Like every new subject, the first thing to do is to understand fundamentals including terminology.

A good Dictionary of Anthropology (e.g. McMillan’s) and basic books (e.g. Haviland or Ember & Ember & NCERTs) should be really helpful.

As Anthropology, by its origin, is oriented scientifically, the answers should be pin-pointed and to the point. For this you should have good practice of writing answers and getting evaluated from some-one who not only knows the subject but also understands the requirements of this particular exam.

The new syllabus (of 1995) is about 25 percent more in quantity, (but almost same at conceptual level), yet it is at least 10 percent more scoring.

The latest syllabus is much more scoring and scoring 200 marks in Paper I now is not too diffifuclt a task. With this knowledge, opting Anthropology as second optional for Mains is not a bad bargain.