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) EXAME 2005
Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300
QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates should attempt question Nos. 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each Selection. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question. Illustrate your answers with suitable sketch maps and diagrams.
SECTION A
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each: [3 × 20 = 60]
a. Identify the tribal of India and highlight their important problems.
b. Discuss briefly the principal types of rural settlements in India.
c. Elucidate the concept of sustainable growth and development.
d. Discuss Panchayati Raj as a measure of decentralized planning in India.
2. Give an account of the distribution of flood-prone areas of India and the programmes and policy of controlling the impact of floods in the country. [60]
3. Examine the relationship between geography and regional planning. [60]
4. Discuss the experience of regional planning in India in the context of the National Capital Region. [60]
SECTION B
1. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20 × 3 = 60
a. Role of seismic waves in the study of earth's interior
b. Soil erosion and conservation
c. A real differentiation
d. Concept of primate city
2. Examine the Heart-land theory, and assess its merits and demerits. 60
3. Discuss Weber's theory of industrial location, and assess its relevance in the present-day context. 60
4. What is a region? Discuss the methods of regionalization. 60