How to prepare Geography Optional for the UPSC exam
In the UPSC mains test, geography is a very popular optional subject. Due to the nature of the topic itself, candidates with a background in science or engineering find it particularly appealing. Because it is a science, it appeals to these candidates. Due to the overlap with the UPSC syllabus, it is very well-liked. In this post, we go over all of this and more, including a plan for the optional geography class.
There are various advantages to choosing geography as an optional subject for the civil services main test, including subject overlap and the scientific quality of the material. There are a few other issues, such as the overly extensive syllabus. The benefits of the IAS mains exam Geography optional are covered in this section.
Benefits of Geography as Optional Subject
Geography is an option with a variety of benefits that can assist candidates to improve their ultimate UPSC test score.
1. Crossover with Other Subjects
With the GS paper I, there is a ton of overlap. Both the preliminaries and the major exams are affected by this. The marks assigned to geography in the IAS prelims exam from 2011 to 2020 are shown in the following table.
2. Crossover with the Mains GS exams:
In GS paper I, geography is covered in its own area. Even some subjects covered in the optional course, such as tribal issues and reorganizations, are included. The General Studies I paper includes questions worth 80 to 100 marks that you would have studied for while getting ready for your optional.
Although there aren’t many topics in GS II that directly intersect with geography, some do, such as the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean region, SAARC, India and her neighbours, BIMSTEC, and others. International relations and current affairs include opinion-based questions similar to those in geopolitics and regional geography.
3. Support for the UPSC Personality Exam
Even during the interview, questions concerning the local geography of your hometown, such as the climate, soil type, vegetation, etc., may be addressed. These questions can be answered more effectively with specialised geographic knowledge.
4. The subject’s nature
An interdisciplinary discipline, geography. As a result, it is well-liked by many applicants with backgrounds in science and engineering. Once you have a firm grasp of the ideas or theories underlying any phenomenon, it will be simple for you to express the solutions in your own words.
5. Scoring subject
Due to a variety of reasons, many people view geography as a high-scoring subject.
- There are fact-based and conceptual questions in theories with less room for mark reduction.
- To better illustrate your points and convey your replies, you can use flowcharts, diagrams, and tables. A decent diagram may essentially speak a hundred words. In the mains exam, this saves time.
- Questions using maps are extremely valuable.
Preparation Strategy for Geography Optional Paper
1. How to start?
For this optional, the NCERTs and GC Leong are great starting points. NCERTs explain the ideas in an understandable and straightforward manner. They are simple to read and comprehend, especially if you are unfamiliar with the topic. The diagrams in the NCERTs and GC Leong are both excellent and crucial for this subject’s grade-getting.
2. Geography Optional Current Affairs
In this subject, many questions were static up until a few years ago, and only Paper II had more of a dynamic aspect. However, the majority of the questions posed presently (in both Papers I and II) are related to current events. Maintaining a separate collection of notes for current geography-related issues is crucial.
3. With Atlas at your side
You must prepare for this optional while keeping an atlas close at hand. Having an atlas nearby will help you visualize what you are reading, whether you are reading the static or the dynamic portions. This will improve your understanding of the ideas and aid in greater memory recall. An atlas, for instance, can be used to discover the nations and islands that are crucial to understanding the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean region.
4. Taking notes
When preparing, taking notes is crucial, especially when studying a broad subject like geography. Make sure you only take notes on subjects where the textbooks lack readable substance. It would be a waste of time otherwise. Don’t take down notes on every subject. Making notes is crucial for current affairs in particular. Newspapers, periodicals like Down to Earth, government documents, Economic Survey, etc. should all be used as sources for your notes. Add flowcharts and diagrams to your notes.
5. Previous year’s test questions
Solving papers from prior years is crucial since it helps you get a sense of the subjects that are most crucial.
6. Maps
You must practise maps since if answered right, these questions will earn you high marks. It is recommended to create region-specific maps using information from common textbooks on themes like topography, soil, rivers, agriculture, monsoons, industries, resources, drainage, etc.
Conclusion
Choosing an optional subject for the UPSC civil service mains exam is a matter of personal preference. Each person has unique strengths and limitations in addition to educational and professional backgrounds.
Each optional subject must be weighed against its advantages and disadvantages before a candidate may decide whether to pursue it. The UPSC Civil Services exam requires the assistance and direction of knowledgeable minds.
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