IGNOU MAN-001 Previous Year Question Papers PDF
Introduction to MAN‑001 and Its Importance
If you are enrolled in Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)’s MA in Anthropology (MAAN) program, the course MAN-001: Social Anthropology is essential. As a foundational theory course in your first semester, MAN-001 sets the groundwork for many of the theories and concepts you will need in practical and elective courses later on.
For students preparing for the Term-End Examination (TEE), previous year question papers (PYQs) are powerful tools. They help you:
- Understand the exam structure, question types, and word limits.
- Identify recurring themes and important topics.
- Practice writing answers under exam conditions.
- Improve time management and answer organization.
- Build confidence by working with actual past papers.
In this guide, Academicvox offers a curated collection of MAN-001 PYQs from the last 10 years (where available), official IGNOU download links, an overview of the exam expectations, preparation strategies, and tips for writing answers to help you perform at your best.
What is MAN‑001 – Social Anthropology
MAN‑001 is a foundational theory course in the MAAN program. According to IGNOU’s course structure, Social Anthropology includes key topics such as the nature and purpose of anthropology, historical and philosophical foundations, connections to related fields, concepts of society and culture, social organization, kinship and marriage, social institutions, religion, economy, political anthropology, social change, and contemporary social issues. ([Indira Gandhi National Open University][1])
This course aims to provide a solid conceptual basis. Therefore, the exam typically requires not just memorization but also analytical, example-based, and structured responses.
How to Download Official MAN‑001 PYQs from IGNOU
You can find all past term-end question papers for MAN‑001 (and other IGNOU courses) on IGNOU’s official archive portal. ([IGNOU Web Services][2])
Steps to download:
- Visit the IGNOU “Previous Year Question Papers (TEE)” portal. ([IGNOU Web Services][2])
- Choose the year and session (June / December) you need.
- In the “Masters in Anthropology (MAAN)” section, find MAN‑001.
- Click to open or download the PDF — the paper will load or download in your browser.
This way, you obtain authentic and official PDFs at no cost, with no need for paid guides or third-party websites.
MAN‑001: Available PYQs — Year‑Wise Download Links
Here is a list of MAN‑001 question papers available in the official archive for recent years. Use these to create your personal PYQ repository.
| Session & Year | Download Link |
|---|---|
| June 2024 | MAN‑001 June 2024 PDF |
| December 2023 | MAN‑001 Dec 2023 PDF |
| June 2023 | MAN‑001 June 2023 PDF |
| June 2022 | MAN‑001 June 2022 PDF |
| December 2022 | MAN‑001 Dec 2022 PDF] |
| December 2021 | MAN‑001 Dec 2021 PDF] |
| June 2021 | MAN‑001 June 2021 PDF] |
| June 2020 | [MAN‑001 June 2020 PDF |
| June 2019 | Available via IGNOU archive (search by session) ([IGNOU Help Center][3]) |
| June 2018 | Available via IGNOU archive (search by session) ([IGNOU Help Center][3]) |
Note: For years where a direct link isn’t provided above, use the IGNOU portal’s archive and navigate to “MAAN → MAN‑001” under the relevant year session.
This provides you with a solid 8–10 years of PYQs, more than enough for thorough exam practice and trend analysis.
Typical Exam Pattern of MAN‑001
Based on recent past papers and IGNOU’s course guidelines, here is what you can typically expect in the MAN‑001 Term-End Exams:
- Exam Duration: 3 hours ([IGNOU Web Services][4])
- Total Marks: 100 ([IGNOU Web Services][5])
- Instruction: Answer any five questions, with at least two from each section (Section A and Section B). ([IGNOU Web Services][4])
- Question Format:
- Long-answer questions (20 marks, ~500 words)
- Short-note / short-answer questions (10 marks, ~250 words) ([IGNOU Web Services][6])
Understanding this helps you plan both what to study and how to write your answers effectively.
Recurring & High-Weightage Topics in MAN‑001
By reviewing multiple years of question papers (2018–2024), certain topics show up often. These high-weightage topics should be prioritized when studying:
- Definition, history, scope, and importance of Social Anthropology
- Kinship, marriage, descent, and family systems (including Indian and tribal contexts)
- Social institutions — religion, economy, politics, caste, tribe, social organization
- Concepts of culture, society, social change, modernity, tribal and non-tribal interfaces
- Theoretical frameworks: structural functionalism, evolutionism, diffusionism, feminist theory, etc.
- Issues related to tribes, tribe–state relations, social inequality, caste and class dynamics
- Comparative analyses between tribal, rural, and urban societies — especially in the Indian context
Focusing on these topics will enhance your chances of encountering similar questions in your upcoming exam.
How to Use PYQs Effectively for MAN‑001 Preparation
After downloading past papers, here’s how to create an effective preparation strategy:
1. Create a PYQ Repository & Topic-Wise Notes
Make a folder named “IGNOU_MAN001_PYQ” and store all PDFs organized by year. For each paper, note down:
- Question themes
- Frequently asked topics
- Word limit and answer type details
Also, keep a notebook (digital or handwritten) with categorized notes by topic, such as “Kinship & Marriage,” “Social Institutions,” and “Theories.”
2. Practice Full Papers Under Timed Conditions
Simulate the actual exam by using a 3-hour timer. Write in the proper answer format. This builds speed and helps with time management.
3. Write Answers in Proper Format
Use:
- Clear headings and sub-headings
- An introduction, body (with points and examples), and a conclusion
- Diagrams/tables if relevant (especially for kinship types, social organization, and caste/tribe comparisons)
- Refer to Indian/tribal examples when possible — this adds value to your anthropology answers
4. Revise Frequently Based on PYQ Trends
Review high-weightage topics 2–3 times before the exam. Use PYQ trends to predict likely questions.
5. Combine PYQs with IGNOU Block Material & Ethnographic Examples
Don’t rely solely on PYQs. Use the official IGNOU course material and, where applicable, real-world examples (especially from the Indian context) to enhance your answers.
Common Mistakes Students Make in MAN‑001 — And How to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Writing long irrelevant answers | Stick to the question — 500 words for 20-mark and 250 for 10-mark questions; use bullet points and sub-headings. |
| Ignoring diagrams or tables | Use diagrams for kinship, social structure, caste/tribe comparisons to enhance clarity. |
| Not covering both sections evenly | Ensure you attempt 5 questions, with at least 2 from each section, according to the instructions. |
| Lack of Indian/tribal examples | Use real-life or case study examples from studies, books, or tribal reports to support your answers. |
| Studying randomly | Use a structured PYQ-based preparation plan and revise in cycles — avoid cramming at the last minute. |
Sample Revision & Practice Plan (8 Weeks)
Here’s a simple timetable if you begin 8 weeks before the exam:
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read and understand the MAN‑001 syllabus and block units (Anthropology basics, history, scope). |
| 2 | Study “Society & Culture” and “Social Institutions (religion, economy, politics). |
| 3 | Study “Kinship, Marriage, Caste/Tribe, Social Organization.” |
| 4 | Study “Social Change, Modernity, Tribal Issues, and Social Inequality.” |
| 5 | Review the past 5 years of PYQs and note themes and repeated questions. |
| 6 | Practice 2 full PYQs (timed), writing answers by hand or on paper. |
| 7 | Revise notes and diagrams; practice short-notes and long answers; simulate exam conditions. |
| 8 | Final revision — revisit challenging topics, review PYQ trends, practice a sample set, and relax the day before the exam. |
Why MAN‑001 PYQ Archive Matters — Not Just for Exams
- Improves conceptual clarity — anthropology encompasses theories, context, and examples.
- Supports elective courses — many later papers build on the foundations from MAN‑001.
- Useful for assignments, fieldwork, and dissertation courses in MAAN — a strong theoretical base aids research.
- Enhances analytical and writing skills — valuable in both academic and professional settings.
Official Resources for IGNOU MAAN Students
- IGNOU Previous Year Question Papers Archive — a free, official repository ([IGNOU Web Services][2]).
- IGNOU MAAN Programme Guide & Course List — to check course codes, credits, and syllabus. ([Indira Gandhi National Open University][1]).
- IGNOU e-GyanKosh — for official course blocks and study material (useful alongside PYQs) ([eGyankosh][7]).
Using these resources together creates a well-rounded preparation environment.
Final Words: How to Maximise Your Chances in MAN‑001
By following a structured plan — understanding the syllabus, using PYQs effectively, practicing timed papers, writing clear answers with examples, and revising thoroughly — MAN-001 can become one of the highest-scoring papers in your MAAN course.
Don’t just read; practice. Don’t just memorize; understand and analyze. Use past questions as a mirror to assess your preparation.
Bookmark this article, download all MAN‑001 papers, and begin your preparation. Best of luck with your exams!