature of the syllabus, many questions are repeated from anthropology previous year question papers in the exams.
Scoring Potential:
Most of the diagrams in Anthropology are supported by diagrams and flow charts which leaves scope for scoring good marks in UPSC exam.
Direct Questions:
The questions are also direct and to the point in the question paper. They are objective in nature and not like abstract and subjective.
Overlap with GS and Essay:
There is a huge amount of overlapping with both GS paper 1 and paper 2. Anthropology can also be quoted in various essays on subjects like Internal Security, and biotechnology.
Balanced Optional:
Anthropology is a good option for science and engineering students who want to take up a subject other than their graduation subject. Also with the right guidance like Pradip sir, even you with non science background feel at ease.
Anthropology Optional Disadvantages for UPSC Mains Exam
Limited Resources:
It is very difficult to find quality anthropology optional study material except for some anthropology coaching institutes like Sapiens IAS. So, you have to make anthropology optional notes from scratch.
Complex Theories:
The subject involves various complex theories, particularly in physical anthropology and socio-cultural anthropology. So, you need top anthropology optional faculty guidance like Pradip Sir for deep understanding and clear conceptual clarity.
Limited Guidance:
There are not many sources of guidance for the subject of anthropology. Hence you can join best anthropology coaching like Sapiens IAS or search online Pradip sir anthropology online classes to attend online classes.
Despite all the “pros and cons of anthropology optional” you should take Anthropology only if you are sure that you can devote a minimum of 4-5 hours a day without getting bored.
You should check all the anthropology optional past year papers, go through the anthropology optional syllabus, read blogs and articles, talk to teachers, visit anthropology optional coaching for UPSC to gain further knowledge about the subject, and after careful consideration settle for the subject.
Anthropology Optional Syllabus for UPSC Mains Exam
Anthropology is the study of human societies, culture, and development. Anthropology optional syllabus overlaps with your general studies paper such as society, social injustice, tribal issues, and internal security. It is generally considered a scoring optional subject in IAS and is often the first choice by many of the toppers.
The anthropology UPSC optional syllabus is relatively concise compared to other optional subjects and it is manageable to cover the whole syllabus within a few months of dedicated study. The syllabus is more concept-oriented so you should incorporate relevant examples, case studies and diagrams in your answers to enhance answers and more score.
Best UPSC Coaching for Anthropology Optional Preparation
Sapiens IAS is one of the best coaching institute for anthropology optional, provide the anthropology classes for UPSC. We provide you with a wide range of facilities like offline and online classes for anthropology optional for students who want to take anthropology online classes, doubt-clearing sessions, anthropology test series, and many more.
We believe in result-oriented performance and have made our reputation as best coaching for anthropology optional in Delhi over years old practice and expertise. We offer proper guidance and mentorship from top anthropology optional teacher to understand and be able to connect concepts well.
Top Faculty for Anthropology Optional in UPSC Mains Exam
For those students who are still confused as to is anthropology a good optional for IAS should consult and meet our anthropology optional faculty. We have highly trained and experienced teacher like Mr. Pradip Kumar who has 18 years in depth experience in teaching anthropology. We are here for you and always ready to help you any time.
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Conclusion
Anthropology is one of the best optional subjects for UPSC, if you are willing to invest time in understanding its concepts and theories. Yes, it has several disadvantages like other optional subjects, but with dedication and the right guidance from Pradip sir, you can master anthropology and score high marks.
FAQs on Anthropology Optional Pros and Cons for UPSC
If a student studies for 3-4 hours daily then you can ideally finish the whole syllabus in 4-5 months. But at the end of the day, it totally depends on you.
- Easy to score with diagrams and flowcharts.
- Syllabus can be covered in 4-5 months.
- Significant overlap with GS papers and essay topics.
- Many questions are repeated from previous year papers.
Anthropology could be a good option for engineering students who want to go for the non-tech subjects. However, ultimately the choice is dependent on the interest of you.
- Limited study materials and self-made notes are required.
- Limited guidance and expert teachers available for anthropology.
- Non-science students may struggle with some topics.
Anthropology optional has short syllabus, high scoring potential for its objective nature, overlap with GS and also improve your analytical prowess.
Anthropology is much more than just biology. It also covers sociology however, in Anthropology paper 1, biological Anthropology is a part of the syllabus.
Since anthropology optional has many advantages than disadvantages like:
- Requires strong self-study and note-making skills
- Low and limited study materials available except coaching
- It requires deep understanding, not just memorization.
- Science-oriented topics may be challenging for non-science students.
Yes, there is no doubt anthropology is a good optional subject, especially for science and engineering students, but non-science students can also succeed with dedication and interest in the subject.
Yes, Anthropology is a scoring optional subject in IAS exam for its concise syllabus, objective nature and the ability to present structured, factual answers. Every year many aspirants have achieved high marks in this subject.
