UPSC Anthropology Syllabus and Books for Preparation
Understand the complete Anthropology syllabus and access topper-recommended books to prepare smartly for UPSC Mains Paper I & II.
Get the full UPSC Anthropology syllabus with a topic-wise breakdown for Paper I & II, along with standard books preferred by toppers. Build strong conceptual clarity in socio-cultural, biological, and archaeological aspects to ace your optional.
📘 Paper I: Foundations of Anthropology
Meaning, Scope and Development of Anthropology
Definitions and relationships with other disciplines (social sciences, life sciences, medical sciences, earth sciences)
Main branches: Social-Cultural, Biological, Archaeological & Linguistic
Applications of Anthropology
Human Evolution and Biological Anthropology
Theories of Organic Evolution: Darwin, Lamarck, Synthetic theory
Primates and Hominid Evolution
Fossil evidence (Dryopithecus, Australopithecines, Homo erectus, Neanderthal, Cro-Magnon)
Modern human origins and genetic markers
Human Genetics
Mendelian genetics
Chromosomes and gene mutations
Genetic markers in human populations (blood groups, enzymes, proteins)
Twins and heredity
Genetic polymorphism
Race and Ethnicity
Concepts of race, racism, and ethnic groups
Criteria for racial classification
UNESCO statement on race
Ethnic conflicts and global perspectives
Ecological Anthropology
Adaptation to environment (cold, heat, altitude)
Human biological responses
Cultural ecology
Bio-cultural adaptations
Demography and Epidemiology
Population structure and growth
Fertility, mortality, migration
Demographic transition theory
Epidemiological Anthropology: Diseases in tribal and rural areas
Anthropology of India (Introduction)
Racial and linguistic elements in Indian population
Scheduled tribes: characteristics, geographical spread
Problems of tribal development
📕 Paper II: Indian Anthropology & Tribal Issues
Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization
Prehistoric cultures of India: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic
Protohistoric cultures: Harappan and Vedic
Contributions of tribal cultures to Indian civilization
Demographic Profile of India
Caste system: theories and changes
Backward classes: SCs, STs, OBCs
Linguistic and religious minorities
Indian Village and Social Structure
Characteristics of Indian village
Social organization and change
Panchayati Raj institutions
Impact of globalization
Tribal Situation in India
Geographical distribution of tribes
Tribal economy and society
Problems of displacement and development
Constitutional safeguards and protective legislation
Tribal Movements and Development
Tribal policies and programs: Pre- and Post-Independence
Tribal revolts and uprisings
NGOs and tribal empowerment
PESA, Forest Rights Act, and ST-specific schemes
Applied Anthropology
Use of Anthropology in tribal development
Role of anthropology in health, education, and rural development
Contributions of Indian anthropologists (S.C. Roy, N.K. Bose, D.N. Majumdar)
📚 Topper-Recommended Booklist for Anthropology
🧠 Paper I Books:
Physical Anthropology – P. Nath (or) Ember & Ember
Physical Anthropology Simplified – S.S. Kalpana
Human Evolution – Ram Saran
Indian Anthropology – Nadeem Hasnain
Anthropology – A Comprehensive Guide – Vivek Bhasme (optional)
🧬 Paper II Books:
Tribal India – Nadeem Hasnain
Indian Anthropology – Nadeem Hasnain
Social Change and Development in India – NCERT Class XII (for GS and Anthropology overlap)
IGNOU BA/MA Anthropology Notes – Selectively used for conceptual clarity
Ministry Reports (Xaxa Committee, Tribal Sub-Plan) – For Paper II Current Affairs
✅ Topper Strategy Tips:
📌 Start with NCERTs for conceptual clarity.
📌 Make short notes topic-wise for quick revision.
📌 Practice answer writing regularly — anthropology rewards structured, diagram-based answers.
📌 Use flowcharts, tribal maps, and diagrams for better presentation.
📌 Revise core books multiple times — quality over quantity wins in optional preparation.