Geography for UPSC
Geography is a very important subject as it has significant syllabus coverage not only in UPSC CSE Prelims but also in UPSC CSE Mains. Considering the importance of Geography notes and its weightage in the UPSC CSE both for Prelims and Mains, we have compiled topic-wise Geography notes curated for UPSC aspirants. Here’s a complete topic coverage:
UPSC Geography Notes
The importance of well-structured notes always remains in UPSC CSE preparation as it plays a very crucial role in the overall preparation journey - Prelims, Mains and Interview. It not only facilitates effective assimilation and comprehension of concepts but also aids in easier internalisation and recall during the examination. It facilitates in enriching answers as the ability to link concepts with diagrams, maps and current affairs gives an edge over other aspirants. In case of prelims, concise notes helps recalling factual information and accuracy ratio enhances.
Geography as a subject or discipline comprises various topics related to Indian geography which is further subdivided into Physical geography (Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Indian soil, Indian Drainage system etc), Economic and Human Geography (Primary Sector, Industry and Service, Minerals Resources, Energy Resources etc) and World Geography (Mapping, Global Distribution of physical Features and Resources, World agriculture and Industry etc).
Here is a detailed overview for Geography notes covering all the major components of syllabus:
- Physical Geography Notes – covering Landforms, climatology, oceanography, environmental geography etc.
- Human Geography Notes – Population, settlement patterns, urbanisation, economic activities.
- Indian Geography Notes – Physiographic divisions, rivers, climate, agriculture, industries, natural resources.
- World Geography Notes – Continents, resources distribution, important geographical phenomena.
Important Topics for UPSC Geography Notes
To begin with reading Geography, one can start with NCERT Books to have a grasp over the basic concepts to build a strong foundation for the subject. Moreover, there are numerous coaching materials available in the market, at NEXT IAS we aim to provide the most relevant and important attributes of the subject as the prime requisite of UPSC CSE. Our aim is to deliver the most essential aspects and relevant attributes of the subject, aligned with the core requirements of the UPSC CSE.
Therefore, it is advisable to use NCERTs, reliable sources & standard books, and keep them updated with effective current affairs coverage.
Indian Geography
For a better clarity of the concepts, one must begin Indian Geography from the inception, thereby beginning with the topics such as Earth’s Origin and Evolution, Locational setting and Physiographic Regions, Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography and so on, ultimately builds a basic understanding of the subject matter per se.
Physical Geography in India
Physical Geography in India deals with the origin and evolution of the Earth, Physiographic regions, Natural vegetation, Drainage system, soils, agriculture, mineral resources etc. Beginning with the reading of these topics provides a glimpse of the subject matter. Physical geography in India includes the following topics with respect to the UPSC Preliminary examination:
- Earth: Origin and Evolution
- Geomorphology
- Climatology
- Oceanography
- Locational setting and Physiographic Regions
- Indian Drainage System, Indian Climate,
- Natural Vegetation of India,
- Indian Soils,
- Indian Agriculture,
- Mineral Resources of India
Economic and Human Geography
Economic and Human geography includes the topics such as Primary sector, Mineral and Energy resources, Land and water resources, Migration and Urbanisation etc. Beginning with the reading of these topics provides an insight in the subject matter. Economic and Human geography in India includes the following topics with respect to the UPSC Preliminary examination:
- Primary Sector
- Industry and Service
- Minerals Resources
- Energy Resources
- Agriculture
- Land Resources
- Water Resources
- World Population
- Distribution & Density
- Races & Tribes
- Settlement & Migration
- Urbanisation
World Geography
World geography includes the topics such as Mapping, Global Distribution of Physical Features and Resources, World Agriculture and Industry etc. Reading these topics provides an insight into the subject matter. World Geography includes the following topics with respect to the UPSC Preliminary examination:
- Mapping,
- Global Distribution of Physical Features and Resources,
- World agriculture and Industry
Significance of Geography in UPSC
Geography as a discipline comprises an integral part of Paper-1 in UPSC CSE Prelims and GS-1 (Paper-2) in UPSC CSE Mains. At a macro level, factual questions are asked in prelims but still an analytical approach( at micro level), that comes eventually from answer writing practice for mains exam, is needed to solve them. This knowledge plays a crucial role in both Essay writing and Interview stage as well.
FAQs: UPSC Geography Notes
How to study Geography for UPSC?
Preparing Geography for UPSC requires conceptual clarity and a deeper understanding of core concepts. It is advisable to begin with the NCERT Books (Class 6-12). Try solving Previous year Questions(PYQs) of UPSC Prelims and Mains. Content Enrichment- move to advanced resources like NEXT IAS books. Parallel navigation through an Atlas(Oxford or Orient Blackswan) is advisable.
Which teacher is best for Geography for UPSC?
Alok Ranjan Sir and Sikandar Sir are the best faculties for geography. They have a teaching experience of more than two decades in UPSC CSE. Many IAS toppers are their classroom students. Currently they are teaching in NEXT IAS institute.
Which coaching is best for UPSC Geography Optional?
NEXT IAS has emerged as the most preferred and popular among the aspirants and is regarded as the top coaching for geography optional. NEXT IAS is equipped with the best faculty for geography optional- Alok Ranjan Sir is the best faculty for geography optional UPSC.
Which book is best for UPSC Geography preparation?
Start with NCERT books for geography to build the foundation for the subject. Additionally, there are numerous coaching materials available in the market such as NEXT IAS classroom and printed study material. It is the most preferred study material and provides a one stop solution for Geography as a discipline.
