The Geography optional syllabus broadly covered the following topics:
Paper-I:
- Geomorphology:
- Origin and evolution of the Earth’s crust
- Weathering and denudation
- Landforms and their evolution
- Geomorphic cycles
- Climatology:
- Structure and composition of the atmosphere
- Solar radiation and heat balance
- Atmospheric circulation
- Climatic types and regions
- Oceanography:
- Ocean floor
- Waves, tides, and currents
- Marine resources and pollution
- Biogeography:
- Genesis of soils
- Types and characteristics of soils
- Processes of soil formation
- Environmental Geography:
- Environmental degradation and conservation
- Environmental policy
Paper-II:
- Perspectives in Human Geography:
- Evolution of geographical thought
- Recent trends in geography
- Economic Geography:
- World economic development
- Agriculture and industries
- Transport and trade
- Population and Settlement Geography:
- Population characteristics
- Migration
- Urbanization
- Regional Planning:
- Concept of planning
- Types of planning
- Planning in India
- Geography of India:
- Physical setting
- Resources
- Agriculture, industry, and services
It’s essential to keep track of any updates or changes in the UPSC syllabus. Additionally, referring to previous years’ question papers and practicing answer writing can be beneficial in preparing for the Geography optional paper in the UPSC examination.