Books for Geography Optional for UPSC Mains Exam

It is highly appreciated among Science, Engineering and Medical students as the basics in Geography are in close proximity with the basic science. During last few years it comes out to be one of the most favorite choices of Civil Services Aspirants as concepts are logical unlike art optional & not tough to understand. Sufficient material is available in the form of books by Indian Authors as well as other study materials.

• Basic Physical Geography by k Siddhartha (Best Book for Physical geography)
• Physical Geography by Savinder Singh
• Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
• Evolution of Geographical Thought by Majid Hussain
• Human Geography by Majid Hussain
• Models and Theories in Geography by K Siddhartha
• Economic and Social Geography Made Simple
• Geography Through Maps by K. Siddhartha
• Oxford Student Atlas

• Geography of India by Majid Husain
• Regional Planning in India by Chand and Puri
• Environment and Ecology: Biodiversity, Climate Change and Disaster Management for Civil Services Examination

• Bhugol Mukhya Pariksha Ke Liye by D Khullar
• Bhautik Bhugol by Majid Hussain
• Bharat Evam Vishwa Ka Bhugol by Majid Hussain
• Manav Bhugol by Majid Hussain
• Paryavaran Evam Parisithiki by Majid Hussain
• Bhogolik Chintan ka Itihas
• Bhaugolik Models by Majid Hussain
• Bhoo-Akriti Vigyan by Majid Hussain
• Krishi Bhugol by Majid Hussain

1. The geography and its sister subject environment cover around 40% of objective type questions in General Studies paper-I at preliminary level.
2. Directly the geography covers 50% of geography part of GS paper-II and around 25% environment and disaster management area of GS paper IV at mains examination level.
3. Similarly, the knowledge of geography is certainly augmented our ability to answer questions related to paper IV of Economic Development (major crops and cropping patterns, food security, infrastructure, industries, etc…) and also certain issues of GS paper III vis-a-vis international relation.
4. Thus, choosing geography as optional subject is an astute step since it directly helps in answering around 200 marks and enhances our ability to effectively deal with another 300-400 marks area.

Remember to supplement your reading with regular map practice, current affairs related to geography, and thorough revision. Additionally, solving previous years’ question papers will give you a clearer understanding of the exam pattern and help refine your preparation strategy.