In this article, you will know the Best Geography Optional Books for UPSC recommended by Toppers (such as Saumya Pandey, Pratham Kaushik, Junaid Ahmed, and Ira Singhal).
Geography Optional is the most popular and opted-for optional subject in the UPSC Mains exam. The Geography Optional assumes great significance in both the Prelims and Mains examinations of the UPSC IAS Exam. If the approach to the subject is right, this is the most scoring optional that also helps in the general studies paper. Many candidates have cracked the UPSC Mains examination by opting for Geography as their Optional Subject.
Geography Optional Books (Basic booklist)
Here, I have divided the complete Geography Optional Booklist into two-part i.e. for Paper 1 and Paper 2. In Geography Optional, before reading the standard reference books, you have to read some basic books for your strong foundation. So first of all, let’s see the Basic Booklist of Geography Optional for UPSC.
Syllabus
Question Papers
NCERT
Made Simple Series by Rupa Publication – Vol-I & II
- Physical Geography
- Economic and Social Geography
Certificate Physical and Human geography
Geography Optional Booklist (Reference Books)
After reading the basic books, you have to read the Standard Reference Books of Geography Optional.
Geography Optional Books for Paper 1(Physical Geography)
- Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
- Geomorphology by Savindra Singh
- Oceanography by Savindra Singh
- Climatology by Savindra Singh or Climatology by D S Lal [ Any One book]
- Environment Geography by Savindra Singh
- Biogeography – refer to Rupa Made Simple
- Physical Geography Notes by LotusArise for Geography Optional
Geography Optional Books for Paper 1(Human Geography)
- Geographical thought by Majid Husain [Chapter 7,8,9,10,12]
- Geographical thought by R. D. Dixit [Chapter 1-8, Chapter 11]
- Geographical thought by Sudipta Adhikary [Chapter 11, Chapter 13-16]
- Human Geography by Majid Hussain
- Models and theories by Majid Hussain
- Human Geography Notes by LotusArise for Geography Optional
Geography Optional Books for Paper 2(Indian Geography)
- India a comprehensive geography – D.R. khullar
- Oxford Student Atlas latest edition (Recommended) /or Orient BlackSwan School Atlas
- India Year Book (latest edition)
- Indian Geography Mapping by LotusArise
- Economic Survey (for data and statistics)
- Yojana, Down to Earth, Kurukshetra magazine
- Indian Geography Notes by LotusArise for Geography Optional