This UPSC Geography revision strategy is designed after analyzing trends from the last 10 years of question papers. It highlights the most important and high-yield topics for both Prelims and Mains, enabling aspirants to revise smartly and efficiently. While these topics form the core areas frequently asked by UPSC, students are advised to complement them with broader reading for a complete preparation.
| Book / Section |
Important Chapters / Topics |
Remarks / Focus Areas |
| NCERT 11th – India: Physical Environment |
- Structure and Physiography
- Drainage System
- Climate
- Natural Vegetation
- Soils
|
Most important book among all NCERTs. These chapters are crucial — missing even a sentence may cost a Prelims question. |
| NCERT 11th – Fundamentals of Physical Geography |
- Composition and Structure of Atmosphere
- Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature
- Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems
- Water in the Atmosphere
- World Climate and Climate Change
- Water (Oceans)
- Movements of Ocean Water
- Life on the Earth
- Biodiversity and Conservation
|
Focus on Cyclones (important after Cyclone Fani). Study in detail from other reference books.
Most important chapters: 9, 10, and 14.
|
| NCERT 12th – Fundamentals of Human Geography |
- Primary Activities
- Secondary Activities
- Tertiary and Quaternary Activities
- Human Development (Ch. 4)
|
Questions usually come on related topics like Human Development Index and Gender-related Development Index. |
| NCERT 12th – India: People and Economy |
- Land Resources and Agriculture
- Water Resources
- Mineral and Energy Resources
- Manufacturing Industries
- Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context
|
Must-do for understanding economic geography and resource distribution. |
| Other Important Topics in Geography |
- Western Ghats – Has given one question almost every year in Prelims.
- Tributaries of Rivers – Especially rivers in Chapter 3 (Drainage System, NCERT 11th).
- Modern Irrigation Practices and Agricultural Technologies – One question every year.
Precision Agriculture & Drip Irrigation
Agriculture Technologies (TNAU Reference)
- Wetlands – One question every year.
Wetlands: All You Need to Know
Focus on Sunderbans Tiger Reserve this year.
- Geographical Indications (GI) – One question every year. Refer both GI articles on IASNOVA.
- Climate Related Funds, Pacts & Protocols – Important for Prelims.
- Renewable & Unconventional Sources of Energy – One question every year.
Most Probable List
Prelims Favourite
- Map Marking & Match the Following –
16 Important Maps
Regions for Map-Based Questions
- Hill Ranges of India
- National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Tiger Reserves – Especially from the North East.
North East TRs and Sanctuaries
- PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) – Important for Prelims.
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