Comprehensive Geography Topics for Competitive Exams
This syllabus consolidates all aspects of geography with added emphasis on the important rivers of India to ensure no detail is missed for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and others.
1. Physical Geography
A. Geomorphology
- Earth’s Structure: Crust, mantle, core – composition and characteristics.
- Continental Drift Theory: Evidence and criticism.
- Plate Tectonics Theory: Types of plate boundaries, associated features like earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building.
- Geomorphic Processes: Endogenic and exogenic processes like weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition.
- Landforms Development: Mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, sand dunes, deltas, and coral reefs.
B. Climatology
- Atmosphere Composition and Structure: Layers, temperature, and pressure variations.
- Solar Radiation and Heat Budget: Earth’s energy balance, greenhouse effect, and global warming.
- Winds and Pressure Systems: Planetary, monsoon, trade winds, westerlies, cyclones, and anticyclones.
- Precipitation: Forms of precipitation, factors affecting rainfall, and global patterns.
- Climatic Classifications: Koppen’s and Thornthwaite’s systems.
C. Oceanography
- Ocean Basins and Their Topography: Continental shelf, slope, deep-sea plains, and trenches.
- Ocean Currents: Gulf Stream, Kuroshio, Humboldt, Labrador currents.
- Tides and Waves: Spring tides, neap tides, and tidal phenomena like Tsunamis.
- Marine Resources: Biological, mineral, and energy resources in oceans.
D. Biogeography
- Ecosystems: Structure, components, and functioning.
- Biodiversity: Types, distribution, and threats.
- Soil Types and Conservation: Formation, classification, degradation, and management.
2. Indian Geography
A. Physical Geography
Physiographic Divisions
- Himalayas: Western, Central, and Eastern divisions.
- Northern Plains: Alluvial plains, their agriculture significance.
- Peninsular Plateau: Features, rivers, and mineral wealth.
- Coastal Plains and Islands: Eastern and Western coasts, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep.
Drainage System of India
- Himalayan Rivers:
- Indus River System: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- Ganga River System: Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghra, Gandak, Kosi, Chambal, Betwa, and Son.
- Brahmaputra River System: Brahmaputra, Dibang, Lohit, Subansiri, and Teesta.
- Peninsular Rivers:
- East-Flowing Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mahanadi, Penner, Palar, and Vaigai.
- West-Flowing Rivers: Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati, Mandovi, and Zuari.
- Important Lakes: Chilika, Sambhar, Pulicat, Vembanad, Loktak, Dal, and Wular.
Climate of India
- Monsoons: Mechanism, theories, variability, and El Niño-La Niña impact.
- Seasons: Summer, winter, monsoon, and post-monsoon.
- Climatic Regions: Thornthwaite and Koppen classifications.
Natural Vegetation
- Classification (tropical, subtropical, temperate, alpine) and conservation strategies.
B. Economic Geography
Agriculture
- Cropping patterns, types of farming, and major crops (food grains, cash crops).
- Irrigation: Types and major irrigation projects (Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, Nagarjuna Sagar).
- Green Revolution: Achievements and challenges.
Mineral Resources
- Metallic Minerals: Iron, Copper, Bauxite, Manganese.
- Non-Metallic Minerals: Limestone, Gypsum, Mica.
- Energy resources: Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and renewable energy sources.
Industrial Geography
- Major industries: Iron and Steel, Cotton Textile, Petrochemicals, IT.
- Industrial Regions: Mumbai-Pune, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru-Chennai.
C. Human Geography
Population
- Population growth, density, migration, urbanization trends.
- Urbanization Challenges: Slums, infrastructure, smart cities.
Settlement Patterns
- Rural vs. urban settlements.
3. World Geography
A. Physical Geography
- Landforms: Mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, and coastal features.
- Climatic Regions: Tropical, temperate, polar climates.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis, and floods.
B. Economic Geography
- Agriculture, industries, trade, and transport globally.
4. Environmental Geography
- Ecosystems and Ecology: Structure and significance.
- Environmental Issues: Global warming, deforestation, pollution.
- Conservation: Forest policies, wildlife protection laws, and international agreements.
5. Geographical Techniques
- Cartography: Map reading, scale, projections.
- GIS & Remote Sensing: Applications in disaster management, planning.
