For the civil services mains examination, UPSC provides 41 optional subjects. Each aspirant should select one optional paper of their choice and appear in two papers (Paper-I and Paper-II). Among these options, for a long time, Geography has been one of the most popular optional subjects among civil services aspirants. Though the syllabus is vast, it is equally preferred by engineering, science, art, and humanities graduates.
The first step to prepare for the Geography Optional is thoroughly reading and understanding the NCERT Geography Books. Even before that understanding the contents of each of the 10 NCERT Geography Books. With that in mind, the key topics covered in each of these books are given below for a high-level understanding before you dive deep into the option.
CIVIL SERVICES (I) EXAM 1997
Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300
SECTION A
1. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each: [3 × 20 = 60]
a. Distribution of soils
b.Culture regions of the world
c. Sustainable development
d.Ocean currents of Northern Atlantic Ocean
2. In Urban Geography, what are the concept of primate city and Rank size rule? Discuss in detail. [60]
3. what is the concept of a region? Discuss the types of regions. [60]
4. Write down main agriculture types and their associated features with special reference to whittlesy. Show these regions on the world map provided to you. [60]
SECTION B
1. Examine critically. The theories of the formation of coral reefs and atolls.
2. “Water is a scarce resource in plenty.” Comment and discuss its importance in the balanced habitate development. Support your answer with examples from Asia.
3. Critically examine Alfred Weler's Theory of the Location of Industries.
4. Critically examine the concept of dualism with special reference to physical versus human geography