Anthropology Optional · Paper II · Indian Anthropology

Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs (Anthropology Optional Paper II, Unit 07), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Exploitation, deprivation and constitutional safeguards; social change in contemporary tribal societies; ethnicity, unrest, regionalism, autonomy, pseudo-tribalism; tribal movements.

5

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141

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66

Asked since 2013

1981–2026

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Official UPSC syllabus

Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs: syllabus

The syllabus text as UPSC notifies it for Paper II of Anthropology Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to these lines. Full Paper I and Paper II syllabus.

7.1 Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.

7.2 Social change and contemporary tribal societies: Impact of modern democratic institutions, development programmes and welfare measures on tribals and weaker sections.

7.3 The concept of ethnicity: Ethnic conflicts and political developments; Unrest among tribal communities; Regionalism and demand for autonomy; Pseudo-tribalism. Social change among the tribes during colonial and post-Independent India.

Free practice

Previous year questions: Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs

All 141 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1981 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-topicQuestionsSince 2013Last asked
7.1 Exploitation, deprivation and constitutional safeguards44252026
7.2 Social change and contemporary tribal societies33152026
7.3 Ethnicity, ethnic conflict, regionalism, autonomy and pseudo-tribalism50222025
7.4 Social movements among tribal societies1442026

7.1 Exploitation, deprivation and constitutional safeguards

44 questions · 25 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Exploitation and Deprivation of SCs, STs, OBCs

Asked since 2013 · 25

  • 2026Write notes on: Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
  • 2026What are the provisions given in the Constitution of India for the safeguard of the Scheduled Caste populations?
  • 2025What are the identifying criteria for PVTGs in India? Examine their current status, nomenclature and distribution.
  • 2025Trace the history and describe the methods of formulating the lists of OBCs, both at the State and National levels.
  • 2024Write notes on: Status of Sixth Schedule Areas.
  • 2024Write notes on: Constitutional Safeguards for Backward Classes.
  • 2024Write notes on: B. K. Roy Burman’s concept of ‘Buffer Zone’
  • 2023Write notes on: Scheduled areas.
  • 2022Write notes on: Role of the Governor in the Fifth Schedule areas.
  • 2022Discuss the issues and solutions related to the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe populations in India.
  • 2021Write short notes on “Politics of recognition and deprivation” in about 150 words.
  • 2020Describe the provisions under 6th Schedule of Indian Constitution.
  • 2020Critically evaluate the state of implementation of the constitutional safeguards for the scheduled castes.
  • 2019What are the constitutional safeguards to protect the interests of the Indian tribes?
  • 2018Write a note in 150 words on Tribe and scheduled tribe.
  • 2018Discuss the salient features of PESA Act of 1996 and attempt a comparison with the features of the VI Schedule.
  • 2017Critically discuss the constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes.
  • 2017Write a note in 150 words on Other Backward Class.
  • 2016Examine the factors responsible for the exploitation of scheduled castes in India.
  • 2016Write in detail various provisions provided by the Constitution of India for the scheduled tribes under Vth and VIth Schedules.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Role of Governor in Fifth Schedule Areas.
  • 2014Critically examine the constitutional provisions for safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Tribes in India.
  • 2013Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are built on the foundations laid by the colonial Government. Discuss. (250 words).
  • 2013Discuss how British policies dispossessed tribals of their communal properties and agricultural lands.
  • 2013Discuss the Social disabilities suffered by scheduled castes.
Show 19 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 19 questions

  • 2010Write a note in 150 words on The problem of bonded labour among Indian tribes.
  • 2009Write a note on Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
  • 2007Write a note on Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Castes.
  • 2004Write a note on National Commission for SCs and STs.
  • 2002Critically examine the merits and demerits of reservation policy for the ‘Scheduled tribes, Scheduled castes and  other Backward classes.
  • 2002Do you think that exploitation emanates from clash of self interest between groups? Discuss in the context of tribals , and non-tribals.
  • 1996Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes.
  • 1995Write a note on : Distinguish between exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes.
  • 1994Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for the scheduled tribes.
  • 1993What are the major socio-economic problems faced by the Scheduled castes ? Point out the criteria for diagnosis and suggest the remedial measures.
  • 1991Evaluate the extent to which existing reservations for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have led to social mobility among them. What suggestions would you make for implementing to policy of adding an economic in extending reservation to the so-called ‘forward’ castes ?
  • 1990Discuss the provisions and significance of the protective discrimination policy towards scheduled caste. Assess its impact on their social mobility.
  • 1989Write notes on: Describe ILO’s Convention No. 169 on Indigenous and Tribal people. Is India a signatory to it? (2024).
  • 1987Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for scheduled tribes.
  • 1986Analyse the programmes for tribal welfare undertaken Governments in terms of relevant constitutional and statutory provisions.
  • 1985Identify the main problems of the scheduled castes and discuss the measures adopted to solve them.
  • 1984Write a note in 200 words: Types of subsistence economy of Indian tribes.
  • 1982Write an essay on the social disabilities experienced by the scheduled castes and discuss the important efforts made to alleviate the same.
  • 1981Discuss some of the important provisions in our Constitution which are meant to protect the interest of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. What is the impact of these provisions have so far had on the weaker sections?

7.2 Social change and contemporary tribal societies

33 questions · 15 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Social Change in Contemporary Tribal Societies

Asked since 2013 · 15

  • 2026Discuss the impact of democratic institutions on the tribal populations of India.
  • 2025Discuss the role of NGOs in the socioeconomic and political development of weaker sections and the manner in which they facilitate other stakeholders.
  • 2024Critically discuss the recent welfare measures initiated by the Government for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Comment why PVTGs were erroneously called Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs).
  • 2024How is PESA Act empowering local self-governance and impacting women’s political participation?
  • 2023Critically examine the impact of modern democratic institutions on contemporary tribal societies. Illustrate with suitable ethnographic examples.
  • 2022Discuss the objectives of Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs). How far have these objectives been achieved?
  • 2022Compare the functioning of traditional ‘Tribal Council’ with that of ‘Gram Sabha’ under PESA.
  • 2020Describe the functions of Tribal Research Institutes in India.
  • 2019Critically assess the existing plans and programmes meant for tribal welfare.
  • 2017Give a critical appraisal of any one tribal development programme during XIIth Five-Year plan. Give your suggestions for any improvement in the programme.
  • 2016Describe how various tribal development programmes and plans have impacted the process of social transformation among tribes.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Relevance of tribal Panchsheel today.
  • 2015Discuss the nature of social change in tribal India under the impact of  developmental programmes.
  • 2013Examine the impacts of green revolution on rural poor.
  • 2013Examine the impact of non-tribal contract on socio-cultural institutions of tribal people with suitable examples.
Show 18 earlier questions (before 2013)

1982–2012 · 18 questions

  • 2012Examine the relevance of Tribal Panchsheel by Jawaharlal Nehru in the light of emerging developing practices.
  • 2012Write a note in 150 words on Commodification of Tribal Art.
  • 2011Write a note in 150 words on Tribal Panchsheel.
  • 2008How have modern democratic institutions influenced the Indian tribal societies ? Assess.
  • 2006Critically review the processes of social changes the contemporary Indian society is undergoing.
  • 2006Write a note on Programmes for ‘Tribal Development.
  • 2000Write a note on MADA, LAMPS TRIFED.
  • 1998Write a note on ITDA.
  • 1997Estimate the role of democratic institutions/ organisation for the development of weaker sections and the welfare measures adopted by them.
  • 1995Write a note on People’s participation in tribal development.
  • 1994Describe the efficacy of the legislative measures adopted by the Government to tackle the socio-economic problems of the scheduled castes. What other measure would you suggest to tackle these problems?
  • 1993Write a note on Direction of tribal change.
  • 1986Write a note on Advantages of Ashram school in tribal areas.
  • 1985Write a note on Tribes in transition.
  • 1985Write a note on Tribal art in India.
  • 1984Make an evaluation of welfare measures adopted by the government for the betterment of scheduled tribes in India.
  • 1983What are the distinct segments in the backward population of India ? What special approaches do you recommend to suit the development of different segments?
  • 1982Discuss the role of education as an instrument of socio-economic change among the weaker section of India.

7.3 Ethnicity, ethnic conflict, regionalism, autonomy and pseudo-tribalism

50 questions · 22 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Ethnicity, Ethnic Conflict and Regionalism · Pseudo-Tribalism and Social Change among Tribes

Asked since 2013 · 22

  • 2025Write notes on: Regionalism and Autonomy.
  • 2025Discuss the rising ethnic conflicts in India and propose their possible remedial measures.
  • 2024Elucidate the resurgence of ethno-nationalism from an anthropological lens.
  • 2023Distinguishing between ethnic identity and ethnicity, discuss the factors responsible for ethnic conflict in tribal areas.
  • 2022Write notes on: Regionalism as an opportunity and threat to national integration.
  • 2022Compare the nature of tribal movements between North-East and Central India. Briefly mention the current status of existing tribal movements in these areas.
  • 2021Identify the causes of tribal unrest with special reference to North-East India.
  • 2020Explain the reasons of caste violence in India with suitable examples.
  • 2020Write short note on the Concept of Ethnicity in about 150 words.
  • 2019What has been the contribution of tribal people to the Indian Independence movement ?
  • 2019Write a note in 150 words on Ethnicity and regionalism.
  • 2018Discuss the various factors resulting in tribal unrest in various parts of India.
  • 2017Write a note in 150 words on Ethnicity and regionalism.
  • 2016Give a critical assessment of ‘Negrito Problem’ in India.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on The role that regionalism plays in demand for | autonomy among Indian tribes.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Tribe as a colonial construct.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Rights over resources and tribal unrest.
  • 2014Discuss the rise of ethno-nationalism among Indian tribes with specific  example.
  • 2014What are the significant factors responsible for tribal unrest ?
  • 2014Describe the history of tribal administration in the colonial period.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on Government Action towards Left Wing Extremism.
  • 2013Assess the contributions of earth 20th century ethnographic tradition to Indian anthropology.
Show 28 earlier questions (before 2013)

1983–2012 · 28 questions

  • 2012Write a note in 150 words on Colonial Ethnography.
  • 2011Write a note in 150 words on Left-wing extremism and tribals in India.
  • 2011Compare the approach adopted towards tribal communities during Colonial and post independence periods.
  • 2010Discuss and compare the approaches towards the tribes during colonial and post independent India.
  • 2010Do you find any significant change in the approaches ? Assess.
  • 2010Analyse the factors influencing tribal regionalism, citing Indian examples.
  • 2009Write a note on Tribal unrest in Central India.
  • 2008Write a note on Concept of Ethnicity.
  • 2007Discuss the anthropological understanding of rising ethnicity among | 34. Indian tribes in the context of nation-building.
  • 2005Elucidate the nature of changes in administration of tribal areas from colonial period to Post-Independence era in India.
  • 2003What is regionalism ? Evaluate how regionalism has stimulated political movements in India.
  • 2000Outline the historical background of tribal administration during the colonial period. Evaluate post-Independence administrative policies with special reference to states under either the Fifth Schedule or Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
  • 1997Discuss the significance of the regionalism and communalism in Indian  context and its role in ethno-political movements in the present political system.
  • 1995Write a note on : Identify the factors responsible for regionalism in contemporary India.
  • 1994Write a note on Positive and negative response of the tribals to Governmental measures.
  • 1993Write a note on Ethnicity.
  • 1992Discuss the divisive factors which disrupt national integration in India. What would you suggest to counteract the divisive forces ?
  • 1990Write a note on Cultural pluralism and national integration.
  • 1989Define the concept of ‘ethnic identity’. Discuss how it is emerging in the context of tribal unrest in some regions of country.
  • 1989What are the major issues of National Integration in India ? Discuss how it has been eroded in recent years. What remedial measures would you suggest for National Integration ?
  • 1988Write a note on Regional Disparity and National Integration.
  • 1988Assertion of ethnic identity and ethnic solidarity has been a pervasive process in India after Independence. Analyse this in relation to constitutional safeguards and emerging national integration.
  • 1987What suggestions would you like to make as an anthropologist for bringing the tribal peoples in the national mainstream without obliterating their separate identity.
  • 1987Examine the advantages and disadvantages of linguistic States in India in the context of national Integration.
  • 1986Write a note on Issues relating to national integration.
  • 1985Write a note on Role of ethnic groups in national integration.
  • 1984Discuss the divisive factors which disrupt national integration in India. Suggest solutions to counteract the divisive forces.
  • 1983Taking the example of any region, describe the radical changes that are taking place in tribal societies and assess their future outcome.

7.4 Social movements among tribal societies

14 questions · 4 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Tribal Social Movements in India

Asked since 2013 · 4

  • 2026Write notes on: Tana Bhagat movement.
  • 2024Write an essay on the life history of tribal activist and freedom fighter Birsa Munda. What was the impact of his sacrifice on tribal society?
  • 2022Compare the nature of tribal movements between North-East and Central India. Briefly mention the current status of existing tribal movements in these areas.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on Ethnic movements in India.
Show 10 earlier questions (before 2013)

1990–2012 · 10 questions

  • 2008Write a note on Revivalistic Movements.
  • 2006Critically review Tana Bhagat Movement-its causes and effects.
  • 2004Classify the tribal movements in contemporary India in a regional perspective and analyse the contributive factors.
  • 2003Identify the causes and consequences of major tribal movements in India.
  • 2001Write a note on Birsa Movement.
  • 2000Assess the political and economic role of tribal and rural movements in the creation of the new states of Uttaranchal Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
  • 1999Write a note on Jharkhand Movement.
  • 1994Write a note on Tribal movement-pros and cons.
  • 1991Discuss the socio-economic and political characteristics of revitalization movements in tribal India. How are they affected by culture-contact with outsiders ?
  • 1990Discuss the role of sociopolitical movements in the emergence of tribal identity in the Indian context.

Year-wise question papers

All question papers Topic-wise PYQ bank (both papers) 2026 paper 2025 paper 2024 paper 2023 paper

Previous · Paper II · Unit 06

Tribal Situation in India

Bio-genetic, linguistic and socio-economic variability of tribes; problems of tribal communities; development projects, displacement, forest policy, urbanisation and industrialisation.

Notes · PYQs

Next · Paper II · Unit 08

Religions, Tribes and the Nation-State

Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies; tribe and nation-state in India and other countries.

Notes · PYQs

Anthropology Optional

All 21 units and resources

Paper I and Paper II units, notes index, topic-wise PYQ bank, strategy, booklist and success rate.

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