List of Best Books for Geography (Pre-cum-Mains) : UPSC/UPPSC

Table of Contents

Why is Geography important for UPSC/UPPSC Pre-cum-Mains Examinations ?

Geography is one of the major subject to qualify the UPSC/UPPSC examinations. The importance are –

• One of the largest subject for questions asked in Civil Service Prelims Examinations.

• Approximately 70-100 Marks of questions asked in General Studies Paper – I (GS-I) in UPSC/UPPSC Mains Examination.

• It will be make a rank in the Civil Service final result.

• Geography is an optional subject offered by the Commission and it’s very popular optional subjects.

Classification of Best Books :

It is classified in three parts –

I. Basic Books

II. Current Affairs

III. Reference Books

I. Basic Books :

Read compulsorily given below books

(These books referred by topper) –

1. NCERT : VI to X (Old Syllabus)

2. NCERT : XI & XII (New Syllabus)

Class VI to X NCERT books for making strong foundation to understand Geography basic terms and concepts.

NCERT Class – XI : Two most important Geography books for Civil Service Exam Preparation –

(A) Fundamental of Physical Geography :

It covered following topics –

• Climate

• Vegetation

• Land formation

• Ocean

• Coral Reefs

• Tides

and some other important topic also.

(B) Indian Physical Geography : It covered following topics –

• Landforms of India

• Soils of India

• Climate of India

• Forest in India

and some other important topic also.

Above these books important for Prelims as well as Mains Examinations.

NCERT Class XII : Fundamental of Human Geography –

This book best for mains examinations.

Topic related to –

• Economical Geography

• Social Geography e.g. Demographic analysis on the basis of area, climate etc.

3. Certificate Physical and Human Geography – by G. C. Leong (Goh Cheng Leong) :

Read the book at least two times. The book have two parts-

• Part I deals with Physical Geography – it is read by most civil service aspirants and

•Part II deals with World Climate – it covered some important topics.

The book is illustrated with maps, Diagrams, Graphs and photographs.

4. Oxford School Atlas :

It is as important as Articles of the Indian Constitution in Indian Polity subject.

It is a map book (India & World).

The book is India’s Most Trusted Atlas.

It provides –

Highly detailed maps

Latest Reliable Data

Includes recent developments.

It present at every Civil Service Aspirants study table.

II. Current Affairs :

• Drishti IAS Notes or

• Vision IAS Notes or

• YouTube Videos

III. Reference Books :

• Geography of India – by Majid Hussain :

The book is a comprehensive and analytical for becoming master in Indian Geography. It’s written in simple language and easy to understand.

• World Geography – by Majid Hussain

• Physical, Human and Economic Geography – by D R Khuller

The book comprehended physical geography and also human geography. It is good book for preparation of GS and Geography optional also.