Anthropology is the study of what makes us human.Anthropologists take a broad approach for understanding the many various aspects of human behaviour. It studies human beings in terms of biology and evolution, society and culture, environment and ecology, demography, health and disease, human development , human genetics, research methods, religion, marriage, family among others. It has quite a diverse subject matter. Anthropology is one of the major and scoring subjects for UPSC aspirants. If you check the UPSC result, you will find that most of the students have opted for Anthropology as an optional subject.

What are the best Anthropology Institutes in India?

Anthropology Exam Highlights

Anthropology is taken as an optional subject mostly by aspirants who have taken science in graduation or are from science background because it  contains topics related to science. Hence it usually attracts the aspirants from the science stream and it is easier for them to understand the  concepts, theories, and principles of anthropology. The study material for anthropology is also widely available. Anthropology optional syllabus has been cut down considerably over several times in the past few years. This subject has become quite popular among students because various topics have been deleted like Ethnicity, Anthropology (Development), Reproductive Biology, and many others.

Anthropology Syllabus for UPSC

Let us take a look at the syllabus for anthropology for the UPSC mains exam.

There are two optional papers in the UPSC scheme of things. Both the papers are for a total of 250 marks making the total optional marks to 500.

1.1 Meaning, scope and development of Anthropology.

1.2 Relationships with other disciplines: 

• Social Sciences, 
• Behavioural Sciences, 
• Life Sciences, 
• Medical Sciences, 
• Earth Sciences 
• Humanities.

1.3 Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance:

• Social- cultural Anthropology.
• Biological Anthropology.
• Archaeological Anthropology.
• Linguistic Anthropology.

1.4 Human Evolution and the emergence of Man:

• Biological and Cultural factors in human evolution.
• Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre- Darwinian, Darwinian and Post-Darwinian).
• Synthetic theory of evolution; Brief outline of terms and concepts of evolutionary biology (Doll’s rule, Cope’s rule, Gause’s rule, parallelism, convergence, adaptive radiation, and mosaic evolution).

1.5 Characteristics of Primates; 

• Evolutionary Trend and Primate Taxonomy; 
• Primate Adaptations; 
• (Arboreal and Terrestrial) Primate Taxonomy; 
• Primate Behaviour; 
• Tertiary and Quaternary fossil primates; 
• Living Major Primates; 
• Comparative Anatomy of Man and Apes; 
• Skeletal changes due to erect posture and its implications.

1.6 Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of the following:

• Plio-pleistocene hominids in South and East Africa - Australopith
• Homo erectus: Africa (Paranthropus), Europe (Homo erectus heidelbergensis), Asia (Homo erectus javanicus, Homo erectus pekinensis).
• Neanderthal Man- La-Chapelle-aux-saints (Classical type), Mt. Carmel (Progressive type).
• Rhodesian man.
• Homo sapiens — Cromagnon, Grimaldi and Chancelade.

1.7 The biological basis of life: 

• The Cell, DNA structure and replication, 
• Protein Synthesis, Gene, 
• Mutation, 
• Chromosomes, and Cell Division.

1.8

1. a) Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology. Chronology: Relative and Absolute Dating methods.
2. b) Cultural Evolution- Broad Outlines of Prehistoric cultures:

• Paleolithic
• Mesolithic
• Neolithic
• Chalcolithic
• Copper-Bronze Age
• Iron Age

Check:- TOP Institute of Anthropology in Bangalore

2.1 The Nature of Culture: 

The concept and characteristics of culture and civilization; 

Ethnocentrism vis-à-vis cultural Relativism.

2.2 The Nature of Society: 

• Concept of Society; 
• Society and Culture; 
• Social Institutions; 
• Social groups; 
• Social stratification.

2.3 Marriage: 

• Definition and universality; 
• Laws of marriage (endogamy, exogamy, hypergamy, hypogamy, incest taboo); 
• Types of marriage (monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, group marriage). 
• Functions of marriage; 
• Marriage regulations (preferential, prescriptive and proscriptive); 
• Marriage payments (bride wealth and dowry).

2.4 Family: 

• Definition and universality; 
• Family, household and domestic groups; 
• functions of family; 
• Types of family (from the perspectives of structure, blood relation, marriage, residence and succession); 
• Impact of urbanization, industrialization, and feminist movements on family.

2.5 Kinship: 

• Consanguinity and Affinity; 
• Principles and types of descent (Unilineal, Double, Bilateral, Ambilineal); Forms of descent groups (lineage, clan, phratry, moiety, and kindred); 
• Kinship terminology (descriptive and classificatory); 
• Descent, Filiation and Complimentary Filiation; 
• Descent and Alliance.

1. Economic organization:

• Meaning, scope and relevance of economic anthropology; 
• Formalist and Substantivist debate; 
• Principles governing production, distribution and exchange (reciprocity, redistribution and market), in communities, subsisting on hunting and gathering, fishing, swiddening, pastoralism, horticulture, and agriculture; globalization and indigenous economic systems.

1. Political organization and Social Control:

• Band, tribe, chiefdom, kingdom and state; 
• concepts of power, authority and legitimacy; 
• social control, law, and justice in simple societies

1. Religion: 

• Anthropological approaches to the study of religion (evolutionary, psychological and functional); monotheism and polytheism; 
• sacred and profane; 
• myths and rituals; 
• forms of religion in tribal and peasant societies (animism, animatism, fetishism, naturism and totemism); 
• religion, magic and science distinguished; 
• magico- religious functionaries (priest, shaman, medicine man, sorcerer and witch).

1. Anthropological theories:

• Classical evolutionism (Tylor, Morgan, and Frazer)
• Historical particularism (Boas); Diffusionism (British, German and American)
• Functionalism (Malinowski); Structural- functionlism (Radcliffe-Brown)
• Structuralism (L’evi – Strauss and E. Leach)
• Culture and personality (Benedict, Mead, Linton, Kardiner and Cora – du Bois).
• Neo – evolutionism (Childe, White, Steward, Sahlins and Service)
• Cultural materialism (Harris)
• Symbolic and interpretive theories (Turner, Schneider and Geertz)
• Cognitive theories (Tyler, Conklin)
• Post- modernism in anthropology

1. Culture, language and communication: 

• Nature, origin and characteristics of language; 
• verbal and non-verbal communication; 
• social context of language use.

1. Research methods in anthropology:

• Fieldwork tradition in anthropology
• Distinction between technique, method and methodology
• Tools of data collection: observation, interview, schedules, questionnaire, Case study, genealogy, life-history, oral history, secondary sources of information, participatory methods.
• Analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.

9.1 Human Genetics 

• Methods and Application: Methods for study of genetic principles in man-family study (pedigree analysis, twin study, foster child, co-twin method, cytogenetic method, chromosome and karyo-type analysis), biochemical methods, immunological methods, D.N.A. technology and recombinant technologies.

9.2 Mendelian genetics in man-family study 

• single factor, multifactor, lethal, sub-lethal and polygenic inheritance in man.

9.3 Concept of genetic polymorphism and selection

• Mendelian population, Hardy-Weinberg law; 
• causes and changes which bring down frequency – mutation, isolation, migration, selection, inbreeding and genetic drift. Consanguineous and non-consanguineous mating, genetic load, genetic effect of consanguineous and cousin marriages.

9.4 Chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations in man, methodology.

• Numerical and structural aberrations (disorders).
• Sex chromosomal aberrations – Klinefelter (XXY), Turner (XO), Super female (XXX), intersex and other syndromic disorders.
• Autosomal aberrations – Down syndrome, Patau, Edward and Cri-du-chat syndromes.

• Genetic imprints in human disease, genetic screening, genetic counseling, human DNA profiling, gene mapping and genome study.

9.5 Race and racism 

• The biological basis of morphological variation of non-metric and metric characters. 
• Racial criteria, racial traits in relation to heredity and environment; 
• biological basis of racial classification, racial differentiation and race crossing in man.

9.6 a) Age, sex and population variation as genetic marker- ABO, Rh blood groups, HLA Hp, transferring, Gm, blood enzymes.

1. b) Physiological characteristics-Hb level, body fat, pulse rate, respiratory functions and sensory perceptions in different cultural and socio-economic groups.

9.7 Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology. 

• Bio-cultural Adaptations 
• Genetic and Non- genetic factors. 
• Man’s physiological responses to environmental stresses: 
• hot desert, 
• cold, high altitude climate.

9.8 Epidemiological Anthropology: 

• Health and disease. 
• Infectious and non-infectious diseases. 
• Nutritional deficiency-related diseases.

1. Concept of human growth and development:

• stages of growth – pre-natal, natal, infant, childhood, adolescence, maturity, senescence.
• Factors affecting growth and development genetic, environmental, biochemical, nutritional, cultural and socio-economic.
• Ageing and senescence. Theories and observations – biological and chronological longevity. Human physique and somatotypes. Methodologies for growth studies.

11.1 Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bioevents to fertility. Fertility patterns and differentials.

11.2 Demographic theories- biological, social and cultural.

11.3 Biological and socio-ecological factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality.

1. Applications of Anthropology

Also Check It:-

UPSC Optional Syllabus for Anthropology- Paper-II

1.1 Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization

• Prehistoric (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Neolithic 
• Chalcolithic).
• Protohistoric (Indus Civilization): Pre- Harappan, Harappan and post- Harappan cultures.Contributions of tribal cultures to Indian civilization.

1.2 Palaeo 

• anthropological evidences from India with special reference to Siwaliks and Narmada basin (Ramapithecus, Sivapithecus and Narmada Man).

1.3 Ethno-archaeology in India: 

• The concept of ethno-archaeology; 
• Survivals and Parallels among the hunting, foraging, fishing, pastoral and peasant communities including arts and crafts producing communities.

1. Demographic profile of India 

• Ethnic and linguistic elements in the Indian population and their distribution. 
• Indian population – factors influencing its structure and growth.

3.1 The structure and nature of traditional Indian social system 

• Varnashram, 
• Purushartha, 
• Karma, 
• Rina and Rebirth.

3.2 Caste system in India 

• structure and characteristics, 
• Varna and caste, 
• Theories of origin of caste system, 
• Dominant caste, 
• Caste mobility, 
• Future of caste system, 
• Jajmani system, 
• Tribe- caste continuum.

3.3 Sacred Complex and Nature 

• Man
• Spirit Complex.

3.4 Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity on Indian society.

1. Emergence and growth of anthropology in India-Contributions of the 18th, 19th and early 20th Century scholar-administrators. Contributions of Indian anthropologists to tribal and caste studies.

5.1 Indian Village: 

• Significance of village study in India; 
• Indian village as a social system; 
• Traditional and changing patterns of settlement and inter-caste relations; 
• Agrarian relations in Indian villages; 
• Impact of globalization on Indian villages.

5.2 Linguistic and religious minorities and their social, political and economic status.

5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change in Indian society: Sanskritization, Westernization, Modernization; 

• Inter-play of little and great traditions; 
• Panchayati raj and social change; 
• Media and social change.

6.1 Tribal situation in India 

• Bio-genetic variability, linguistic and socio-economic characteristics of tribal populations and their distribution.

6.2 Problems of the tribal Communities 

•  land alienation, poverty, indebtedness, low literacy, poor educational facilities, unemployment, underemployment, health and nutrition.

6.3 Developmental projects and their impact on tribal displacement 

• problems of rehabilitation. 
• Development of forest policy and tribals. 
• Impact of urbanization and industrialization on tribal populations.

7.1 Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. 

• Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.

7.2 Social change and contemporary tribal societies: 

• Impact of modern democratic institutions, development programmes and welfare measures on tribals and weaker sections.

7.3 The concept of ethnicity; 

• Ethnic conflicts and political developments; 
• Unrest among tribal communities; 
• Regionalism and demand for autonomy; 
• Pseudo-tribalism; 
• Social change among the tribes during colonial and post-Independent India.

8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies.

8.2 Tribe and nation state - a comparative study of tribal communities in India and other countries.

9.1 History of administration of tribal areas, tribal policies, plans, programmes of tribal development and their implementation.

• The concept of PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups), their distribution, special programmes for their development. Role of N.G.O.s in tribal development.

9.2 Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development.

9.3 Contributions of anthropology to the understanding of regionalism, communalism, and ethnic and political movements.

How many candidates take Anthropology optional?

Anthropology has a higher success rate in comparison to other subjects like public administration or geography etc. According to the latest figures, in 2016, 345 candidates had  taken anthropology out of which 37 candidates cleared the exam giving a success rate of 10.7%. The following table gives the number of candidates who appeared for the IAS exam with anthropology as the optional vis-a-vis the number of candidates who cleared the exam with it. 

Let’s go through some of the best centers for Anthropology coaching in Bangalore that will help the candidate to improve consistency, dwell into the competitive sight with extensive preparation and improve the chances of success.

List of Top Anthropology Training Institutes

Believers IAS Academy

BIAS provides the best environment for IAS preparation. BIAS institute established in 2012. Talented faculties, combined with a professional approach are their specialty. The institute has very experienced faculties who help students to crack their exams. Believers IAS Academy is one of the top IAS Academy in Bangalore. With 5 years of experience in the coaching field, the courses designed are best suited for the better understanding of the student. The library facility helps students to nurture and develop a concrete understanding of concepts. For revision and to make sure that the students don't miss out important concepts, all the lectures are recorded.

Institute Details

Highlights

• Different way of managing the classes for current affairs which helps students to lead in exams.
• Highly experienced faculties
• Library facility for the students, related books of UPSC exams. 
• Personal attention on each student.
• Batch strength is upto 25 students and comfort seats.
• Online classes are recorded and provided to students who are not able to join the class.
• Luxury infrastructure and classrooms as per needs of the students.
• Previous exam papers with solutions
• Detailed test analysis
• Performance dashboard
• Guest lectures
• Old students special talk sessions
• Timely completion of syllabus
• Chapter wise tests
• Doubt clearing sessions
• Revision sessions

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Analog IAS Academy

Analog IAS Academy is one of the first initiatives of Analog Society, that was established to provide quality education in both technical skills and personality development to students. Analog IAS Institute provides well-planned integrated courses for the preparation of UPSC Civil services exam.Founded in the year 2002 by Mr. Srikanth Vinnakota, who is also the Director of the institute. The director himself has cleared civil services interview round thrice with Mathematics and Psychology as Optional.The mission of the institute is to bring the unnoticed talents and skills in students who come to study as it believes that each and every student has some sort of talent.

Institute Details

Highlights

• Innovative Teaching
• Well-Designed Curriculum
• One-to-one Monitoring
• Online Courses
• Cost-effective Courses
• Qualified Teachers

Legacy IAS Academy

Legacy IAS Academy is the best institute for the students who dream to crack their competition exams. Legacy IAS Academy is located in Bangalore. Best highly experienced faculty for the best results of the students. Proper infrastructure for the comfort of the students. This coaching prepares students for the exams UPSC, IAS and many others competition exams. Legacy IAS Academy offers courses with fees ranging from ?6000 to ?95000.

Institute Details

Highlights

• Highly experienced faculty
• Regular test series for the students revisions.
• Best study material for the students
• Mock test series for the students
• Online classes for the students.
• Excellent results of the students.
• Best infrastructure for the comfort of the students.
• Small batch size.
• Private library facility.
• Online study material.
• Online videos lectures for the students.
• Hostels facility for the students.
• Demo classes for the students before joining.
• Doubt clearance classes.

Bangalore School of Civil Services

Bangalore School of Civil Services achieved a successful position among the well-known IAS coaching institutes in Bangalore. The institute also provides coaching for UPSC, KPSC & Banking Exams. The institute also provides printed study materials to the students for General Studies as well as for Optional subjects. The institute also provides interview guidance to students. Since its inception in 2016,  the institute has created a healthy atmosphere for students in helping them achieve their goals. The best infrastructure & classrooms are available in the institute. The experienced faculty have designed the courses keeping in mind the best interest of students. The courses advance in a progressive manner and the structure is best suited for students understanding.

Institute Details

Highlights

• Experienced faculties working in the teaching  field more than three years.
• Most updated and efficient printed course study materials.
• Weekly tests are taken on the topics covered in that week.
• Current affairs magazine is provided covering information from State level, National level & International level.
• The library facility is available with the best books for all Competitive exams.
• Flexible batches are available for the convenience of the students & working professionals.

Shiksha IAS Academy

Shiksha IAS Academy is one of the premier coaching institutes in Bangalore for the preparation of UPSC Civil services exams (IAS, IFS, IRS, IPS, etc.). The institute specializes in providing the best materials for both papers- general studies and optional subjects. The Institute works in both the modes of teachings i.e. Classroom Sessions and Online coaching for the ease of students. The institute has special weekend batches for students & working professionals. Special Test Series programs are conducted in the Institute frequently. The Institute has more than 20 experienced faculties who have served various positions in Government departments. 

Institute Details

Highlights

• Special weekend batches for Students and Working Professionals.
• Small batches for concentration on every student.
• Well-equipped Computer Labs for Computerized training
• Updated course study materials.
• Daily Quiz for Current affairs and General knowledge for free.
• Online mock tests for personal analysis.
• 24X7 assistance students doubt clearance in classrooms & online.
• Experienced Faculties with more than 5 years of Teaching.

Check:- TOP Institute of Anthropology in Bangalore

Grace IAS Academy

Grace IAS at Bangalore provides intensive and interactive courses for the students aspiring to pursue their career in the civil services department. The Grace IAS offers students with integrated packages which helps them in the preparation of UPSC exam. The institute offers coaching for General Studies Mains & Prelims I,II,III,IV papers and Optional subjects with complete full syllabus. Along with intensive classes the students are provided with integrated study materials & test series which are effectively designed by the experienced faculty at Grace IAS academy. The mock papers are evaluated by the expert faculty and feedback is provided to the students along with the continuous guidance & motivation in enhancing their skills throughout the preparation. The syllabus is covered from basic to advance level.

Institute Details

Highlights

• Experienced faculty from Delhi
• Integrated study materials
• Detailed test analysis
• Mock papers
• Regular assignments
• Personal mentorship
• Regular tests
• Revision sessions
• Current affairs sessions
• Doubt removal sessions
• Performance analysis
• Previous exam papers with solutions

Innovative IAS Coaching Centre

Founded in the year 2010 by Abdul Gafoor in R.T Nagar, Karnataka. The institute comprises of faculties from around the country who are specialists in their respective subjects. The Institutes offer several courses and run several batches in a day. The students are allowed to select any batch as per their schedule. The institute provides coaching for UPSC IAS AND KAS Exams. The experienced faculty of the institute helps the students to strive harder and push them to excel in the exams. The coure structure is designed as such that its best suited for every students understanding. The difficulty level of courses advance in a progressive manner.

Institute Details

Highlights

• High-quality teaching with comprehensive programs
• Help students, especially rural students to enter civil services
• Employ industry-based educational methods that ensure opportunities and success for all students
• Accelerate and enrich learning for each student
• Implement a strategic educational institutional framework

Insights Ias Academy

Insights Ias Academy is synonymous with UPSC civil services exam Preparation has redefined and Customized for exams. Today Insight offers the latest material for students and various kinds of courses to offer From previous year’s test series to the latest test series and offers online and offline programs for the aspirants from the remotest locations. Insight IAS academy is famous for its great faculty and latest study materials. The academy since its inception has produced great results. The faculty have shaped the structure of courses in such a manner that students get the maximum benefit from it. The institute covers all aspects of the UPSC exam and provides detailed and correct guidance. 

Institute Details

Highlights

• Daily quiz
• Youtube motivations video
• Discounted rates 
• Online & Offline classes 
• Synopsis
• Equip approach
• Latest material
• Institute add more classes if needed
• Mentorship program
• Integrated program

Benefits of Anthropology Coaching

• Detailed coverage of both Anthropology paper I & II for UPSC mains exam.
• Interlinks between Anthropology optional and GS papers- Indian society, geography, culture, etc. 
• Access to the best lecturers anytime and anywhere.
• 100+ hours of online lectures.
• The faculty has a year of experience in guiding students of Anthropology optional. The faculty is passionate about the subject and is the only teacher for Anthropology optional who teaches the subject in both Hindi and English medium.
• Videos can be played both on Web & Application

Anthropology Coaching  FAQ’s

Q.1. What is anthropology?

Q.2. What are the 3 branches of anthropology?

Q.3. Is anthropology good optional for UPSC?

 Q.4. Is anthropology easy for UPSC?

Q.5. Can anthropology be prepared without coaching?

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