UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Notes  >  Anthropology Optional for UPSC  >  90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology

90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology | Anthropology Optional for UPSC PDF Download

90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology OptionalAnthropology Optional is a dynamic and high-scoring subject for UPSC CSE Mains, blending scientific rigor with socio-cultural analysis. Paper 1 (General Anthropology) and Paper 2 (Indian Anthropology) require conceptual clarity, diagram-based answers, and current affairs integration to excel. The Anthropology Optional syllabus demands a strategic approach to cover biological, cultural, and Indian anthropology, with emphasis on diagrams, case studies, and analytical answers. With 6-8 hours of daily study, the entire syllabus can be mastered in 3 months (90 days). This 90-day (12-week) study plan, built on the EduRev Anthropology Optional course, provides a structured roadmap to cover all topics effectively for UPSC CSE Mains.
90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology | Anthropology Optional for UPSC

Why This 90-Day Plan?

  • The UPSC syllabus is vast, and a clear plan prevents feeling overwhelmed.
  • EduRev experts designed this to align with the mission of "Study What Matters", focusing on high-yield topics.
  • Ensures comprehensive coverage with time for answer writing, diagram practice, and revision.
  • Empowers efficient study, mastery of key concepts, and confidence for UPSC Mains.

Week 1: Introduction & Biological Anthropology (Paper 1)

  • Day 1-2: Introduction to Anthropology: Scope, branches, relation with other sciences.
  • Day 3-4: Human Evolution and the Emergence of Man: Stages, fossil evidence.
  • Day 5-6: Primates: Characteristics, classification, human-primate comparison.
  • Day 7: Make notes on evolution + attempt 2-3 short-answer questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 2: Biological & Archaeological Anthropology (Paper 1)

  • Day 8-9: Phylogenetic Status, Characteristics and Geographical Distribution: Hominids, distribution.
  • Day 10-11: Biological Basis of Life: Cell, DNA, protein synthesis.
  • Day 12: Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology: Tools, techniques.
  • Day 13: Chronology: Relative and Absolute Dating Methods: Carbon dating, dendrochronology.
  • Day 14: Revision + solve 5 questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 3: Socio-Cultural Anthropology Basics (Paper 1)

  • Day 15-16: Cultural Evolution: Stages, multilineal evolution.
  • Day 17-18: Nature of Culture and Nature of Society: Definitions, characteristics.
  • Day 19: Marriage: Types, functions, rules.
  • Day 20: Practice 3 long-answer questions from Previous Year Questions.
  • Day 21: Revision of Week 3 topics.

Week 4: Socio-Cultural Institutions (Paper 1)

  • Day 22-23: Family: Types, functions, changes.
  • Day 24-25: Kinship: Terminology, descent, alliance.
  • Day 26-27: Economic Organization: Production, exchange, consumption.
  • Day 28: Revision + solve 5 questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 5: Socio-Cultural & Political Anthropology (Paper 1)

  • Day 29-30: Political Organization and Social Control: Power, authority, law.
  • Day 31-32: Religion: Theories, rituals, magic.
  • Day 33-34: Anthropological Theories: Evolutionism, functionalism, structuralism.
  • Day 35: Notes on theories with examples + 3 short-answer questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 6: Methods & Genetics (Paper 1)

  • Day 36-37: Culture, Language and Communication: Language evolution, symbolism.
  • Day 38-39: Research Methods in Anthropology: Ethnography, participant observation.
  • Day 40-41: Human Genetics: Inheritance, mutations.
  • Day 42: Solve 5 questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 7: Advanced Genetics & Anthropology (Paper 1)

  • Day 43-44: Mendelian Genetics of a Man: Laws, applications.
  • Day 45-46: Concept of Genetic Polymorphism & Selection: Types, natural selection.
  • Day 47-48: Chromosomes and Chromosomal Aberrations: Structure, disorders.
  • Day 49: Notes on genetic disorders + 3 long-answer questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 8: Race, Ecology & Indian Anthropology Basics (Paper 1 & 2)

  • Day 50-51: Race and Racism: Classification, myths, social implications.
  • Day 52-53: Concepts and Methods of Ecological Anthropology: Adaptation, ecosystems.
  • Day 54-55: Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization: Prehistoric, Harappan, Vedic.
  • Day 56: Solve 5 questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 9: Indian Social Systems (Paper 2)

  • Day 57-58: Palaeo Anthropology Evidence and Ethno-archaeology in India: Findings, significance.
  • Day 59-60: Demographic Profile of India: Population, diversity.
  • Day 61-62: Structure and Nature of Traditional Indian Social System: Varna, Jati, Ashrama.
  • Day 63: Case studies for social systems + 5 questions from Previous Year Questions.

Week 10: Indian Anthropology & Tribal Issues (Paper 2)

  • Day 64-65: Caste System in India: Features, changes, contemporary issues.
  • Day 66-67: Tribal Situation in India and Problems of the Tribal Communities: Land alienation, poverty.
  • Day 68-69: SC’s, ST’s and OBC’s: Policies, reservation, challenges.
  • Day 70: Mock test (Paper 1) + analyze answers.

Week 11: Tribal Development & Socio-Cultural Change (Paper 2)

  • Day 71-72: Indigenous and Exogenous Processes of Socio-Cultural Change: Sanskritization, Westernization.
  • Day 73-74: Tribal Administration and Role of Anthropology in Tribal and Rural Development: Policies, NGOs.
  • Day 75-76: Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam on Tribal Societies: Acculturation, syncretism.
  • Day 77: Solve 2 full-length papers (Paper 1 & 2) from Previous Year Questions.

Week 12: Final Revision & Mock Tests

  • Day 78-79: Quick revision of Paper 1: Human Genetics, Anthropological Theories.
  • Day 80-81: Quick revision of Paper 2: Caste System, Tribal Issues.
  • Day 82-83: Solve 2 full-length mock tests (Paper 1 & 2).
  • Day 84: Final revision of key concepts and case studies.

Week 13: Buffer Week

  • Day 85-86: Revise weak areas identified from mock tests.
  • Day 87-88: Practice essay-type questions from Previous Year Questions.
  • Day 89: Solve 1 full-length mock test (Paper 1 or 2).
  • Day 90: Relax, review Dictionary of Anthropology, and prepare mentally for the exam.

Preparation Tips

  • Study 6-8 hours daily, dividing time between reading, note-making, and revision.
  • Use standard books like P. Nath for Physical Anthropology, Ember & Ember for Paper 1, and Vaid’s notes for Paper 2.
  • Practice answer writing weekly using Previous Year Questions to improve articulation and time management.
  • Stay updated with Monthly Current Affairs for tribal issues, social policies, and demographic trends in Paper 2.
  • Use Dictionary of Anthropology for key terms and join EduRev forums for doubt resolution.
  • Refer to How to Prepare for Anthropology Optional? for strategic guidance.

Recommended Resources

  • Books: P. Nath (Physical Anthropology), Ember & Ember (Cultural Anthropology), Nadeem Hasnain (Indian Anthropology), Vaid’s Notes (Paper 2).
  • Online:EduRev Anthropology Optional Course (notes, videos, tests).
  • Current Affairs:Monthly Current Affairs (The Hindu, Indian Express).
  • Previous Year Papers:Previous Year Questions and Chapter-wise PYQs.
  • Dictionary:Dictionary of Anthropology.
  • Study Strategy:How to Prepare for Anthropology Optional?
The document 90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology | Anthropology Optional for UPSC is a part of the UPSC Course Anthropology Optional for UPSC.
All you need of UPSC at this link: UPSC
209 videos|299 docs

FAQs on 90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology - Anthropology Optional for UPSC

ConnectFailure
209 videos|299 docs
Download as PDF

Top Courses for UPSC

Related Searches

pdf

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Viva Questions

,

Free

,

practice quizzes

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Extra Questions

,

past year papers

,

Summary

,

video lectures

,

Objective type Questions

,

MCQs

,

Sample Paper

,

Important questions

,

Exam

,

Semester Notes

,

90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology | Anthropology Optional for UPSC

,

mock tests for examination

,

90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology | Anthropology Optional for UPSC

,

90 Days Study Plan for Anthropology | Anthropology Optional for UPSC

,

ppt

,

study material

;