Overview of Geography Optional Subject
Geography Optional Syllabus :Geography is one of the most popular optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical geography, human geography, and environmental geography. The subject is well-suited for candidates with an interest in spatial relationships, natural phenomena, and human-environment interactions.
Why Choose Geography as an Optional?
Interdisciplinary Nature: Geography bridges the gap between natural and social sciences, making it appealing to a wide range of candidates.
Scoring Potential: With a clear understanding of concepts and proper map work, geography can be a high-scoring subject.
Overlap with General Studies: Many topics in geography overlap with General Studies papers, especially in areas like environment, disaster management, and agriculture.
Availability of Resources: Ample study material, including books, online resources, and coaching notes, is available for geography.
Who Should Take Geography Optional?
Graduates in Geography: If you have an academic background in geography, this subject aligns well with your knowledge base.
Candidates Interested in Environmental Issues: If you are passionate about environmental issues, climate change, and sustainable development, geography is a good fit.
Aspirants Who Enjoy Map Work: If you are comfortable with maps and spatial analysis, you will find geography engaging and manageable.
Geography Optional Syllabus Paper-I
This paper focuses on physical geography and covers topics such as geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, and biogeography. It also includes sections on environmental geography and perspectives in human geography.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Geomorphology | Factors controlling landform development; endogenetic and exogenetic forces; Origin and evolution of the earth's crusts; Fundamentals of geomagnetism; Physical conditions of the earth's interior; Geosynclines; Continental drift; Isostasy; Plate tectonics; Recent views on mountain building; Volcanicity; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape development; Denudation chronology; Channel morphology; Erosion surfaces; Slope development; Applied Geomorphology; Geomorphology, economic geology and environment. |
| 2. Climatology | Temperature and pressure belts of the world; Heat budget of the earth; Atmospheric circulation; Atmospheric stability and instability. Planetary and local winds; Monsoons and jet streams; Air masses and fronts; Temperate and tropical cyclones; Types and distribution of precipitation; Weather and Climate; Koppen’s Thornthwaite’s and Trewartha’s classification of world climate; Hydrological cycle; Global climatic change, and role and response of man in climatic changes Applied climatology and Urban climate. |
| 3. Oceanography | Bottom topography of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans; Temperature and salinity of the oceans; Heat and salt budgets; Ocean deposits; Waves, currents and tides; Marine resources; biotic, mineral and energy resources; Coral reefs coral bleaching; Sea-level changes; Law of the sea and marine pollution. |
| 4. Biogeography | Genesis of soils; Classification and distribution of soils; Soil profile; Soil erosion, Degradation and conservation; Factors influencing world distribution of plants and animals; Problems of deforestation and conservation measures; Social forestry, agro-forestry; Wild life; Major gene pool centres. |
| 5. Environmental Geography | Principle ecology; Human ecological adaptations; Influence of man on ecology and environment; Global and regional ecological changes and imbalances; Ecosystem their management and conservation; Environmental degradation, management and conservation; Biodiversity and sustainable development; Environmental policy; Environmental hazards and remedial measures; Environmental education and legislation. |
| 6. Perspectives in Human Geography | Areal differentiation; Regional synthesis; Dichotomy and dualism; Environmentalism; Quantitative revolution and locational analysis; Radical, behavioural, humanistic approaches; Languages, religions and secularisation; Cultural regions of the world; Human development index. |
| 7. Economic Geography | World economic development: measurement and problems; World resources and their distribution; Energy crisis; the limits to growth; World agriculture: typology of agricultural regions; Agricultural inputs and productivity; Food and nutrition problems; Food security; famine: causes, effects and remedies; World industries: location patterns and problems; Patterns of world trade. |
| 8. Population and Settlement Geography | Growth and distribution of world population; Demographic attributes; Causes and consequences of migration; Concepts of over-under-and optimum population; Population theories, world population problems and policies, Social well-being and quality of life; Population as social capital. Types and patterns of rural settlements; Environmental issues in rural settlements; Hierarchy of urban settlements; Urban morphology; Concept of primate city and rank-size rule; Functional classification of towns; Sphere of urban influence; Rural-urban fringe; Satellite towns; Problems and remedies of urbanization; Sustainable development of cities. |
| 9. Regional Planning | Concept of a region; Types of regions and methods of regionalisation; Growth centres and growth poles; Regional imbalances; Regional development strategies; Environmental issues in regional planning; Planning for sustainable development. |
| 10. Models, Theories and Laws in Human Geography | System analysis in Human geography; Malthusian, Marxian and demographic transition models; Central Place theories of Christaller and Losch; Perroux and Boudeville; Von Thunen’s model of agricultural location; Weber’s model of industrial location; Ostov’s model of stages of growth. Heart-land and Rimland theories; Laws of international boundaries and frontiers. |
Geography Optional Syllabus Paper-II
Geography Optional Syllabus Paper-II: This paper deals with human geography and geography of India. Key topics include population and settlement geography, regional development, and models in geography. It also covers important aspects of India’s physical setting, resources, agriculture, and industry.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Physical Setting | Space relationship of India with neighbouring countries; Structure and relief; Drainage system and watersheds; Physiographic regions; Mechanism of Indian monsoons and rainfall patterns; Tropical cyclones and western disturbances; Floods and droughts; Climatic regions; Natural vegetation, Soil types and their distributions. |
| 2. Resources | Land, surface and ground water, energy, minerals, biotic and marine resources; Forest and wildlife resources and their conservation; Energy crisis. |
| 3. Agriculture | Infrastructure: irrigation, seeds, fertilizers, power; Institutional factors: land holdings, land tenure and land reforms; Cropping pattern, agricultural productivity, agricultural intensity, crop combination, land capability; Agro and social-forestry; Green revolution and its socio-economic and ecological implications; Significance of dry farming. Livestock resources and white revolution; Aqua-culture; Sericulture, Agriculture and poultry; Agricultural regionalisation; Agro-climatic zones; Agro-ecological regions. |
| 4. Industry | Evolution of industries; Locational factors of cotton, jute, textile, iron and steel, aluminium, fertiliser, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical, automobile, cottage and agro-based industries; Industrial houses and complexes including public sector undertakings; Industrial Regionalisation; New industrial policy; Multinationals and liberalisation; Special Economic Zones; Tourism including ecotourism. |
| 5. Transport, Communication and Trade | Road, railway, waterway, airway and pipeline net works and their complementary roles in regional development; Growing importance of ports on national and foreign trade; Trade balance; Trade Policy; Export processing zones; Developments in communication and information technology and their impacts on economy and society; Indian space programme. |
| 6. Cultural Setting | Historical Perspective of Indian Society; Racial linguistic and ethnic diversities; religious minorities; Major tribes, tribal areas and their problems; Cultural regions; Growth, distribution and density of population; Demographic attributes: sex-ratio, age structure, literacy rate, work-force, dependency ratio, longevity; migration (inter-regional, interregional and international) and associated problems; Population problems and policies; Health indicators. |
| 7. Settlements | Types, patterns and morphology of rural settlements; Urban developments; Morphology of Indian cities; Functional classification of Indian cities; Conurbations and metropolitan regions; Urban sprawl; Slums and associated problems; Town planning; Problems of urbanisation and remedies. |
| 8. Regional Development and Planning | Experience of regional planning in India; Five Year Plans; Integrated rural development programmes; Panchayati Raj and decentralised planning; Command area development; Watershed management; Planning for backward area, desert, drought-prone, hill tribal area development; Multi-level planning; Regional planning and development of island territories. |
| 9. Political Aspects | Geographical basis of Indian federalism; State reorganisation; Emergence of new states; Regional consciousness and inter-state issues; International boundary of India and related issues; Cross-border terrorism; India’s role in world affairs; Geopolitics of South Asia and Indian Ocean realm. |
| 10. Contemporary Issues | Ecological issues: Environmental hazards; landslides, earthquakes, Tsunamis, floods and droughts, epidemics; Issues related to environmental pollution; Changes in patterns of land use; Principles of environmental impact assessment and environmental management; Population explosion and food security; Environmental degradation; Deforestation, desertification and soil erosion; Problems of agrarian and industrial unrest; Regional disparities in economic development; Concept of sustainable growth and development; Environmental awareness; Linkage of rivers; Globalisation and Indian economy. |
Preparation Strategy for Geography Optional
Understand the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly understanding the Geography Optional Syllabus. Break it down into manageable sections and create a detailed study plan.
Master Physical Geography: Focus on core topics like geomorphology, climatology, and oceanography. These are foundational areas that require a deep understanding.
Integrate Human Geography: Human geography topics, such as population, settlement, and regional planning, are equally important. Ensure you balance your preparation between physical and human geography.
Practice Map Work: Map work is a crucial part of geography. Practice regularly to enhance your map-drawing skills and improve your accuracy.
Use Diagrams and Case Studies: Diagrams and case studies are essential in geography. They help illustrate concepts clearly and add value to your answers.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Geography is closely linked to current affairs. Stay informed about environmental issues, natural disasters, and global events that relate to geography.
Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice with previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and the types of questions frequently asked.
Recommended Books and Study Materials
Physical Geography:
- “Physical Geography” by Savindra Singh
- “Geomorphology” by Savindra Singh
- “Climatology” by D.S. Lal
Human Geography:
- “Human Geography” by Majid Hussain
- “Models in Geography” by Majid Hussain
Indian Geography:
- “Geography of India” by Majid Hussain
- “India: A Comprehensive Geography” by D.R. Khullar
Environmental Geography:
- “Environmental Geography” by Savindra Singh
- “Environmental Studies” by R. Rajagopalan
Previous Year Papers:
- Solve past UPSC Geography Optional question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
Final Thoughts
Geography is an excellent optional subject for those with a keen interest in both physical and human geography. The Geography Optional Syllabus is extensive, but with a structured approach, regular practice, and the use of diagrams and case studies, you can achieve success in this subject. Focus on building a solid understanding of core concepts, integrating current affairs, and mastering map work to excel in the exam.
Check out other UPSC Civil Services Examination Optional Subjects
| Subject | Link |
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| Agriculture | Check Syllabus |
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| Anthropology | Check Syllabus |
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