Geology Syllabus for UPSC PDF: UPSC Mains Geology Syllabus for UPSC
The Geology syllabus for UPSC is designed to test the aspirant's understanding of several geological principles and their applications. The students who opt for this optional subject have their background in Geology, Earth Sciences, or any such branch of study. The syllabus for Geology is an extensive one covering divergent ranges of topics like Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy, and more. With a strategic approach to preparation, candidates can excel in this exam by focusing on key areas and utilizing the right resources.
It is important to understand the UPSC Geology syllabus as it will determine how one could structure his/her study plan in the most effective way. Breaking up the syllabus into manageable chunks and surveying previous years' question papers helps in pinpointing the most relevant topics and keeping the time proper for handling those. The subsequent content does this with respect to the Geology syllabus for UPSC, thus helping aspirants navigate through the huge material required for the examination.
Check the detailed UPSC IAS Mains Syllabus here.
Overview of Geology Syllabus for UPSC 2025
The UPSC CSE 2025 Geology syllabus is inclusive enough, covering key topics of physical and historical Geology, mineralogy, petrology, structural Geology, paleontology, stratigraphy, hydroGeology, economic Geology, and environmental Geology. This overview helps in getting the breadth of the subject and deciding on a focused approach for preparation.
There will be 2 papers for the syllabus of Geology for UPSC. Each paper of the Geology syllabus UPSC would comprise 250 marks, which makes it 500 marks in total. The time duration to attempt the UPSC Geology paper is 3 hours. Each paper would have objective answer-type questions. There is no negative marking.
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Overview of Geology Syllabus for UPSC 2025 |
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Sl. No. |
UPSC IAS Mains Papers |
Subject |
Marks |
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1. |
Paper VI |
Optional Subject Paper-I |
250 |
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2. |
Paper VII |
Optional Subject Paper-II |
250 |
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TOTAL |
500 |
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Time Duration |
3 hours |
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Check the detailed UPSC IAS exam pattern here.
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UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus for Papers 1 & 2
Subjects for the Geology syllabus of UPSC Paper 1 are General Geology, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, Paleontology and Stratigraphy. Paper 2 has Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentary Petrology, Economic Geology, HydroGeology, Indian Mineral Deposits and Mineral Economics, Environmental Geology, and Engineering Geology. The two papers will assess the candidate's theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of geological concepts.
Download Geology UPSC Syllabus PDF here!
UPSC Syllabus for Geology Optional Paper 1
The UPSC syllabus Geology for Optional Paper 1 will cover General Geology, which includes the origin and interior of the earth along with its geochemical and geophysical properties; Geomorphology and Remote Sensing, landforms, geomorphic processes, application of remote sensing in geological studies, among others; Structural Geology, where deformation should be understood by the candidates, folds, faults, and joints, to name a few; Paleontology, fossil records, methods of study, and evolutionary history of life; and Stratigraphy, including principles of stratigraphy, stratigraphic units, their distribution and classification, and techniques of stratigraphic correlation.
The table below gives a detailed view of the the key topics of the UPSC IAS Geology syllabus for UPSC Paper 1:
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UPSC Syllabus Geology for Optional Paper 1 |
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Topics of Geology Syllabus for IAS |
Sub-Topic / Details |
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General Geology |
The Solar System, Meteorites, Origin and interior of the Earth, Age of Earth |
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Volcanoes: Causes and products, Volcanic belts |
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Earthquakes: Causes, effects, Seismic zones of India |
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Island arcs, trenches, and mid-ocean ridges |
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Continental drifts |
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Seafloor spreading, Plate tectonics |
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Isostasy |
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Geomorphology |
Basic concepts of geomorphology |
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Weathering and soil formation |
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Landforms, slopes, and drainage |
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Geomorphic cycles and their interpretation |
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Morphology and its relation to structures and lithology |
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Coastal geomorphology |
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Applications in mineral prospecting and civil engineering |
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Hydrology and environmental studies |
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Geomorphology of the Indian subcontinent |
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Remote Sensing |
Aerial photographs, merits and limitations |
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Orbiting satellites and sensor systems |
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Indian Remote Sensing Satellites, Satellite data products |
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Applications of remote sensing in geology |
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GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and GPS (Global Positioning System) applications |
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Structural Geology |
Principles of geologic mapping and map reading |
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Projection diagrams |
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Stress and strain ellipsoid, stress-strain relationships of elastic, plastic, and viscous materials |
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Strain markers in deformed rocks |
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Behaviour of minerals and rocks under deformation |
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Folds and faults: Classification and mechanics |
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Structural analysis: Folds, foliations, lineations, joints, faults, unconformities |
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Time relationship between crystallization and deformation |
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Paleontology |
Species: Definition and nomenclature |
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Megafossils and Microfossils |
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Modes of fossil preservation |
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Application of microfossils in correlation, petroleum exploration, paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic studies |
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Evolutionary trends in Hominidae, Equidae, and Proboscidae |
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Siwalik fauna |
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Gondwana flora and fauna and its importance |
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Index fossils and their significance |
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Indian Stratigraphy |
Classification of stratigraphic sequences: Lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, magnetostratigraphic |
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Precambrian rocks of India |
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Phanerozoic rocks of India: Lithology, fauna, flora, economic importance |
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Major boundary problems: Cambrian/Precambrian, Permian/Triassic, Cretaceous/Tertiary, Pliocene/Pleistocene |
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Climatic conditions, palaeogeography, igneous activity in the Indian subcontinent |
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Tectonic framework of India |
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Evolution of the Himalayas |
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Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology |
Hydrologic cycle and genetic classification of water |
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Movement of subsurface water |
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Springs, Porosity, Permeability, Hydraulic conductivity, Transmissivity, Storage coefficient, Aquifers |
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Groundwater chemistry, Saltwater intrusion, Types of wells |
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Drainage basin morphometry, Groundwater exploration and recharge |
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Problems and management of groundwater |
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Rainwater harvesting |
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Engineering properties of rocks |
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Geological investigations for dams, tunnels, highways, railways, bridges |
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Landslides: Causes, prevention, and rehabilitation |
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Earthquake-resistant structures |
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UPSC Syllabus for Geology Optional Paper 2
For Paper 2, the syllabus covers Mineralogy and Crystallography, including properties and classification of minerals and structure of silicates; Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, covering the classification and genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks; Sedimentary Petrology, dealing with sedimentation processes and types of sedimentary rocks; Economic Geology, focusing on processes of formation, classification of mineral deposits, and economic minerals of India; HydroGeology, including groundwater, hydrological cycles, and exploration and exploitation methods; Indian Mineral Deposits and Mineral Economics, dealing with distribution and uses of minerals in India, along with mining legislation; Environmental Geology, covering the environmental impact of mining, waste disposal, and natural hazards; and Engineering Geology, focusing on the engineering properties of rocks and geological investigations for civil engineering projects.
The table below highlights the key topics of the Geology Optional UPSC syllabus for Paper 2:
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UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus for Paper 2 |
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Topics of Geology Syllabus for IAS |
Sub-Topic / Details |
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Mineralogy |
Classification of crystals: Systems and classes of symmetry |
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International system of crystallographic notation |
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Use of projection diagrams to represent crystal symmetry |
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X-ray crystallography |
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Physical and chemical characters of rock-forming silicate minerals |
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Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks |
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Minerals of the carbonate, phosphate, sulphide, and halide groups |
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Clay minerals |
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Optical Properties: Pleochroism, extinction angle, double refraction, birefringence, twinning, dispersion |
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Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology |
Generation and crystallization of magmas |
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Bowen’s Reaction Principle |
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Magmatic differentiation and assimilation |
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Petrography and petrogenesis of granite, syenite, diorite, basic and ultrabasic rocks |
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Deccan volcanic province |
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Types and agents of metamorphism |
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Metamorphic grades and zones |
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Phase rule, Facies of regional and contact metamorphism |
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ACF and AKF diagrams |
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Textures and structures of metamorphic rocks |
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Metamorphism of arenaceous, argillaceous, and basic rocks |
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Retrograde metamorphism, Metasomatism, Granitisation, Migmatites, Granulite terrains of India |
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Sedimentary Petrology |
Sediments and Sedimentary rocks |
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Processes of formation, Diagenesis, Lithification |
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Clastic and non-clastic rocks: Classification, petrography, depositional environment |
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Sedimentary facies and provenance |
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Sedimentary structures and their significance |
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Heavy minerals and their significance |
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Sedimentary basins of India |
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Economic Geology |
Ore, ore minerals, gangue, tenor of ore, classification of ore deposits |
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Process of formation of mineral deposits |
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Controls of ore localization |
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Ore textures and structures |
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Metallogenic epochs and provinces |
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Geology of important Indian deposits: Aluminium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead-zinc, manganese, titanium, uranium, thorium, coal, petroleum |
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National Mineral Policy, Conservation and utilization of mineral resources |
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Marine mineral resources, Law of Sea |
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Mining Geology |
Methods of prospecting: Geological, geophysical, geochemical, geobotanical |
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Techniques of sampling, Estimation of reserves |
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Exploration and mining of metallic ores, industrial minerals, marine mineral resources, building stones |
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Mineral beneficiation and ore dressing |
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Geochemistry and Environmental Geology |
Cosmic abundance of elements |
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Composition of planets and meteorites |
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Structure and composition of Earth, Distribution of elements |
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Trace elements, Elements of crystal chemistry |
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Isomorphism, polymorphism, Chemical bonds, Coordination number |
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Natural hazards: Floods, mass wasting, coastal hazards, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mitigation |
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Environmental impact of urbanisation, mining, waste disposal, fertilizers, dumping of waste and fly ash |
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Pollution of ground/surface water, marine pollution |
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Environment protection: Legislative measures in India |
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Sea level changes: Causes and impact |
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Prepare for the exam using the UPSC IAS mains strategy here.
How to Prepare for the Geology Optional Syllabus for UPSC?
Preparation for the Geology optional syllabus involves a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts, regular revision, and practice of previous years' question papers. Here are some steps to follow:
- Understand the Syllabus: Divide syllabus into smaller sections.
- Strategic Reading: Read important chapters identified from previous years' papers.
- Regular Revision: Revise regularly to retain information.
- Practice Papers: Solve previous years' question papers so that the pattern and frequently asked questions could be understood.
- Use of Diagrams: Practice neat geological diagrams regularly. They help in securing better marks.
UPSC Geology Previous Year Question Papers
Using the question papers of previous years is of utmost importance. It gives one an idea of the questions most frequently asked, the type of questions, and also points out important topics from the ups syllabus Geology and upsc cse Geology syllabus. Proper practice with the help of these papers improves answer-writing skills and enhances time management during the actual exam.
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Geology Optional Previous Year Question Papers |
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Year |
Paper |
Download Link |
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2021 |
Geology Paper I |
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Geology Paper II |
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2022 |
Geology Paper I |
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Geology Paper II |
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2023 |
Geology Paper I |
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Geology Paper II |
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2024 |
Geology Paper I |
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Geology Paper II |
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Check some more UPSC IAS Previous Year’s Question Papers for other subjects here!
List of Books for Geology UPSC Optional Syllabus
The suggested books below cover the UPSC Mains Geology syllabus, but it is not necessary to read each book comprehensively. Focus on reading the specific chapters and topics in each book that are relevant to the UPSC exam. Be strategic in selecting which portions to study for UPSC optional Geology syllabus rather than trying to get through every page of these reference books.
- "Rutley's Elements of Mineralogy" by G.W. Rutley is a comprehensive material for gaining insight into mineral properties and classifications as well as for understanding Mineralogy and Crystallography.
- Of special importance for studying the classification and genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks are "Petrology" by Huang and "Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology" by Winter.
- "Structural Geology" by Arthur Holmes, "Structural Geology" by Billings, and "Structural Geology" by R. Ghosh provide comprehensive explanations on deformation, folds, faults, and joints that are vital to Structural Geology.
- "Indian Stratigraphy" by N.V. Datta and "Stratigraphy and Geology of India" by Pankaj Srivastava are considered essential reading for understanding the pattern and stratigraphic classification of units in India.
- " Elements of Paleontology" by Rhona M. Black and "Paleontology" by Jain and Anantharaman cover the fossil records and evolutionary history study.
- "Groundwater Hydrology" by Todd as well as "HydroGeology" by Karanth are significant for groundwater and hydrologic cycles understanding.
- "Geomorphology" by Savindra Singh as well as "Geomorphology" by Thornbury are the guides to advanced knowledge about landforms and geomorphic processes.
- U. Prasad's "Economic Geology" and Roy Chaudhary's "Ore Deposits of India" provide for an analysis of mineral deposits and economic Geology in India.
- K.K. Kanasewich's "Principles of Geophysics" and P. Kearney's "Applied Geophysics" enable the understanding of geophysical properties necessary for Geology.
- Parbin Singh's "Engineering Geology" and F.G. Bell's "Engineering Geology" provides insights into the engineering properties of rocks and geological investigations for civil engineering projects.
Combining selective reading with solving previous years' question papers allows candidates to identify and prioritize the most important areas of the syllabus, maximizing preparation efficiency.
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Check Related UPSC Syllabus for Other Subjects |
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