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) EXAME 2009

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 Question Nos. 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each Section. Wherever a question is attempted, all its parts are to be attempted.

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

Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams, where appropriate. A WORLD MAP IS ATTACHED TO, AND FORMS PART OF THIS QUESTION PAPER. PLEASE CHECK WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE QUESTION PAPER.

SECTION A

1. Answer the following in about 200 words each:

(a) Highlight the geomorphic features essentially found in topographies under the Second Cycle of Erosion. [20]

(b) Give a brief account of the principal land biomes and their latitudinal distribution. [20]

(c) Discuss views on slope development provided by L. C. King. [20]

2. (a) Identify each feature that is indicated by the numerals (i) to (x) on the World Map provided. Identification of the feature carries 2 marks each. 2x10=20

(b) Mention the location of each feature in respect of GMT. This carries 1 mark each.1×10=10

(c) Provide a write-up on the significance of the identified feature in approximately 40 words. This carries 3 marks each. 3x10=30

3. (a) Explain factors contributing to the Global Climate Change. [20]

(b) Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on agriculture and food security, and on the Coastal Zones of the world. [20]

(c) How does Climate Change affect urban areas? [20]

4. (a) Examine economic significance of the resources of the Continental shelf of the Indian Ocean. [30]

(b) Comment on marine heat budget and the oceanic circulation system. [30]

SECTION B

5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20×3=60

(a) Weight Triangle

(b) 'Limits to Growth' model

(c) Tropical atmospheric instability

(d) Zonal and Azonal soils

6. (a) Provide a geographical account of global production and distribution of food. 30

(b) Quantitative Revolution and model building provided an empirical basis for geographical research Elaborate. [30]

7. Elaborate the concept of Megalopolis and discuss the characteristics and problems related to two such regions selecting one each from North America and Europe. [60]

8. (a) Provide a broad classification of world cultural regions. [30]

(b) Highlight the significance of environmental issues in Regional Planning. [30]