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 2006

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 the same ten entries: [6 × 10 = 60]
a. Malaygiri
b. Sibsagar
c. Khetri
d. Kolleru
e. Sind river
f. kalakot
g. Nathula Pass
h. Renukoot
i. Sabarigiri
j. Surendranagar
k. New More Island
l. Javedi Hils

2. Give the critical reason account of the recent theories of origin of Indian Monsoon with special reference to jet stream theory. [60]

3. Discuss the Problems and Prospects of dry zone agriculture in India and highlight strategies and scheme for its development. [60]

4. Trace the evolution of Industries in India and evaluate the role of Multinationals and
liberalization policies in this context. [60]

SECTION B

1. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each: [3 × 20 = 60]
a. Discuss the causes and consequence of sex variation in India
b. Examine the Geographical basis of Indian Federalism.
c. Write an essay on the population exploitation and food security in India.
d. Discuss the elements and approaches of town planning in India.

2. Explain the morphology of Indian cities in the Background of existing morphological Model. [60]

3. Present an account of tribals, tribal areas and their problems in India. [60]

4. Explain the process and pattern of regional disparities in India and suggest suitable measure for it. [60]