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 2017
Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250
QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions.
There are EIGHT questions divided in TWO SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. The candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted Choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches/maps and diagrams, wherever considered necessary. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself. Attempts of questions shall. be counted in sequential order. Unless struck off, the attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
SECTION A
Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5 = 50
(a) Write a note on pseudo volcanic features. [10]
(b)Distinguish between low energy coasts and coral coasts. [10]
(c) Discuss the impacts of ocean currents on air mass behaviour. [10]
(d) Describe the characteristics of biological deserts.[10]
(e) Explain the concept of micro carbon sink and its relevance.[10]
Q2. (a) Discuss the forces which govern the air movement on the Earth's surface. [20]
(b) "The knowledge of slope analysis has limited field application in the slope management." Explain. [15]
(c) Describe the configuration of the Pacific Ocean floor. [15]
Q3. (a) "Climate change is a reality." Explain with suitable examples. [20]
(b) Distinguish between the characteristics of Chernozem and Sideroses soils. [15]
(c) Give a classification of plants based on the amount of water requirement. [15]
Q4. (a) Discuss the concept of Periglacial cycle as propounded by Peltier.[20]
(b) "Climate, slope gradient and rock structure influence the avulsion of · channels." Explain. [15]
(c) Discuss the Perception, Attitude, Value and Emotion (PAVE) Theory of environmental management.[15]
SECTION B
Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5 = 50
(a) Explain the concept of Time - Geography. [10]
(b) “Whittlesey’s agricultural regions are relevant even today.” Discuss. Write an explanatory note on geographical systems. [10]
(d) "The traditional cultural identities are at loss with the growth of global connectivity.” Explain. [10]
(e) Give an account on sustainable development and its components.[10]
Q6 (a) Discuss the contemporary paradigms of Geography.[20]
(b) “The intensity of energy crisis varies regionally." Explain. [15]
(c) Examine the causes and consequences of forced migration of population in the present context. [15]
Q7. (a) Discuss the applicability of Christelle's Central Place Theory. [20]
(b) "There are considerable demographic similarities between West European nations and Japan." Explain. [15]
(c) Define the quality of life and explain its parameters with adequate examples. [15]
Q8. (a) “The Heartland Theory is gaining importance once again." Comment. [20]
(b) Examine the role of small towns in the regional development process. [15]
(c) । Explain the concept of social capital in relation to India. [15]