Upto 60% Off on UPSC Online Courses

Avail Now

Geography Optional Syllabus for UPSC Mains 2024

Aditi Sinha August 19, 2023 02:50 17277 0

Prepare for success in the UPSC Civil Services Exam with Geography Optional! Explore the comprehensive syllabus, topper strategies, notes, previous year papers, and top recommended books for effective preparation.

Geography Optional Syllabus for UPSC Mains 2024

Choosing the right subject for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is like picking the best tool for a job.  Among the many options, Geography is a popular choice. It’s about studying the Earth’s physical features and how people interact with them. We’ll break down Geography Optional syllabus in simple terms, covering everything from what it is to how to do well in it. Let’s start this journey together and unlock the secrets to success in the UPSC exams. 

Understanding the Geography Optional Syllabus

The Geography Optional syllabus is structured to cover a wide range of topics ranging from physical geography to human geography, regional geography, and geographical techniques. It is divided into two papers, each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. Let’s briefly explore the syllabus of each paper: UPSC Geography Optional syllabus of Paper 1 is divided into two parts: Physical Geography and Human Geography. The detailed syllabus of both these parts is given below:

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Geography Optional Syllabus Paper 1 ‘Principles of Geography’

Topic Syllabus
Physical Geography
1. Geomorphology
  • Factors controlling landform development
  • Origin and evolution of the Earth’s crusts
  • Fundamentals of geomagnetism
  • Physical conditions of the earth’s interior
  • Geosynclines, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis.
  • Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape development 
  • Continental drift, Isostasy, Plate tectonics, Recent views on mountain building, volcanic 
  • 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 Trewar Tha’s classification of world climate
  • Hydrological cycle
  • Global climatic change, 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 the 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, Wildlife
  • Major gene pool centers.
5. Environmental Geography
  • Principle ecology
  • Human ecological adaptations
  • Influence of man on ecology and environment.
  • Global and regional ecological changes and imbalances Ecosystems and their management and conservation.
  • Environmental degradation, management, and conservation. 
  • Biodiversity and sustainable development 
  • Environmental policy 
  • Environmental hazards and remedial measures
  • Environmental education and legislation.
Human Geography
1. Perspectives in Human Geography
  • Areal differentiation 
  • Regional synthesis
  • Dichotomy and dualism. 
  • Environmentalism
  • Quantitative revolution and locational analysis. 
  • Radical, behavioral, human, and welfare approaches.
  • Languages, religions, and secularisation
  • Cultural regions of the world
  • Human development index.
2. Economic Geography
  • World economic development
  • Measurement and problems
  • World resources and their distribution
  • Energy crisis; the limits to growth
  • World agriculture: a 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.
3. 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
  • Functional classification of towns
  • Sustainable development of cities. 
4. Regional Planning
  • Concept of a region 
  • Types of regions and methods of regionalization
  • Growth centers, and growth poles. 
  • Regional imbalances 
  • Regional development strategies
  • Environmental issues in regional planning
  • Planning for sustainable development. 
5. 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; and Ostov’s model of stages of growth. 
  • Heartland and Rimland theories
  • Laws of International Boundaries and Frontiers.

 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes  

The syllabus of Paper 2 of the Geography Optional deals with various aspects of the Geography of India. A detailed syllabus is given below.

Geography Optional Syllabus Paper 2 ‘Geography of India’

Topic Syllabus
1. Physical Setting 
  • Space relationship of India with neighboring countries Structure and relief.
  • Drainage systems 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 groundwater, 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; 
  • Aquaculture: Sericulture, Agriculture, and poultry
  • Agricultural regionalization
  • Agro-climatic zones
  • Agro-ecological regions
4. Industry
  • Evolution of industries
  • Locational factors of cotton, jute, textile, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizer, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical, automobile, cottage, and ago-based industries
  • Industrial houses and complexes including public sector underking 
  • Industrial regionalisation.
  • New industrial policy
  • Multinationals and liberalization
  • Special Economic Zones 
  • Tourism including ecotourism. 
5. Transport, Communication and Trade
  • Road, railway, waterway, airway, and pipeline networks and their complementary roles in regional development.
  • Growing importance of ports on national and foreign trade.
  • Trade Balance and Trade Policy
  • Export processing zones
  • Developments in communication and information technology and their impacts on the 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 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 urbanization and remedies. 
8. Regional Development and Planning
  • Experience in regional planning in India
  • Five Year Plans 
  • Integrated rural development programs
  • Command area Development
  • Watershed management
  • Planning for backward areas, deserts, 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 the 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 
  • Globalization and Indian economy.

 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Coaching

Geography Optional Paper: An Insight into Examination Pattern

The UPSC Geography Optional examination pattern is designed to assess candidates’ understanding, analytical skills, and application of geographical concepts. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 consist of long and short answer questions, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ knowledge. Additionally, the inclusion of map-based questions enhances the practical application of geographical concepts. Understanding the examination pattern is essential for aspirants to strategize their preparation effectively.

Geography Optional Topper Strategies: Decoding Success

Analyzing the strategies of Geography Optional toppers offers valuable insights for aspirants aiming to excel in the examination. Toppers emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, which includes thorough understanding of concepts, regular revision, and effective time management. They also stress the significance of answer writing practice, especially for map-based questions. Furthermore, toppers advise aspirants to integrate current affairs with geographical concepts to enrich their answers and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Geography Optional Notes Strategy

Creating well-organized and comprehensive notes is indispensable for Geography Optional preparation. Aspirants should focus on condensing vast amounts of information into concise notes, making them easy to revise and retain. Additionally, incorporating diagrams, maps, and case studies can enhance the effectiveness of notes, facilitating better understanding and retention of concepts. Moreover, referring to standard textbooks and supplementary materials can aid in creating comprehensive notes covering the entire syllabus.

Geography Optional Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)

Previous year question papers serve as invaluable resources for Geography Optional aspirants, offering insights into the examination trends, question patterns, and important topics. Analyzing PYQs enables aspirants to identify recurring themes, prioritize topics based on their frequency, and understand the UPSC’s expectations regarding answer presentation and depth of knowledge. Regular practice of PYQs also helps aspirants gauge their preparation level and identify areas requiring further improvement.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes  

Year UPSC Geography Optional Question Papers PDF Link
2023 UPSC Geography Optional Paper I

UPSC Geography Optional Paper II

2022 UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2022 PDF

UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2 2022 PDF

2021 UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2021 PDF

UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2 2021 PDF

2020 UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2020 PDF

UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2 2020 PDF

2019 UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2019 PDF

UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2 2019 PDF

2018 UPSC Geography Optional Question Paper 1

UPSC Geography Optional Question Paper 2 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Coaching

Geography Optional Books: Building a Strong Foundation

Selecting the right books is crucial for Geography Optional preparation as it forms the cornerstone of effective studying. Aspirants should opt for standard textbooks authored by renowned geographers, which cover the entire syllabus comprehensively. Some recommended books for Geography Optional include:

Paper I: Books Paper II: Books
  • Geomorphology by Savindra Singh
  • Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
  • Human Geography by Majid Husain
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong
  • Oceanography by Sharma & Vatal
  • Climatology by D.S.Lal
  • Physical Geography by Strahler & Strahler.
  • Economic and Social Geography – Made Simple by Rupa Publisher
  • Environmental Geography by Savindra Singh
  • Environmental Awareness by R.C.Chandna
  • Agricultural Geography by Masjid Husain
  • Political Geography by R.D.Dixit
  • General Climatology by Critchfield
  • Economic Geography by Hertshorn& Alexander
  • Principles of Geomorphology by W.D. Thornbury
  • Economic and Social Geography – Made Simple, Rupa Publishers
  • Perspectives in Human Geography: Evolution of Geographic Thought by Majid Husain
  • Regional Planning: Regional Planning – by Chand &Puri
  • Settlement Geography by K Siddhartha
  • Economic and Commercial Geography of India by Sharma & Coutinho
  • Economic and Commercial Geography of India by C.B. Mamoria
  • A Geography by Population by R.C. Chandna
  • Geography of India – Majid Husain
  • Transport, Communication, and Trade
  • Regional Development and Planning
  • Agriculture Geography by Majid Husain
  • Urbanization and Urban Systems in India by Ramachandran
  • Human Geography by Majid Husain
  • Economical and Commercial Geography of India by Sharma & Coutinho
  • Economic and Commercial Geography of India by C.B. Mamoria
  • India Year Book published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong
  • Economical and Commercial Geography by Sharma & Coutinho
  • Political Aspects: Modern Political Geography of India by B.L. Sukhwal.
  • Geography of Population by R.C.Chandna
  • A Geography of India by Gopal Singh
  • Regional Planning and Development by Chand and Puri
  • Indian Geography by D R Khullar
  • India Disasters Report
  • Urbanization & Urban Systems in India by Ramachandran
  • Regional Planning in India – Chand and Puri


These books provide in-depth coverage of geographical concepts, theories, and case studies, equipping aspirants with the necessary knowledge and understanding to ace the examination.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Significance of Choosing Geography Optional Subject

Choosing Geography as an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Exam offers several advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the pros and cons of opting for Geography

Pros Cons
  • Scientific Subject: Geography is a scientific subject that covers a wide range of topics, from the universe to physical topography. It is preferred by aspirants from science, medical, and engineering backgrounds.
  • Conceptual Understanding: Unlike rote memorization, Geography requires understanding of concepts. There’s no need for excessive memorization.
  • Abundant Study Material: There is an abundance of study material available for Geography.
  • Overlap with General Studies: Geography has significant overlap with both the Prelims and Mains General Studies papers.
  • Dynamic Relevance: As questions become more dynamic, Geography also overlaps with subjects like economics, environment, ecology, and conservation.
  • Essay Paper Utility: Concepts learned in Geography can be useful in the essay paper.
  • Scoring Potential: Geography is a scoring subject due to its objective nature and minimal scope for interpretation. Diagrams and maps can enhance scores.
  • Vast Syllabus: Geography has an extensive syllabus, which can be challenging to cover thoroughly.
  • High Competition: Many aspirants choose Geography, making the competition intense.


In summary, while Geography can be rewarding, candidates must weigh the pros and cons based on their strengths, weaknesses, and background. It’s essential to make an informed decision considering personal preferences and study capabilities.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes  

Geography Optional: Aspiring for the Highest Marks

Achieving the highest marks in Geography Optional requires dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach. Aspirants should aim for a thorough understanding of concepts, supplemented by regular revision and practice. Additionally, integrating current affairs with geographical concepts, mastering answer writing skills, and staying updated with recent developments in the field of geography are essential strategies for securing top scores. Moreover, seeking guidance from mentors, joining peer study groups, and leveraging online resources can further enhance preparation and boost performance in the examination.

Toppers with Geography Optional

Here is a list of few toppers who had chosen geography as their optional subject.

Year Name Marks  AIR Rank 
2014 Ira Singhal 305 1
2017  Pratham Kaushik 327  5
2017  Saumya Pandey 314
2021 Kalpashree 284 291
2021 Yasharth Sekhar 306 12
2022 Shubham 298 41
2022 Preksha Agrwal 279 30

Enroll now for UPSC Online Coaching

Conclusion

Geography Optional holds immense potential for aspirants aiming to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination. By understanding the syllabus, exam pattern, topper strategies, notes preparation, PYQs analysis, recommended books, and strategies for achieving the highest marks, aspirants can chart a well-structured and effective preparation journey. With determination, perseverance, and strategic planning, success in Geography Optional and ultimately in the UPSC examinations is within reach. Aspirants must embark on this journey with confidence, diligence, and a passion for geographical exploration, knowing that every step taken brings them closer to realizing their dream of becoming civil servants and contributing positively to society.

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

UPSC Geography Syllabus FAQs

Yes, Geography is a popular optional subject for the UPSC exam due to its scoring potential and overlap with the General Studies paper. If you have a strong understanding of the subject and can present your answers effectively, it can be a strategic choice for maximizing your chances of success.

GS Paper V and VI encompass optional papers in the UPSC examination. Geography stands out as a highly favored optional subject among UPSC aspirants, boasting an impressive track record of success among the top performers. Given the extensive scope of the Geography Optional Syllabus, there exists a range of UPSC Geography Optional Books to aid in preparation.

One of the components of the UPSC geography optional syllabus encompasses both Physical Geography and Human Geography, constituting Paper 1, which accounts for a total of 250 marks. In contrast, Paper 2 of the UPSC geography syllabus delves into the Geography of India, with further subdivisions into various sub-topics.

It depends on individual preferences and needs. It can reduce the time and Coaching can put you on the right track in the UPSC journey. However, students have to make good use of resources provided by coaching.

Yes, diagrams and maps enhance the quality of answers and help in better understanding. Concepts like landforms, climatic patterns, and demographic trends can be explained well with the help of diagrams. Diagram also helps in fetching more marks thus it can give lead to the candidate.

It depends on the interest of candidates, generally this subject requires factual and technical knowledge of some concepts. However with regular practice and answer writing one can excel in this.
/*
*/

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.