Geography Optional Booklist – UPSC – Edukemy

The Geography Optional booklist for UPSC is a curated selection of books and study resources covering the syllabus of Geography Optional Paper 1 and Paper 2. A focused booklist helps aspirants build conceptual understanding, strengthen physical and human geography fundamentals, and prepare India-specific topics with relevant examples and case studies. The recommended resources include standard textbooks, reference books, atlases, and other materials useful for understanding the UPSC Geography Optional syllabus. Selecting limited and relevant sources is important to avoid excessive reading and maintain an effective revision strategy. This article provides a topic-wise Geography Optional booklist for UPSC, along with guidance on using these resources for effective preparation.

Before aspirants start with the Geography Optional Books for UPSC, aspirants should be well-versed in the following Basic Readings:

1. NCERT (old edition) – Class 6th to 10th
2. NCERT (new edition) – 11th and 12th
3. Cerfiable course in Geography – Goh Cheng Leong
4. Geography Made Simple Series (vol 1 and vol 2) – Rupa Publication

Reference books/Standard Books for Geography Optional

Here is a list of Geography Optional books for UPSC that can help you prepare effectively for the Geography Optional Exam.

1. Geomorphology – Savindra Singh
2. Climatology – Savindra Singh
3. Oceanography – Savindra Singh
4. Env Geography – Savindra Singh
5. Human Geography – Majid Hussain (5th edition )
6. Models and Theories -Majid Hussain
7. Geographical Thought – RD Dikshit
8. Fundamentals of Geographical Thought – Sudipta Adhikari
9. India – Comprehensive Geography by Khullar (2018 edition)
10. Orient Blackswan School Atlas
11. Oxford School Atlas

Current Affairs Magazine for Geography Optional

Geography Optional is a dynamic subject. A lot of Geography Optional questions in the UPSC Mains Optional Paper focus on Current Affairs Readings. Hence, apart from the Basic Readings and Standard/Reference books, it is recommended to cover the news related to Geography and solve MCQs/Questions based on these readings.

We thus, recommend – KOSMOS Magazine, a feature magazine for Geography Optional including Environment & Ecology.

Frequently Asked Questions on Geography Optional Booklist:

Q1. How can aspirants prepare for the Geography optional for UPSC?

Ans. Aspirants can prepare for the Geography Optional for UPSC by referring to the best books for Geography Optional. Since the subject is included in both the preliminary and main exams, candidates should refer to the Geography Optional books for UPSC provided in this article.

Q2. What is the Geography Optional Success Rate in UPSC?

Ans. The success rate for Geography Optional in UPSC varies each year, typically ranging between 5-10%. This popularity is attributed to the availability of well-structured Books for Geography Optional. Many Geography Optional toppers credit their success to strategic preparation, often sharing insights into their Geography Optional toppers strategy. Utilizing key UPSC Geography Optional books can significantly enhance one’s understanding and performance in the exam.

Q3. What are the best books for Geography Optional in UPSC Mains?

Ans. The following are some of the best books for Geography Optional for UPSC mains exam:

• “Geography NCERT XI & XII”
• “Human Geography” by Majid Hussain
• “Models and Theories” by Majid Hussain
• “Physical Geography” by Savindra Singh
• “Geographical Thought” by Sudipta Adhikary
• Other books by Majid Hussain are highly recommended by IAS toppers and experts.

Q4. Which are the best books for Physical and Human Geography for UPSC preparation?

Ans. The following are the best books for Physical and Human Geography for UPSC preparation:

• “Physical Geography” by Savindra Singh (comprising five specific books on physical geography: Geomorphology, Oceanography, Climatology, Environment Geography, Biogeography)
• “Human Geography” by Majid Hussain
• “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by Goh Cheng Leong

Q5. What is the best book for World Geography for UPSC preparation?

Ans. The following are the best books for World Geography for UPSC preparation:

• “Economic and Social Geography – Made Simple” by R. Knowles and J. Wareing
• “Evolution of Geographic Thought” by Majid Hussain
• “Physical Geography – Made Simple” by Richard H. Bryant
• “Oxford School Atlas” by Oxford University Press
• “World Regional Geography” by Henry W. Tischler
• “Geography of the World” by Majid Hussain.

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