Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC IAS Mains Exam 2023

Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC Mains Exam 2023

Anthropology is one of the popular UPSC optional subjects among the UPSC/CSE aspirants in recent times preparing for the UPSC IAS Mains Exam. The reason for its popularity is easily accessible resources for the preparation to a lighter and easily understandable syllabus. Many UPSC aspirants skip this optional exam thinking this subject would be tough as the name describes. UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus needs the understanding of the Anthropology subject as science by the candidates and its application to human problems. There are a lot of diagrams in Anthropology, so make sure you practice diagram-making and labeling as much as possible.

What is Anthropology?

If you are new to the subject, your first aim should be to develop conceptual clarity and understanding of the subject. Anthropology is the study of people, past and present, with a focus on understanding the human condition both culturally and biologically through the application of biology, cultural studies, archaeology, linguistics, and other social sciences.

UPSC Anthropology Syllabus 2023

As the Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC Mains Optional contains elements from science, it becomes a popular choice among science graduates. The complete Anthropology Syllabus for Optional Exam has been released by UPSC for UPSC CSE (Civil Service Examination) and the same has been discussed in this article.

Anthropology Syllabus for Paper 1

UPSC Syllabus for Anthropology Optional Subject for Paper 1 is divided into 12 parts which is further sub-divided, the Anthropology syllabus is related to the following topics-

1. Meaning, Scope and development of Anthropology, Relationships with other disciplines, Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance, Human Evolution and the emergence of Man, The biological basis of Life, Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology. Chronology, Cultural Evolution.
2. Nature of Culture, Society, Marriage, Family, Kinship
3. Economic Organization
4. Political Organization and Social Control
5. Religion
6. Anthropological theories
7. Culture, Language and Communication
8. Research methods in Anthropology
9. Human Genetics
10. Concept of human growth and Development
11. Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bioevents to fertility. Fertility patterns and differentials.
12. Applications of Anthropology

Anthropology Optional Syllabus for Paper 2

The UPSC Anthropology Syllabus for Optional Paper 2 has been divided into 9 units which are discussed below:

1. Evolution of Indian Culture & Civilization, Palaeo, Ethno-archaeology in India
2. Demographic Profile of India
3. Structure & Nature of Traditional Indian Social System, Caste System in India, Sacred Complex and Nature-Man-Spirit Complex, Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity of Indian society.
4. Emergence, growth and development in India
5. Indian Village, Linguistic and religious minorities and their social, political and economic status, Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change in Indian society.
6. The tribal situation in India, Problems of the tribal Communities
7. Problems of exploitation and deprivation of SC, ST and OBC, Social change and contemporary tribal societies.
8. Tribe and nation-state, Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies.
9. History of administration of tribal areas, Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development.

The complete Anthropology Syllabus for Paper 2 has been discussed in detail below.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 20232

UPSC Syllabus for Mains & Optional Subject

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