All questions asked in 2026

56 questions

Paper I 28

5(d) Anthropometry in ergonomics.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Applications of Anthropology > Ergonomics > Anthropometry

2026Paper IApplied & Forensic AnthropologyModel answer available

8(c) Discuss, with appropriate examples, how basic personality types may lead towards building up of national character.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Culture and Personality > Basic personality structure > National character

2026Paper IAnthropological TheoriesModel answer available

1(b) Canalization and catch-up growth.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Growth and Development > Growth patterns > Canalization and catch-up growth

2026Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

6(a) How would you find out that a particular disease/disorder is inherited and, if so, in which manner? Elaborate with suitable examples.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Mendelian inheritance in man > Pedigree analysis

2026Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

8(a) Compare Edmund Leach's structuralism with interpretive anthropology of Clifford Geertz.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Anthropological Theories > Structuralism and interpretive anthropology > Leach and Geertz

2026Paper IAnthropological TheoriesModel answer available

5(a) Ethics in anthropological fieldwork.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Research Methods > Fieldwork > Ethics in fieldwork

2026Paper IResearch Methods in AnthropologyModel answer available

1(e) Ethnoarchaeology and classical archaeology.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Archaeological Anthropology > Approaches > Ethnoarchaeology and classical archaeology

2026Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(c) Feminist movement and family.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Family > Contemporary trends > Feminist movement and family

2026Paper IMarriage & FamilyModel answer available

7(b) What do you understand by fertility and mortality? How are these influenced by biological and socio-ecological factors?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Biology > Demography > Fertility and mortality

2026Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

1(d) Genetic polymorphism and natural selection.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Genetic polymorphism > Natural selection

2026Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

1(a) Health as a cultural construct.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Applications of Anthropology > Medical Anthropology > Culture and health

2026Paper IApplied & Forensic AnthropologyModel answer available

3(b) Human evolution is a product of both biological and cultural factors. Elaborate.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Evolution > Biological and cultural factors > Biocultural evolution

2026Paper IHuman Evolution & PrimatologyModel answer available

4(b) Discuss 'incest taboo' as the basis of development of kinship systems in human societies.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Kinship > Incest taboo > Development of kinship systems

2026Paper IKinshipModel answer available

6(b) Critically discuss how culture determines human behaviour in the light of Leslie White's theory.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Anthropological Theories > Neo-evolutionism > Leslie White and culturology

2026Paper IAnthropological TheoriesModel answer available

7(c) Write a detailed note on the characteristic features, chronology, geographical distribution, tool types and lifeways of Magdalenian cultural tradition of Europe.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Palaeolithic Cultures > Upper Palaeolithic > Magdalenian tradition

2026Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

7(a) Discuss the mixed method approach in anthropological research.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Research Methods > Methodology > Mixed methods

2026Paper IResearch Methods in AnthropologyModel answer available

1(c) Myth as oral literature.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Religion, Myth and Ritual > Myth > Myth as oral literature

2026Paper IAnthropology of ReligionModel answer available

5(b) Distinguishing features of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > DNA > Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA

2026Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

4(c) Numerical chromosomal aberrations can be due to abnormalities in autosomes as well as sex chromosomes. Elaborate in terms of the effects these have on human body, giving suitable examples.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Chromosomal aberrations > Numerical aberrations

2026Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

3(c) Give the distribution of Palaeolithic sites around the Himalayan and Sub-Himalayan areas, highlighting the typo-technologies of the tools.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Palaeolithic Cultures > Distribution > Himalayan and Sub-Himalayan sites

2026Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

4(a) Discuss the phylogenetic status, characteristic features, geographical distribution and lifeways of Paranthropus.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Fossil Hominids > Australopithecines > Paranthropus

2026Paper IHuman Evolution & PrimatologyModel answer available

3(a) How do the concepts of power, authority, legitimacy and social control change with changing political organization? Discuss in detail giving suitable examples.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Political Organization and Social Control > Power and authority > Change with political organization

2026Paper IEconomic & Political AnthropologyModel answer available

2(b) How do religious beliefs help people to devise cultural mechanisms to adapt to their environment? Discuss in detail with appropriate examples.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Religion > Functions of religion > Cultural adaptation to environment

2026Paper IAnthropology of ReligionModel answer available

8(b) In what manner is our understanding of serogenetics and cytogenetics useful in reproductive biology? What are the major ethical issues involved in reproductive technology?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Applied genetics > Serogenetics, cytogenetics and reproductive technology

2026Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

2(a) What is meant by a somatotype? Discuss the Heath-Carter anthropometric method, giving its advantages over that of Sheldon's method. How can somatotyping be applied in sports sciences?

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Applications of Anthropology > Sports Anthropology > Somatotyping and the Heath-Carter method

2026Paper IApplied & Forensic AnthropologyModel answer available

6(c) What are Strepsirhini Primates? Describe their geographical distribution and mention the characteristics that distinguish them from Haplorhini Primates.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Primatology > Primate taxonomy > Strepsirhini and Haplorhini

2026Paper IHuman Evolution & PrimatologyModel answer available

2(c) How is the theory of structuralism helpful in understanding the concepts of caste and gender?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper I > Anthropological Theories > Structuralism > Application to caste and gender

2026Paper IAnthropological TheoriesModel answer available

5(e) Thermoluminescence dating method.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper I > Archaeological Anthropology > Dating methods > Thermoluminescence

2026Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

Paper II 28

5(c) Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Constitutional Safeguards > Special provisions > Article 371A

2026Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

5(a) Buddhist tribes of India.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Situation in India > Religion among tribes > Buddhist tribes

2026Paper IITribal IndiaModel answer available

7(b) Does caste as a social category exist among the non-Hindu communities in India? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Caste System > Caste among non-Hindus > Comparative examples

2026Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

7(a) Assess the contribution of colonial scholars in studying the tribal populations of North-East India.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Growth of Anthropology in India > Colonial ethnography > North-East India

2026Paper IIFoundations of AnthropologyModel answer available

3(c) Discuss with examples, how general comparative analogy has been used in ethnoarchaeological studies in India.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Ethnoarchaeology in India > Method > General comparative analogy

2026Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

8(c) What are the provisions given in the Constitution of India for the safeguard of the Scheduled Caste populations?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Constitutional Safeguards > Scheduled Castes > Provisions

2026Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsAnswer coming soon

2(a) What are the major debates related to the concept of jajmani system?

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Traditional Indian Social System > Jajmani system > Debates

2026Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

6(b) Discuss the impact of democratic institutions on the tribal populations of India.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribe and Polity > Democratic institutions > Impact on tribes

2026Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

7(c) Write an account on Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Development > Planning > DAPST

2026Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

2(b) 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aims to meet some of the Sustainable Development Goals'. Discuss.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Development Programmes > Government schemes > DAJGUA and SDGs

2026Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

1(a) Dravidian language family and its tribal speakers.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Situation in India > Linguistic classification > Dravidian family

2026Paper IITribal IndiaModel answer available

3(a) Critically examine the salience of F. G. Bailey's study on Bisipara village of Odisha.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Village Studies > Caste, politics and change > Bailey's Bisipara

2026Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

3(b) Discuss the impact of Christianity on the tribal population of Jharkhand.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Impact of Religion on Tribes > Christianity > Tribes of Jharkhand

2026Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeAnswer coming soon

2(c) What are the evidences available regarding crops and domesticated animals of Indus Valley Civilization? What are the views of the scholars regarding Indus script?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Evolution of Indian Culture > Indus Valley Civilization > Subsistence and script

2026Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyAnswer coming soon

1(e) Kumar Suresh Singh's contribution in studying tribal movements.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Movements > Typologies > Kumar Suresh Singh

2026Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(e) Contribution of L. K. Ananthakrishna Iyer in Anthropology.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Growth of Anthropology in India > Pioneers > L. K. Ananthakrishna Iyer

2026Paper IIFoundations of AnthropologyModel answer available

8(b) What are the major challenges tribal communities are facing in contemporary India?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Problems of Tribal Communities > Contemporary challenges > Overview

2026Paper IITribal Problems & DisplacementModel answer available

6(a) Make a critical appraisal of the mesolithic culture of Ganga basin with reference to artifacts, faunal and human skeletal remains excavated from different sites.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Prehistoric India > Mesolithic > Ganga basin sites

2026Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(d) Nature-Man-Spirit-Complex.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Situation in India > Ecology and religion > Nature-Man-Spirit complex

2026Paper IITribal IndiaModel answer available

4(c) Make a critical appraisal of Niyamgiri movement against mining-induced displacement.

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Development and Displacement > Movements > Niyamgiri

2026Paper IITribal Problems & DisplacementModel answer available

1(d) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the islands.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > PVTGs > Island tribes > Andaman and Nicobar PVTGs

2026Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

5(b) Debate regarding the phylogenetic position of Narmada Man.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Palaeo-anthropological evidence in India > Narmada Man > Phylogenetic debate

2026Paper IIHuman Evolution & PrimatologyModel answer available

1(b) Seed Eaters Model of hominid differentiation.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Palaeo-anthropology > Hominid differentiation > Seed Eaters model

2026Paper IIHuman Evolution & PrimatologyModel answer available

6(c) Write an account on the prevalence of sickle cell disease among the tribal populations of India. What are the initiatives undertaken by the affected states to tackle with this disease?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Health > Genetic disorders > Sickle cell disease

2026Paper IITribal Problems & DisplacementModel answer available

4(b) Why the classifications of Indian populations, based on somatometric and somatoscopic characteristics failed to develop a common understanding of the population diversity?

15 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Indian Population > Racial classification > Somatometric and somatoscopic characters

2026Paper IIHuman Genetics & Human BiologyAnswer coming soon

8(a) Make a critical appraisal of Surajit Sinha's line of argument that tribes and castes may not be isolated social categories, but are a part of the great Indian civilization.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribe-Caste Continuum > Great tradition > Surajit Sinha

2026Paper IITribal IndiaModel answer available

1(c) Tana Bhagat movement.

10 Marks150 words

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Movements > Reform and political movements > Tana Bhagat movement

2026Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

4(a) Write an account on the contribution of Verrier Elwin in developing policies for the tribal populations in post-independent India.

20 Marks

Syllabus: Paper II > Tribal Policy > Approaches > Verrier Elwin and Panchsheel

2026Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

UPSC Anthropology Optional PYQs 2026

Papers in 2026

Foundations of Anthropology

Indian Anthropology

Themes Asked in 2026

All questions asked in 2026

Paper I 28

Paper II 28