A comprehensive guide to the most crucial geography books for UPSC Civil Services Exam preparation.
As the Civil Services Exam (CSE) season approaches, it becomes increasingly important for UPSC aspirants to fine-tune their preparation strategies, especially for complex subjects such as geography. Geography holds significant weight in both the prelims and mains exams, with the subject featuring prominently in the General Studies (GS) paper.
Given the immense popularity of geography as an optional subject, Jagran Josh’s exam prep team has compiled a list of the top 5 must-have books for aspirants to add to their study repertoire.
In this article, we delve into the most recommended geography books for UPSC CSE preparation, as endorsed by experts and previous toppers. The list comprises both NCERT textbooks and advanced-level books to provide a holistic approach to mastering geography.
Foundation: NCERT Textbooks for UPSC Geography Preparation
The first and foremost step in preparing for the geography section is to build a strong foundation with the help of NCERT textbooks. These books offer vast information on crucial topics in a simple, easy-to-understand language.
Candidates are advised to begin their preparation with these textbooks before moving on to reference materials. The following is a list of NCERT books for UPSC geography preparation:
Top 5 Must-Have Geography Books for UPSC CSE Preparation
1. Geography of India by Majid Husain
This comprehensive guide is a favorite among IAS aspirants, as it covers various aspects of India’s geography, including resources, cropping patterns, irrigation types, disasters, government initiatives, transport, public distribution systems, and food security. The book employs maps and diagrams to provide detailed explanations and enhance understanding.
2. World Geography by Majid Husain
Regarded as one of the finest books for scoring high in the geography section, World Geography offers an in-depth analysis of the diverse geographical regions across the globe.
3. Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
This book covers a wide range of topics, including physical and human geography, with simple language, photographs, illustrations, and maps to aid understanding. Topics covered include mountain chains, climate change, deserts, types of natural vegetation, climatic patterns, glaciers, minerals, and other natural phenomena.
4. Physical, Human and Economic Geography for Civil Services Examination by D R Khuller
Ideal for IAS aspirants and those without prior geography knowledge, this book is divided into two parts: Physical Geography (Part 1) and Human and Economic Geography (Part 2). The text is complemented by numerous maps, diagrams, charts, and the latest data.
5. Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press
Containing approximately 200 easy-to-understand maps and 94 thematic maps of India, along with charts and diagrams, the Oxford School Atlas is a reliable and informative source for UPSC aspirants. Detailed maps, charts, and diagrams help strengthen knowledge of India’s location, rivers, mountains, and mineral reserves. The atlas covers political and physical maps of India, as well as core thematic issues ranging from climate to wildlife.
How to Study Geography for the UPSC Exam?
A thorough understanding of Indian and World Geography is crucial for scoring high in the Geography section. As such, it’s essential to choose the right books that cover all aspects of the UPSC Geography syllabus. The most effective way to commence geography preparation is by reading NCERT books from Class 6 to 12. These textbooks allow candidates to grasp basic concepts with ease, as various topics are explained in simple language.