Anthropology Vs PSIR | Our Education
Anthropology or PSIR – Which is the Better Optional for UPSC CSE?
When preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), choosing the right optional subject plays a decisive role in your success. Among the popular choices, Anthropology and Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) are widely debated. Both subjects have helped aspirants secure top ranks, but they differ in approach, syllabus, and preparation strategy. This article offers an in-depth comparison to help you make an informed decision between Anthropology vs PSIR optional for UPSC.1. Overview of Anthropology and PSIR
Anthropology is the study of human evolution, society, culture, and biology. It combines elements of science and humanities and is considered relatively compact and scoring. PSIR (Political Science and International Relations) explores political theories, Indian and global political systems, diplomacy, and current affairs. It’s favored by aspirants who have a background or interest in politics, governance, and international relations.2. Syllabus and Structure
- Anthropology: The syllabus is concise and divided into Paper I (Theoretical and Biological Anthropology) and Paper II (Indian Society and Tribes). It is mostly static and doesn’t require frequent updates.
- PSIR: This subject has a dynamic syllabus – Paper I covers political theory and Indian government; Paper II deals with international relations. It requires constant reading of current affairs and international developments.
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3. Scoring Potential
Both subjects have high scoring potential, but their approach differs:- Anthropology is considered a scoring optional due to its diagram-based answers and static nature. Many non-humanities background students score 270+ with good preparation.
- PSIR is more analytical and subjective. Toppers like Tina Dabi and Srushti Deshmukh had PSIR, but it demands in-depth analysis, especially in Paper II (IR).
4. GS and Essay Paper Overlap
This is where PSIR has a slight edge:- PSIR: Excellent overlap with GS Paper II (Polity & IR), GS Paper IV (Ethics), and Essay paper. Prelims also benefit from polity topics.
- Anthropology: Limited overlap with GS, mainly in topics related to society (GS Paper I) and ethics. However, it supports Essay writing when topics touch on society, evolution, or tribal affairs.
5. Availability of Study Material & Guidance
Anthropology has fewer reliable resources compared to PSIR. Guidance from top educators like Dr. Huma Hassan (PlutusIAS) makes a big difference in mastering the subject. PSIR has a wealth of material, toppers’ copies, books, and YouTube lectures, but the challenge lies in filtering and organizing it.6. Background and Suitability
- Anthropology is preferred by engineers, doctors, and science graduates due to its diagram-based approach and minimal need for prior social science knowledge.
- PSIR is suitable for those with a humanities background, political interest, or prior exposure to the subject. Those with a strong grasp of current affairs perform better.
7. Mentorship and Test Series
Institutes like PlutusIAS offer targeted mentorship for both subjects. For Anthropology, the structured test series and personal guidance from top educators like Dr. Huma Hassan helps in identifying strengths and improving answer writing. For PSIR, guidance on answer framing and handling dynamic IR questions by experienced mentors such as Dr. Vivek Raj and Prateek Tripathi sir can be a game-changer.8. Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Choose?
Both Anthropology and PSIR have delivered excellent results in the past. The right choice depends on your interest, background, and commitment:- Choose Anthropology if you prefer static content, love diagrams, and come from a science or non-humanities background.
- Choose PSIR if you enjoy debates, international affairs, and have strong analytical and writing skills.
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