Strategy for Geography for UPSC Civil services examination.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. It is a three-stage examination that tests a candidate’s knowledge and aptitude in various fields, including geography. Geography is an important subject in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, and it is essential to have a good strategy to ace the exam. In this article, we will discuss a comprehensive strategy for geography for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
I. Understanding the Syllabus
The first step in preparing for geography for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is to understand the syllabus. The geography syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is broadly divided into two parts:
A. Physical Geography:
Geomorphology
Climatology
Oceanography
Biogeography
Environmental Geography
B. Indian Geography:
Physiography
Climate
Soil
Vegetation
Agriculture
Minerals and Energy Resources
Transport
Industries
Population
Settlements
Regional Development and Planning
It is important to go through the syllabus thoroughly and understand the weightage of each topic. This will help in planning the study schedule and focusing on important topics.
II. Sources and Books
The next step is to choose the right sources and books for preparing geography for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Some of the important sources and books are:
A. NCERT Books:
The NCERT books are considered the foundation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The NCERT books for geography cover the basic concepts and provide a strong foundation for further studies. The important NCERT books for geography are:
- Class 6: The Earth Our Habitat
Class 7: Our Environment
Class 8: Resources and Development
Class 9: Contemporary India I
Class 10: Contemporary India II
Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
Class 12: Fundamentals of Human Geography
B. Reference Books:
The reference books provide in-depth knowledge and cover the topics in detail. Some of the important reference books for geography are:
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press
Indian and World Geography by Majid Hussain
Geographical Thought: A Critical Introduction by Prithvish Nag
The Environment in Anthropology: A Reader in Ecology, Culture, and Sustainable Living by Nora Haenn and Richard R. Wilk
C. Magazines and Journals:
The magazines and journals provide the latest updates and current affairs related to geography. Some of the important magazines and journals are:
- Yojana
Geography and You
Down to Earth
Economic and Political Weekly
National Geographic
III. Study Plan
The next step is to create a study plan for preparing geography for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The study plan should include the following:
A. Timetable:
The timetable should be realistic and achievable. It should include the time for revision, practice, and taking mock tests.
B. Focus on Important Topics:
The focus should be on the important topics, as per the weightage mentioned in the syllabus.
C. Revision:
Revision is an important aspect of the study plan. It helps in retaining the knowledge and avoiding confusion.
D. Mock Tests:
Mock tests help in understanding the exam pattern and the level of preparation. It is important to take mock tests regularly to assess the progress.
