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Geology Syllabus for UPSC PDF: UPSC Mains Geology Syllabus for UPSC

Last Updated on Nov 26, 2024
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The Geology syllabus for UPSC is designed to test the aspirant's understanding of several geological principles and their applications. The students who opt for this optional subject have their background in Geology, Earth Sciences, or any such branch of study. The syllabus for Geology is an extensive one covering divergent ranges of topics like Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy, and more. With a strategic approach to preparation, candidates can excel in this exam by focusing on key areas and utilizing the right resources.

It is important to understand the UPSC Geology syllabus as it will determine how one could structure his/her study plan in the most effective way. Breaking up the syllabus into manageable chunks and surveying previous years' question papers helps in pinpointing the most relevant topics and keeping the time proper for handling those. The subsequent content does this with respect to the Geology syllabus for UPSC, thus helping aspirants navigate through the huge material required for the examination.

Check the detailed UPSC IAS Mains Syllabus here.

Overview of Geology Syllabus for UPSC 2025

The UPSC CSE 2025 Geology syllabus is inclusive enough, covering key topics of physical and historical Geology, mineralogy, petrology, structural Geology, paleontology, stratigraphy, hydroGeology, economic Geology, and environmental Geology. This overview helps in getting the breadth of the subject and deciding on a focused approach for preparation.

There will be 2 papers for the syllabus of Geology for UPSC. Each paper of the Geology syllabus UPSC would comprise 250 marks, which makes it 500 marks in total. The time duration to attempt the UPSC Geology paper is 3 hours. Each paper would have objective answer-type questions. There is no negative marking.

Overview of Geology Syllabus for UPSC 2025

Sl. No. 

UPSC IAS Mains Papers

Subject

Marks

1.

Paper VI

Optional Subject Paper-I

250

2.

Paper VII

Optional Subject Paper-II

250

TOTAL

500

Time Duration

3 hours

Check the detailed UPSC IAS exam pattern here.

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UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus for Papers 1 & 2

Subjects for the Geology syllabus of UPSC Paper 1 are General Geology, Geomorphology, Structural Geology, Paleontology and Stratigraphy. Paper 2 has Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentary Petrology, Economic Geology, HydroGeology, Indian Mineral Deposits and Mineral Economics, Environmental Geology, and Engineering Geology. The two papers will assess the candidate's theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of geological concepts.

Download Geology UPSC Syllabus PDF here!

UPSC Syllabus for Geology Optional Paper 1

The UPSC syllabus Geology for Optional Paper 1 will cover General Geology, which includes the origin and interior of the earth along with its geochemical and geophysical properties; Geomorphology and Remote Sensing, landforms, geomorphic processes, application of remote sensing in geological studies, among others; Structural Geology, where deformation should be understood by the candidates, folds, faults, and joints, to name a few; Paleontology, fossil records, methods of study, and evolutionary history of life; and Stratigraphy, including principles of stratigraphy, stratigraphic units, their distribution and classification, and techniques of stratigraphic correlation.

The table below gives a detailed view of the the key topics of the UPSC IAS Geology syllabus for UPSC Paper 1:

UPSC Syllabus Geology for Optional Paper 1

Topics of Geology Syllabus for IAS

Sub-Topic / Details

General Geology

The Solar System, Meteorites, Origin and interior of the Earth, Age of Earth

Volcanoes: Causes and products, Volcanic belts

Earthquakes: Causes, effects, Seismic zones of India

Island arcs, trenches, and mid-ocean ridges

Continental drifts

Seafloor spreading, Plate tectonics

Isostasy

Geomorphology

Basic concepts of geomorphology

Weathering and soil formation

Landforms, slopes, and drainage

Geomorphic cycles and their interpretation

Morphology and its relation to structures and lithology

Coastal geomorphology

Applications in mineral prospecting and civil engineering

Hydrology and environmental studies

Geomorphology of the Indian subcontinent

Remote Sensing

Aerial photographs, merits and limitations

Orbiting satellites and sensor systems

Indian Remote Sensing Satellites, Satellite data products

Applications of remote sensing in geology

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and GPS (Global Positioning System) applications

Structural Geology

Principles of geologic mapping and map reading

Projection diagrams

Stress and strain ellipsoid, stress-strain relationships of elastic, plastic, and viscous materials

Strain markers in deformed rocks

Behaviour of minerals and rocks under deformation

Folds and faults: Classification and mechanics

Structural analysis: Folds, foliations, lineations, joints, faults, unconformities

Time relationship between crystallization and deformation

Paleontology

Species: Definition and nomenclature

Megafossils and Microfossils

Modes of fossil preservation

Application of microfossils in correlation, petroleum exploration, paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic studies

Evolutionary trends in Hominidae, Equidae, and Proboscidae

Siwalik fauna

Gondwana flora and fauna and its importance

Index fossils and their significance

Indian Stratigraphy

Classification of stratigraphic sequences: Lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, magnetostratigraphic

Precambrian rocks of India

Phanerozoic rocks of India: Lithology, fauna, flora, economic importance

Major boundary problems: Cambrian/Precambrian, Permian/Triassic, Cretaceous/Tertiary, Pliocene/Pleistocene

Climatic conditions, palaeogeography, igneous activity in the Indian subcontinent

Tectonic framework of India

Evolution of the Himalayas

Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology

Hydrologic cycle and genetic classification of water

Movement of subsurface water

Springs, Porosity, Permeability, Hydraulic conductivity, Transmissivity, Storage coefficient, Aquifers

Groundwater chemistry, Saltwater intrusion, Types of wells

Drainage basin morphometry, Groundwater exploration and recharge

Problems and management of groundwater

Rainwater harvesting

Engineering properties of rocks

Geological investigations for dams, tunnels, highways, railways, bridges

Landslides: Causes, prevention, and rehabilitation

Earthquake-resistant structures

UPSC Syllabus for Geology Optional Paper 2

For Paper 2, the syllabus covers Mineralogy and Crystallography, including properties and classification of minerals and structure of silicates; Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, covering the classification and genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks; Sedimentary Petrology, dealing with sedimentation processes and types of sedimentary rocks; Economic Geology, focusing on processes of formation, classification of mineral deposits, and economic minerals of India; HydroGeology, including groundwater, hydrological cycles, and exploration and exploitation methods; Indian Mineral Deposits and Mineral Economics, dealing with distribution and uses of minerals in India, along with mining legislation; Environmental Geology, covering the environmental impact of mining, waste disposal, and natural hazards; and Engineering Geology, focusing on the engineering properties of rocks and geological investigations for civil engineering projects.

The table below highlights the key topics of the Geology Optional UPSC syllabus for Paper 2:

UPSC Geology Optional Syllabus for Paper 2

Topics of Geology Syllabus for IAS

Sub-Topic / Details

Mineralogy

Classification of crystals: Systems and classes of symmetry

International system of crystallographic notation

Use of projection diagrams to represent crystal symmetry

X-ray crystallography

Physical and chemical characters of rock-forming silicate minerals

Structural classification of silicates

Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks

Minerals of the carbonate, phosphate, sulphide, and halide groups

Clay minerals

Optical Properties: Pleochroism, extinction angle, double refraction, birefringence, twinning, dispersion

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Generation and crystallization of magmas

Bowen’s Reaction Principle

Magmatic differentiation and assimilation

Petrography and petrogenesis of granite, syenite, diorite, basic and ultrabasic rocks

Deccan volcanic province

Types and agents of metamorphism

Metamorphic grades and zones

Phase rule, Facies of regional and contact metamorphism

ACF and AKF diagrams

Textures and structures of metamorphic rocks

Metamorphism of arenaceous, argillaceous, and basic rocks

Retrograde metamorphism, Metasomatism, Granitisation, Migmatites, Granulite terrains of India

Sedimentary Petrology

Sediments and Sedimentary rocks

Processes of formation, Diagenesis, Lithification

Clastic and non-clastic rocks: Classification, petrography, depositional environment

Sedimentary facies and provenance

Sedimentary structures and their significance

Heavy minerals and their significance

Sedimentary basins of India

Economic Geology

Ore, ore minerals, gangue, tenor of ore, classification of ore deposits

Process of formation of mineral deposits

Controls of ore localization

Ore textures and structures

Metallogenic epochs and provinces

Geology of important Indian deposits: Aluminium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead-zinc, manganese, titanium, uranium, thorium, coal, petroleum

National Mineral Policy, Conservation and utilization of mineral resources

Marine mineral resources, Law of Sea

Mining Geology

Methods of prospecting: Geological, geophysical, geochemical, geobotanical

Techniques of sampling, Estimation of reserves

Exploration and mining of metallic ores, industrial minerals, marine mineral resources, building stones

Mineral beneficiation and ore dressing

Geochemistry and Environmental Geology

Cosmic abundance of elements

Composition of planets and meteorites

Structure and composition of Earth, Distribution of elements

Trace elements, Elements of crystal chemistry

Isomorphism, polymorphism, Chemical bonds, Coordination number

Natural hazards: Floods, mass wasting, coastal hazards, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mitigation

Environmental impact of urbanisation, mining, waste disposal, fertilizers, dumping of waste and fly ash

Pollution of ground/surface water, marine pollution

Environment protection: Legislative measures in India

Sea level changes: Causes and impact

Prepare for the exam using the UPSC IAS mains strategy here.

How to Prepare for the Geology Optional Syllabus for UPSC?

Preparation for the Geology optional syllabus involves a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts, regular revision, and practice of previous years' question papers. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Divide syllabus into smaller sections.
  • Strategic Reading: Read important chapters identified from previous years' papers.
  • Regular Revision: Revise regularly to retain information.
  • Practice Papers: Solve previous years' question papers so that the pattern and frequently asked questions could be understood.
  • Use of Diagrams: Practice neat geological diagrams regularly. They help in securing better marks.

UPSC Geology Previous Year Question Papers

Using the question papers of previous years is of utmost importance. It gives one an idea of the questions most frequently asked, the type of questions, and also points out important topics from the ups syllabus Geology and upsc cse Geology syllabus. Proper practice with the help of these papers improves answer-writing skills and enhances time management during the actual exam.

Geology Optional Previous Year Question Papers

Year

Paper

Download Link

2021

Geology Paper I

Click Here

Geology Paper II

Click Here

2022

Geology Paper I 

Click Here

Geology Paper II

Click Here

2023

Geology Paper I 

Click Here

Geology Paper II

Click Here

2024

Geology Paper I 

Click Here

Geology Paper II

Click Here

Check some more UPSC IAS Previous Year’s Question Papers for other subjects here!

List of Books for Geology UPSC Optional Syllabus

The suggested books below cover the UPSC Mains Geology syllabus, but it is not necessary to read each book comprehensively. Focus on reading the specific chapters and topics in each book that are relevant to the UPSC exam. Be strategic in selecting which portions to study for UPSC optional Geology syllabus rather than trying to get through every page of these reference books.

  • "Rutley's Elements of Mineralogy" by G.W. Rutley is a comprehensive material for gaining insight into mineral properties and classifications as well as for understanding Mineralogy and Crystallography.
  • Of special importance for studying the classification and genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks are "Petrology" by Huang and "Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology" by Winter.
  • "Structural Geology" by Arthur Holmes, "Structural Geology" by Billings, and "Structural Geology" by R. Ghosh provide comprehensive explanations on deformation, folds, faults, and joints that are vital to Structural Geology.
  • "Indian Stratigraphy" by N.V. Datta and "Stratigraphy and Geology of India" by Pankaj Srivastava are considered essential reading for understanding the pattern and stratigraphic classification of units in India.
  • " Elements of Paleontology" by Rhona M. Black and "Paleontology" by Jain and Anantharaman cover the fossil records and evolutionary history study.
  • "Groundwater Hydrology" by Todd as well as "HydroGeology" by Karanth are significant for groundwater and hydrologic cycles understanding.
  • "Geomorphology" by Savindra Singh as well as "Geomorphology" by Thornbury are the guides to advanced knowledge about landforms and geomorphic processes.
  • U. Prasad's "Economic Geology" and Roy Chaudhary's "Ore Deposits of India" provide for an analysis of mineral deposits and economic Geology in India.
  • K.K. Kanasewich's "Principles of Geophysics" and P. Kearney's "Applied Geophysics" enable the understanding of geophysical properties necessary for Geology.
  • Parbin Singh's "Engineering Geology" and F.G. Bell's "Engineering Geology" provides insights into the engineering properties of rocks and geological investigations for civil engineering projects.

Combining selective reading with solving previous years' question papers allows candidates to identify and prioritize the most important areas of the syllabus, maximizing preparation efficiency.

This was a detailed article about the UPSC Geology Syllabus. To start the preparation for your examination, download the Testbook App and get access to world-class educations, mock tests, etc.

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UPSC Geology Syllabus 2025 FAQs

The detailed syllabus of Geology for UPSC is available on the official UPSC website or in UPSC preparation guides and books.

These are very important as they identify frequently asked questions, question pattern understanding, and focus on important topics.

Additional materials include journals like Geological Society of India Journal, newsletters like GSI Newsletter, and magazines like Down to Earth.

The Geology syllabus for UPSC mains covers topics in physical and historical Geology, mineralogy, petrology, structural Geology, paleontology, stratigraphy, hydroGeology, economic Geology, environmental Geology, and engineering Geology.

Preparation requires going through the syllabus, strategic reading, frequent revision, solving question papers of previous years, and practicing drawing geological diagrams.
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