Geography Optional Strategy for UPSC Mains 2024
Candidates must have a geography optional strategy to manage the syllabus with revision. Read on for the Geography Optional Strategy to ace the upcoming exam.
Deeksha Dixit24 Jul, 2024
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Geography Optional Strategy: Over the years, Geography has emerged as a popular subject in the UPSC Mains examination . Choosing Geography as an optional subject can provide an edge due to its overlapping syllabus with general studies and its scoring potential.
Having a good Geography Optional Strategy can guide you through the journey, playing a pivotal role in ensuring success. A comprehensive strategy for geography optional, along with answer-writing techniques, is discussed here to help you ace the optional papers.Sources for Geography Optional
Selecting the right sources is crucial as per the Geography Optional Strategy. Candidates should have the best Geography books for UPSC Mains that will help in covering the syllabus. Here is the list of recommended books:- Geomorphology: "Geomorphology" by Savinder Singh.
- Climatology and Oceanography: "Physical Geography" by Savinder Singh and "Climatology" by D.S. Lal.
- Biogeography and Environmental Geography: "Environmental Geography" by Savinder Singh.
- Human Geography: "Geographical Thought" by R.D. Dixit.
- Economic Geography and Regional Planning : NCERT Class 11 and 12 books, and "Models in Geography" by Majid Husain.
- Indian Geography: "India: A Comprehensive Geography" by D.R. Khullar.
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Preparing for Geography Optional
Once you have preparation material with you, make a Geography optional study plan for UPSC Mains. An efficient Geography Optional Strategy includes a structured approach to cover the vast syllabus. Here are preparation tips for this optional: Thoroughly Read the Syllabus Understanding and memorizing the Geography syllabus for UPSC Mains is necessary. The syllabus will guide your entire preparation and help you maintain focus. Ensure that you do not miss any critical topics and have a clear roadmap for your study plan. Selective Reading Using a maximum of 2-3 sources per topic is advisable. If you have joined the Geography Optional course then stick to class notes provided by PW experts. Try having a fundamental understanding of each topic and revise them multiple times to solidify your knowledge Make Notes for Revision Avoid making notes for every topic, as it can be time-consuming. Instead, enrich your class notes with additional points from selected sources, such as current affairs magazines. Prepare self-notes only for topics that you find particularly challenging, and stick to class notes for the rest. Previous Year Questions After completing each chapter, refer to Geography previous year papers to understand the examiner’s focus areas. This practice helps you identify important topics and the types of questions that frequently appear in the exam. For instance, in Geomorphology, questions often focus on Exogenetic forces. Importance of Geographers Memorize the names of important geographers, their books, years, and contributions. Create a tabular form summarizing these details. This preparation helps you include specific references in your answers, making them sound more academic and authoritative. Map Pointing Questions Mastering the maps is crucial, as questions related to mapping are asked in the exam. Practice previous-year map questions and refer to the locations discussed in the class. Ensure you do not leave this section; otherwise, it may cost you precious marks. Role of Memorization Memorization is a critical part of the Geography Optional preparation. Ensure everything is at your fingertips by revising each topic at least ten times before the actual exam. Geography Optional Strategy emphasises practice-based learning to solidify command of each topic.Paper Wise Geography Optional Strategy
There will be two Geography Optional papers, each with specific requirements. Have a Geography Optional Strategy ready with you to meet the demands of each paper.Paper 1: Principles of Geography
- Focus Area: Decide which is your interest area to specialize in physical geography or human geography. It is advisable to have at least one strong section in Paper 1.
- Diagrams and Maps: Utilize diagrams and maps extensively to enhance your answers. Practicing sketch maps during revision can be particularly useful in physical geography.
- Linking Concepts: Integrate topics from Physical and Human Geography to provide a comprehensive answer. For example, link Climatology with Population and Settlement Geography.
- Human geography: Giving special attention to this section is recommended by toppers as it can have application in many questions of paper 2 also.
Paper 2: Geography of India
- Regional Approach: Prepare region-wise geography of India, covering terrain, drainage, resources, agriculture, and industries.
- Current Affairs: Incorporate relevant current affairs examples from sources like class notes, Down to Earth, and PW OnlyIAS current affairs magazines.
- Master Map of India : Practice a sufficient number of maps about resource location, physical setting, industry, etc.
- Case Studies: Prepare concise case studies from magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra to support your answers on topics like contemporary issues in Indian geography.
Geography Optional Strategy for UPSC Mains Answers
Writing high-quality answers is a cornerstone of the Geography Optional Strategy. Here’s how to enrich your UPSC Mains 2024 answers:- Do not attempt questions with a pre-decided mindset. Assess the question paper first, and then decide which questions to attempt based on your strengths.
- Take an integrated approach to your answers, as it shows a comprehensive understanding of the topic and can fetch higher marks.
- Include relevant diagrams and maps in almost every answer. Ensure they are well-labeled and contribute to the explanation.
- In Paper 1, address both physical and human dimensions in your answers. This approach ensures a holistic view of the topic.
- In Paper 2, align your answers with the syllabus subtopics, such as terrain, drainage, climate, soil, vegetation, and environmental issues.
- Include human geography aspects wherever possible. For example, when discussing precipitation patterns, mention anthropogenic factors and climate change alongside natural reasons.
- Try answering the maximum number of questions in the exam. However, avoid the temptation to write anything, as geography is a science subject with a limited scope of subjectivity.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Mains Admit Card | UPSC Optional Subject | UPSC Syllabus 2024 |
| UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024 | Case Studies For UPSC Mains 2024 | UPSC Result 2024 |
Geography Optional Strategy FAQs
How to score good marks in UPSC Geography optional?
Focus on understanding the syllabus thoroughly, practicing answer writing with diagrams and maps, and revising frequently.
What should be the strategy for the Geography optional for UPSC Mains?
Develop a structured study plan, use selective reading from recommended books, and practice previous year questions.
How much time should be devoted to Geography optional?
Devote around 3-4 hours daily, balancing between reading, making notes, and practicing answer writing.
How to cover Geography optional syllabus for UPSC Mains?
Follow a systematic approach by breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections, using class notes, and incorporating current affairs and case studies.
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