The syllabus for the Geography optional paper of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is quite extensive and covers a wide range of topics in both physical and human geography. Here is the detailed syllabus for the UPSC Geography optional paper:
Paper I:
- Physical Geography:
- Geomorphology
- Climatology
- Oceanography
- Biogeography
- Environmental Geography
- Human Geography:
- Perspectives in Human Geography
- Economic Geography
- Population and Settlement Geography
- Regional Planning
- Models, Theories, and Laws in Human Geography
Paper II:
- Geographical Thought:
- Evolution of Geographical Thought
- Theories and Laws in Human Geography
- Regional Planning
- Geographical Data and Statistical Methods:
- Methods of data collection
- Types and sources of data
- Data processing and analysis
- Correlation and regression analysis
- Use of statistical software
- Geography of India:
- Physical Setting
- Climate, Vegetation, and Soil
- Natural Hazards and Disasters
- Population and Settlements
- Regional Development and Planning
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Trade and Transport
- Cultural Regions
- Geography of Population:
- World Population Growth and Distribution
- Population Theories
- Population Trends and Policies
- Migration
- Population Problems and Policies in India
- Models, Theories, and Laws in Human Geography:
- Central Place Theory
- von Thünen’s Agricultural Model
- Weber’s Theory of Industrial Location
- Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth
- Heartland and Rimland Theories
- Laws of International Boundaries
- Geography of Economic Activities:
- Primary Activities: Agriculture, Mining, Fishing
- Secondary Activities: Manufacturing, Industry
- Tertiary and Quaternary Activities: Services, Information Technology
- Transport and Communication
- Trade
- Regional Development and Planning:
- Concepts of Development and Planning
- Indicators of Development
- Regional Disparities in Development
- Planning in India
Please note that this is a broad overview of the syllabus. To prepare effectively for the Geography optional paper in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates should delve deeper into each of these topics, study relevant textbooks, reference materials, and previous years’ question papers, and consider enrolling in a coaching program or seeking guidance from experts in the field of geography. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of any updates or changes in the syllabus by referring to the official UPSC website or notifications.