Geography is one of the most popular and rewarding optional subjects in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is preferred because of its logical approach, connection with multiple subjects, and strong overlap with the General Studies syllabus. The Geography Optional Syllabus for UPSC 2025 is divided into two papers, each worth 250 marks. It covers a wide range of topics like physical geography, human geography, regional development, environmental issues, and the role of geography in India’s economy and society.
In the Span of last 15 years, Many toppers have credited their success to choosing Geography as their optional subject. For example, Ira Singhal (AIR 1, 2014), Awdhesh Meena (AIR 32, 2011), and Himanshu Jain (AIR 4, 2019) all had Geography as their optional.
If you're planning to appear for UPSC 2025 (scheduled for Sunday, 25th May 2025), this is the perfect time to start mastering the Geography Optional Paper.
Check the detailed UPSC IAS Mains Syllabus here.
A well-developed part of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, the UPSC geography optional syllabus is made to test the skills and knowledge of the candidates in the understanding of both physical as well as human geography. The syllabus provides a gigantic array of topics that examine the geographical phenomena, concepts, and many dynamics of Earth. Aspirants can find a detailed outline of the syllabus in the UPSC geography optional syllabus PDF, very crucial for an organized strategy of preparation.
There will be 2 papers for the UPSC Optional Geography Optional syllabus paper.
UPSC Geography Optional Paper Pattern |
|||
Sl. No. |
UPSC IAS Mains Papers |
Subject |
Marks |
1. |
Paper VI |
Optional Subject Paper-I |
250 |
2. |
Paper VII |
Optional Subject Paper-II |
250 |
TOTAL |
500 |
||
Time Duration |
3 hours |
Check the detailed UPSC IAS exam pattern here.
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Paper 1 of the UPSC geography optional subject syllabus deals with physical geography. It will cover very vast and comprehensive topics like geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, biogeography, environmental geography, and even modern environmental problems. The detailed syllabus of geography optional for UPSC paper 1 helps candidates learn earth sciences in depth as well as meteorological patterns and the intricate details of environment systems.
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 1 2024
Check the UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus here!
UPSC Geography Optional Paper Syllabus paper 2 mainly deals with human geography and the geographical aspects of India. The areas which are important for this paper include economic geography, population and settlement geography, regional planning, agricultural geography, and urbanization. Therefore, the geography optional for UPSC syllabus paper 2 mainly tests the knowledge of spatial relationships, human settlement as well as regional development patterns within the context of India.
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
Related Questions from UPSC Geography Paper 2 2024
NOTE: Candidates will be required to answer one compulsory map question pertinent to subjects covered by Paper 2 (Geography Of India) paper.
The preparation of the optional geography syllabus UPSC needs step-by-step and all-around strategy. Just consider the following:
Solving previous year question papers is one of the brilliant strategies for cracking up the UPSC geography optional subject syllabus. The question papers prepare the students for the format, the general level of difficulty, and the type of questions asked in the examination. Regular practice can definitely upgrade one's capacity to handle intricate questions, and also make time management efficient at the time of exams.
Geography Optional Previous Year Question Papers | ||
Year | Paper | Download Link |
2021
|
Geography Optional Paper I | Click Here |
Geography Optional Paper II | Click Here | |
2022
|
Geography Optional Paper I | Click Here |
Geography Optional Paper II | Click Here | |
2023
|
Geography Optional Paper I | Click Here |
Geography Optional Paper II | Click Here | |
2024
|
Geography Optional Paper I | Click Here |
Geography Optional Paper II | Click Here |
Check some more UPSC IAS Previous Year’s Question Papers for other subjects here!
This was a detailed article about the UPSC Geography Optional Syllabus. To start the preparation for your examination, download the Testbook App and get access to world-class educations, mock tests, etc.
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