Overview
The MaargX Anthropology Optional Test Series (SAATHI) is a precision-driven 12-test programme for UPSC Anthropology: 8 sectional tests across Paper 1 and Paper 2, followed by 4 full-length tests. It is built around a "Micro Mentoring" 5 I approach, a personalised strategy, total flexibility in scheduling and an exam-focused curriculum.
Course at a glance
| Detail | What you get |
|---|---|
| Total tests | 12: 8 sectional tests and 4 full-length tests |
| Phase 1 | 8 sectional tests: Tests 1 to 4 on Paper 1 and Tests 5 to 8 on Paper 2 |
| Phase 2 | 4 comprehensive full-length tests under true UPSC conditions |
| Mentoring | The 5 I Micro-Mentoring approach, with weekly P2P mentoring |
| Scheduling | A detailed date-wise schedule, with tests that can be postponed to suit the candidate |
| Program fee | ₹15,000, including a personalised strategy, test evaluation and continuous P2P mentorship |
The two papers
- Paper 1, Foundations and Biology: evolution, archaeology, social-cultural theories, genetics and applied anthropology.
- Paper 2, Indian Context and Tribes: Indian social systems, caste, the tribal situation and developmental anthropology.
Related courses and resources
For personal guidance, see the Anthropology Optional Mentorship. For a similar optional-subject series, see the Sociology Optional Test Series, and for General Studies practice the GS Mains Test Series.
Test Schedule
Syllabus Map
The 8 sectional tests map the Anthropology syllabus in order: four tests on Paper 1 (global foundations and theory) and four on Paper 2 (the Indian context and tribal administration).
Paper 1 (Tests 1 to 4): global foundations and theoretical frameworks
| Test | Focus | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | Origins and Biology | Meaning, scope and development; relationship with other disciplines; main branches (socio-cultural, biological, linguistic, archaeological); human evolution and the emergence of man; characteristics and adaptation of primates; phylogenetic status of Plio-Pleistocene hominids; biological basis of life (DNA, cell division, protein synthesis) |
| Test 2 | Society, Culture and The Past | Principles of prehistoric archaeology (dating methods); prehistoric cultures (Paleolithic to Iron Age); nature of culture (ethnocentrism, relativism); nature of society; marriage (forms, laws); family (types, urban impact); kinship (descent, affinity) |
| Test 3 | Organization and Theory | Economic organization (production, distribution, exchange); political organization (band, tribe, state, law and social control); religion (anthropological approaches, rituals, magic); anthropological theories (evolutionism, functionalism, structuralism, cultural materialism, from Tylor to postmodernism) |
| Test 4 | Application and Variation | Language and communication; research methods (fieldwork, case studies, genealogy); genetics (pedigree, inheritance); race and racism; genetic markers; ecological and epidemiological anthropology; human growth; fertility and demographic theories; applied anthropology (forensics, genetic counselling) |
Paper 2 (Tests 5 to 8): the Indian context and tribal administration
| Test | Focus | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Test 5 | Indian Foundations | Evolution of Indian culture (Harappan, Chalcolithic); palaeo-anthropological evidence (Narmada Man, Ramapithecus); ethno-archaeology; demographic profile; traditional social system (Varna, Purushartha); caste system (origins, Jajmani, mobility); sacred complex (nature-man-spirit); religious impact on Indian society |
| Test 6 | The Indian Village and Change | Development of anthropology in India; the Indian village (agrarian structure, settlement patterns); minorities (religious and linguistic status); social change (Sanskritization, Westernization, Panchayati Raj, media impact) |
| Test 7 | The Tribal Situation | Tribal situation (bio-genetic and cultural traits); problems of tribes (displacement, poverty, health); development projects (forest policies); exploitation and safeguards (SC/ST/OBC); impact of welfare programmes; ethnicity and regional movements (tribal unrest, pseudo-tribalism) |
| Test 8 | Tribal Administration and Future | Religious impact on tribes; tribe and nation state (global comparative perspective); tribal administration (PTGs, development programmes); role of anthropology in development; regionalism, communalism, ethnic movements and anthropology's role |
5 I Mentoring
The 5 I Micro-Mentoring architecture turns every test into feedback, through five layers that run from an exam-focused scope to a personal study roadmap.
- Examable approach: limits the learning strictly to UPSC examination needs.
- Regular discussion and detailed analysis: an in-depth breakdown of written test performance.
- Personalised evaluation: scoring tailored to identify individual structural weaknesses.
- Weekly P2P mentoring: direct faculty hand-holding and interactive capability building.
- Personalised strategy and notes: a final, targeted study roadmap and note-making assistance based on each candidate's needs.
Flexibility
The flexibility mechanism works on your schedule and your terms: every candidate gets a detailed date-wise schedule, and tests can be postponed to suit their preparation pace.
| If you need | What the programme does |
|---|---|
| No change | Proceed as planned |
| A later date | Postponement is fully permitted, according to your convenience and preparation pace |
| An earlier date | Preponing tests is not accommodated, to maintain evaluation integrity |
The programme fee is ₹15,000.
Final Ascent
The Final Ascent moves from modular learning to exam-day endurance: after 8 sectional milestones, 4 comprehensive full-length tests simulate the real UPSC conditions.
- Phase 1 complete: 8 sectional milestones achieved, with micro-mentoring feedback internalised.
- Phase 2 initiated: 4 comprehensive full-length tests.
- The goal: test your personalised strategy across the complete syllabus under true UPSC conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MaargX Anthropology Optional Test Series?
It is a precision-driven 12-test UPSC Anthropology optional series called SAATHI. It has 8 sectional tests across Paper 1 and Paper 2, then 4 full-length tests, with Micro Mentoring and flexible scheduling.
How are the 12 tests divided?
There are 8 sectional tests and 4 full-length tests. Tests 1 to 4 cover Paper 1 (global foundations and theory), Tests 5 to 8 cover Paper 2 (the Indian context and tribal administration), and the 4 full-length tests follow.
Which topics does each sectional test cover?
Test 1 covers origins and biology, Test 2 society, culture and the past, Test 3 organization and theory, and Test 4 application and variation. Test 5 covers Indian foundations, Test 6 the Indian village and change, Test 7 the tribal situation, and Test 8 tribal administration and the future.
What is the 5 I Micro-Mentoring approach?
It is five layers of support: an Examable approach, regular discussion with detailed analysis, personalised evaluation, weekly P2P mentoring with faculty, and a personalised strategy with note-making help.
Can I postpone a test?
Yes. A detailed date-wise schedule is provided, and postponing tests according to your convenience and preparation pace is fully permitted.
Can I prepone a test?
No. Preponing tests is not accommodated, to maintain evaluation integrity.
What does the fee include?
The programme fee is ₹15,000, and it includes a personalised strategy, test evaluation and continuous P2P mentorship.
What are the full-length tests for?
They move you from modular learning to exam-day endurance, testing your personalised strategy across the complete syllabus under true UPSC conditions.
How can I enrol?
Use the Explore Course / Enroll Now button at the top of this page, or call MaargX UPSC on +91-7877885089 or write to contact@maargxupsc.com.
