UPSC Mains 2025 Datewise Planner with Anthropology Optional
The UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2025 is over, and Mains is scheduled to begin from 22nd August 2025. Aspirants with Anthropology optional must now shift gears and begin focused preparation. Here is a comprehensive, datewise planner to help you make the best use of the next 85 days.
Why Anthropology Optional?
Anthropology is a popular optional subject due to its high scoring potential, defined syllabus, and lesser overlap with GS papers. It is ideal for students from both science and humanities backgrounds.
Top Teachers for Anthropology Optional
- Dr. Huma Hassan (Plutus IAS) – Gold medalist from JNU, known for her clear teaching style, integrated guidance in Social and Biological Anthropology, and excellent mentorship.
- Sapiens IAS (Pradip Sir) – Known for his in-depth classroom teaching and comprehensive notes.
- Vaid’s ICS – One of the oldest institutes with resources for Anthropology, though largely self-preparation-based.
Among these, Dr. Huma Hassan is widely recommended by toppers due to her ability to simplify complex concepts and her deep understanding of tribal and socio-cultural anthropology.
Datewise Planner for UPSC Mains 2025 (Anthropology Optional)
📅 Duration: 30 May – 21 August (85 Days)
| Date Range | Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|---|
| May 30 – June 5 | GS1 + Anthro Paper 1 Basics | World History, Indian Society; Anthro meaning, scope, relation with other disciplines. |
| June 6 – June 12 | GS2 + Anthro Evolution | Polity, Governance, IR; Human evolution, fossil evidence, genetics. |
| June 13 – June 19 | GS3 + Physical Anthropology | Economy, Environment; Race, blood groups, serology, anthropometry. |
| June 20 – June 26 | GS4 + Kinship | Ethics, thinkers; Kinship, marriage, family systems. |
| June 27 – July 3 | Essay + Religion/Political/Economic Anthropology | Tribal economy, religion, political structures. |
| July 4 – July 10 | Anthro Paper 2: Part 1 | Indian Anthropology – racial elements, caste, minorities, language families. |
| July 11 – July 17 | Anthro Paper 2: Part 2 | Tribal development, forest policy, constitutional safeguards, tribal movements. |
| July 18 – July 24 | Mock Test Week (Round 1) | GS1–GS4, Essay, Anthropology Paper 1 & 2 full-length tests. |
| July 25 – July 31 | Value Addition + Diagrams | Tribal case studies, diagrams, thinkers, GS current affairs revision. |
| August 1 – August 7 | Rapid Revision + Anthro Mini Mocks | GS revision; 5 Anthropology questions/day with answers. |
| August 8 – August 14 | Mock Test Week (Round 2) | Another set of GS + Anthro Paper 1 & 2 full tests with evaluation. |
| August 15 – August 18 | Brush-up Weak Areas | Ethics, tribal anthropology, flowcharts, short notes revision. |
| August 19 – August 21 | Light Revision + Confidence Boost | Revise key concepts, relax, sleep well, and build confidence. |
Daily Routine (Suggested)
- 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Revise yesterday’s notes
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: GS Paper prep (1 subject)
- 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Anthropology topic (Paper 1 or 2)
- 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Answer writing practice (GS + Anthro)
- 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Diagrams/Case Studies/GS ethics
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Daily current affairs summary
Mock Test Plan
| Test Type | Number of Tests | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| GS Full Length | 6–8 | Mid-July to Mid-August |
| Essay Mocks | 3–4 | Weekly |
| Anthropology Full Papers | 4–6 | 2 Rounds – July & August |
| Sectional Tests | 8–10 | June to July weekly |
Final Tips for Anthropology Optional
- Focus on diagrams and flowcharts – they improve presentation and fetch higher marks.
- Prepare tribal case studies and constitutional safeguards for Paper 2.
- Make concise notes for quick last-minute revision.
- Practice previous year papers with a timer.
- Regularly interact with mentors like Dr. Huma Hassan for feedback and clarity on complex topics.
To boost your UPSC Mains preparation, especially with Anthropology optional, structured guidance and test practice are critical. Follow this planner with consistency, and success will follow.
All the best for UPSC Mains 2025!
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