Narayan Amit (AIR-70, CSE-21) Anthropology Strategy

Introduction

In the realm of the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), Anthropology has long been a popular and sought-after optional subject. However, in recent years, its performance and scores have seen a concerning decline, despite its previous successes. It is in this context that Narayan Amit, who secured an impressive AIR-70 in the CSE-21 with a remarkable 306 marks in Anthropology, steps forward to share his insights and strategies for achieving higher marks in this subject.

Narayan Amit's Journey to Success

Narayan Amit, a 24-year-old graduate from IIT Kanpur in Chemical Engineering, has achieved remarkable success in the UPSC CSE. After securing AIR-289 in the 2020 examination, he was determined to improve his performance and achieve his goal of becoming an IAS/IPS/IRS officer. In his second attempt, Narayan Amit not only secured AIR-70 but also scored an exceptional 306 marks in Anthropology, one of the highest scores in the subject.

Narayan Amit's Approach to Anthropology

Narayan Amit's approach to Anthropology is marked by his dedication and meticulous preparation. He has diligently referred to over 20 toppers' notes, videos, and copies, which he has compiled and shared on his Telegram channel. Additionally, he recommends watching the insightful videos of renowned Anthropology experts such as Koya Sree Harsha, Aashima Mittal, Akshat Jain, Shubham Kumar, and Ishant Jaiswal on YouTube. Furthermore, he highlights the comprehensive notes of Mandar Jayant Patki as a valuable resource.

Overcoming the "Secret" Mindset

Narayan Amit acknowledges the common misconception that there is a "secret" to success in the UPSC CSE. Drawing a parallel from the Kung-Fu Panda movie, he emphasizes that the real "secret" lies within oneself. He emphasizes the importance of trust and belief in the resources you have referred to and the necessity of repeatedly revising your notes to truly master the subject.

Strategies for Improved Performance in Anthropology

Narayan Amit shares several key strategies that contributed to his marked improvement in Anthropology marks, from 257 in 2020 to a stellar 306 in 2021.

Comprehensive Syllabus Coverage

Narayan Amit stresses the importance of completing the entire Anthropology syllabus, which not only strengthened the interconnections between different topics but also gave him the freedom to choose the most suitable questions to attempt.

Strategic Question Selection

Narayan Amit prioritized attempting more questions from the Theory, Fossil, Primates, and Archaeology sections, which he found to be more scoring than the Physical/Social segments. This strategic approach allowed him to maximize his marks.

Unique and Detailed Answers

Narayan Amit's answers were characterized by their depth and uniqueness. He made it a point to incorporate 3-4 distinctive elements in each answer, such as application of concepts, case studies, good examples, personal examples, diagrams, flowcharts, references to scholars and books, and the exploration of theoretical dimensions, interconnections, contemporary relevance, and current affairs.

Extensive Reading and Diversified Sources

Narayan Amit's extensive reading allowed him to draw from a wide range of sources, including Ember & Ember, MoTA Reports, EPW, Down to Earth, DK Bhattacharya videos, BD Sharma letters, Peoples of India, examples of civil servants, and various commission reports. This breadth of knowledge set his answers apart.

Impeccable Time Management

Narayan Amit followed a strict time management strategy, allocating 14 minutes for 20-mark questions, 10 minutes for 15-mark questions, and 7 minutes for 10-mark questions, leaving the remaining 6 minutes for question selection. He emphasizes that with thorough revision and memorization of facts, the writing process becomes relatively easy.

Density and Data-Richness

Narayan Amit's answers were characterized by their density and data-richness, ensuring that even if the demand was slightly off, he could still secure good marks.

Command over Previous Year Questions

Narayan Amit's strong command over the Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from 2013 to 2020 contributed significantly to his success.

Innovation and Uniqueness

Narayan Amit underscores the importance of innovation and uniqueness in UPSC Anthropology answers, as it sets one apart from the rest. He encourages aspiring candidates to write like an Anthropologist and showcase their understanding through insightful analysis.

Comprehensive Attempt

Narayan Amit attempted all 500 marks in the Anthropology paper, unlike his previous attempt where he left around 50 marks.

Avoiding Bluffing

Narayan Amit cautions against the temptation to bluff in the initial few questions, as it can adversely impact the examiner's perception and cost dearly.

Conclusion

Narayan Amit's journey to success in the UPSC CSE, and particularly in Anthropology, serves as an inspiration to all aspiring civil servants. His strategies, insights, and emphasis on dedication, patience, and a strong belief in one's own abilities provide a roadmap for those seeking to excel in this challenging examination. By following Narayan Amit's guidance and leveraging the resources he has generously shared, future Anthropology aspirants can strive to achieve similar levels of success.