UPSC Anthropology Optional Syllabus — Complete Paper I and Paper II Topic List
May 8, 2026 · 10 min read · My UPSC Syllabus
Anthropology is chosen by approximately 3,000–4,000 candidates each year, making it one of the most popular optionals. Its well-defined syllabus, high GS overlap, and stable scoring pattern attract candidates from all academic backgrounds.
Anthropology is chosen by approximately 3,000–4,000 candidates each year, making it one of the most popular optionals. Its well-defined syllabus, high GS overlap, and stable scoring pattern attract candidates from all academic backgrounds.
PAPER I — GENERAL ANTHROPOLOGY:
1. Meaning, scope and development of Anthropology. Branches: Social-cultural, Biological, Archaeological, Linguistic.
2. Relationship with other disciplines: Sociology, Psychology, History, Economics, Political Science, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences.
3. Human Evolution and Emergence of Man: Biological and Cultural factors. Theories of organic evolution (Pre-Darwinian, Darwinian, Post-Darwinian). Synthetic theory of evolution. Principles of Genetics, Mendelian genetics, chromosomal theory of inheritance, blood groups.
4. Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of: Pliocene and Pleistocene hominids. Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens (Neanderthal, Cro-magnon).
5. Ethnographic study of: (i) Foraging societies (ii) Pastoral societies (iii) Horticulturalists (iv) Agrarian societies.
6. Concepts of culture, society, status and role; folk-popular culture distinction; concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism.
7. Marriage: definition, universality, rules (endogamy, exogamy, preferential, prescriptive). Family: definitions, functions, types. Descent: patrilineal, matrilineal, double, cognatic.
8. Political organisation: bands, tribes, chiefdom, states. Religion: animism, shamanism, totemism, taboo.
9. Economic anthropology: forms of exchange (reciprocity, redistribution, market). Anthropological approaches to peasant studies.
PAPER II — INDIAN ANTHROPOLOGY:
1. Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilisation — prehistoric cultures (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic).
2. Indus Valley Civilisation. Vedic and post-Vedic period. Features of Indian society: caste, kinship, tribes, village communities.
3. Panchayati Raj institutions. Democracy and its functioning at grass roots. Constitutional provisions for Scheduled Tribes.
4. Emergence and growth of Indian Anthropology.
5. Tribal situations in India: Bio-genetic variability, ethno-archaeology, linguistic and socio-economic characteristics.
6. Developmental projects and tribal displacement; rehabilitation and development challenges.
7. Problems of the aged, women, children, disabled, and other vulnerable groups.
Track all these topics at myupscsyllabus.com.
Tags: Anthropology, Optional, Mains, Syllabus