The UPSC Anthropology syllabus has been drastically reduced, making it one of the safest choices for candidates for the UPSC IAS Exam. The course is substantially more condensed, and the civil services exam will be simpler to pass if attention is paid to the specifics of Anthropology Optional. 

Candidates who studied biology in college or are doctors have an advantage when choosing anthropology as an optional. However, any candidate interested in this field will do well on this optional. Before beginning the optional preparation, reading and comprehending the Anthropology curriculum for the UPSC Mains exam is crucial. This will allow you to assess your interest level.

IAS Anthropology Books for Civil Services Exam 

Anthropology consists of 2 papers. Each paper is of 250 marks. 

There are only so many optional texts in anthropology; applicants may select one or two from the list. It is sufficient to read one book, but applicants can look to additional books for information on subjects they have yet to be addressed in the book they selected.

The books for the UPSC's anthropology optional are listed below:

Anthropology books for UPSC optional:

• Physical Anthropology – P Nath 
• Fossil Evidence – S Das
• Social Anthropology – DN Majumdar & T N Madan
• Indian Anthropology – Nadeem Hasnain
• Anthropology Theories – Makhan Jha
• Anthropology by Ember and EmberIndian
• Anthropology by R. N. Sharma
• Tribal India by Nadeem Hasnain
• Xaxa committee report
• State, society and Tribes by Virginius Xaxa

To prevent making mistakes while studying for the UPSC IAS exam, it is also advised that IAS aspirants acquire the proper Anthropology Optional Strategy.

Anthropology Optional Strategy

Here are a few pointers to help you prepare for the UPSC optional subject of Anthropology:

An aspirant can perform well in an essay paper if they have a solid comprehension of anthropology.

Here, the coaching's role is somewhat limited. As long as a candidate is ready to work hard and study by the syllabus, optional anthropology preparation can be completed without extensive coaching. Sound sources, printed notes from reputable institutions, and regular practice are all reliable resources.

It is optional to read all of the sources above in their entirety. Based on the topics listed in the syllabus, it is crucial to be selective. If specific details, examples, diagrams, and case studies are required for a given topic, it is advisable first to choose one source as a base and then extract those details from other pertinent literature.

A head starts, and a systematic, targeted approach can help you finish the course.

Making brief, accurate notes is encouraged for both papers to help with further revision. Try as many of the questions from the physical anthropology section of the first exam as you can because it can be pretty rewarding.

Because paper 2 is dynamic, it is advised to keep a careful eye on news stories that are relevant to the optional anthropology course at this time. Particularly for paper two, include any recent events in the answers, such as governmental initiatives.

Concentrating on the presentation of answers is imperative to score higher. 

Focus on specifics like side headings, including flow charts, diagrams, maps, etc., and follow the fundamental guidelines for response writing, such as a concise introduction and convincing conclusion. Your response becomes more readable and attractive as a result of adding authenticity. The decision ought to be upbeat and current.

Diagrams stand out from the competition because they are more appealing. It gives more information while saving an examiner time. Charts with pertinent data may be more visually appealing.