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Anthropology Optional PYQ PDF (2020–2024) – Download UPSC Mains Question Papers

  • Author :Vijetha IAS

  • Date : 22 June 2025

Anthropology Optional PYQ PDF (2020–2024) – Download UPSC Mains Question Papers

Anthropology Optional PYQ PDF (2020–

2024) – Download UPSC Mains Question

Papers

For UPSC aspirants who have chosen Anthropology Optional, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are an indispensable resource. Analysing PYQs not only sharpens your answer-writing ability but also helps you understand the evolving pattern of the UPSC Mains question paper.we bring you an exclusive compilation of Anthropology UPSC PYQ PDFs for the years 2020 to 2024 to boost your preparation.

Whether you're appearing for UPSC 2025 or planning ahead, this blog is your complete guide to downloading the Anthropology PYQ PDFs, understanding trends, and optimising your optional preparation.

 

 Importance of Solving PYQs for Anthropology IAS

Solving the Anthropology optional PYQs from past years serves several key purposes:

  • Helps understand the question trends and recurring topics.
  • Aids in time management during Mains.
  • Guides in framing answers as per UPSC standards.
  • Helps identify important topics in both Paper I and Paper II.
  • Enables you to create micro-notes and master diagrams.

 

Anthropology Optional PYQs – Year-wise Analysis (2020–2024)

Let’s break down the question trends for both papers and understand the changing focus of the UPSC.

 Anthropology Paper I: Key Trends

Year

Highlights

2024

Emphasis on kinship, biological evolution, and genetics. New questions from recent developments in human evolution.

2023

Focus on physical anthropology – primates, fossils, and ethnographic methods.

2022

Cultural evolution, tool tradition, and anthropological theories dominated.

2021

Diagrams and short notes required precision. Questions on marriage systems and economic organisation.

2020

Very conceptual – structuralism, functionalism, and physical anthropology basics.

 Anthropology Paper II: Key Trends

Year

Highlights

2024

Tribal administration and issues post-COVID. Questions on development projects and their impact.

2023

Case studies based on tribal unrest, NGOs, and role of media.

2022

Emphasis on constitutional safeguards and globalisation.

2021

Focused on caste dynamics, land alienation, and tribal movements.

2020

Ethnographic examples were crucial. Questions on Panchayati Raj and tribal integration.

 

 How to Use PYQs Effectively?

  1. Integrate with Syllabus
    Compare PYQs with each section of the Anthropology Optional UPSC syllabus. Tick off repeated topics.
  2. Group Questions Thematically
    For example, collect all PYQs on "Marriage", "Tribal Movements", "Tool Traditions" etc. This helps in targeted preparation.
  3. Test Yourself
    Use PYQs as mock tests. Set a 3-hour timer and write full answers as per UPSC guidelines.
  4. Peer Review or Faculty Feedback
    Get your answers reviewed by a mentor or join a good Anthropology IAS test series 
  5. Revise with Diagrams
    Anthropology loves visual presentation. Practice drawing skulls, tools, kinship charts, and tribal maps regularly.

 

Anthropology Optional UPSC Syllabus: Snapshot

To make full use of PYQs, always keep the syllabus handy.

Paper I Topics

  • Meaning, Scope and Development of Anthropology
  • Evolution and Heredity
  • Primatology, Human Genetics, Fossil Evidence
  • Culture, Language and Society
  • Economic and Political Organisation
  • Marriage, Family, Kinship

Paper II Topics

  • Indian Anthropology: Tribal and Peasant Societies
  • Caste System, Religion, Social Change
  • Constitutional Safeguards
  • Tribal Movements, Developmental Projects
  • NGOs, Media and Development

 

Anthropology Optional Test Series with PYQ Integration

If you are looking for a structured and expert-backed test series:

  • 60 Days Mentorship + Test Series
  • 8 Tests, 6 Tests & 12 Tests Packages
  • Detailed feedback based on PYQ trends
  • Video discussions + personal guidance

Join India’s best Anthropology coaching in Delhi with both online and offline test series.

 

Benefits of Downloading Anthropology PYQ PDFs

  • Easy offline access for daily practice.
  • Helps identify UPSC’s core areas of interest.
  • Saves time in syllabus completion.
  • Improves writing skills and time management.
  • Great for quick revisions before exams.

 

 How to Download Anthropology Optional PYQ PDFs?

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit Vijetha IAS Academy Download Page
  2. Choose the year (2020–2024)
  3. Click on Paper I or Paper II download button
  4. PDF will download directly to your device
  5. Save for offline reading or print for physical practice.

 

Anthropology Optional PYQ PDFs: Download (2020–2024)

We have compiled PYQs year-wise in table format. You can download PDFs of both Paper I and Paper II of Anthropology Optional UPSC Mains question paper below:

Year

Anthropology Paper I PYQ PDF

Anthropology Paper II PYQ PDF

2024

Download PDF

Download PDF

2023

Download PDF

Download PDF

2022

Download PDF

Download PDF

2021

Download PDF

Download PDF

2020

Download PDF

Download PDF

 

Conclusion

The key to cracking Anthropology Optional in UPSC Mains lies in smart preparation, strategic answer writing, and thorough PYQ analysis. With the PYQ PDFs from 2020 to 2024 now at your fingertips, you can take your preparation to the next level.

Start downloading, start analysing, and start writing. Whether you're attending offline classes or enrolled in the best Anthropology optional coaching online, PYQs are your ultimate weapon.

 

 

 

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