This post is intended to clear the confusion that prevails among the aspirants over how to prepare for UPSC geography and the best books for it. I will also share the best source for geography for UPSC prelims and mains.
Geography syllabus for UPSC: Its importance during preparation
Before starting preparation for any subject for UPSC civil services examination, one has to first look at the syllabus.
It will give an overview of the topics that one should focus on not only during the preparation of that particular subject but also while reading a newspaper and other current affairs material.
For example, volcanoes is one of the topics in UPSC syllabus. If any article or news on volcanoes appear in newspaper, it should not be neglected rather aspirant must dig the topic deeper.
Best geography books for UPSC
As per my opinion, the following are the best geography books for UPSC.
- NCERT Geography (class VI-XII)
- Physical and Human Geography by GC Leong
- Yojana Magazine
How to prepare for UPSC Geography
Just by buying books, aspirants will not be able to master the subject. It can be done by proper planning and dedication.
In my opinion, aspirants should first watch free lesson series provide by Mrunal. After watching a lesson on a particular topic, the same topics should be covered from GC Leong.
After understanding all the concepts and facts explained in the videos, one can start reading NCERT books.
Many of the aspirants may not agree to the idea of reading NCERT books at the end. However, in case of Geography, I feel it works perfectly. Once you understood all the concepts discussed in the videos, completing NCERT books will be a cakewalk for serious aspirants.
In Yojana magazine, many articles appear related to geography topics. These articles will supplement the topics already learnt in the above preparation strategy. While reading these articles, help of Google must be taken to dip the topic deeper.
The strategy discussed above is my personal one. Aspirants can decide their own. It is not applicable to UPSC geography optional subject.
UPSC Civil Services Exam: Tips to crack it in first attempt
Maps for UPSC preparation
Apart from the above preparation, aspirants must practice map pointing with “places in news”.
For example, Wuhan city is in news due to pandemic, the aspirants must not only know where the city is but also check
- Is there any big river or tributary to the famous river passes through it.
- Deserts located near it
- Any important seaport located near it.
- Important cities of China from West to East and North to South. etc.
Solve previous year papers to understand how UPSC asks questions in prelims and mains.
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When to appear for Geography test series?
As answer writing practice plays key role in clearing mains examination, aspirants must appear in test series.
How to select best mock test for UPSC prelims, mains
They can consider appearing in mock test series for Geography preliminary and main examinations only after completing the entire syllabus as it will boost their confidence.