If you're planning to take the UPSC exams and are unsure about which optional subject to choose, geography might be a great option for you. This article will help you understand why geography is a good choice for your UPSC preparation. Let's explore the world of geography and UPSC together.

Comparison of Geography with Other Optional Subjects

When deciding on an optional subject for UPSC, people often compare geography with subjects like history, sociology, public administration, and anthropology. Each subject has its own advantages and challenges in terms of preparation, scoring, and relevance to the exam.

One advantage of choosing geography as an optional subject is that it overlaps with the General Studies (GS) syllabus. This means that by choosing geography, you can cover a significant portion of the GS syllabus simultaneously. In contrast, subjects like anthropology or philosophy may require more time and effort to integrate with GS preparation.

History and public administration are also popular choices because they offer a wide scope for essay writing and analytical skills. However, they may require more memorization compared to geography. Sociology is a good option for candidates interested in applying social science theories to contemporary issues.

Ultimately, the choice between these subjects depends on your preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. You should carefully evaluate your interests in various subjects before making a decision. Your choice will not only impact your score but also your overall understanding of the topics covered in the UPSC syllabus.

Pros of Choosing Geography as an Optional Subject

If you're considering geography as an optional subject for UPSC, you can enjoy several advantages. Studying geography can be highly rewarding in the following ways:

Relevance: Geography is extremely relevant in today's world, given the growing concern about climate change and sustainability. Studying geography will provide you with a better understanding of our world and the challenges we face.

Scoring: Geography is a scoring subject in the UPSC mains. If you find other topics challenging, choosing geography as your optional subject can significantly boost your overall score. There are high-scoring map-based questions that can enhance your score.

Interdisciplinary: Geography is a multidisciplinary discipline that includes elements of history, economics, politics, and sociology. Choosing geography as an optional subject allows you to connect different courses, giving you a broader perspective.

Easy Concepts: Geography encompasses theories and concepts that are relatively straightforward to comprehend. These concepts can help you score high marks on theory-based questions. Choosing geography also gives you the opportunity to use diagrams and flowcharts to support your answers, which can enhance your marks.

Cons of Choosing Geography as an Optional Subject

Here are a few points to consider when it comes to the drawbacks of choosing geography as a UPSC optional subject:

Large Syllabus: The geography syllabus for UPSC is vast, covering everything from the physical features of the Earth to human populations and cultures. It can be time-consuming to cover every topic in detail, making it challenging to keep up.

Time-Taking Concepts: Certain concepts in geography, such as climate change, geomorphology, and oceanography, require significant time to learn. This may affect your ability to focus on other subjects.

Challenging Questions: Paper 1 of geography can include questions that test your knowledge of obscure topics. The marking scheme can be strict, leading to lower scores.

Case Studies and Diagrams: Geography papers often require extensive use of case studies and diagrams. While these are essential for understanding the subject, they can consume a lot of time during the exam.

Despite these obstacles, many people find geography to be a pleasant optional topic because of its multidisciplinary character and practical usefulness. You can overcome these disadvantages and win in your UPSC exams with constant work and advice from expert professors or mentors.

Best Resources for Geography Preparation

Because of its multidisciplinary approach and significance in understanding current events, geography is a recommended optional subject  for the UPSC test. To prepare well, you can make use of the following resources:

Physical Geography – Majid HUssain.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography – G.C. Leong.

Physical Geography Made Simple – Rupa Publications.

Dictionary of Physical Geography – Penguin.

Evolution of Geographical Thought – Majid Hussain.

Economic and Social Geography made simple – Rupa Publications.

Models in Geography – Majid Hussain.

Dictionary of Human Geography.

Oxford Students Atlas.

India – A Comprehensive Geography – Khullar

Regional Planning in India – Mahesh Chand.

Newspapers and Magazines: Read newspapers and magazines like The Hindu, Indian Express, and Geography and You. They are great resources for staying updated on current affairs and understanding real-world events.

How to Prepare for Geography for UPSC

To prepare for geography for UPSC, you need to have a solid understanding of the subject. Here's a step-by-step approach:

Thoroughly go through the syllabus and understand the topics included. Note that the geography of India plays a significant role in preparation, as it covers a substantial portion of the General Studies paper.

Start with NCERT geography books for UPSC from classes 6th to 12th. They provide a good foundation.

Once you have covered all the topics, practice UPSC optional previous year question papers and mock tests regularly. This helps you understand the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and improves time management during exams.

Preparing for geography for UPSC requires discipline, hard work, and regular practice. With thorough preparation, you can score well in this optional subject and boost your overall score in UPSC examinations.

Bottomline

Choosing geography as an optional subject for UPSC can be a highly rewarding choice if you have an interest in the subject and are willing to put in the required effort to prepare well. While there may be challenges due to the vast syllabus and dynamic nature of the subject, geography offers a unique perspective on various aspects of society and human interaction with the environment. With proper guidance and resources, geography can be a game-changer for aspirants aiming to excel in UPSC exams.

FAQs about Choosing Geography as an Optional Subject for UPSC

Q1. What are the disadvantages of choosing geography as an optional subject in UPSC?

Some disadvantages of choosing geography as an optional subject for UPSC include a large syllabus, time-consuming concepts, challenging questions in Paper 1, and the requirement of drawing case studies and diagrams, which can be time-consuming.

Q2. Why is geography optional popular?

Geography is a popular optional subject for UPSC because it has relevance to other subjects, is interdisciplinary, covers easy concepts, and is a scoring subject.

Q3. What is the geography optional syllabus for UPSC?

The geography optional syllabus for UPSC includes topics such as physical geography, human geography, and the geography of India.

Q4. What should be the strategy for geography optional?

Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and previous years' question papers. Focus on consolidating your knowledge by referring to standard geography books for UPSC and online resources. Practice answers writing regularly. Stay updated with current events related to geography. Practice map work and memorize important geographical locations and features to enhance your preparation for the exam.