Here are all 60 Applications of Anthropology questions asked in UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 5 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
12.1] Anthropology of sports
5 questions
What is meant by a somatotype? Discuss the Heath-Carter anthropometric method, giving its advantages over that of Sheldon’s method. How can somatotyping be applied in sports sciences? [2026/20m/2a]
What is Anthropometry? Discuss its role in assessing the nutritional status and sports capability of a person. [2021/15m/7c]
Elucidate the role of Anthropology in selection and monitoring of sports persons. [2015/15m/7c]
Write a short note on: Anthropology of Sports. [2004/20m/R7]
Write a short note on: Anthropology of Sports. [1997/25m/200w/6a]
12.2] Nutritional anthropology
5 questions
How anthropologists assess the nutritional status of a community? Discuss the significance of intersectionality of ecology, culture, and social inequality in the study of nutritional anthropology. [2025/20m/3a]
What is Anthropometry? Discuss its role in assessing the nutritional status and sports capability of a person. [2021/15m/7c]
Write a short note on: Nutritional anthropology. [2008/20m/200w/5a]
Write a short note on: Nutritional Anthropology. [2005/20m/R8]
Write a short note on: Nutritional ecology. [1996/25m/R8]
Preparing for Prelims too?
Our UPSC Prelims Topic-wise PYQ eBook covers every Prelims question with detailed explanations, so you can see exactly where UPSC asks from.
View the BookDownload Free Sample12.3] Anthropology in designing of defence and other equipments
8 questions
Write a short note on: Anthropometry in ergonomics. [2026/10m/150w/5d]
Discuss how anthropological knowledge of the human body may be used in designing equipments and articles of human use. [2022/15m/8c]
Write a short note on: Anthropology and designing of equipments. [2017/10m/150w/5e]
Describe the role of Anthropology in designing defence and other equipments. [2016/15m/8a]
Write a short note on: Application of anthropometry in designing. [2012/12m/150w/5b]
Discuss the application of anthropological knowledge in designing equipment. [2011/30m/6a]
Discuss the role of anthropology in designing defence and other equipments. [2008/60m/8]
What do you understand by applied Physical Anthropology? Discuss the applications of anthropometry in designing defence and other equipments. [2003/60m/R14]
12.4] Forensic anthropology; personal identification and reconstruction
18 questions
Examine the utility of human remains in forensic analysis. Discuss the facial reconstruction technique. [2025/15m/8c]
Discuss the applications of forensic anthropology with suitable examples. [2024/15m/6b]
Discuss various methods of personal identification based on skeletal remains. [2023/15m/4b]
Write a short note on: Anthropological inputs in facial reconstruction. [2019/10m/150w/5d]
What are the methods of personal identification? Critically examine how personal identification helps in criminal investigations. [2017/20m/8a]
Write a short note on: Forensic Anthropology. [2016/10m/150w/5e]
Forensic Science can help in criminal investigation. Discuss. [2015/20m/8a]
Briefly discuss the application of the knowledge of human osteology in forensic investigations. [2012/20m/8c]
Write a short note on: Personal identification. [2011/15m/150w/5b]
Explain the application of anthropological knowledge in genetic counseling, forensic science, sports and nutrition. [2011/30m/8a]
Write a short note on: Role of forensic anthropology in the field of personal identification. [2010/15m/150w/5d]
Analyse the various applications of anthropological knowledge to solve medico-legal problems and in the reconstruction of evidence. [2009/60m/8]
Briefly describe various applications of physical Anthropology. [2007/60m/R14]
Write a short note on: Forensic Anthropology. [2007/20m/R8]
Write a short note on: Personal Identification. [2006/20m/R7]
Write a short note on: Forensic Anthropology. [2003/20m/R8]
Discuss the application of human genetics in the field of forensic science and diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. [1999/50m/7]
Write a short note on: Forensic Anthropology. [1996/25m/R7]
12.5] Applied human genetics
24 questions
In what manner is our understanding of serogenetics and cytogenetics useful in reproductive biology? What are the major ethical issues involved in reproductive technology? [2026/15m/8b]
What is genetic counselling? Briefly discuss various steps involved in it. [2024/15m/4c]
Describe the practical applications of DNA technology in the current scenario. [2023/15m/6c]
Write a short note on: Pedigree analysis in genetic counselling. [2022/10m/150w/1d]
How are the cases of disputed paternity solved? Discuss the recent techniques. [2021/15m/6b]
Write a short note on: Racism and Eugenics. [2020/10m/150w/5a]
Write a short note on: Ethics and Genetic engineering. [2020/10m/150w/5d]
What are the applications of human genomic research in human welfare? [2020/15m/8b]
“Applied human genetics has come to touch every sphere of human life.” Discuss in light of recent advances in molecular anthropology. [2019/15m/7b]
Explain the significance of screening and counselling for genetic disorders. [2016/15m/7b]
Write a short note on: DNA technology in Medicine. [2015/10m/150w/5e]
Discuss the role of ABO blood group system in resolving cases of disputed paternity. [2012/20m/2c]
Explain the application of anthropological knowledge in genetic counseling, forensic science, sports and nutrition. [2011/30m/8a]
Briefly describe various applications of physical Anthropology. [2007/60m/R14]
What is Genetic Counselling? Discuss its relevance in the present day context. [2006/60m/R12]
Discuss the area in which the knowledge of human genetics can be applied. [2004/60m/R12]
Write a short note on: Eugenics. [2003/20m/R7]
Discuss the relevance of human DNA Profiling and Gene Mapping in the prevention and cure of diseases. [2001/60m/R12]
Evaluate the role of Serogenetics and Cytogenetics in reproductive biology. [2001/60m/R14]
What do you understand by recombinant DNA technology? Discuss its application and limitations in improving human health. [2000/60m/8]
Discuss the application of human genetics in the field of forensic science and diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. [1999/50m/7]
Discuss the recent developments in genetic techniques and comment upon their potential social significance. [1997/50m/10]
Discuss the concepts of eugenics and euphenics and their potential applications to human welfare. [1996/50m/R20]
Write a short note on: Gene therapy. [1995/25m/R7]
Strengthen your GS papers
Our UPSC Mains Topic-wise & Year-wise PYQ eBook (2013–2026) maps every GS question to the syllabus, so you know what UPSC asks and how often.
View the BookDownload Free SampleSpotted an error? Tell us.
We classify every PYQ with care, but mistakes can slip in. If a question is in the wrong topic, has a typo, the wrong year, or is missing, let us know. We review every report and update the page.
Report an Error« Previous: Fertility and Demography | Next: Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization »
Back to: Anthropology Optional PYQs – Topic-wise | Also see: Anthropology Optional year-wise question papers
Last updated: 30 October 2026