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UPSC Geology Syllabus For IAS Main, Download Geology Syllabus PDF

Aditi Sinha August 21, 2023 12:00 6365 0

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UPSC Geology Syllabus: Geology is an optional subject available for aspiring candidates appearing in the UPSC Mains Exam. Geology is an intriguing subject that can be chosen by students who have already studied it during their graduation.

UPSC Geology Syllabus For IAS Main, Download Geology Syllabus PDF

UPSC Geology Syllabus: Geology is an optional subject available for aspiring candidates appearing in the UPSC Mains Exam. Geology is an intriguing subject that can be chosen by students who have already studied it during their graduation.

The UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam offers Geology as an Optional Subject with two papers, namely Optional Paper I and Paper II. The UPSC Mains Examination includes a total of nine papers, which encompass two Optional Subject papers as well. This article presents the UPSC Geology syllabus for those opting for this subject.

In this article, we will provide you with essential information about the UPSC Geology Optional syllabus and offer valuable tips on how to prepare effectively for the Geology optional in the UPSC Exam. 

UPSC Geology Syllabus PDF

Geology revolves around the crucial aspects of sustainable development, disaster management, and their practical applications. It encompasses various subjects such as India’s Geomorphology, Economic Geology, Remote Sensing, and Mining. When it comes to the UPSC exam, the emphasis is more on the practical application of knowledge rather than theoretical understanding. 

Also Read: How to Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level

Therefore, candidates need to have a strong foundation in the basic concepts of Geology. This subject directly addresses the development challenges encountered by India, making it vital for aspirants to possess sufficient knowledge of Geology before selecting it as their optional subject in the UPSC civil services exam. Below is the link for the UPSC Geology Syllabus pdf download.

UPSC Geology Syllabus PDF

UPSC Geology Syllabus

The Geology Optional Subject in the UPSC Mains Exam comprises two papers, Paper I and Paper II, each with 250 marks. Therefore, the Geology optional subject has a total weightage of 500 marks in the examination.

The Geology Syllabus in UPSC focuses on assessing candidates’ understanding of core concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to address sustainable development and disaster management challenges. 

The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including general geology, remote sensing, India’s geomorphology and stratigraphy, mining, economic geology, and their practical implications in the context of promoting sustainable development and effectively managing disasters.

UPSC Geology Syllabus
UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus  Topics
Paper 1
  • General Geology
  • Geomorphology and Remote Sensing 
  • Structural Geology
  • Palaeontology
  • Indian Stratigraphy
  • Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology
Paper 2
  • Mineralogy
  • Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
  • Sedimentary Petrology
  • Economic Geology
  • Mining Geology
  • Geochemistry and Environmental Geology

UPSC Geology Syllabus Paper 1

The syllabus of Paper 1 of the UPSC IAS Geogology syllabus includes topics from General Geology, Geomorphology and Remote Sensing, Structural Geology, Palaeontology, Indian Stratigraphy, Hydrogeology, and Engineering Geology. Find the detailed UPSC IAS Geology Syllabus for Paper 1 below.

UPSC Geology Syllabus for Paper 1
Topics Sub Topics
General Geology
  1. The Solar System, Meteorites, Origin and interior of the earth and age of the earth; Volcanoes- causes and products, Volcanic belts;
  2. Earthquakes-causes, effects, Seismic zones of India; Island arcs, trenches, and mid-ocean ridges;
  3. Continental drifts;
  4. Seafloor spreading, Plate tectonics;
  5. Isostasy.
Geomorphology and Remote Sensing
  1. Basic concepts of geomorphology;
  2. Weathering and soil formations;
  3. Landforms, slopes, and drainage;
  4. Geomorphic cycles and their interpretation;
  5. Morphology and its relation to structures and lithology;
  6. Coastal geomorphology; Applications of geomorphology in mineral prospecting, civil engineering;
  7. Hydrology and environmental studies;
  8. Geomorphology of the Indian subcontinent.
  9. Aerial photographs and their interpretation-merits and limitations;
  10. The Electromagnetic Spectrum;
  11. Orbiting satellites and sensor systems;
  12. Indian Remote Sensing Satellites;
  13. Satellites data products; Applications of remote sensing in geology;
  14. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) – its applications.
Structural Geology
  1. Principles of geologic mapping and map reading, Projection diagrams, Stress and strain ellipsoid and stress-strain relationships of elastic, plastic, and viscous materials;
  2. Strain markers in deformed rocks;
  3. The behavior of minerals and rocks under deformation conditions;
  4. Folds and faults classification and mechanics;
  5. Structural analysis of folds, foliations, lineations, joints and faults, unconformities; Time relationship between crystallization and deformation.
Paleontology
  1. Species- definition, and nomenclature;
  2. Megafossils and Microfossils;
  3. Modes of preservation of fossils;
  4. Different kinds of microfossils;
  5. Application of microfossils in correlation, petroleum exploration, paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic studies;
  6. The evolutionary trend in Hominidae, Equidae, and Proboscidae; Siwalik fauna;
  7. Gondwana flora and fauna and its importance;
  8. Index fossils and their significance.
Indian Stratigraphy
  1. Classification of stratigraphic sequences: lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, and magnetostratigraphic and their interrelationships;
  2. Distribution and classification of Precambrian rocks of India;
  3. Study of stratigraphic distribution and lithology of Phanerozoic rocks of India with reference to fauna, flora, and economic importance;
  4. Major boundary problems- Cambrian/Precambrian, Permian/Triassic, Cretaceous/Tertiary, and Pliocene/Pleistocene;
  5. Study of climatic conditions, paleogeography, and igneous activity in the Indian subcontinent in the geological past;
  6. Tectonic framework of India; Evolution of the Himalayas.
Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology
  1. Hydrologic cycle and genetic classification of water;
  2. Movement of subsurface water, Springs;
  3. Porosity, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storage coefficient, classification of aquifers;
  4. Water-bearing characteristics of rocks; Groundwater chemistry;
  5. Saltwater intrusion; Types of wells;
  6. Drainage basin morphometry; Exploration for groundwater;
  7. Groundwater recharge Problems and management of groundwater;
  8. Rainwater harvesting; Engineering properties of rocks;
  9. Geological investigations for dams, tunnels, highways, railways, and bridges;
  10. Rock as a construction material;
  11. Landslides-causes, prevention, and rehabilitation;
  12. Earthquake-resistant structures

UPSC Geology Syllabus Paper 2

The syllabus of Paper 2 of the UPSC IAS Geology Syllabus consists of topics from Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentary, Petrology, Economic Geology, Mining Geology, Geochemistry, and Environmental Geology. The detailed UPSC IAS Geology Syllabus for Paper 2 is given below.

UPSC Geology Syllabus for Paper 2
Topics Sub Topics
Mineralogy
  1. Classification of crystals into systems and classes of symmetry;
  2. The international system of crystallographic notation;
  3. Use of projection diagrams to represent crystal symmetry;
  4. Elements of X-ray crystallography.
  5. Physical and chemical characters of rock-forming silicate mineral groups;
  6. Structural classification of silicates;
  7. Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks;
  8. Minerals of the carbonate, phosphate, sulfide, and halide groups;
  9. Clay minerals.
  10. Optical properties of common rock-forming minerals;
  11. Pleochroism, extinction angle, double refraction, birefringence, twinning, and dispersion in minerals.
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
  1. Generation and crystallization of magmas;
  2. Crystallization of albite-anorthite, diopside-anorthite, and diopside-wollastonite-silica systems;
  3. Bowen’s Reaction Principle;
  4. Magmatic differentiation and assimilation;
  5. Petrogenetic significance of the textures and structures of igneous rocks;
  6. Petrography and petrogenesis of granite, syenite, diorite, basic and ultrabasic groups, charnockite, anorthosite, and alkaline rocks;
  7. Carbonatites; Deccan volcanic province. Types and agents of metamorphism; Metamorphic grades and zones; Phase rule;
  8. Facies of regional and contact metamorphism;
  9. ACF and AKF diagrams;
  10. Textures and structures of metamorphic rocks;
  11. Metamorphism of arenaceous, argillaceous, and basic rocks;
  12. Minerals assemblages Retrograde metamorphism;
  13. Metasomatism and granitization, migmatites, Granulite terrains of India.
Sedimentary Petrology
  1. Sediments and Sedimentary rocks:
  2. Processes of formation, diagenesis and lithification;
  3. Clastic and non-clastic rocks, their classification, petrography, and depositional environment;
  4. Sedimentary facies and provenance;
  5. Sedimentary structures and their significance;
  6. Heavy minerals and their significance;
  7. Sedimentary basins of India.
Economic Geology
  1. Ore, ore minerals and gangue, the tenor of ore, and classification of ore deposits;
  2. Process of formation of minerals deposits;
  3. Controls of ore localization;
  4. Ore textures and structures;
  5. Metallogenic epochs and provinces;
  6. Geology of the important Indian deposits of aluminum, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead-zinc, manganese, titanium, uranium and thorium, and industrial minerals;
  7. Deposits of coal and petroleum in India;
  8. National Mineral Policy;
  9. Conservation and utilization of mineral resources;
  10. Marine mineral resources and Law of Sea.
Mining Geology
  1. Methods of prospecting-geological, geophysical, geochemical, and geobotanical; Techniques of sampling;
  2. Estimation of reserves or ore;
  3. Methods of exploration and mining metallic ores, industrial minerals, marine mineral resources, and building stones;
  4. Mineral beneficiation and ore dressing.
Geochemistry and Environmental Geology
  1. Cosmic abundance of elements;
  2. Composition of the planets and meteorites;
  3. Structure and composition of Earth and distribution of elements;
  4. Trace elements;
  5. Elements of crystal chemistry, types of chemical bonds, coordination number, Isomorphism, and polymorphism;
  6. Elementary thermodynamics.
  7. Natural hazards-floods, mass wasting, coastal hazards, earthquakes and volcanic activity, and mitigation;
  8. Environmental impact of urbanization, mining, industrial and radioactive waste disposal, use of fertilizers, dumping of mine waste and fly ash;
  9. Pollution of ground and surface water, marine pollution;
  10. Environment protection – legislative measures in India;
  11. Sea level changes: causes and impact.

UPSC Geology Syllabus Preparation Tips

To effectively prepare for the Geology optional subject in the UPSC exam, follow these practical tips:

 

  1. Understand the Syllabus: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Geology syllabus provided by UPSC. Familiarize yourself with the topics and sub-topics to know what to focus on.
  1. Emphasize Conceptual Understanding: Geology requires a strong grasp of core concepts. Spend ample time understanding fundamental principles and theories. Seek clarification from experts if needed.
  1. Solve Previous Years’ Papers: Practice with previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types. Identify weak areas and focus on improving them.
  1. Take Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests and practice papers to gauge your preparation level. This will enhance time management skills and provide a simulated exam experience.
  1. Stay Updated: Stay updated with the latest developments in Geology, such as new discoveries and applications. This will enable you to provide current and relevant information in your exam answers.

By following these tips, you can streamline your Geology preparation for the UPSC exam and increase your chances of success in the optional subject.

UPSC Related Links
UPSC Syllabus UPSC CSAT Syllabus
UPSC Public Administration Syllabus UPSC Economics Syllabus
UPSC Physics Syllabus UPSC Geography Syllabus

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UPSC Geology Syllabus FAQs

The Geology syllabus for UPSC covers a wide range of topics, including general geology, remote sensing, India's geomorphology and stratigraphy, mining, and economic geology, and their practical implications for promoting sustainable development and effectively managing disasters.

Geology is an optional subject available for aspiring candidates appearing in the UPSC Mains Exam. Geology is an intriguing subject that can be chosen by students who have already studied it during their graduation.

Geology can be a more accessible choice for an optional subject, especially if you've covered science up to class X. It doesn't demand extensive math or physics expertise like other science topics. Plus, it includes fundamental principles of chemistry.

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