The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination, which is one of the most competitive examinations in India. The exam is held in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. The Geology Optional is a popular subject among the aspirants who choose the Mains examination. This article will provide an overview of the Geology Optional Syllabus for the UPSC Mains Examination 2024.
Introduction
Geology is the study of the Earth’s physical structure, substance, and history. It is an interdisciplinary field that includes various aspects of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The Geology Optional is a subject that requires a fundamental understanding of the Earth’s composition and dynamics. The syllabus for Geology Optional for UPSC Mains examination is designed to test the aspirants’ understanding of the subject in detail.
Paper I
The first paper of Geology Optional for UPSC Mains Examination consists of the following topics:
Section A: General Geology
- The Solar System, Meteorites, and Cosmic Dust
- The Earth – its origin, age, and internal structure
- Plate Tectonics and Geosynclines
- Geomorphic Processes – weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition
- Landforms and their evolution
- Orogeny and mountain-building
Section B: Geology of India
- Physiographic regions of India
- Stratigraphy and Geological Time Scale
- Structural geology
- Mineralogy and geochemistry
- Indian mineral resources
- Ore genesis and mineral exploration
- Petrology
- Volcanism and volcanic landforms
- Earthquakes
- Seismology and seismicity of India
Paper II
The second paper of Geology Optional for UPSC Mains Examination consists of the following topics:
Section A: Mineralogy, Petrology, and Economic Geology
- Crystallography and Mineral Chemistry
- Classification of rocks
- Igneous rocks and processes
- Sedimentary rocks and processes
- Metamorphic rocks and processes
- Mineral deposits and mineral economics
Section B: Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology
- Groundwater
- Exploration and management of groundwater
- Environmental geology
- Natural hazards and disasters
- Environmental impact assessment
Preparation Strategy
To prepare for the Geology Optional for UPSC Mains Examination, aspirants should follow a structured approach. They should begin by studying the basic concepts of Geology and then move on to the advanced topics. Aspirants should also practice writing answers to previous year question papers to gain proficiency in the subject.
Conclusion
Geology is a subject that requires a fundamental understanding of the Earth’s composition and dynamics. The Geology Optional Syllabus for UPSC Mains Examination is designed to test the aspirants’ understanding of the subject in detail. Aspirants should follow a structured approach and practice writing answers to previous year question papers to gain proficiency in the subject.
FAQs
Geology Optional is a subject that can be scoring for aspirants who have a good understanding of the subject.
The Geology Optional paper carries 250 marks in the UPSC Mains Examination.
While a background in Geology can be helpful, it is not necessary to opt for the Geology Optional in UPSC Mains Examination.
