Anthropology Optional · Paper I · General Anthropology
Applications of Anthropology Notes · PYQs
Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Applications of Anthropology (Anthropology Optional Paper I, Unit 12), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Sports and nutritional anthropology; anthropology in equipment design; forensic anthropology; applied human genetics; statistical methods.
2
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65
Questions listed
20
Asked since 2013
1983–2026
Years covered
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Official UPSC syllabus
Applications of Anthropology: syllabus
The syllabus text as UPSC notifies it for Paper I of Anthropology Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to these lines. Full Paper I and Paper II syllabus.
12 Applications of Anthropology: Anthropology of sports, Nutritional anthropology, Anthroplogy in designing of defence and other equipments, Forensic Anthroplogy, Methods and principles of personal identification and reconstruction, Applied human genetics—Paternity diagnosis, genetic counselling and eugenics, DNA technology in diseases and medicine, serogenetics and cytogenetics in reproductive biology.
Paper I · Unit 12
Applications of Anthropology notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order, written for UPSC Mains with diagrams, key terms and the previous year questions of each topic. Read a topic, then practise its questions below.
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Previous year questions: Applications of Anthropology
All 65 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1983 and 2026, grouped by syllabus sub-topic, newest first. Questions from 2013 onwards (the current pattern) are shown in full; earlier ones open on a tap.
How often UPSC asks each sub-topic
| Sub-topic | Questions | Since 2013 | Last asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications of anthropology | 65 | 20 | 2026 |
Applications of anthropology
65 questions · 20 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Applied Anthropology · Applied Human Genetics and Statistics
Anthropology of sports, Nutritional anthropology, Anthropology in designing of defence and other equipments, Forensic Anthropology,Methods and principles of personal identification and reconstruction, Applied human genetics – Paternity diagnosis, genetic counseling and eugenics, DNA technology diseases and medicine, serogenetics and cytogenetics in reproductive biology, Application of statistical methods
Asked since 2013 · 19
2026What 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?2026Write notes on: Anthropometry in ergonomics.2026In what manner is our understanding of serogenetics and cytogenetics useful in reproductive biology? What are the major ethical issues involved in reproductive technology?2025Examine the utility of human remains in forensic analysis. Discuss the facial reconstruction technique.2024Discuss the applications of forensic anthropology with suitable examples.2023Discuss various methods of personal identification based on skeletal remains.2022Discuss how anthropological knowledge of the human body may be used in designing equipments and articles of human use.2021How are the cases of disputed paternity solved ? Discuss the recent techniques.2021What is Anthropometry ? Discuss its role in assessing the nutritional status and sports capability of a person.2020Write notes on the Ethics and Genetic engineering in about 150 words.2019Write a note in 150 words on Anthropological inputs in facial reconstruction.2019“Applied human genetics has come to touch every sphere of human life.” Discuss in light of recent advances in molecular anthropology.2017Write a note in 150 words on Anthropology and designing of equipments.2017What are the methods of personal identification? Critically examine how personal identification helps in criminal investigations.2016Describe the role of Anthropology in designing defence and other equipments.2016Write a note in 150 words on Forensic Anthropology.2015Write a note in 150 words on DNA technology in Medicine.2015Elucidate the role of Anthropology in selection and monitoring of sports persons.2015Forensic Science can help in criminal investigations. Discuss.
Show 32 earlier questions (before 2013)
1984–2012 · 32 questions
2012Write a note in 150 words on Applications of Anthropometry in designing.2012Briefly discuss the applications of the knowledge of human osteology in forensic investigations.2011Write a note in 150 words on Personal identification.2011Discuss the application of anthropological knowledge in designing equipment.2011Explain the application of anthropological knowledge in genetic counseling, forensic science, sports and nutrition.2010Write a note in 150 words on Role of forensic anthropology in the field of personal identification.2009Analyse the various applications of anthropological knowledge to solve medico-legal problems and in the reconstruction of evidence.2008Write a note on Nutritional anthropology.2008Discuss the role of anthropology in designing defence and other equipments.2007Write a note on Forensic Anthropology.2007Briefly Describe various applications of physical Anthropology.2006Write a note on Personal Identification.2005Write a note on Nutritional : Anthropology.2004Write a note on Anthropology of Sports.2004Discuss the area in which the knowledge of human genetics can be applied.2003Write a note on Eugenics.2003Write a note on Forensic Anthropology.2003What do you understand by applied Physical Anthropology ? Discuss the applications of anthropometry in designing defence and other equipments.2002What are the statistical methods used in Physical Anthropology.2001Evaluate the role of Serogenetics and Cytogenetics in reproductive biology.2001Write a note on Sampling Methods.2000Write a note on Chi-square Test.1999Discuss the application of the human genetics in the field of forensic science and diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders.1997Critically examine the anthropological approaches to planning and socioeconomic development among the weaker sections of the Indian society, highlighting the issues of macroplanning in anthropology.1997Write a note on Anthropology of Sports.1996Discuss the concepts of eugenics and euphenics and their potential applications to human welfare.1996Write a note on Forensic Anthropology.1996Write a note on Nutritional ecology.1990Write a note on Applied anthropology.1989What is meant by Applied Anthropology? Explain its methods and scope in Indian context.1988Write a note on Applied physical anthropology.1984Distinguish between: Applied and action anthropology.
Concept of Development and Rehabilitation from Anthropological Perspective
1983–2012 · 7 questions
2005Discuss the concept of people’s participation in planned development.2004Explain the concept of sustainable development with reference to development and rehabilitation.2001Write a note on Displacement and Rehabilitation.2000What is planning from below ? Critically assess the role of anthropology towards implementing sustainable development.1995What is sustainable development ? How does anthropology help attain sustainable development in the tribal communities in India.1990Discuss the methods concerning the welfare and development of scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.1983Reciprocity and redistribution inhibit social conflict in primitive society. Discuss.
Relevance in understanding of Contemporary society, Ethnicity, Nation-state
Asked since 2013 · 1
2018Explain the impact of discovery of iron technology on contemporary society.
Show 6 earlier questions (before 2013)
1993–2012 · 6 questions
2005Discuss the relationship of ethnicity and nation-state. ·.2004Write a note on Ethnic Conflict.2004Explain Fredrik Barth’s concept of ethnic boundaries. Explain its distinction from cultural content.2002Write a note on Nation State.2002What is ethnicity? Does ethnicity add to conflicts and tensions in the society? Illustrate.1993Write a note on Nation building processes in new states.
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Previous · Paper I · Unit 11
Bioevents, Fertility and Demography
Menarche, menopause and other bioevents; fertility patterns; demographic theories; factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality.
Next · Paper II · Unit 01
Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization
Prehistoric and protohistoric India; Indus civilization; tribal contributions; Siwalik and Narmada evidence; ethno-archaeology in India.
Anthropology Optional
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