The UPSC Geography Optional syllabus is broad but organized, making it a popular choice for many aspirants. It covers two main papers: Paper I focuses on Physical Geography, including geomorphology, climatology, and oceanography. Paper II shifts to Human Geography and the geography of India, exploring areas like economic geography, population, and regional planning. The syllabus is designed to test both conceptual understanding and practical knowledge, making it essential for candidates to grasp the subject in depth, by following a well-planned strategy and consistently revising the topic.
Geography Optional Syllabus – Paper 1
Physical Geography :
1. Geomorphology: Factors controlling landform development; endogenetic and exogenetic forces; Origin and evolution of the earth’s crusts; Fundamentals of geomagnetism; Physical conditions of the earth’s interior; Geosynclines; Continental drift; Isostasy; Plate tectonics; Recent views on mountain building; Volcanicity; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape development; 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, and 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 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; Wild life; 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; Ecosystem 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; urban morphology; concept of primate city and rank-size rule; functional classification of towns; sphere of urban influence; rural-urban fringe; satellite towns; problems and remedies of urbanization; sustainable development of cities.
4. Regional Planning: The 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; Ostov’s model of stages of growth. Heartland and Rimland theories; Laws of international boundaries and frontiers.
Geography Optional Syllabus – Paper 2
Geography of India
1. Physical Setting: Space relationship of India with neighboring countries; Structure and relief; Drainage system 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 ground water, 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; Aqua-culture; 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 underkings; Industrial regionalization; 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; Trade Policy; Export processing zones; Developments in communication and information technology and their impacts on economy and society; Indian space program.
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: sex-ratio, age structure, literacy rate, work-force, dependency ratio, longevity; migration (inter-regional, interregional and international) 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 of regional planning in India; Five Year Plans; Integrated rural development programs; Panchayati Raj and decentralized planning; Command area development; Watershed management; Planning for backward area, desert, 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 reorganization; 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 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; Globalisation and Indian economy.
NOTE: Candidates will be required to answer one compulsory map question pertinent to subjects covered by this paper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Geography a good optional for UPSC?
A: Geography can be a good optional subject for UPSC, especially if you have an interest in the subject and a strong foundation in science. It offers several advantages:
- Overlap with General Studies:Â There’s a significant overlap between Geography and the General Studies syllabus, particularly in areas like environment, ecology, and disaster management.
- Map-based questions:Â Geography lets you showcase your analytical skills through map interpretation and drawing diagrams.
- Good scorers in the past:Â Several toppers have chosen Geography and scored well.
However, Geography also requires in-depth knowledge and good memorization skills.
Q: What are the major topics covered under Geography optional?
A: The Geography optional syllabus is divided into two papers: Paper I (Physical Geography) and Paper II (Human Geography).
Paper I covers topics like:
- Geomorphology (landforms)
- Climatology (weather and climate)
- Oceanography (oceans)
- Biogeography (distribution of plants and animals)
- Environmental Geography
Paper II covers topics like:
- Population and Settlement
- Human Activities and the Environment
- Economic Geography
- Political Geography and Regional Development
- Social Geography
Q: How to prepare for Geography Optional?
A: Here are some tips for preparing for Geography Optional:
- Refer to standard textbooks and resources: NCERT books form a strong foundation. Use reference books by authors like Savindra Singh and Majid Hussain.
- Focus on previous years’ question papers: Analyze question trends and practice writing answers.
- Make precise notes: Summarize key points with diagrams and maps for better revision.
- Develop map interpretation skills: Practice using atlases and learn to interpret various geographical features on maps.
- Stay updated on current affairs: Link geographical concepts to current events for a well-rounded understanding.
Q: Are there any resources available online for Geography Optional?
A: Several online resources can help you prepare for Geography Optional:
- UPSC’s official website provides the syllabus and previous year’s question papers.
- Online coaching institutes offer video lectures, study materials, and test series.
- Websites like InsightsIAS and Edukemy provide valuable guidance and strategies.
Q: What is the importance of Geography in the UPSC exam?
A: A good understanding of Geography helps in comprehending various aspects of the UPSC syllabus, including:
- General Studies: Geography is linked to topics like disaster management, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
- Essay paper: Geographical knowledge allows you to write insightful essays on environmental issues, urbanization, and regional development.
- Interview: Understanding geographical concepts can lead to a more informed discussion during the interview.
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