UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Books
Government Schemes
Topics
NASA Space Missions
Anthropology Syllabus For UPSC CSE Optional Mains 2025, Download PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
UPSC Eligibility
UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Previous Year Question Paper
UPSC Books
UPSC Posts List and Salary
UPSC Interview
UPSC Online Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Anthropology continues to be one of the most popular and high-scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, chosen by hundreds of aspirants each year. The Anthropology Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025 Examination is divided into two papers, with each carrying 250 marks. Among the domains covered are social-cultural Anthropology, biological Anthropology, and application of anthropological knowledge to Indian contexts.
Anthropology has helped many toppers secure top ranks—like Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017), Vishal Narwade (AIR 42, 2020), and Gaurav Kaushal (AIR 38, 2012), and among others. So, If you're planning to appear for the UPSC 2025 exam which will be held on 25th May 2025 (Sunday).This makes it the perfect time to get a head start on mastering the Anthropology Optional Syllabus.
We have Comprehensively prepared Anthropology Optional Notes to support your UPSC Exam 2025 Prep Journey. Download these PDFs For Free!
UPSC Anthropology Paper Overview
UPSC Anthropology Syllabus 2025 carries an all-inclusive breadth of study that concentrates on theoretical as well as practical aspects, which are supposed to check the candidates knowledge. The syllabus has been divided into two major papers focused on different areas. The time duration to attempt the UPSC Anthropology paper is 3 hours. Each paper would have objective answer-type questions. There is no negative marking.
- Paper I of the Anthropology optional focuses on the foundational and theoretical aspects of the subject. It covers areas such as Physical Anthropology, Anthropological Theories, and Research Methodologies.
- Paper 2 of the Anthropology optional focuses on the applied part and Indian context of Anthropology like Indian Anthropology, tribal problems, and contemporary works in Anthropology etc.
|
UPSC Anthropology Paper Overview |
|||
|
Sl. No. |
UPSC IAS Mains Papers |
Subject |
Marks |
|
1. |
Paper VI |
Optional Subject Paper-I |
250 |
|
2. |
Paper VII |
Optional Subject Paper-II |
250 |
|
TOTAL |
500 |
||
|
Time Duration |
3 hours |
||
Get the detailed UPSC CSE Exam Pattern 2025!
UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus
Candidates who have selected Anthropology as their optional subject must study a lot for both the papers. Paper 1 discusses broad themes such as physical Anthropology, archaeological Anthropology, and social-cultural Anthropology, giving a good grounding in the subject. Paper 2 goes into the practice of Anthropology in Indian situations. Topics discussed range from tribal cultures, roles of Anthropology in development, and contemporary themes.
UPSC Anthropology Syllabus PDF Download!
UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus for Paper 1
Some of the important basic topics which have got incorporated into the Anthropology UPSC Syllabus of the optional paper 1 are:
- Physical Anthropology deals with human evolution, genetics, adaptations, and human growth.
- Archaeological Anthropology deals with prehistoric cultures and dating methodologies with regard to archaeological findings.
- The section on Social-Cultural Anthropology deals with kinship, family, marriage, social institutions, economic and political systems, and religion.
- Anthropological Theories provide classical as well as modern views by prominent anthropologists.
- Lastly, Research Methods teach fieldwork techniques, ethnographic studies, and scientific methods for qualitative and quantitative research in Anthropology.
The table below gives a detailed view of the the key topics of the syllabus of Anthropology Optional for UPSC Paper 1:
|
UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 Syllabus |
|
|
Topics of UPSC Optional Anthropology Syllabus |
Sub-Topics/Details |
|
Relationship with Other Subjects |
Social Science, Behavioural Science, Life Sciences, Medical Science, Earth Science, Humanities |
|
Social-cultural Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology |
|
|
Evolution of Humans and Emergence of Man |
|
|
Theories related to Organic Evolution (Pre-Darwinian, Darwinian, Post-Darwinian) |
|
|
Evolutionary Biology Terms and Concepts |
|
|
Doll’s Rule, Cope’s Rule, Gause’s Rule, Parallelism, Convergence, Adaptive Radiation, Mosaic Evolution |
|
|
Primate Adaptation |
|
|
Arboreal, Terrestrial, Primary Behaviour |
|
|
Tertiary and Quaternary Fossil Primates |
|
|
Living Major Primates |
|
|
Comparative Anatomy of Man and Apes |
|
|
Skeletal Changes due to Improper Posture |
|
|
Phylogenetic Status, Characteristics, and Geographical Distribution |
Plio-Pleistocene Hominids: Australopithecines |
|
Homo erectus: Africa, Europe, Asia (Paranthropus, Heidelbergensis, Javanicus, Pekinensis) |
|
|
Neanderthal Man: La-Chapelle-aux-Saints, Mt Carmel |
|
|
Rhodesian Man |
|
|
Homo sapiens: Cromagnon, Grimaldi, Chancelade |
|
|
The Biological Basis of Life |
Cell, DNA Structure and Replication |
|
Protein Synthesis, Genes, Mutation, Chromosomes |
|
|
Cell Division |
|
|
Chronology: Relative and Absolute Dating Methods |
|
|
Cultural Evolution: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Copper-Bronze Age, Iron Age |
|
|
Concept and Characteristics of Culture and Civilisation |
|
|
Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism |
|
|
Concept of Society, Culture and Society, Social Institutions |
|
|
Social Groups, Social Stratification |
|
|
Marriage |
Definition and Universality, Laws of Marriage |
|
Endogamy, Exogamy, Hypergamy, Hypogamy |
|
|
Incest Taboo, Types of Marriage (Monogamy, Polygamy, Polyandry, Group Marriage) |
|
|
Functions of Marriage, Regulations of Marriage (Preferential, Prescriptive, Proscriptive) |
|
|
Marriage Payments: Bride Wealth, Dowry |
|
|
Family |
Definition and Universality, Family, Household, Domestic Groups |
|
Functions of Family, Types of Family (Structure, Blood Relation, Marriage, Residence, Succession) |
|
|
Impact of Urbanisation, Industrialisation, Feminist Movements on Family |
|
|
Kinship |
Consanguinity and Affinity, Types and Principles of Descent |
|
Unilineal, Double, Bilateral, Ambilineal Descent |
|
|
Forms of Descent Groups: Lineage, Clan, Phratry, Moiety, Kindred |
|
|
Kinship Terminology (Descriptive and Classificatory) |
|
|
Descent Filiation, Complimentary Filiation, Descent and Alliance |
|
|
Economic Organization |
Meaning, Scope, and Relevance of Economic Anthropology |
|
Formalist and Substantivist Debate |
|
|
Principles Governing Production, Distribution, and Exchange: Reciprocity, Redistribution, Market |
|
|
Economic Practices in Various Communities: Hunting and Gathering, Fishing, Swiddening (Slash-and-Burn), Pastoralism, Horticulture, Agriculture |
|
|
Globalisation and Indigenous Economic Systems |
|
|
Political Organisation and Social Control |
Band, Tribe, Chiefdom, Kingdom, State |
|
Concepts of Power, Authority, Legitimacy |
|
|
Social Control, Law, Justice in Simple Societies |
|
|
Religion |
Anthropological Approaches to the Study of Religion (Evolutionary, Psychological, Functional) |
|
Monotheism and Polytheism, Sacred and Profane |
|
|
Myths, Rituals, Forms of Religion in Tribal and Peasant Societies |
|
|
Animism, Animatism, Fetishism, Naturism, Totemism |
|
|
Religion, Magic, Science Distinguished |
|
|
Magico-religious Functionaries: Priest, Shaman, Medicine Man, Sorcerer, Witch |
|
|
Anthropological Theories |
Classical Evolutionism: Tylor, Morgan, Frazer |
|
Historical Particularism: Boas |
|
|
Diffusionism: British, German, American |
|
|
Functionalism: Malinowski, Structural-Functionalism: Radcliffe-Brown |
|
|
Structuralism: Levi-Strauss, E.Leach |
|
|
Culture and Personality: Benedict, Mead, Linton, Kardinar, Cora-du Bois |
|
|
Neo-Evolutionism: Childe, White, Steward, Sahlins, Service |
|
|
Cultural Materialism: Harris |
|
|
Symbolic and Interpretive Theories: Turner, Schneider, Geertz |
|
|
Cognitive Theories: Tyler, Conklin |
|
|
Postmodernism in Anthropology |
|
|
Culture, Language and Communication |
Nature, Origin, Characteristics of Language |
|
Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Social Context of Language Use |
|
|
Research Methods in Anthropology |
Fieldwork Tradition, Technique, Method, Methodology |
|
Tools of Data Collection: Observation, Interview, Schedules, Questionnaire, Case Study, Genealogy, Life History, Oral History |
|
|
Secondary Sources, Participatory Methods |
|
|
Analysis, Interpretation, and Presentation of Data |
|
|
Human Genetics |
Methods and Applications |
|
Pedigree Analysis, Twin Study, Foster Child, Co-twin Methods |
|
|
Cytogenetic Methods: Chromosomal, Karyotype Analysis, Biochemical Methods, Immunological Methods, DNA Technology, Recombinant Technologies |
|
|
Mendelian Genetics in Man-Family Study |
Single Factor, Multifactor, Sub-lethal, Polygenic Inheritance |
|
Mendelian Population, Hardy-Weinberg Law, Frequency Mutation, Isolation, Migration, Selection, Inbreeding, Genetic Drift, Consanguineous vs Non-consanguineous Mating, Genetic Load |
|
|
Chromosomes and Chromosomal Aberration in Man |
Numerical and Structural Aberrations (Disorders) |
|
Sex Chromosomal Aberrations: Klinefelter (XXY), Turner (XO), Super Female (XXX), Intersex, Other Syndromic Disorders |
|
|
Autosomal Aberrations: Down Syndrome, Patau Syndrome, Edward Syndrome, Cri-du-chat Syndrome |
|
|
Genetic Imprints in Human Disease, Genetic Screening, Genetic Counselling, Human DNA Profiling, Gene Mapping, Genome Study |
|
|
Race and Racism |
Biological Basis of Morphological Variation of Non-metric Traits |
|
Racial Criteria, Racial Traits, Racial Classification, Racial Differentiation, Race Crossing in Man |
|
|
Age, Sex, and Population Variation as Genetic Markers |
ABO, Rh Blood Groups, HLP Hp, Transferrin, GM, Blood Enzymes, Physiological Characteristics (Hb Level, Body Fat, Pulse Rate, Respiratory Functions, Sensory Perceptions) |
|
Concepts and Methods of Ecological Anthropology |
Bio-cultural Adaptations, Genetic and Non-genetic Factors |
|
Physiological Responses to Environmental Stresses: Hot Desert, Cold, High Altitude |
|
|
Epidemiological Anthropology |
Health and Disease, Infectious and Non-infectious Disease, Nutritional Deficiency Diseases |
|
Human Growth and Development |
Stages of Growth: Pre-natal, Natal, Infant, Childhood, Adolescence, Maturity, Senescence |
|
Factors Affecting Growth and Development: Genetic, Environmental, Biochemical, Nutritional, Cultural, Socio-economic |
|
|
Ageing and Senescence: Biological and Chronological Longevity |
|
|
Human Physique and Somatotypes, Methodologies for Growth Studies |
|
|
Importance of Menarche, Menopause, and Other Bioevents to Fertility |
Fertility Patterns and Differentials |
|
Demographic Theories |
Biological, Social, Cultural Theories |
|
Biological and Socio-Ecological Factors |
Fecundity, Fertility, Natality, Mortality |
|
Applications of Anthropology |
Anthropology of Sports, Nutritional Anthropology |
|
Anthropology in Designing Defence and Other Equipment, Forensic Anthropology |
|
|
Methods and Principles of Personal Identification and Applied Human Genetics: Paternity Diagnosis, Genetic Counselling and Eugenics |
|
|
DNA Technology in Diseases and Medicine, Serogenetics, Cytogenetics in Reproductive Biology |
|
Download the UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2025 Here
UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus for Paper 2
Anthropology UPSC Syllabus for Optional Paper 2 discusses the Indian context and contemporary issues of Anthropology.
- Indian Anthropology deals with the ethnic groups, caste system, and village communities of India.
- Tribal India analyzes the cultural activities, economic practices, and social problems of the tribal population.
- The Anthropology Optional UPSC syllabus for Paper 2 also includes Contemporary Anthropological Studies, such as religion, social changes, and effects of globalization.
- Ethno-nationalism includes ethnicity, nationalism, and minority issues, and Anthropology in Development speaks about the use of Anthropology in rural, urban planning, health, education, and sustainable development.
The table below highlights the key topics of the Anthropology Optional UPSC syllabus for Paper 2:
|
Anthropology Optional Syllabus UPSC Paper 2 |
|
|
Topics of UPSC Optional Anthropology Syllabus |
Sub-Topics |
|
Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilisation |
Prehistoric (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Neolithic-Chalcolithic) |
|
Protohistoric: Indus Civilisation |
|
|
Pre-Harappan, Harappan, Post-Harappan Cultures |
|
|
Inputs of Tribal Cultures to Indian Civilisation |
|
|
Palae |
Anthropological Evidences from India with Special Reference to Siwaliks and Narmada Basin |
|
Ramapithecus, Sivapithecus, Narmada Man |
|
|
Ethno-Archaeology in India |
The Concept of Ethno-Archaeology |
|
Survivals and Parallels among Hunting, Foraging, Fishing, Pastoral, Peasant Communities (Including Arts and Crafts-producing Communities) |
|
|
Demographic Profile of India |
Ethnic and Linguistic Elements in Indian Population and Their Distribution |
|
Indian Population: Elements Influencing its Structure and Growth |
|
|
The Structure and Nature of the Traditional Indian Social System |
Varnashrama, Purushartha, Karma, Rina, Rebirth |
|
Caste System in India |
Structure and Characteristics of Varna and Caste |
|
Theories of the Origin of the Caste System |
|
|
Dominant Caste, Caste Mobility, Future of the Caste System |
|
|
Jajmani System, Tribe-Caste Continuum |
|
|
Sacred Complex and Nature-Man-Spirit Complex |
|
|
Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Christianity on Indian Society |
Emergence, Growth, and Development in India |
|
Contributions of 18th, 19th, and Early 20th Century Scholar-Administrators |
|
|
Contributions of Indian Anthropologists to Tribal and Caste Studies |
|
|
Indian Village |
Importance of Village Study in India |
|
Indian Village as a Social System |
|
|
Traditional and Changing Patterns of Settlements and Inter-caste Relations |
|
|
Agrarian Relations in Indian Villages |
|
|
Impact of Globalization on Indian Villages |
|
|
Linguistic and Religious Minorities |
Social, Political, and Economic Status |
|
Indigenous and Exogenous Processes of Socio-Cultural Change in Indian Society |
Sanskritisation, Westernisation, Modernisation |
|
The Interplay of Little and Great Traditions |
|
|
Panchayati Raj and Social Change |
|
|
Media and Social Change |
|
|
Tribal Situation in India |
Bio-genetic Variability, Linguistic and Socio-economic Characteristics of the Tribal Populations and Their Distribution |
|
Problems of Tribal Communities |
Land Alienation, Poverty, Indebtedness, Low Literacy, Poor Education Facilities |
|
Unemployment, Under-employment, Health and Nutrition |
|
|
Developmental Projects and Their Impact on Tribal Displacement |
Development of Forest Policy and Tribals |
|
Influence of Urbanisation and Industrialisation on Tribal Populations |
|
|
Issues of Exploitation and Deprivation of |
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes |
|
Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes |
|
|
Social Change and Contemporary Tribal Societies |
Influence of Modern Democratic Institutions |
|
Development of Programmes and Welfare Measures on Tribals and Weaker Sections |
|
|
The Concept of Ethnicity |
Ethnic Conflicts and Political Developments |
|
Chaos in Tribal Communities, Regionalism, Demand for Autonomy |
|
|
Pseudo-tribalism, Social Change among Tribes during Colonial and Post-independent India |
|
|
Influence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Other Religions on Tribal Societies |
|
|
Tribe and Nation-State |
A Comparative Study of Tribal Communities in India and Other Countries |
|
History of Administration of tribal areas |
Tribal Areas, Tribal Policies, Plans |
|
Programmes of Tribal Development and Their Implementation |
|
|
The Concept of PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups), Their Distribution, Special Programmes for Their Development |
|
|
Role of NGOs in Tribal Development |
|
|
Role of Anthropology in Tribal and Rural Development |
|
|
Contributions of Anthropology |
Regionalism, Communalism, Ethnic and Political Movements |
Also, Get to Know UPSC PSIR Optional Syllabus
How to Prepare for Anthropology Optional Paper for UPSC?
To prepare for the Anthropology optional syllabus for UPSC, a proper strategic approach is required:
- Learn the Syllabus word-to-word: Download UPSC Anthropology syllabus PDF to understand the entire range of the syllabus that is supposed to be covered.
- Design a Study Schedule: Prepare a wide-ranging time schedule that shall give enough time to all the subtitles of the syllabus. First of all, prioritize the weightage of topics and the familiarity with those.
- Standard References: Recommended books and references have to be referred to for proper study. It is essential to refer to those materials in order to carry out a thorough coverage of the UPSC Anthropology optional syllabus.
- Regular Revision: Topics of study should be revised regularly to maintain the knowledge and create memory. This is what actually decides the mastering of the Anthropology optional syllabus for UPSC.
- Practice UPSC Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years question papers help one understand the format, question patterns and time management of an exam and thus increase correctness as well as confidence.
UPSC Anthropology Previous Year Question Papers
Previous year question papers play a crucial role in the preparation of the Anthropology UPSC optional syllabus. Question papers familiarize candidates with the format and scheme of the examination, patterns of questions, and time management, enabling better use of time for the exams and scoring better.
| Anthropology Optional Previous Year Question Papers | ||
| Year | Paper | Download Link |
|
2021
|
Anthropology Paper I | Click Here |
| Anthropology Paper II | Click Here | |
|
2022
|
Anthropology Paper I | Click Here |
| Anthropology Paper II | Click Here | |
|
2023
|
Anthropology Paper I | Click Here |
| Anthropology Paper II | Click Here | |
|
2024
|
Anthropology Paper I | Click Here |
| Anthropology Paper II | Click Here | |
Check some more UPSC IAS Previous Year’s Question Papers for other subjects here!
List of Books for Anthropology UPSC Optional Syllabus
Recommended books for an effective study and preparation for the Anthropology UPSC optional syllabus are:
- For Paper 1, one book that will be good for information on physical Anthropology is P Nath's "Physical Anthropology."
- For diagrams and structuring answers, Vivek Bhasme's "Anthropology Simplified" is good.
- For broader comprehensive anthropological theories, "Anthropology" by Ember and Ember is a good book.
- In preparing for Paper 2, read "Indian Anthropology" by Nadeem Hasnain and "Tribal India" by Nadeem Hasnain to understand Indian Anthropology and tribal community in more detail.
- Knowledge regarding tribal culture and problems comes from "The Tribal Culture of India" by L.P. Vidyarthi.
- The Xaxa Report is equally important for present-day tribal studies.
- "Anthropology Simplified" by Vivek Bhasme may be useful for overall understanding.
|
Check Related UPSC Syllabus for Other Subjects |
|
This was a detailed article about the UPSC Anthropology Syllabus. To start the preparation for your examination, download the Testbook App and get access to world-class educations, mock tests, etc.
UPSC Anthropology Syllabus 2025 FAQs
Which books are essential for preparing the Anthropology syllabus for UPSC?
Some of the books essential to prepare the syllabus include "Physical Anthropology" by P Nath for Paper-1 and "Indian Anthropology" by Nadeem Hasnain for Paper-2. "Anthropology Simplified" by Vivek Bhasme is worth reading both papers.
How detailed is the Anthropology syllabus UPSC PDF?
The Anthropology syllabus for UPSC PDF covers a vast number of topics in detail, thereby ensuring a wide range as required for the examination.
How can previous year question papers help in preparing for the Anthropology UPSC mains syllabus?
Practicing previous year question papers gives the idea of the format of the exam, the type of questions that can be expected, and many more things which improve time management skills and leads to making the better output on the Anthropology UPSC mains syllabus.
What is the Anthropology syllabus for UPSC?
The UPSC Anthropology syllabus would be based on topics related to physical Anthropology, social-cultural Anthropology, and Indian Anthropology. The syllabus would mainly look at theoretical knowledge but also its practical application.
How do I download the UPSC Anthropology syllabus PDF?
There is an easy method for Anthropology UPSC syllabus PDF download from the official UPSC website in the syllabus section.
What are the major areas covered in the UPSC Anthropology optional syllabus?
The major areas covered in the UPSC Anthropology optional syllabus include physical Anthropology, archaeological Anthropology, social-cultural Anthropology, and Indian Anthropology.