
Geography Mains Syllabus - Download UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus PDF!
The UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus is available here! Geography is a part of Mains General Studies Paper 1 (also known as Mains Paper 2). The UPSC Mains Geography syllabus for General Studies Paper 1 includes a wide range of topics that aim to familiarize students with the physical, economic, and human elements of the earth’s surface. The Geography mains syllabus for UPSC covers topics such as geomorphology, climatology, oceanography, biogeography, environmental ecology, and natural resources. Additionally, it also covers the study of human settlements, population, and economic activities. The syllabus focuses on the Indian subcontinent, but also includes a global perspective on key issues such as sustainable development, urbanization, and natural hazards. Overall, the UPSC Mains Geography syllabus aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the earth’s physical and human systems and their interactions.
In this article, we will only focus on the Geography Mains Syllabus For UPSC GS Paper 1 of the mains exam. Candidates can also download the UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus PDF and keep it safe for future use.
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UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus PDF
The UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus PDF is now available for download on the Testbook website. The Geography Mains Syllabus PDF is a document that outlines the topics and subtopics of the Geography portion for GS Paper 1 of the mains exam. The PDF can be easily downloaded from the link provided below.

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UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus (Mains Paper 2)
Instead of just testing candidates’ knowledge and memory, the mains exam seeks to determine their general intellectual abilities and level of understanding. Geography subject overlaps in the mains paper 2 ie. General Studies Paper 1. The
questions will be such as to test a candidate’s general awareness of the geography subject, which will have
relevance for a career in Civil Services.
Have a look at the UPSC mains geography syllabus for GS Paper 1 as per the official notification below:
- Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
- Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
- Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
geographical features and their location changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Under the “Salient features of the world’s physical geography”, the following sub-topics of geography need to be covered for Mains Paper 2 (GS Paper 1)
- Geomorphology – the interior of the earth, tectonics, physical phenomenon, mountain building, volcanoes, earthquakes, weathering & erosion, rocks, and landforms.
- Climatology – atmosphere, temperature distribution, jet streams, pressure & wind systems, airmasses, fronts, cyclones, humidity, precipitation, geographical phenomenon, climatic regions of the world.
- Oceanography – ocean relief, temperature distribution, ocean currents, salinity, coral bleaching, marine pollution, sea level change, UN laws, etc.
- Biography – soil profile, degradation, conservation), biotic regions, deforestation and conservation of forests, changes in critical geographical features, environmental pollution.

Geography Mains Syllabus (Optional Paper 1 & 2)
Candidates can have a look at the UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus for Optional Paper 1 as per the official notification in the image attached below:
UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus For Optional Paper 1 |
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Candidates can have a look at the UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus for Optional Paper 2 as per the official notification in the image attached below:
UPSC Mains Geography Syllabus For Optional Paper 2 |
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