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 2006
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. On the outline map of the World supplied to you, mark any ten of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of each of them in not more than 10 words: [6 × 10 = 60]
a. Kulti
b. Mount Adam
c. Piduratla
d. Yangon
e. Kuala Terengganu
f. Brunei
g. East Timor
h. Greater Kinghan
i. Shanghai
j. Ulan Bator
k. Dodoma
l. Tshwane
2. Critically evaluates the continental drift hypothesis of A. Wegener. [60]
3. Compare the structure and associated weather conditions of tropical cyclone with that of temperature cyclone. [60]
4. Discuss the global ecological imbalances and their management. [60]
SECTION B
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]