Geology notes for upsc pdf

The UPSC IAS Mains examination is a crucial part of the Civil Services Examination journey. It includes a choice of optional subject, with two papers, which can significantly influence the candidate's final result. The UPSC IAS Exam is divided into three stages - Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.

Geology, a significant branch of Earth Sciences, has emerged as one of the most reliable and high-scoring optional subjects for the UPSC Civil Services Mains examination. The subject is relatively straightforward, thus making it easier for the aspirants to score high. As a result, it's an excellent choice for candidates who have a keen interest in geology.

The geology syllabus for the UPSC IAS Mains exam is quite extensive, and candidates may need more than three months to cover it comprehensively. It is advisable to complete the Geology syllabus well before the UPSC Prelims.

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Essential UPSC Geology Study Materials

The most recommended source for covering the UPSC IAS Syllabus is NCERT textbooks. However, for UPSC Optional Subjects, it is often necessary to refer to a few additional books to gain deeper insights into topics that are not covered in school textbooks.

For a better understanding, candidates can check the UPSC Syllabus in the linked article.

Here are some of the best books for Geology Optional for IAS:

Geological Transformations and Developments: A Tribute to M.S. Krishnan- A P Subramaniam & S. Balakrishnan
Ananda K. Coomaraswamy's Contributions to Geology and Mineralogy: Scientific Papers and Observations- Ranganathan, A. & Rao, K. Srinivasa (Eds.)
Brief Glossary of Geology- Mathur, S.M.
Deccan Travels: The Formation of Bangalore's Landscape-Mathur, Anuradha & Cunha, Dilip Da
Delta Sedimentation: A Study of India's East Coast- Singh, I.B. & Swamy, A.S.R.
Himalayan Geology Dimensions- Biyani A.K.
Early Human Settlements in Eastern Himalayas: North-East India and Nepal- Sharma, A. K.
Earthquake Disaster Management: Masonry Buildings, Design and Construction- Arya, Anand S.
Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Fish and Fisheries- Anand, Vishal
Encyclopedia of Geo-Informatics: Incorporating GIS and Remote Sensing, 5 Vols.- Trivedi, Priya Ranjan et al.
Encyclopedia of Geology-Washali Yadgiri
Encyclopedia of Paleontology- Sharma, Vivek
Foreland Sedimentation in the Himalayan Tectonic Regime: A New Perspective on the Orogenic Process- V. Raiverman
Geological Settings and Petroleum Systems of India's East Coast Offshore Basins: Concepts and Applications- Ravi, Bastia
Geology Maps- D.K. Awasthi
Geology and Evolution of the Indian Plate (from Hadean to Holocene – 4Ga to 4 Ka)- Naqvi, S.M.
Structural Geology and Tectonics Glossary- P.S. Saklani 6. Wild India: The wildlife and landscapes of India- Guy Mountfort & Hashim Tyabji
Himalaya: Geological Aspect, Vol. 5-P.S. Saklani (Ed.)
Himalaya: Geological Aspects, Vol. 1 & 2 – P.S. Saklani
Himalaya: Geological Aspects, Vol. 3- Saklani, P.S. (Ed.)
Himalaya: Geological Aspects, Vol. 4 / Saklani, P.S. (Ed.)
History and Culture of the Himalaya, 3 Vols- Gulia, K. S
Hydrocarbon Potential and Exploration Strategy of Cauvery Basin, India- J.N. Sahu
Inland Fisheries: Ecology and Management- Welcomme, R. L
Marine Geology: A Scenario Around Indian Coasts- T.K. Mallik
Metallogenesis of Manganese Ores of Srikakulam-Visakhapatnam Belt- Siddiquie, F.N.
Mine Closure Strategies- Naresh Chandra Saxena
Mineral Exploration: Recent Approaches- S. Rajendran et al.
Poisonous Snakes- F. Wall
Resource Management using Remote Sensing and GIS-Bir Abhimanyu Kumar
Remote Sensing in Geomorphology- Ramasamy, S.M.
Soil Chemistry: Fundamental Concepts- G. Bujy
The Evolution and Classification of Soils-Ramanan, E. & Whittles, C.L. (Tr.)
The Ice Age in the Indian Subcontinent and Associated Human Culture-Terra, H. De. & Paterson, T.T.

For better strategizing for the upcoming civil services examination, check the UPSC 2023 article.

For more detailed information, you can also refer to the UPSC Geology Syllabus in the linked article.

You can find some additional articles on UPSC Geology Optional and IAS Exam in the table below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best source to cover the UPSC IAS Syllabus?

The best source to cover the UPSC IAS Syllabus is NCERTs textbooks. However, UPSC Optionals Subjects will require reading of few reference books.

What are the best books for Geology Optional for IAS?

Some of the best books for Geology Optional for IAS include 'Advancing Frontiers in Geology and Geophysics' by A P Subramaniam & S. Balakrishnan, 'Ananda K. Coomaraswamy Writings on Geology and Mineralogy' by Ranganathan, A. & Rao, K. Srinivasa, 'Concise Glossary of Geology' by Mathur, S.M., 'Deccan Traverses: The Making of Bangalore’s Terrain' by Mathur, Anuradha & Cunha, Dilip Da, and more.