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The UPSC IFS mains exam consists of a total of six papers with a total of 1400 marks. The IFS Mains examination includes two papers: one on English and one on General Knowledge. The remaining four papers (Paper I, Paper II, Paper III, and Paper IV) cover optional subjects that candidates have chosen during the application form-filling process. Since Paper I and Paper II have a maximum of 300 marks each, the remaining 800 marks depend on the optional subjects. It becomes crucial to choose the right optional subject and employ the right strategy so that candidates can score as much as possible. First, we will explore the importance and weightage of options, and then we will analyze the Geology Question Paper as an optional subject.
| Download IFS 2023 Geology Optional Paper-01 Download IFS 2023 Geology Optional Paper-02 |
What is the pattern of the IFS Mains exam?
In the UPSC IFS mains examination candidates have to choose two optional subjects from the list specified in the notification, unlike the UPSC IAS mains exam in which the candidate has to choose only one optional subject. In the IFS exam optional subjects have very high scoring potential because after Paper I and Paper II which consist of 600 marks optional have 800 marks so here optional plays a decisive role in determining your selection as well as achieving a good rank.
It is evident that in the entire selection process, the optional subject plays a crucial role in preparing for the UPSC IFS exam, as it accounts for almost 48% of the total marks. This substantial portion contributes significantly to the overall evaluation of the entire exam.
Upon further magnification, we can conclude that in the IFS mains examination, the optional section carries almost 58% of the total mains marks. Therefore, scoring well in the optional section, along with Paper I and Paper II, will result in higher overall marks in the exam.
What is the pattern of the optional subjects in the IFS Mains exam?
In the UPSC IFS Mains exam, the Geology Question Paper subject consists of two papers, specifically Paper I and Paper II. Each of these papers carries a weightage of 200 marks, summing up to a total of 400 marks for this optional subject. Among the various optional subjects offered by UPSC in IFS, Geology Question Paper is one of the 14 optional subjects available to candidates.
What does the IFS Mains Exam Geology Optional syllabus include?
| Geology Optional | Syllabus |
| Paper I | General Geology
The Solar System, meteorites, origin, and interior of the earth. Radioactivity and age of the earth; Volcanoes- causes and products, volcanic belts. Earthquakes-causes, effects, earthquake belts, seismicity of India, intensity, and magnitude, seismographs. Island arcs, deep sea trenches, and mid-ocean ridges. Continental drift-evidences and mechanics; seafloor spreading, plate tectonics. Isostasy, orogeny, and epeirogeny, Continents and oceans. Geomorphology and Remote Sensing Basic concepts of geomorphology. Weathering and mass wasting. Landforms, slopes, and drainage. Geomorphic cycles and their interpretation. Morphology and its relation to structures and lithology. Applications of geomorphology in mineral prospecting, civil engineering, hydrology, and environmental studies. Geomorphology of Indian subcontinent. Aerial photographs and their interpretation-merits and limitations. The Electromagnetic Spectrum. Orbiting satellites and sensor systems. Indian Remote Sensing Satellites. Satellites data products. Applications of remote sensing in geology. The Geographic Information System and its Applications. Global Positioning System. Structural geology Principles of geologic mapping and map reading, projection diagrams, stress and strain ellipsoid and stress-strain relationships of elastic, plastic, and viscous materials. Strain markers in deformed rocks. Behavior of minerals and rocks under deformation conditions. Folds and faults classification and mechanics. Structural analysis of folds, foliations, lineations, joints and faults, unconformities. Superposed deformation. Time-relationship between crystallization and deformation. Introduction to petro-fabrics. Paleontology Species- definition and nomenclature. Megafossils and Microfossils. Modes of preservation of fossils. Different kinds of microfossils. Application of microfossils in correlation, petroleum exploration, paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic studies. Morphology, geological history and evolutionary trend in Cephalopoda, Trilobita, Brachiopoda, Echinoidea and Anthozoa. Stratigraphic utility of Ammonoidea, Trilobita, and Graptoloidea. Evolutionary trend in Hominidae, Equidae, and Proboscidae. Siwalik fauna. Gondwana flora and its importance. Stratigraphy and Geology of India 39 Classification of stratigraphic sequences: litho-stratigraphic, biostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, and magneto-stratigraphic and their interrelationships. Distribution and classification of Precambrian rocks of India. Study of stratigraphic distribution and lithology of Phanerozoic rocks of India with reference to fauna, flora and economic importance. Major boundary problems- Cambrian/Precambrian, Permian/Triassic, Cretaceous/Tertiary, and Pliocene/Pleistocene. Study of climatic conditions, paleogeography, and igneous activity in the Indian subcontinent in the geological past. Tectonic framework of India. Evolution of the Himalayas. Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology: Hydrologic cycle and genetic classification of water. Movement of subsurface water. Springs. Porosity, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storage coefficient, classification of aquifers. Water-bearing characteristics of rocks. Groundwater chemistry. Saltwater intrusion. Types of wells. Drainage basin morphometry. Exploration for groundwater. Groundwater recharge. Problems and management of groundwater. Rainwater harvesting. Engineering properties of rocks. Geological investigations for dams, tunnels, and bridges. Rock as construction material. Alkali-aggregate reaction. Landslides-causes, prevention and rehabilitation. Earthquake-resistant structures. |
| Paper II | Mineralogy
Classification of crystals into systems and classes of symmetry. International system of crystallographic notation. Use of projection diagrams to represent crystal symmetry. Crystal defects. Elements of X-ray crystallography. Petrological microscope and accessories. Optical properties of common rock-forming minerals. Pleochroism, extinction angle, double refraction, birefringence, twinning, and dispersion in minerals. Physical and chemical characteristics of rock-forming silicate mineral groups. Structural classification of silicates. Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Minerals of the carbonate, phosphate, sulfide, and halide groups. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Generation and crystallization of magma. Crystallization of albite-anorthite, diopsideanorthite and diopside-wollastonite-silica systems. Reaction principle. Magmatic differentiation and assimilation. Petrogenetic significance of the textures and structures of igneous rocks. Petrography and petrogenesis of granite, syenite, diorite, basic and ultrabasic groups, charnockite, anorthosite, and alkaline rocks. Carbonatites. Deccan volcanic province. Types and agents of metamorphism. Metamorphic grades and zones. Phase rule. Facies of regional and contact metamorphism. ACF and AKF diagrams. Textures and structures of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphism of arenaceous, argillaceous, and basic rocks. Minerals assemblages Retrograde metamorphism. Metasomatism and granitisation, migmatites, Granulite terrains of India. Sedimentology Sedimentary rocks Processes of formation, diagenesis, and lithification. Properties of sediments. Clastic and non-clastic rocks- their classification, petrography, and depositional environment. Sedimentary facies and provenance. Sedimentary structures and their significance. Heavy minerals and their significance. Sedimentary basins of India. Economic Geology Ore, ore minerals and gangue, tenor of ore, classification of ore deposits. Process of formation of minerals deposits. Controls of ore localization. Ore textures and structures. Metallogenic epochs and provinces. Geology of the important Indian deposits of aluminum, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead zinc, manganese, titanium, uranium and thorium, and industrial minerals. Deposits of coal and petroleum in India. National Mineral Policy. Conservation and utilization of mineral resources. Marine mineral resources and Law of Sea. Mining Geology Methods of prospecting-geological, geophysical, geochemical, and geobotanical. Techniques of sampling. Estimation of reserves or ore. Methods of exploration and mining metallic ores, industrial minerals, and marine mineral resources. Mineral beneficiation and ore dressing. Geochemistry and Environmental Geology Cosmic abundance of elements. Composition of the planets and meteorites. Structure and composition of earth and distribution of elements. Trace elements. Elements of crystal chemistry-types of chemical bonds, coordination number. Isomorphism and polymorphism. Elementary thermodynamics. Natural hazards-floods, landslides, coastal erosion, earthquakes, and volcanic activity and mitigation. Environmental impact of urbanization, open cast mining, industrial and radioactive waste disposal, use of fertilizers, dumping of mine waste and fly ash. Pollution of ground and surface water, marine pollution Environment protection legislative measures in India. |
UPSC IFS Geology Question Papers from 2018 to 2022 are readily available for aspirants seeking to enhance their preparation. We provided access to the UPSC IFS Geology Question Paper in PDF format, an invaluable resource for your preparation.
| Year | Paper |
|---|---|
| UPSC IFS Geology Question Paper 2018 | Download Paper I |
| UPSC IFS Geology Question Paper 2019 | Download Paper I |
| UPSC IFS Geology Question Paper 2020 | Download Paper I |
| UPSC IFS Geology Question Paper 2021 | Download Paper I |
| UPSC IFS Geology Question Paper 2022 | Download Paper I |
Candidates appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) IFS examination must make a thoughtful choice when selecting their optional subject, as it holds substantial weightage in the evaluation process. With a total of 800 marks allotted, the optional subject constitutes approximately 48% of the combined marks for both the written exam and the personality test.
The table below offers a comprehensive overview of the success rate achieved by candidates who opted for a Geology Question Paper as their optional.
| Year | Number of Candidates | ||
| Appeared in Interview | Recommended | Passing (%) | |
| 2015 | 145 | 41 | 28.3 |
| 2016 | 140 | 35 | 25 |
| 2017 | 133 | 35 | 26.3 |
| 2018 | 92 | 36 | 39.1 |
| 2019 | 97 | 44 | 45.4 |
| 2020 | 90 | 33 | 36.7 |
Geology Optional Paper Trends: Embracing Depth and Relevance
Pros of opting for Geology optional: A Strategic Choice for Exam Success
Cons of opting as an Optional Subject: Syllabus, Complexity, and Career
Please note that before selecting Geology as your optional subject, carefully weigh these disadvantages against the advantages and consider your own background, interests, and the time you can dedicate to preparation.
Booklist for Geology Optional: Comprehensive Resources for Success
| 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 |
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
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| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
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