Anthropology Optional · Paper II · Indian Anthropology

Tribal Administration and Development Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Tribal Administration and Development (Anthropology Optional Paper II, Unit 09), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: History of tribal administration, policies, plans and programmes; PVTGs; role of NGOs; anthropology in tribal and rural development; regionalism, communalism and ethnic movements.

4

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71

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39

Asked since 2013

1981–2026

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Official UPSC syllabus

Tribal Administration and Development: 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.

9.1 History of administration of tribal areas, tribal policies, plans, programmes of tribal development and their implementation. The concept of PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups), their distribution, special programmes for their development. Role of N.G.O.s in tribal development.

9.2 Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development.

9.3 Contributions of anthropology to the understanding of regionalism, communalism and ethnic and political movements.

Paper II · Unit 09

Tribal Administration and Development 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: Tribal Administration and Development

All 71 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
9.1 Tribal administration, policies, plans, PVTGs and NGOs40212026
9.2 Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development20102025
9.3 Anthropology of regionalism, communalism and ethnic movements1182025

9.1 Tribal administration, policies, plans, PVTGs and NGOs

40 questions · 21 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Tribal Administration in India · Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups and NGOs

Asked since 2013 · 21

  • 2026Write notes on: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the islands.
  • 2026‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan aims to meet some of the Sustainable Development Goals’. Discuss.
  • 2026Write an account on the contribution of Verrier Elwin in developing policies for the tribal populations in post-independent India.
  • 2026Write an account on Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).
  • 2025What are the identifying criteria for PVTGs in India? Examine their current status, nomenclature and distribution.
  • 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).
  • 2023Elucidate the problems faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups and the major challenges in the formulation of special programmes for their development.
  • 2023Elucidate the shifting terrains of India’s tribal policies in colonial and post-colonial periods.
  • 2022Discuss the views of G. S. Ghurye and Verrier Elwin on the approach towards tribal populations. What are the policies of the Government of India towards Indian tribal populations?
  • 2021Discuss the interventions made by the Non-Governmental Organizations for empowering tribal women.
  • 2020Discuss the effect of job reservation in alleviating unemployment among the tribal people of India.
  • 2019Identify some special programmes for particularly vulnerable Tribal Groups (erstwhile PTGs).
  • 2019Critically discuss the role of NGOs in tribal development.
  • 2017Write a note in 150 words on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (earlier known as PTG).
  • 2017Discuss the emergence, salient features and limitations of Tribal sub-plan.
  • 2016Critically examine the role of NGOs and missionaries in transformation of scheduled tribes in Central India.
  • 2015Recently non-government organizations have been critiqued for interfering with developmental process in tribal heartland ! Critically comment.
  • 2014Write a note in 150 words on The concept of PTG.
  • 2014Critically evaluate the National Tribal Policy.
  • 2014Critically examine the role of NGOs in promoting health and education in tribal areas.
Show 19 earlier questions (before 2013)

1982–2012 · 19 questions

  • 2012Using suitable examples, bring out the historical processes of the social exclusion of denotified tribes.
  • 2012Write a note in 150 words on Participatory Rural Appraisal.
  • 2009Write a note on NGOs and tribal development.
  • 2008What are the special problems of the Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) ? How far have the developmental programmes of the Government been able to address these?
  • 2007Write a note on Role of NGO’s in Development.
  • 2005Write a note on Tribal sub-plan,.
  • 2004Write a note on Sustainable Development of Tribes.
  • 2003Write a note on Implications of recent Presidential orders relating to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
  • 2002Write a note on the role of N.G.O.s for tribal development.
  • 2002What do you understand by the integrated tribal and rural development programmes? How would you evaluate the success or failure of these programmes ?
  • 2001Mention various developmental programmes implemented for the socio-economic well-being of Scheduled Castes. Do these programmes fulfil their aspiration ? Discuss.
  • 2000Write a note on Tribal education in the context of development.
  • 1999Write a note on Tribal Sub-Plan.
  • 1997Write a note on Plans and Programmes of Tribal development.
  • 1996Write a note on Role of NGOs in literacy programme.
  • 1995Critically evaluate various approaches to set the tribals within the mainstream of Indian civilization. In your opmion which approach is relevant in the modern context ?
  • 1985What are the various policies that have been suggested for bringing the tribals  into the mainstream of national life ?  In the interest of the tribals, which of these policies do you consider suitable ?
  • 1984Write a note in 200 words : History of tribal administration in India.
  • 1982How are cultural factors important in planning and executing development programmes among simple communities ?

9.2 Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development

20 questions · 10 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Role of Anthropology in Tribal and Rural Development

Asked since 2013 · 10

  • 2025Identify the contemporary limitations in the process of tribal development. How can anthropological knowledge contribute in this process?
  • 2024What are the ethical concerns in biological and socio-cultural anthropology because of recent advances in AI and genetic research?
  • 2023Elucidate the role of anthropology in nation-building. Illustrate with suitable examples.
  • 2022Briefly describe the anthropological perspective on development. How have anthropologists contributed in India’s rural development?
  • 2018Examine the strengths and weaknesses of anthropology in the context of its role in tribal and rural development.
  • 2016Describe how anthropological knowledge and methods are useful in rural development.
  • 2015Examine in detail the role of anthropology in planning for tribal development.
  • 2014Critically assess the role of anthropologists in rural development.
  • 2013Discuss the significance of cultural and administrative factors in tribal development.
  • 2013Discuss the criticism levelled against anthropology in the context of ‘Isolation, and assimilations debate’ on tribal populations.
Show 10 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 10 questions

  • 2006Describe the role of anthropologists in Tribal Development.
  • 2005Write a note on Role of anthropologists in rural development.
  • 2004Anthropologists are better equipped to play an effective role in rural and tribal development. Discuss.
  • 1997Write a note on Role of Anthropologists as an Administrator.
  • 1994Write a note on Role of Anthropology in tribal development.
  • 1992Write a note on Role of anthropology in tribal development.
  • 1987Write a note on Anthropological approach to tribal development.
  • 1985Discuss the role of Anthropology to planning and executing developmental programmes among the tribal communities.
  • 1984Write a note in 200 words : Role of anthropology in tribal development.
  • 1981How does applied anthropology help to solve some of the different problems confronting Administrators in tribalareas ?

9.3 Anthropology of regionalism, communalism and ethnic movements

11 questions · 8 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Anthropology of Regionalism, Communalism and Ethnic Movements

Asked since 2013 · 8

  • 2025Discuss the rising ethnic conflicts in India and propose their possible remedial measures.
  • 2025Critically evaluate the concept of Nation-State and describe its impact on indigenous societies.
  • 2024Elucidate the resurgence of ethno-nationalism from an anthropological lens.
  • 2024Critically examine existing paradigms of holistic health for the marginalised sections of society drawing inferences from COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 2020Discuss the regionalism and demand for autonomy in India from Anthropological perspective with respect to Kashmir/Nagaland/Bodoland/Gorkhaland agitation.
  • 2019Write a note in 150 words on Anthropological understanding of communalism.
  • 2017Discuss the contribution of anthropology in understanding the loss of livelihood of tribal communities due to economic and ecological factors.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Anthropological interpretation of ethnic and political movements.
Show 3 earlier questions (before 2013)

1995–2012 · 3 questions

  • 2012Using examples, comment on how anthropology can be utilized in policy making.
  • 2009In what ways has anthropology contributed to the understanding of ethnic & political movements in India?
  • 1995To what extent, ethnicity is responsible for the tribal movements in India? Elaborate with suitable examples.

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Previous · 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.

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