UPSC IAS Mains Geology Optional Syllabus for Papers 1 and 2

UPSC Civil Services Main Examination has Geology as one of the optional subjects with 2 papers (Paper I and Paper II). The main examination of the IAS exam consists of nine papers including two optional papers. This article provides you UPSC Geology Syllabus for optional subjects.

UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus

The detailed UPSC Geology syllabus covers the Earth’s evolution, structure, characteristics and processes that shape its surface and interior. The Geology elective course provides a broad understanding of geology to analyze the Earth system and apply the concepts toward human civilization.

UPSC Geology Syllabus	Topics
Paper 1	General Geology Geomorphology and Remote Sensing Structural Geology Palaeontology Indian Stratigraphy Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology
Paper 2	Mineralogy Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Sedimentary Petrology Economic Geology Mining Geology Geochemistry and Environmental Geology

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UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus for Paper 1

Here is an overview of the UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus for Paper-1:

General Geology

Solar System, Meteorites, Earth’s Origin and Interior and Earth’s Age
Volcano- Causes and Products, Volcanic Belt
Earthquake-Causes, Effects, Seismic Zones of India
Island arcs, trenches and mid-ocean ridges
Continental drift
seafloor spreading, plate tectonics
Homeostasis.

Geomorphology and Remote Sensing

Basic Concepts of Geomorphology
Weathering and Soil Formation
Landforms, Slopes and Drainage
Geomorphic cycles and their interpretation
Morphology and its relationship to structures and lithology.
Coastal Geomorphology
Applications of Geomorphology in Mineral Prospecting and Civil Engineering.
Hydrology and Environmental Studies
Geomorphology of the Indian subcontinent
Aerial photographs and their interpretation – advantages and limitations
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Orbiting Satellites and Sensor Systems
Indian Remote Sensing Satellite
Satellite Data Products
Applications of remote sensing in geology;
Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) – its applications.

Structural Geology

Principles of geologic mapping and map reading, projection diagrams, stress and strain ellipsoids and stress-strain relations of elastic, plastic and viscous materials.
Stress markers in deformed rocks
Behavior of minerals and rocks under deformation
Bend and fault classification and mechanics
Structural analysis of folds, leaves, lines, joints and faults, unconformities
Time relation between crystallization and deformation.

Palaeontology

Species- Definition and Nomenclature
Megafossils and Microfossils
Methods of preservation of fossils
Different types of microscopic fossils
Application of Microfossils in correlation, petroleum exploration, palaeoclimate and palaeoecology studies
Evolutionary trends in Hominidae, Equidae and Proboscideans
Shivalik Jeeva
Gondwana flora and fauna and its importance
Index Fossils and their importance.

Indian Stratigraphy

Classification of Stratigraphic Sequences
Lithostratigraphic, Biostratigraphic, Chronostratigraphic and Magnetostratigraphic and their Interrelationships
Distribution and Classification of Precambrian Rocks of India
Study of stratigraphic distribution and lithology of Phanerozoic rocks of India about fauna, flora and economic importance.
Major Boundary Problems – Cambrian/Precambrian, Permian/Triassic, Cretaceous/Tertiary and Pliocene/Pleistocene.
The study of climatic conditions, palaeogeography and igneous activity in the Indian subcontinent in the geological past.
Tectonic structure of India
Development of Himalayas.

Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology

Hydrological Cycle and genetic classification of water
Movement of subsurface water
Springs; Porosity, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, permeability and storage coefficient, classification of aquifers.
Water-holding properties of Rocks
Groundwater Chemistry
Saltwater intrusion; types of wells
Drainage Basin Morphometry
Exploration of Groundwater
Groundwater Recharge
Groundwater Problems and Management
Rainwater Harvesting
Engineering Properties of Rocks
Geological investigation for dams, tunnels, highways, railways and bridges.
Rock as a building material
Landslides-Causes, Prevention and Rehabilitation
Earthquake-Resistant Structures.

UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus for Paper 2

Here is an overview of the Geology optional syllabus for UPSC Paper-2:

Mineralogy

Classification of crystals into systems and symmetry classes
International System of Crystallographic Notation;
Use of projection diagrams to show crystal symmetry
Elements of X-ray Crystallography
Physical and chemical characteristics of silicate mineral groups that form rock.
Structural classification of silicates
Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks
Minerals of carbonate, phosphate, sulphide and halide groups
clay minerals
Optical properties of common rock-forming minerals
Polychromy, extinction angle, double refraction, double refraction, cohesion and dispersion in minerals.

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Magma production and crystallization
Crystallization of the albite-anorthite, diopside-anorthite, and diopside-wollastonite-silica systems.
Bowen’s reaction theory
Magical differentiation and assimilation
Petrogenetic significance of textures and structures of igneous rocks.
Petrography and petrogenesis of granite, syenite, diorite, basic and ultrabasic conglomerate, charnockite, anorthosite and alkaline rocks.
Carbonite; Deccan Volcanic Province
Types and factors of metamorphosis
Metamorphic Grade and Zone
Step Rule
Features of Regional and Contact Metamorphism
ACF and AKF diagram
Formation and Structure of Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphism of Arenaceous, Argillaceous and Basic Rocks
Mineral Assemblage Retrograde Metamorphism
Metasomatism and Granitization, Migmatites, Granulite Localities of India.

Sedimentary Petrology

Sediments and Sedimentary rocks
Formation Processes
Diagenesis and Lithification
Classification, Petrography and Depositional Environment of clastic and non-clastic rocks.
Sedimentary facies and provenance
Sedimentary Formations and their Importance
Heavy minerals and their importance
Sedimentary valleys of India.

Economic Geology

Ore, ore minerals and gangue, nature of ore, classification of ore deposits.
Process of formation of mineral deposits
Control of Ore Localization
Ore textures and structures
Metallogenic Era and Province
Geology of important Indian reserves of Aluminium, Chromium, Copper, Gold, Iron, Lead-Zinc, Manganese, Titanium, Uranium Thorium and Industrial Minerals.
Coal and petroleum reserves in India;
National Mineral Policy
Conservation and utilization of mineral resources
Marine Mineral Resources and the Law of the Sea.

Mining Geology

Methods of prospecting-geological, geophysical, geochemical and geobotanical
Sampling Techniques
Estimation of reserves or ore
Methods of exploration and mining of metallic ores, industrial minerals, marine mineral resources and building stones.
Mineral beneficiation and ore dressing.

Geochemistry and Environmental Geology

Cosmic abundance of elements
Composition of planets and meteorites
Earth’s structure composition and distribution of elements
Trace Elements
Elements of Crystal Chemistry, Types of Chemical Bonds, Coordination Numbers
Isomorphism and polymorphism
Elementary thermodynamics
Natural hazards – floods, mass wasting, coastal hazards, earthquakes and volcanic activity and mitigation
Environmental effects of urbanization, mining, industrial and radioactive waste disposal, use of fertilizers, dumping of mine waste and fly ash
Groundwater and surface water pollution, marine pollution
Environmental Protection – Legislative Measures in India
Sea level change: causes and effects.

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Tips to Prepare for the UPSC Geology Optional Course

Here are some tips to prepare effectively for UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus:

Understand the Syllabus: Start with an overview of the syllabus and UPSC previous year’s question papers to identify important topics and exam patterns.
Choose the Right Study Material: Choose the standard books prescribed by UPSC to build on its basic principles. Make chapter-wise notes.
Stay updated: Read geology newspapers, magazines and science magazine articles regularly for current developments.
Solve Previous Year Papers: Solve the last 10-15 years of UPSC Geology papers well. Pay attention to the importance of the topic and the nature of the questions asked.
Focus more time on your weak areas. Physical geology and Indian stratigraphy generally require more attention.
Practice Diagrams and Case Studies: Practice creating neat diagrams, sections, and labelling. UPSC often asks candidates to illustrate concepts through diagrams.
Join Test Series: Give mock tests every 2-3 months to assess preparations. Also, appear for the GS preliminary exam to increase interest in the exam.
Revision and Smart Learning: Revise efficiently; Summarize formulas, principles and mnemonics for quick recall. Prefer analytical, diagram-based reference books for revision rather than descriptive textbooks.
Time Management: Staying consistent and motivated while avoiding distractions in your preparation journey of 8-12 months is the key to completing the huge syllabus.