Sociology or Anthropology Optional for UPSC?
Choosing the right optional subject for UPSC Mains can significantly impact your final score and ranking. Among the most popular choices, Sociology and Anthropology stand out due to their high success rates, overlap with General Studies, and scoring potential. However, if you are confused about which one to choose, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
While both subjects have their strengths, Anthropology has emerged as a top choice for many aspirants, including several UPSC toppers. In this article, we compare Sociology vs. Anthropology and explain why Anthropology Optional is the better choice for many aspirants.
Understanding Sociology and Anthropology in UPSC
Sociology Optional
- Focuses on human society, social structures, and institutions.
- Covers topics like caste, gender, religion, family, and economic structures.
- Requires strong conceptual clarity and writing skills.
- High overlap with General Studies (GS Paper 1, Ethics, and Essay).
- Ideal for candidates with a background in humanities or social sciences.
Anthropology Optional
- A scientific study of human evolution, culture, and biology.
- Divided into Physical Anthropology (genetics, evolution) and Socio-Cultural Anthropology.
- Requires factual knowledge and diagram-based answers.
- Moderate overlap with GS Papers (History, Geography, Science & Tech, Ethics).
- Considered more scoring and less subjective compared to Sociology.
Toppers Who Chose Anthropology Optional
Many UPSC toppers have chosen Anthropology Optional and scored exceptionally well. Here are a few notable examples:
- Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, UPSC 2017) – Scored high marks in Anthropology, helping him secure Rank 1.
- Sachin Gupta (AIR 3, UPSC 2017) – Excelled in Anthropology and recommended it for aspirants.
- Neha Kumari (AIR 26, UPSC 2014) – Credited her success to Anthropology’s structured syllabus.
- Gaurav Agrawal (AIR 1, UPSC 2013) – Also considered Anthropology before choosing Economics.
These success stories prove that Anthropology Optional has immense potential to boost scores, provided one follows the right strategy.
Why Anthropology Optional is a Better Choice for UPSC
(i) Short and Well-Defined Syllabus
- Anthropology’s syllabus is more structured and concise compared to Sociology.
- No requirement for current affairs updates unlike Sociology.
- Makes revision easier and more effective.
(ii) Higher Scoring Potential
- Anthropology answers are fact-based and diagram-oriented, leaving little room for subjectivity.
- Sociology requires more philosophical and subjective writing, which can lead to variable marking.
- In recent UPSC exams, Anthropology has seen more candidates scoring 280+ out of 500, which is higher than Sociology’s average.
(iii) Scientific and Logical Approach
- Anthropology is more analytical and objective, making it easier to score well.
- Sociology requires critical analysis and abstract thinking, which may not suit all aspirants.
(iv) Less Competition and Higher Success Rate
- Fewer aspirants opt for Anthropology compared to Sociology, leading to better scaling and evaluation.
- Success rate of Anthropology (9-10%) is slightly higher than Sociology (8-9%).
(v) Ideal for Science & Engineering Background Students
- Anthropology has elements of biology, genetics, and evolution, making it more relatable for science students.
- Sociology is more theory-driven, which can be challenging for those from non-humanities backgrounds.
Sociology vs. Anthropology: Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Sociology Optional | Anthropology Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus Length | Broad & evolving | Concise & fixed |
| Scoring Potential | Moderate (Subjective) | High (Fact-based) |
| Answer Writing | Essay-style, abstract | Diagrams, factual |
| Overlap with GS | High (GS1, Ethics, Essay) | Moderate (History, Geography, Science & Tech) |
| Competition | High (More aspirants) | Lower (Better scaling) |
| Suitability | Humanities background | Science, medical, engineering background |
Final Verdict: Choose Anthropology If…
- You prefer fact-based and diagram-heavy answers.
- You want a structured syllabus with easy revision.
- You come from a Science/Engineering/Medical background.
- You want to score 280+ marks consistently.
Choose Sociology only if you have a strong interest in social theories and are comfortable with subjective writing.
How Anthroholic Can Help You Ace Anthropology Optional
If you’re convinced that Anthropology is the right optional for you, the next step is choosing the best guidance. This is where Anthroholic comes in!
Why Choose Anthroholic for Anthropology Preparation?
- Expert-Curated Notes & Strategy – Designed by toppers and experts.
- Comprehensive Answer Writing Practice – Model answers with feedback.
- High-Quality Video Lectures – Concept clarity for all topics.
- Personalized Mentorship – One-on-one guidance for doubts & strategy.
Conclusion
Both Sociology and Anthropology are great choices for UPSC, but if you’re looking for a scoring, structured, and scientific optional, Anthropology is the better pick. Many toppers have proved that a well-prepared Anthropology strategy can yield excellent results.
Ready to ace Anthropology Optional? Join Anthroholic today and take your UPSC preparation to the next level!
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