Table of Contents
Important Topics · Best Sources · Map-work Trends · Preparation Tips
Why Geography Matters in UPSC Prelims 2025
- Geography contributes 15–25 questions (30–50 marks) in Prelims.
- Increasing focus on application-based and integrated map questions.
- Strong geography scores often act as a “buffer” above cutoff.
Core Topics to Master
Physical Geography
- Geomorphology: Earth’s layers & seismic waves; plate tectonics (earthquakes, volcanoes)
- Climatology: Atmosphere structure; heat budget; wind systems; Köppen climate types
- Oceanography: Major currents; phenomena (El Niño/La Niña, IOD); tropical vs temperate cyclones; tides
Indian Geography
- Physiography: Himalayas, Western/Eastern Ghats, Peninsular plateaus, coastal plains
- Drainage Systems: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus, Deccan rivers; major dams & reservoirs
- Monsoon & Soils: Mechanism of southwest monsoon; major soil types & vegetation zones
Human & Economic Geography
- Population: Distribution, density, migration patterns
- Agriculture & Industry: Major cropping zones; irrigation projects; resource-based industries
- Energy & Minerals: Coal, petroleum, nuclear sites; renewable installations
High-Yield Map-Based Areas
India
- State boundaries, capital locations & neighbouring states
- River-tributary systems & associated hydro-projects
- Protected areas (Tiger Reserves, Ramsar wetlands)
- Major mountain passes (e.g. Rohtang, Zoji La)
- Thematic resource maps (coal, iron, copper belts)
World
- Countries & capitals: relative direction & continent position
- Oceans, seas & strategic straits (e.g. Hormuz, Malacca)
- Global conflict zones (Afghanistan 2021, Ukraine 2023)
- World Heritage sites & dispute areas in news
Key Current-Affairs from Jan 2024 Onward
- California’s Salton Sea lithium discovery
- Zero Shadow Day phenomenon
- Record global temperatures in 2024
- Rapid expansion of Himalayan glacial lakes
- AMOC slowdown & permafrost melting
Top Study Resources
- NCERTs
- Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical & Indian Geography
- Class 12: Human & Economic Geography
- Class 11: Fundamentals of Physical & Indian Geography
- GC Leong’s Physical Geography
- Atlas: Oxford or Survey of India
Question-Trend Analysis
- Geography questions have risen from 12 (2018) to 18 (2024) in Prelims.
- Shift from recall to scenario-based & map interpretation MCQs.
- Growing integration with Environment Science (e.g. wetlands, ocean currents).
Proven Preparation Tips
- Conceptual Clarity: Focus on processes (e.g. El Niño mechanics) not just facts.
- Regular Map Practice: 15 minutes daily on blank maps—both India & world.
- PYQ Drills: Solve last 10 years of Geography Prelims questions.
- Thematic Integration: Link Geography with Environment (e.g. riverine national parks).
Revision Schedule: Alternate physical, human & current-affairs weekly cycles.