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 (II) EXAME 2004

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. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any TEN of the following entries. Write brief notes
(not exceeding 30 words) on the significant aspects of each entry [6 × 10 = 60]
i. Gulf of Kachchh
ii. Indravati river
iii. Mount Abu
iv. Ganga river waterway from Allahabad
v. Dhauladhar range
vi. Kudermukh
vii. Gulmarg
viii. Black Soils
ix. Nagarjun Sagar
x. Bhuj
xi. Rajrappa Fall
xii. Dimapur

2. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic regions of India, especially with reference to Stamp's climatic regionalization [60].

3. Identify the important biotic-resource regions of India. Highlight, in brief the problems and remedial measures of biotic-resource conservation in India [60].

4. Give a comparative account of the development of River Water Transport in pre-colonial and post-independence periods in India. Highlight the role of River Transport in regional development [60].

SECTION B

1. Answer any THREE of the following in about 200 words each: [20 × 3 = 60]
a. Evaluate the population policy of India and examine its relevance to the nation's
population control.
b. How do slums develop? Give concrete suggestions for their improvement.
c. Write an essay on the origin, dimensions and implications of Sino-Indian border dispute.
d. Evaluate the concept of sustainable growth and development.

2. Economic characteristics of an area exert a much more direct effect upon its population patterns than do the physical characteristic. Explain with examples [60].

3. Explain the causes, impacts and remedial measures of flood-hazards in middle and lower Ganga plain.[60]

4. Examine the regional development policy of India in various Five Year Plans [60].