Anthropology or Chemistry. Which is better optional for UPSC CSE mains exam
Choosing the right optional subject is a strategic decision in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). Among the many available choices, Anthropology and Chemistry are two distinct disciplines—one belongs to the social sciences, and the other to natural sciences. This article compares both subjects across various parameters to help aspirants make an informed choice.
1. Syllabus and Nature of Subject
Anthropology is the study of humans, societies, and cultures. It is relatively straightforward, has a concise syllabus, and is considered easy to understand, especially for candidates from humanities or biology backgrounds.
Chemistry, on the other hand, is deeply technical and suits aspirants from engineering, B.Sc., or M.Sc. Chemistry backgrounds. The syllabus is vast and includes Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry, demanding in-depth conceptual clarity.
2. Scoring Potential and Success Rate
Anthropology has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its high scoring potential. The presence of diagrams and case studies makes answers more illustrative and can help fetch better marks. It also has a consistently good success rate.
However, Chemistry is known to be a bit unpredictable in terms of marks. Due to its technical nature and limited guidance available, it often remains a less chosen subject despite its strong academic base among science students.
3. Availability of Resources and Guidance
Anthropology has emerged as a widely chosen optional, resulting in the availability of good coaching institutes, test series, and notes. Teachers like Dr. Huma Hassan from PlutusIAS is known as best Anthropology optional teacher..
Chemistry, though a popular academic subject, lacks UPSC-specific guidance. Good coaching options are limited, and aspirants often struggle with answer writing in a non-theoretical subject.
4. Overlap with GS Papers
Anthropology offers good overlap with GS Paper I (Indian Society), GS Paper II (Tribal Issues, Welfare Schemes), and even GS Paper IV (Ethics, Human Values). This makes preparation holistic and time-efficient.
Chemistry has negligible overlap with General Studies papers. The time spent studying Chemistry may not benefit you beyond the optional paper itself, which is a crucial factor to consider given the vast UPSC syllabus.
5. Time Investment and Revision
Anthropology, with its short and static syllabus, allows for quicker completion and multiple revisions. Many toppers recommend it due to its ease of understanding and quick grasp of concepts.
Chemistry requires extensive time to cover theory, solve problems, and revise. Moreover, UPSC questions demand application-based answers, which take significant practice and expertise.
6. Performance in Recent Years
Anthropology has been a consistent performer in the optional subject list, with several toppers like Anudeep Durishetty and Vishal Saraswat choosing it. It has proven to be a reliable scoring option for serious aspirants.
Chemistry, while academically rich, has not seen many high-rank holders recently. The complexity of the paper and low marks trend make it a tough nut to crack for many aspirants.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you are from a science background but are open to exploring a new subject, Anthropology can be a strategic choice due to its scoring potential, overlap with GS papers, and relatively easier content.
If you are deeply comfortable with Chemistry and have a strong academic foundation with prior preparation or teaching experience, it might still be a good option. However, it requires considerable time and effort.
Useful Resources
Both Anthropology and Chemistry have their own advantages and challenges. It’s essential to choose based on your educational background, interest, and ability to handle the demands of the subject. Remember, optional can make or break your final score, so choose wisely.
