Aditi Sinha
August 19, 2023 02:50
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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.
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.
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:
Geography Optional Syllabus Paper 1 ‘Principles of Geography’ |
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| Topic | Syllabus |
| Physical Geography | |
| 1. Geomorphology |
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| 2. Climatology |
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| 3. Oceanography |
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| 4. Biogeography |
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| 5. Environmental Geography |
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| Human Geography | |
| 1. Perspectives in Human Geography |
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| 2. Economic Geography |
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| 3. Population and Settlement Geography |
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| 4. Regional Planning |
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| 5. Models, Theories, and Laws in Human Geography |
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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’ |
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| Topic | Syllabus |
| 1. Physical Setting |
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| 2. Resources |
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| 3. Agriculture |
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| 4. Industry |
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| 5. Transport, Communication and Trade |
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| 6. Cultural Setting |
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| 7. Settlements |
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| 8. Regional Development and Planning |
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| 9. Political Aspects |
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| 10. Contemporary Issues |
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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.
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.
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.
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.
| Year | UPSC Geography Optional Question Papers PDF Link |
| 2023 | UPSC Geography Optional Paper I |
| 2022 | UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2022 PDF |
| 2021 | UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2021 PDF |
| 2020 | UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2020 PDF |
| 2019 | UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 2019 PDF |
| 2018 | UPSC Geography Optional Question Paper 1 |
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 |
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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.
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 |
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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.
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.
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 | 4 |
| 2021 | Kalpashree | 284 | 291 |
| 2021 | Yasharth Sekhar | 306 | 12 |
| 2022 | Shubham | 298 | 41 |
| 2022 | Preksha Agrwal | 279 | 30 |
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 |
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