Sources for Preparing Geography as an Optional Subject for UPSC-CSE
Preparing for Geography as an optional subject for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) - Combined(CharSequence: Civil Services Examination) (CSE) requires a well-structured approach and access to diverse sources. This guide outlines essential resources that can aid your self-study endeavors. By leveraging the following resources effectively, you can comprehensively cover the geography syllabus and enhance your preparation.
FREE Preparation: Essential Resources
1. Standard Textbooks: These are the backbone of your preparation. - For Physical Geography (Paper I): Standard textbooks such as - For Human Geography (Paper II): Standard textbooks such as
Reference Books
1. “Physical Geography” by Savindra Singh: A well-structured book covering physical geography comprehensively. 2. “Human Geography” by Majid Husain: Focuses on human geography concepts and is widely used. 3. “Geography of India” by Majid Husain: Essential for the Indian context. 4. “World Geography” by Anuj Kumar: Good for understanding global geographical issues and patterns.
Online Resources and Websites
1. Geography Optional by IASbaba: Offers free resources and notes for geography optional. 2. Unacademy: Provides video lectures and courses on geography optional. 3. YouTube Channels: Channels such as “Study IQ”, “Unacademy”, and “Dr. Rahul Saini” provide lectures and explanations on various geography topics. 4. Websites: Websites such as provide articles and resources on various geographical topics and UPSC preparation websites with dedicated sections for geography resources.
Government Reports and Documents
1. Economic Survey: For current economic and geographical trends in India. 2. National Geographical Journals: For contemporary issues and updates in geography.
Maps and Atlases
1. Oxford School Atlas: Useful for understanding global and Indian maps. 2. NCFERT Atlas: Provides geographical maps and important features.
Study Materials and Notes
1. Compiled Notes: Create your own notes or use notes from reputable sources to consolidate your learning. 2. Study Guides: Look for study guides specifically designed for the geography optional.
Test Series and Mock Tests
1. Practice with Test Series and Mock Papers: Various coaching institutes offer test series and mock papers to assess your preparation.
Current Affairs
1. Newspapers: Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and other relevant publications for updates on geographical and environmental issues. 2. Magazines: Magazines such as Yojana and Kurukshetra often cover topics related to geography and development.
Online Forums and Study Groups
1. UPSC Forums: Participate in online forums and study groups to discuss and clarify doubts.
Effective Utilization of Resources
By effectively utilizing these resources and maintaining a disciplined study schedule, you can prepare well for Geography as an optional subject. It is crucial to cover all topics systematically, allocate time for revision, and practice writing answers to improve your response quality.