UPSC Anthropology Optional
UPSC Anthropology Optional Mains PYQs 2014-2026
Explore a searchable collection of UPSC Anthropology Optional previous-year questions with question-wise, topic-wise and year-wise model-answer content and structure, thinkers, case studies, diagrams and presentation guidance — built for serious aspirants.
13
Years Covered
I + II
Paper-wise PYQs
18
Topic Areas
604
Model Answers Added
Counts update automatically as questions and model answers are added.
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Model-Answer LibraryQuestion-wise model answers & frameworks
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Explore by Year
2026
Paper I & II
2025
Paper I & II
2024
Paper I & II
2023
Paper I & II
2022
Paper I & II
2021
Paper I & II
2020
Paper I & II
2019
Paper I & II
2018
Paper I & II
2017
Paper I & II
2016
Paper I & II
2015
Paper I & II
2014
Paper I & II
Explore by Paper
Paper I
Foundations of Anthropology
Human EvolutionKinshipResearch Methods
Paper II
Indian Anthropology
PVTGTribal DevelopmentLinguistic
Explore by Topic
Anthropological TheoriesHigh Frequency
Paper I · Paper I 8 — Anthropological Theories
34 PYQs
31 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Anthropology of ReligionAnswer Ready
Paper I · Paper I 6 — Religion, Magic, Ritual and Religious Specialists
14 PYQs
13 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Applied & Forensic AnthropologyAnswer Ready
Paper I & II · Paper I 12 · Paper II 9.4 — Applications of Anthropology, Forensic and Development
30 PYQs
27 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Culture & SocietyAnswer Ready
Paper I · Paper I 2.1–2.3, 9.2 — Nature of Culture and Society; Language and Communication
25 PYQs
20 Model Answers
Last asked: 2025 · View →
Economic & Political AnthropologyAnswer Ready
Paper I · Paper I 4–5 — Economic Organization; Political Organization and Social Control
24 PYQs
20 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Ethnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeAnswer Ready
Paper II · Paper II 7.3, 8.4–8.5 — Ethnicity, Movements, Religion among Tribes and Social Change
40 PYQs
28 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Foundations of AnthropologyAnswer Ready
Paper I & II · Paper I 1.1–1.3 · Paper II 4 — Scope, Branches and Growth of Anthropology
30 PYQs
25 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Human Evolution & PrimatologyHigh Frequency
Paper I & II · Paper I 1.4–1.7, 1.9 · Paper II 1.2 — Human Evolution, Primates and Fossil Hominids
37 PYQs
32 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Human Genetics & Human BiologyHigh Frequency
Paper I · Paper I 6–9 — Human Genetics, Variation, Growth, Ecology, Nutrition and Demography
109 PYQs
89 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Indian Society, Caste & CivilizationHigh Frequency
Paper II · Paper II 1.3–3 — Demographic Profile, Traditional Social System, Caste and Religions
89 PYQs
77 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
KinshipHigh Frequency
Paper I · Paper I 3.3 — Kinship, Descent and Alliance
14 PYQs
13 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Marriage & FamilyAnswer Ready
Paper I · Paper I 3.1–3.2 — Marriage and Family
14 PYQs
11 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Prehistoric ArchaeologyAnswer Ready
Paper I & II · Paper I 2 · Paper II 1.1–1.2 — Prehistoric Archaeology, Chronology and Indian Prehistory
95 PYQs
79 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Research Methods in AnthropologyAnswer Ready
Paper I & II · Paper I 9.1 — Research Methods and Fieldwork Tradition
22 PYQs
16 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Tribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsHigh Frequency
Paper II · Paper II 8.1–8.3, 9.1–9.3 — Constitutional Safeguards, PVTGs, Tribal Policy and Administration
54 PYQs
42 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Tribal IndiaHigh Frequency
Paper II · Paper II 6.1–6.2 — Tribal Situation, Distribution and Characteristics
25 PYQs
24 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Tribal Problems & DisplacementHigh Frequency
Paper II · Paper II 7.1–7.2 — Problems of Tribal Communities, Displacement and Rehabilitation
34 PYQs
27 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
Village India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeAnswer Ready
Paper II · Paper II 5 — Indian Village, Linkages, Urbanisation and Globalisation
38 PYQs
30 Model Answers
Last asked: 2026 · View →
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