Anthropology or Public Administration for UPSC?

​Choosing the right optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence your overall performance. Among the myriad of choices, Anthropology and Public Administration Optional emerge as prominent contenders.

Understanding the Subjects

Anthropology

Anthropology is the scientific study of humans, their ancestors, and related primates, encompassing aspects of human behavior, cultural relations, and physical characteristics. The subject is divided into:​

• Physical Anthropology: Focuses on human evolution and biological diversity.
• Social-Cultural Anthropology: Examines cultural practices, social structures, and human societies.​

Public Administration

Public Administration deals with the implementation of government policies and the functioning of government institutions. It covers topics such as administrative theories, public policies, and governance.​

Syllabus and Structure

Anthropology

• Concise and Well-Defined: Anthropology offers a relatively shorter and more structured syllabus, making it manageable for aspirants.​
• Static Content: The subject matter remains largely consistent over the years, reducing the need for constant updates with current affairs.​

Public Administration

• Extensive and Dynamic: Public Administration has a broader syllabus that often intertwines with current events, necessitating regular updates and a keen awareness of ongoing developments.​

Scoring Potential and Success Rates

Anthropology

• High Scoring: The objective nature of questions allows for precise answers, often supplemented with diagrams, which can fetch higher marks.​
• Consistent Performance: Many candidates have achieved impressive scores in Anthropology, reflecting its scoring potential.​

Public Administration

• Variable Scoring: The subjective nature of the subject can lead to fluctuating marks, depending on the evaluator’s interpretation.​
• Recent Trends: While historically popular, recent trends suggest a shift with candidates exploring other options due to perceived unpredictability in scoring.​

Insights from UPSC Toppers

Anthropology Toppers

• Shubham Kumar (AIR 1, 2020): Opted for Anthropology and secured the top rank, underscoring the subject’s potential. ​
• Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, 2017): Achieved the highest rank with Anthropology as his optional, highlighting its effectiveness. ​
• Dwij Goel (AIR 71, 2022): Scored 315 marks in Anthropology, reflecting the subject’s high scoring nature.

Public Administration Toppers

• Pradeep Singh (AIR 1, 2019): Chose Public Administration and secured the top rank, indicating the subject’s potential when approached strategically. ​
• Khushboo Oberoi (AIR 139, 2022): Achieved 294 marks in Public Administration, showcasing the subject’s scoring capability.

Overlap with General Studies

Anthropology

• Limited Overlap: While there is some intersection with topics in General Studies, particularly in areas related to society and culture, the overlap is not extensive.​

Public Administration

• Significant Overlap: Shares considerable content with Polity and Governance sections in General Studies, potentially reducing the overall study load.​

Suitability Based on Background

Anthropology

• Science Background Advantage: Candidates with a background in science, particularly biology, may find the subject more relatable and easier to grasp.​

Public Administration

• Humanities Background Advantage: Aspirants with a foundation in political science or related fields might find Public Administration more aligned with their prior knowledge.​

Why Choose Anthropology?

• Structured Syllabus: The well-defined and concise syllabus allows for focused preparation and efficient revision.​
• High Scoring Potential: The objective nature of the subject, coupled with the use of diagrams, can lead to higher marks.​
• Consistent Success: The subject has a track record of producing top rankers, reflecting its reliability as an optional choice.​

Enhance Your Preparation with Anthroholic

For aspirants leaning towards Anthropology, Anthroholic offers specialized courses tailored to maximize your scoring potential. With expert faculty, comprehensive study materials, and a focus on answer writing practice, Anthroholic provides the guidance necessary to excel in Anthropology.​

Enroll Today: Elevate your UPSC preparation with Anthroholic’s Anthropology Optional Course and take a step closer to your IAS aspirations.​

Conclusion

While both Anthropology and Public Administration have their merits as optional subjects for UPSC, Anthropology’s structured syllabus, high scoring potential, and consistent success among toppers make it a compelling choice for many aspirants. Align your optional subject choice with your strengths and interests, and leverage specialized resources like Anthroholic to enhance your preparation journey.

Suggested Reading for UPSC Aspirants

• Anthropology Optional Syllabuus for UPSC
• Anthropology Previous Year Question Papers
• Sociology or Anthropology Optional? Which is better for Mains
• Answer Writing for Anthropology Optional
• Is Anthropology the Right Optional for You? Pros and Cons