Geography Optional Books for UPSC IAS Exam
Geography Optional Books for UPSC preparation must be selected as per the syllabus. Here is the list of the best geography optional books for UPSC CSE.
Deeksha Dixit6 Jun, 2024
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Geography Optional Books for UPSC: The second stage of the UPSC Civil Services examination, also known as Mains, includes two optional papers worth 500 marks. Geography is a popular choice due to its scientific nature and overlaps with the General Studies syllabus. Selecting the right Geography Optional Books for UPSC is crucial for thorough preparation and understanding of the subject.
Candidates should choose Geography Optional Books for UPSC after consulting experts and toppers. Quality books help in developing a clear understanding of complex geographical concepts, which is essential for scoring high marks. Read on for a complete list of UPSC geography optional books for the IAS exam.Geography Optional Books for UPSC Mains
According to UPSC toppers like Saumya Pandey, Junaid Ahmed, and Ira Singhal, who had geography as an optional subject, a well-structured study plan combined with the right books can significantly enhance your performance. They emphasize the importance of choosing comprehensive and reliable Geography Optional Books for UPSC Mains. These books should cover all aspects of the syllabus, from physical geography to human geography, and help in developing a clear and in-depth understanding of the subject. Following their advice and diligently studying from the recommended Geography Optional Books PDF can be a game-changer in your UPSC preparation.UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 Booklist
The UPSC Geography Optional Paper 1 syllabus covers core topics such as physical geography, geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, biogeography, and environmental geography. The right Geography Optional booklist can make a significant difference in understanding complex concepts and scoring well in this optional paper.| Paper 1 Geography Optional Books for UPSC | ||
| Book Title | Author | Key Features |
| Class XI and XIIth NCERTs | NCERTs | Essential to building a foundation and learning geography terms |
| Physical Geography | Savindra Singh | Comprehensive coverage of physical geography concepts |
| Certificate Physical and Human Geography | G.C. Leong | Concise explanations of physical and human geography |
| Geomorphology | Savindra Singh | In-depth study of landforms and processes |
| Climatology | D.S. Lal | Detailed analysis of climate and weather patterns |
| Oceanography | Sharma and Vatal | Extensive coverage of oceanic phenomena |
| Evolution of Geographical Thought | Majid Hussain | Historical development and key geographical theories |
| Biogeography | Savindra Singh | Detailed study of ecosystems and biogeographical patterns |
| Environmental Geography | Savindra Singh | Insight into environmental issues and management |
| Fundamentals of Geographical Thought | Sudipta Adhikari | A good book for geographical concepts and thoughts |
| Models and Theories in Geography | Majid Hussain | Overview of important models and theories in geography |
UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2 Booklist
The UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2 syllabus encompasses human geography, including population and settlement geography, economic geography, regional planning, and contemporary issues. This paper also focuses on the geographical aspects of India, such as resource distribution, agriculture, industry, and regional development. Here are the top books recommended by experts for UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2:| Paper 2 Geography Optional Books for UPSC | ||
| Book Title | Author | Key Features |
| India: A Comprehensive Geography | D.R. Khullar | Detailed study of India's geography and related issues |
| Indian Geography | Majid Hussain | In-depth coverage of physical, economic, and social geography of India |
| Agriculture Geography | Majid Husain | A well-written book that thoroughly covers agricultural geography |
| India Year Book | Government of India | Up-to-date information on India's development and policies |
| Economic and Commercial Geography of India | Sharma and Coutinho | Analysis of economic and commercial geography of India |
| Urbanisation and Urban Systems in India | R. Ramachandran | Study of urban development and systems in India |
| Regional Planning and Development | Chand and Puri | Concepts and case studies of regional planning in India |
| Disaster Management in India | Vinod K. Sharma | A comprehensive guide on disaster management policies and practices in India |
| Political Aspects: Modern Political Geography of India | B.L. Sukhwal | A good reference for political aspects of geography |
| Geography of Population | R.C. Chandna | Examination of population distribution and dynamics in India |
Tips to Cover Geography Optional Books for UPSC
Preparing for the UPSC Geography Optional can be a daunting task given the extensive and technical syllabus. Here are some practical tips to help you effectively cover the Geography Optional books for UPSC Mains:- Begin with basic NCERT books to establish a strong foundation in geography.
- Move on to the advanced Geography optional books and keep a good atlas with you during the preparation.
- Practice answering questions from the books after completing each chapter.
- Make comprehensive topic-wise notes to revise regularly without reading bulky books multiple times.
- Stay updated with current events through PW magazines and learn to apply geographical concepts to contemporary issues.
- Solve PYQs and mock tests regularly to fill in gaps and practice for the UPSC exam.
| Best Online Course for Geography Optional | |
| Course Title | Link |
| UPSC Optional Geography (Hinglish) | Click Here to Enroll |
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Mains 2024 | UPSC Optional Subject | UPSC Prelims |
| UPSC CSAT Practice Questions | UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 | UPSC Result 2024 |
Geography Optional Books for UPSC FAQs
How many books for geography are optional in UPSC Mains?
Typically, candidates use around 10-15 key books to cover the entire geography optional syllabus.
Which book is good for Geography optional papers?
Books by authors like Savindra Singh, Majid Hussain, and D.R. Khullar are highly recommended for geography optional papers.
Which books to read for Geography Optional Paper 1 in UPSC?
Essential books for Paper 1 include "Physical Geography" by Savindra Singh, "Geomorphology" by Savindra Singh, and "Climatology" by D.S. Lal.
Can we complete Geography optional books in 3 months?
Yes. With a dedicated study plan and consistent effort, it's possible to cover the key geography optional books in 3 months.
Is 6 to 12 NCERT enough for UPSC Geography Optional?
No. NCERTs from classes 6 to 12 provide a strong foundation, but additional reference books are necessary for in-depth understanding and coverage.
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