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 2010

Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Each question is printed both in Hindi and in English. 

Answers 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 specified in the Admission Certificate.

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 Section.

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. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of ALL of the following for which 1 (one) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer script the significant 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. 4x15=60

(a) Narcondam
(b) Kavvayi
(c) Krishnapatnam
(d) Shadnagar
(e) Gahirmatha
(f) Point Calimere
(g) Jaitapur
(h) Parichha
(i) Saltoro Kangri
(j) Shencottah Gap
(k) Banas River
(l)Phalgu River
(m) Sirpur
(n) Sanand
(0) Drass

2. Explain Himalayan Orogeny and illustrate how the process has affected the geomorphic characteristics of Macro divisions of Himalayas.[60]

3. (a) Discuss the spatial distribution of Natural Vegetation in India with the help of a sketched map.[30]

(b) Examine the problems and prospects of agro-based industries in Bihar.[30]

4. (a) Discuss the emerging pattern of surface water utilisation in India.[30]

(b) Assess as to how surface water utilisation affects food production and food security in the country.[30]

SECTION B

5. Write about the following in about250 words each: 15x4=60

(a) Role of physiography in cross border terrorism

(b) Offshore oilfields and coastal ecology

(c) Spatial pattern of soil erosion in India

(d) Ethnic diversity of North-eastern States

6. (a) Define an 'Epidemic' and discuss the occurrence of Chikungunya in India.[30]
(b) Identify the regions affected by Chikungunya with the help of a sketched map and bring out the regional pattern of the disease.[30]

7. (a) Outline the role of Class II and Class III towns in the urban process of India and indicate their contribution towards balanced urban development.[30]

(b) How does the formation of a National Park help ecological restoration and conservation? Explain with suitable examples.[30]

8. (a) Explain how Demographic Transition created Demographic Divide in Contemporary India.[30]

(b) What is Regionalism? Discuss how regionalism affects the developmental process with suitable examples. [30]