Anthropology Optional in UPSC: Is It Really Scoring?
Optional subject selection in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a game-changing decision. Every year, a common question lingers among thousands of aspirants—
“Is Anthropology Optional really scoring in UPSC?”
In this article, we will objectively analyze Anthropology Optional based on mark trends, expert analysis, and real insights from toppers, so you can make an informed decision.
Why Anthropology Optional Attracts UPSC Aspirants
The craze for Anthropology Optional is not random. There are some strong reasons for this:
- Compact syllabus compared to many other optionals
- Overlap with GS papers (Society, Ethics, Governance, Environment)
- Scientific + analytical approach
- Diagrams and case studies is for presentation advantage
According to experts, Anthropology is one such optional where concept clarity + smart answer writing can lead to consistently high scores.
Marks Trend: Does Anthropology Really Score High?
Recent UPSC Mains results clearly show that in the Anthropology optional:
- 250+ scores have become quite common.
- Well-prepared candidates have also scored 270–300+ marks.
- Anthropology optional has a strong presence in the top ranks.
The important thing is that UPSC Anthropology answers are objective and evaluable, unlike highly subjective optionals.
Expert Analysis: What Makes Anthropology a Scoring Optional?
1. Concept-Driven Subject
In Anthropology:
- Fixed theories
- Defined thinkers
- Repetitive PYQ patterns
This makes it easier for the examiner to evaluate answers, and for the aspirant to secure marks.
2. Power of Diagrams & Case Studies
Experts say:
“Anthropology is one of the few optionals where a simple diagram can fetch extra marks.”
- evolution charts
- Kinship diagrams
- Tribal development case studies
All these make the answers visually strong and high-scoring.
3. PYQ Predictability
The syllabus and question pattern of Anthropology Optional is considered highly predictable.
Same themes are repeatedly asked:
- tribal development
- social change
- Culture & identity
- applied anthropology
- Smart aspirants take the edge from PYQ-based preparation.
Toppers' Insights: Why They Chose Anthropology
Most Anthropology toppers highlight common points:
- "Anthropology answers can be written logically and structured."
- "GS concepts are directly applicable in Anthropology."
- "Limited syllabus makes revision possible multiple times."
Toppers believe that mentorship and answer writing practice are the biggest strength in Anthropology.
GS + Anthropology Overlap = Good Advantage
Anthropology Optional directly helps:
- GS-I (Society, Diversity, Social Issues)
- GS-II (Tribal Policies, Minorities)
- GS-IV (Ethics, Human Values)
This overlap creates overall preparation which improves final ranking.
When Anthropology May Not Be Scoring
Experts also clearly state that Anthropology may not be scoring when:
- Concepts are superficial
- Diagrams are not practiced
- Case studies are not used
- Answer writing is ignored
Anthropology is not an “easy optional”—it is a smart optional.
How to Make Anthropology Optional Truly Scoring
- Concept clarity (Paper I + Paper II integration)
- Regular answer writing practice
- PYQ-based preparation
- Test series with proper feedback
- Diagrams + real-world case studies
If all this is followed consistently, a 250–300+ score is a realistic target.
Is Anthropology Optional Scoring in UPSC?
Yes — Anthropology Optional is definitely scoring, provided preparation:
- Be structured
- Be exam-oriented
- With mentorship and feedback
- Experts and toppers both agree that Anthropology Optional gives high return on effort in UPSC Mains.