UPSC

ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL CLASSES

COURSE OVERVIEW
Anthropology is a social science not a biological science like history, Sociology, Economics
& Political science which is one of the popular optional subjects in UPSC/IAS/PSC exam.

Anthropology is the study of man in totality including studying all kinds of societies and
culture such as tribal and modern societies-their socio-culture institutions viz. marriage,
family, kinship, economic institution, political system and belief pattern such as religion
and magic. Anthropology also deals with prehistoric and modern societies i.e. socio-
cultural evolution. Apart from these, Anthropology studies man as a creature i.e. studying
origin and evolution of man and their physical variations from place to place. Thus, the
syllabus of anthropology optional has been well maintaining the tradition i.e. holism.
Whereas, other social sciences deal with man in a peace meal manner e.g. history studies
past event of man, sociology deals with social structure of man not biological aspect of
man at all, while economics & political science dealing with economic and political
institution respectively.
Thus anthropology is a holistic study of man i.e. studying man in totality
where as other social science studying man in an atomistic manner in
dealing with man in part manner.

As far as anthropology syllabus in UPSC/PCS is considered the 1st paper

deals with world anthropology i.e. socio cultural and biological evolution
and variations across the world. While the 2nd paper is associated with
Indian anthropology i.e. socio-cultural and biological evolution and
variations of mankind to be studied in the Indian context.

Thus, the syllabus is well intended to consistently pursue the tradition of

anthropology i.e. holism.
 COURSE SUMMARY & FEATURES
1. Anthropology is an optional which could be opted by students with any educational
background such as students with arts, commerce, science and professional
background including doctors, engineers, MBA, MCA, Biotech etc. It does not need
specialization.

2. Familiar and interesting contents: one has to study institutions like marriage, family,
kinship, economic institution, political system, religion and magic which is part and
parcel of human beings. Moreover, one has to study tribal people, human origin and
diversity. Therefore, things are familiar and interesting due to which the subject is
easy to learn and understand.

3. Shorter syllabus– complete coverage of the syllabus in an exam oriented manner can
be done in a span of 3 months that also 5 days/week. So one can save time and invest
more time in G.S and essay.
4. Subject matters mainly traditional and static in nature so one should not be
after news paper, magazines or current affairs which are time consuming and
troublesome affairs.

5. Straight forward questions in the exam -the biggest advantage: Answers can
be prepared beforehand which can be memorized, revised and practiced
several times before the exam. and thereby one can reproduce answers
directly in the exam. It enhances speed of presentation, improves quality of
answers and after all one could attempt all the questions within the
constraints of time.

6. Spin off benefits– anthropology has many benefits in G.S (culture, polity and
governance, science and technology, social issues and ethics) and in easy as
well.
 SAPIENS IAS AT YOUR SERVICE FOR A DECADE

At Sapiens IAS exam training institute, PRADIP KUMAR SARKAR has been teaching
anthropology for a decade. He, himself appeared in UPSC exam with anthropology
optional, perhaps he secured one of the highest scores in anthropology optional
in his time, he faced IAS interviews. Under his aegis, hundreds of students became
IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS etc. Pradip Kumar Sarkar at sapiens IAS has persistently
pursuing the following things.
• Complete coverage of the syllabus in a time bond manner.
• Framework based learning for presentation in the exam –an innovative learning
technique, greatly useful for 3Fs i.e. Factual learning, Frame working or structuring,
and Flow in presentation of facts.
• Meticulously designed, well organized and highly processed study materials enough for
300+ marks in anthropology.
• Students are provided with maximum examples, case studies, and current related
data for value edition.
• Regular evaluation of student’s performance through mandatory class tests and test
series.
• Personal attention and feedback.
• Making biological part simpler, interesting, and thereby easy to grasp.
• Completely digital class hence no class be missed.
Thus, Sapiens IAS under the aegis of Mr. Pradip Kumar Sarkar has produced hundreds of IAS,
IFS, IPS, IRS etc. in last 10 years with top ranking in anthropology.
ABOUT INSTRUCTOR

Pradip Sarkar
+91-9718354962/+91-8700922126
pradip@sapiensias.in