How To Prepare For Geography In UPSC Examination

How To Prepare For Geography In UPSC Examination

Preparation for your optional subject requires equal importance and revision as does your GS paper. Geography is one of the most popular and scoring optional subject for UPSC. You need to undergo special strategic preparation technique for prelims as well as mains preparation for geography. Let’s have a look on some preparation tips for geography.

   

Geography is broadly classified into two major parts: Indian Geography and World Geography. Taking geography as your optional subject is also considered as wise decision as the syllabus compliments your GS syllabus. The prelims paper generally contain around 15-20% of the total questions on geography. The general trend followed is to stress more on Indian Geography but that doesn’t means that you should altogether ignore the World part.

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●       Focus on clarity of concepts

Though geography may seem a theoretical subject and cramming the facts and figures may be considered as the right approach.  But let me clear this. According to the latest pattern followed, it has been observed that questions generally involve the application of the concept rather than the static part. Such as while studying the vegetation part, understand the climatic conditions and nature of soil also. It may happen that everything is not provided in the book. But understanding the concept regarding how climate and soil affect the vegetation can help you answer any random question.

●       NCERT Books

It is always recommended to study NCERT books from class VI to XII. The entire syllabus is covered in very straight, easy and simple way in these books. Only after completing these basic books move on to some standard and professional books such as the ones by GC leong, DR khullar, Majid Husain.  Indian Geography is divided into three sub-sections: Economic, physical and social geography.

Get a clear grasp over the four seasons and how they are formed, Rivers and drainage systems, physiographic regions, natural resources and minerals. All this is covered under the physical geography. Economic Geography includes the study of various agricultural sectors, industrial sectors and different sectors and how they are responsible for the economic development in India.

●       Make a timetable

Divide your complete topic into smaller sub-parts and then prioritize your work. Go for a smart reading and make notes side by side. Make a time table and give some extra time to your weaker areas. Also ensure keeping the lighter things at the end of the day and things requiring more focus should be done in the early session of your timetable.

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●       Keep an Atlas Handy

Studying theoretically may be boring sometimes. Open the atlas and focus on the locational advantage of every place which it enjoys. Going for this type of preparation via pictorial representation act as a memory boosting activity.

●       Give mock tests

Giving mock tests help you elevate your speed, accuracy and self-evaluation. You can monitor and track your progress. Mock tests also help you in your effective time management. If you are not able to get the answer, then better ask the experts but don’t cram the thing. Make sure to revise your previous mistakes as well.

●       Don’t skip Newspaper reading

Make a habit of reading the newspaper every day for a minimum of 30 minutes to one hour. Make notes of all the events happening around the world. Most of the questions in geography are asked from the current affairs. So make sure to have a perfect grasp over your GK as well.

●       Give equal focus to paper-II

Alongside preparing for prelims, start preparing for paper-II as well. Improve on your writing skills. The geography syllabus for the mains includes more contemporary and specialized subjects. For example: More focus should be laid on Industrial geography areas such as SEZs, Public sector undertakings, privatization of the government sectors etc. The syllabus for mains is much more wide and diverse and requires extensive reading and comprehending skills as well.

Many new changes are incorporated in the syllabus such as geomorphology, climatology, oceanography and environmental changes. The administrations feel that the IAS aspirants should be well aware of these concepts. So, the clock is ticking fast. Gear up for your preparations. All the Best!!.