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 2009

Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Each Question is printed both in Hindi and English Medium.

Answer 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 specific in the Admission Certificate.

Candidates should attempt Question No. 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 answer with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams.

SECTION A

1. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of any fifteen of the
following for which 1 (one) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer script the significance geographical relevance or strategic importance of these locations, whether physical / commercial economic / ecological environmental / cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. 3 (three) marks are allotted for each write up. 15x4=60

a) Akarimota
b) Kolleru Lake
c) Van Tivu
d) Silent Valley
e) Amaravati River
f) Pirotan Island
g) Mangla
h) Meghnagar
i) Shipki La
j) Bhachau
k) The Home of Sundari tree
1) Place of orgin of River Narmada
m) Gokak
n) Ken River
o) Bailadila
p) Bhavani Sagar Dam
q) Kutralam Falls.
r) Dalma Hills
s) Rangit River
t) Dhanjori Hills

2. a). Discuss the formation and their distribution of the major soil types of India. [30]

b). Give reasons as to why rainfall variability is a characteristic features of India's monsoons.[30]

3. Distinguish between the West and East coasts of India in terms of their evolution, present topography and drainage pattern. [60]

4. Examine the role of raw materials in the location of the Iron and Steel Industry in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. [60]

SECTION B

5. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20×3=60

a). What is the role of the Triple Transport System in the regional development of India?

b). Explain the factors responsible for the distribution of Sugar Industry in India.

c). State the geographical factors which influence rural house types in India.

d). Giving reasons, identify the chronic drought prone areas of India.

6. What are the cause and consequences of environmental degradation in India's industrial areas? Give specific examples. [60]

7. "There is no sharp divide where an urban settlement stops and rural areas begins." Analyze the statement with reference to the sprawl of Indian cities. [60]

8. a). How do the 'push' and 'pull' factors operate for the emergence of slums in the
metropolises of India?[30]

b). Discuss the impact of globalization of India's industry and agriculture sectors.[30]