A Must Read for Civil Services Geography Optional of UPSC

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.

GEOGRAPHY

CIVIL SERVICES (I) EXAM 2008

Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English.

Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No marks will be given for the answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate.

Candidates should attempt all questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question.

The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.

Illustrate your answer with suitable sketch – maps and diagram.

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 ten words: [6 × 10 = 60]
a). Ozark Plateau
b). Anatolia
c). Mato Grasso
d). Pusan
e). Brooks Range
f). Dash-e Kavir
g). Cape Horn Current
h). Burzil Pass
i). Bass Strait
j). Kjolen
k). Santos
l). Abuja

2. Critically examine the concept of geomorphic cycle and discuss the
views of W.M.Davis and W. Penck. [60]

3. Discuss the mechanics and origin of the monsoon winds and explain the role of El Nino on Monsoon circulation. [60]

4. Describe the ideal conditions for coral reef formation and discuss the glacial control theory of coral reef formation. [60]

SECTION B

5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words
each: [20 × 3 = 60]
a). Desertification as an environmental hazard
b). Primate Cities
c). Seafloor spreading theory
d). Behavioural Geography

6. Discuss the social and economic theories of population growth.[60]

7. Describe the laws of international boundaries and frontier.[60]

8. Describe the view of von Thunen on agricultural location.[60]