Anthropology or Philosphy which is better optional for UPSC CSE aspirants.
Introduction
One of the most critical decisions for UPSC aspirants is choosing the right optional subject for the Mains exam. Among the popular choices are Anthropology and Philosophy. Both are non-technical subjects with a consistent success rate. However, each has its unique demands. This article compares Anthropology and Philosophy on multiple parameters to help you make an informed decision based on your interest, aptitude, and preparation strategy.
1. Nature of the Subject
- Anthropology is the study of humans—culturally, biologically, and evolutionarily. It includes social anthropology, biological anthropology, and tribal studies.
- Philosophy deals with fundamental questions on life, consciousness, ethics, and logic. It requires abstract thinking and a flair for writing logically and coherently.
Verdict: Anthropology is more factual and structured, while Philosophy is conceptual and requires strong writing skills.
2. Syllabus Comparison
- Anthropology has a concise and manageable syllabus with overlapping topics in GS I (Indian society and culture).
- Philosophy has the shortest syllabus among all UPSC optionals. Paper I is theoretical (Western and Indian philosophy), while Paper II deals with socio-political and religious issues.
Verdict: Philosophy wins in terms of syllabus length, but Anthropology is more grounded and easier to relate to real-world contexts.
3. Scoring Trends and Success Rate
- Anthropology is a scoring subject, especially with the help of diagrams and case studies. Toppers like Anudeep Durishetty and Junaid Ahmad chose Anthropology and scored 300+.
- Philosophy has shown variable results. With exceptional writing and analytical skills, aspirants can score well, but average performance can lead to low marks due to its abstract nature.
Verdict: Anthropology has more consistent high scores than Philosophy.
4. Background Suitability
- Anthropology is suitable for both science and humanities backgrounds. Biology students have an advantage in Paper I.
- Philosophy is suitable for humanities students, especially those with a background in logic, political science, or psychology.
Verdict: Anthropology is more universal in appeal; Philosophy requires genuine interest and abstract thinking ability.
5. Study Material and Resources
Both subjects have good quality resources. However, Anthropology has better test series and structured notes available due to higher demand.
6. Overlap with GS Papers and Essay
- Anthropology has overlap with Indian Society, Culture, Tribal Issues in GS I and Ethics (GS IV).
- Philosophy helps in GS IV (Ethics) and in writing philosophical essays in the Essay paper.
Verdict: Both offer helpful overlap but Anthropology covers broader areas across GS papers.
7. Availability of Good Faculty
Top mentors play a huge role in simplifying the subject. TheHinduZone offers personalized mentorship from reputed teachers in both options.
8. Previous Year Question Papers
To understand the pattern and difficulty level, go through the UPSC previous year question papers from the official website.
Anthropology vs Philosophy: A Quick Comparison Table
| Criteria | Anthropology | Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus Length | Moderate and structured | Shortest optional syllabus |
| Scoring Potential | High (if prepared well) | Variable, depends on answer quality |
| Overlap with GS | Good (GS I, IV) | Good (GS IV, Essay) |
| Suitability | Science/Humanities students | Philosophical/Arts background |
| Resources | Abundant coaching and test series | Moderate resources available |
Final Verdict
Both Anthropology and Philosophy are strong contenders for UPSC optional, but your choice must align with your strengths:
- Choose Anthropology if you prefer factual subjects, enjoy diagrams, or come from a science background.
- Choose Philosophy if you have a flair for abstract reasoning, ethical analysis, and love writing logically structured essays.
With the right mentor, consistent practice, and answer writing, both options can yield excellent scores. Always back your optional selection with mock tests, question paper analysis, and feedback from mentors.
Related Posts:
