Geography Optional References

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Must-read books for Geography Optional


The Geography Optional is one of the most popular optional in UPSC CSE preparation. And it is optional with the vast syllabus. One should not worry about the vastness of the syllabus because the syllabus overlaps with most of the GS-1, GS-3 topics. So, one can easily score well in both GS papers. The Optional also helpful in clearing prelims because, one can easily attempt questions related to Physical Geography, Indian Geography, Human Geography, and Environment without much difficulty.


Here the GeoVillae has made an attempt to list the must-read books for Geography Optional and a list of Some Reference books.


Syllabus Must-Read Book
Physical Geography  
Geomorphology all topics except below-mentioned topics Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Denudation chronology; Channel morphology; Geomorphology by Savindra Singh
Erosion surfaces; Slope development; Geomorphology by Savindra Singh
Applied Geomorphology: Geohydrology, economic
geology and environment.
Coaching notes of your choice
Climatology Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Oceanography Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Environmental Geography Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Environmental Geography Environment by Shankar IAS
Bio-Geography Coaching notes of your choice
Human Geography  
Perspectives in Human Geography: Evolution of Geographical thought by Majid Hussain or     R D Dixit
Economic Geography Coaching notes of your choice
Population and Settlement Geography Human Geography by Majid Hussain and Models & Theories by Majid Hussain
Regional Planning Coaching notes of your choice
Models, Theories and Laws in Human Geography: Models & Theories by Majid Hussain
Indian Geography entire Syllabus India Comprehensive Geography by Khullar
Must Refer Dictionaries  
Physical Geography The Penguin dictionary of physical geography
Human Geography The Penguin dictionary of human geography
Geography Optional Reference Books