Geography Notes: Physical, Human & Environmental Geography

Geography covers a major part of the UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission) examination. The preparation of geography notes for UPSC can be quite comprehensive and should cover all aspects of geography as a subject. Compilation of notes can be significantly helpful for a UPSC candidate.

Geography is covered by both IAS Prelims and Mains papers. In UPSC, both Indian geography and world geography are covered. The following topics are briefly covered by the UPSC syllabus:

• Physical Geography
• Human Geography
• Environmental Geography

In UPSC Prelims, Geography is covered as a part of General Awareness whereas, in Mains, Geography is covered as both a general knowledge subject and an Optional paper subject. Some major topics of Geography covered in UPSC are:

• Geomorphology
• Climatology
• Oceanography
• Biogeography
• Environmental Geography
• Perspectives in Human Geography
• Economic Geography
• Population and Settlement geography
• Regional Planning
• Models, Theories, and Laws in Human Geography
• Physical and Cultural Settling of India
• Resources, Agriculture, Transport, Communication and Trade in India
• Contemporary Ecological Issues and Biodiversity

Important Sources for Geography Notes for IAS

NCERT books are the first and foremost source for preparing Geography for UPSC. A Candidate must read Geography from NCERT books for UPSC to start one’s preparation for the IAS examination. Making well-organized notes is a systematic way to gather study material for revision. An Aspirant must try to find out the Important topics to focus on.

To study Geography, one must have a thorough understanding of Earth’s structure and how natural processes interact with the Earth’s crust. An Aspirant should construct knowledge on various geographical aspects such as the location of geographical features, climate, flora and fauna, and the interactions of the same with humans and other topics such as soil as well as resource distribution.

Importance of Geography Notes

Geography notes are important for a quick and thorough revision of the subject before the UPSC examination. The knowledge of the subject through the notes helps in a better understanding of current affairs and editorials as well, which is another important aspect of the UPSC examination.

Geography for UPSC Mains

Geography is a part of the GS paper 1 of the UPSC mains exams. The GS Geography syllabus is as follows:

• The global distribution of essential natural resources, including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent, factors contributing to the establishment of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries across different regions of the world, including India.
• Significant Changes in important geographical features (such as ice caps and water bodies), as well as in the flora and fauna and their repercussions, are examples of geophysical events. These include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones, and other natural disasters.
• Important aspects of the physical geography of the planet include oceanography, biogeography, geomorphology, climatology, and environmental geography.

Geography for UPSC optional paper

Candidates who choose geography as their optional paper should prepare thoroughly well for the paper. An aspirant should go through the previous year’s question papers and revise the geography notes every day, along with appropriate books and sources. An aspirant may succeed in clearing the exam if they prepare for geographical optional with preparation for General Studies in prelims and mains.

Geography Notes UPSC

1. Geography covers a major part of the UPSC examination, requiring comprehensive preparation to cover all aspects of the subject for both Prelims and Mains. 2. Preparation of geography notes for UPSC should include Indian and World geography, encompassing physical, human, and environmental geography topics. 3. In UPSC Prelims, geography is part of General Awareness, while in Mains, it is covered as both a general knowledge and an Optional paper subject. 4. Key topics include geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, biogeography, environmental geography, and perspectives on human geography. 5. Economic geography, population and settlement geography, and regional planning are essential topics, reflecting the economic and demographic aspects of India and the world. 6. Notes should also cover models, theories, and laws in human geography, providing a theoretical framework for understanding geographical patterns and processes. 7. Detailed coverage of India’s physical and cultural geography is crucial, including resources, agriculture, transport, communication, and trade. 8. Contemporary ecological issues and biodiversity are important, highlighting current environmental challenges and conservation efforts.

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Geomorphology: The Dynamic Earth	Theories of the Origin of Life on Earth
The Formation of the Solar System: From the Big Bang to the Birth of Planets	Geological Time Scale: Understanding Earth’s Historical Timeline