Introduction:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination in India. The examination consists of three stages: Preliminary examination, Main examination, and Interview. Geography is one of the optional subjects in the Main examination. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of geography that are covered in UPSC’s Geography question paper.
Physical Geography:
Physical geography is the study of the physical features of the Earth’s surface, including its landforms, climate, and natural resources. The UPSC’s Geography question paper covers various topics related to physical geography, such as geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, and biogeography.
Geomorphology:
Geomorphology is the study of the Earth’s landforms and their formation processes. The Geography question paper covers topics like the origin and characteristics of various landforms, such as mountains, plateaus, and plains, and the processes that shape them, such as erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity. Students are also expected to have a basic understanding of the geological time scale and various geological phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.
Climatology:
Climatology is the study of the Earth’s climate, including its temperature, precipitation, wind, and other atmospheric conditions. The Geography question paper covers topics such as the factors that influence the Earth’s climate, such as latitude, altitude, and ocean currents, and the various climatic regions of the world, such as the tropical, temperate, and polar regions. Students are expected to be familiar with the concepts of the greenhouse effect, global warming, and the impact of climate change on the Earth’s ecosystems.
Oceanography:
Oceanography is the study of the Earth’s oceans, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. The Geography question paper covers topics such as the ocean currents, tides, waves, and the oceanic zones, such as the continental shelf, slope, and abyssal plain. Students are expected to be familiar with the various oceanic resources, such as fisheries, oil and gas, and minerals, and the impact of human activities on oceanic ecosystems.
Biogeography:
Biogeography is the study of the distribution of living organisms on Earth, including their diversity, evolution, and adaptation to the various environmental conditions. The Geography question paper covers topics such as the biomes of the world, such as the tropical rainforests, deserts, and tundra, and the various factors that influence the distribution of plants and animals, such as climate, topography, and human activities. Students are expected to be familiar with the various ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and the impact of human activities on their biodiversity.
Human Geography:
Human geography is the study of the relationship between humans and their environment, including their culture, society, and economy. The UPSC’s Geography question paper covers various topics related to human geography, such as population, settlement, economic geography, and regional planning.
Population:
Population geography is the study of the distribution, density, and composition of human populations on Earth. The Geography question paper covers topics such as the various demographic indicators such as birth rate, death rate, migration, and population growth, and the various theories of population growth, such as Malthusian theory and demographic transition theory. Students are expected to be familiar with the various population policies and their impact on the socio-economic development of the country.
Settlement:
Settlement geography is the study of the distribution, size, and characteristics of human settlements on Earth. The Geography question paper covers topics such as the various types of settlements, such as rural and urban settlements, and the factors that influence their growth and development, such as accessibility, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Students are expected to be familiar with the various urbanization processes, such as suburbanization, gentrification, and urban sprawl, and their impact on the environment and society.
Economic Geography:
Economic geography is the study of the spatial distribution of economic activities and their impact on the environment and society. The Geography question paper covers topics such as the various economic systems, such as capitalism, socialism, and mixed economy, and the various factors that influence economic development, such as natural resources, human capital, and technology. Students are expected to be familiar with the various sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, industry, and services, and their contribution to the national economy.
Regional Planning:
Regional planning is the process of designing and managing the physical, social, and economic development of a region. The Geography question paper covers topics such as the various approaches to regional planning, such as sectoral planning, spatial planning, and integrated planning, and the various factors that influence regional development, such as natural resources, human capital, and infrastructure. Students are expected to be familiar with the various regional planning strategies, such as rural development, urbanization, and regional cooperation, and their impact on the regional and national development.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the UPSC’s Geography question paper covers a wide range of topics related