What UPSC asks most

Optional Papers I and II (250 marks each): physical and human geography with models and theories (Paper I), the geography of India with the compulsory map question (Paper II).

Traps to avoid

• Writing answers without maps, diagrams or named Indian examples.
• Quoting old data; give figures with their year and source.

How to study it here

1. Read one chapter, then write two of its past questions under time and compare with the model answers.
2. Practise the outline map of India weekly, and draw a labelled sketch or diagram in every answer.

Mains: Optional: define the concept with its geographer, explain the process, add a map or diagram and Indian examples with current data, and end with a way forward.