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 |
| Mode | Online and offline |
| 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 |
Tests can be taken online or offline, and 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.
Is the series available online and offline?
Yes. The tests are available in both online and offline modes.
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.
