Every UPSC aspirant has a plethora of questions about their preparation strategy, for which they conducted research and surveys to find the best possible outcome for their preparation. Among the many questions, one of the most common is about optional strategy. Because there are a variety of optional subjects available to the candidate, selecting the best one among them is the main issue.
However, in recent years, it has been observed that anthropology as an optional has become widely popular and in high demand among various UPSC candidates. The main reason for its popularity is the positive outcome that candidates witnessed through the performance of some of the UPSC toppers. For example, some toppers have topped by taking anthropology as an optional, such as Apala Mishra who scored rank 9 in 2020 with anthropology as an option, Anudeep Durishetty who scored rank 1 in 2017, Sachin Gupta who scored rank 3 in the same year with the same optional, and so on. All of them have explained their success stories in which they have explained their approach to this exam.
After observing the success rate of anthropology optional for upsc, its demand among various aspirants has increased significantly, and they wish to pursue this as an option, but the next question that arises in their minds is what this subject is all about, such as what is included within it, and so on. So, in this article, we will discuss some important points that you should be aware of as an aspirant before considering this as an option.
Anthropology is a popular elective among IAS aspirants in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam. According to data, approximately 500 candidates choose this subject as an optional subject in the UPSC CSE Mains each year.
This optional focuses on the study of humans and their biological, cultural, and social aspects. This subject is mostly chosen by students with backgrounds in engineering and science. The majority of aspirants select this option because it is both interesting and high-scoring. Because it focuses on Indian tribes, this subject also depicts the diversity of India.