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 1997
Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300
QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates should attempt Questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each section. All questions carry equal marks.
SECTION A
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each
a. Discuss the origin and main geomorphic feature of Thar Desert of India
b. Examine the significance of social forestry in the rural economy of India.
c. Examine the genesis of racial diversity in India
d. Discuss the impact of green revolution on the agricultural production in India.
2. Critically examine the factors affecting the distributional pattern of population in India.
3. Evaluate the nature of ecological problem in India and suggest measures for their
measurement.
4. Divide Peninsular India into agricultural regions. Explain the basis of such a regionalisation.
SECTION B
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
a. Analyse the locational pattern of cement industry in India.
b. Examine the census concept of urban areas in India.
c. Discuss the nature of commodity flows in India.
d. Evaluate the benefits of Block Level development planning in India.
2. Critically examine the locational pattern and trend of production of forest based industries in India.
3. Draw a sketch map of India showing major river basins. Examine the feasibility of the concept of river basins as a planning unit.
4. Explain the basis and consequences of the establishment and implementation of
recommendations of the State Re-organisation Commission in India since 1950s.