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Anthropology Optional UPSC Overview

The document provides an overview of the UPSC Anthropology Optional syllabus, detailing the contents of Paper I and Paper II, which cover general and Indian anthropology respectively. It highlights key topics such as human evolution, cultural anthropology, and the caste system, as well as the relevance of anthropology to medical professionals due to its logical structure and high question repeatability. Additionally, it compares the question repetition rates between anthropology and medical science, emphasizing the advantages of choosing anthropology for exam preparation.

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14 views2 pages

Anthropology Optional UPSC Overview

The document provides an overview of the UPSC Anthropology Optional syllabus, detailing the contents of Paper I and Paper II, which cover general and Indian anthropology respectively. It highlights key topics such as human evolution, cultural anthropology, and the caste system, as well as the relevance of anthropology to medical professionals due to its logical structure and high question repeatability. Additionally, it compares the question repetition rates between anthropology and medical science, emphasizing the advantages of choosing anthropology for exam preparation.

Uploaded by

drajay8624
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UPSC Anthropology Optional Overview

Paper I: General Anthropology


1. Meaning, Scope, Branches - What is anthropology, types (physical, social, cultural, etc.)

2. Human Evolution - Fossils, Australopithecus to Homo sapiens

3. Biological Basis - Genetics, blood groups, race, variation

4. Primatology - Apes, monkeys, comparison with humans

5. Culture - Definition, features, types of culture

6. Theories of Society - Evolutionism, Functionalism, Structuralism, etc.

7. Marriage, Family, Kinship - Cross-cousin, parallel cousin, kinship terms

8. Economic & Political Anthropology - How tribes earn, trade, govern

9. Religion & Magic - Tribal belief systems, rituals, totems

10. Research Methods - Fieldwork, genealogy, interview techniques

Paper II: Indian Anthropology


1. Indian Society - Races, languages, castes, tribes of India

2. Indian Tribes - Tribe profiles: Gonds, Santhals, Todas, etc.

3. Problems of Tribes - Displacement, Naxalism, education, health

4. Development Programs - PESA, FRA, TRIFED, etc.

5. Caste System - Features, change, reform, SC/ST policies

6. Religion & Ethnicity - Communalism, secularism, integration

7. Tribal Movements - Santhal, Bhil, Mizo, Naga movements

8. Anthropology in Administration - Use in policy, governance, census work

Why Medicos Like Anthropology


- Science background: Biological anthropology overlaps with evolution & physiology

- Diagram/flowcharts: Familiar style from medical training

- Compact syllabus: Can be finished in 4-5 months


- High PYQ repeatability: 70-80% questions revolve around repeating themes

- Logical topics: Most are structured and exam-focused

PYQ Repetition Comparison


- Anthropology: 20-30% direct repetition, 50-60% thematic; Total ~70-80%

- Medical Science: 5-10% direct, 30-40% thematic; Total ~35-45%

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