The geography syllabus is very vast and covers a significant portion of the General Studies related to geography for the IAS civil examination. The candidates should not ignore this subject as a huge chunk of the general studies MCQs are related to geography. Studying the geographical topics will also help you in preparing for other aspects, like the study of the Indian economy which is widely dependent upon monsoons, which is a geographical aspect.
Read further to get insights regarding what are some awesome guessing techniques in MCQ questions of UPSC prelims? Some UPSC MCQ tips and techniques along with some important sample NCERT MCQ for UPSC.
Important Reference Books for UPSC Geography Preparation
- Geography of India – Majid Husain.
- World Geography – Majid Husain.
- Certificate of Physical and Human Geography – Gohchengleong.
- Physical, human, and Economic Geography for Civil Services Examination – D R Khuller.
- Oxford School Atlas.
Some UPSC MCQ Techniques
These techniques are supplementary for your preparation and are mentioned to boost your prelims score. However, they are in no way a replacement to the traditional studying for the exam that can help you excel.
1) Eliminate Extreme Statements
When you spot an extreme statement or a partially correct statement, then the answer is usually false.
2) Lookalike Answers
If two options are slightly different then one of them has to be the answer.
3) Extreme Opposite Options
If two options seem extremely opposite then one of them can be your answer.
Easy tips to make your Geography MCQ for UPSC fun!
Since we have already mentioned how important and vast geography is for the UPSC exam, let us try to learn how we can make learning Geography easy and fun.
- Go Through the Syllabus As Many Times As You Can
It is very essential to know the syllabus properly. A precise outline of the same will help you focus on what exactly is important and requires your attention.
- Choose the Correct Study Material
Go through the various study materials available online as well as in physical format. The ones that are descriptive enough and go well with the syllabus has to be the one. Start with the NCERT MCQ for UPSC in the NCERT books and then move to higher-level books.
- Getting Acquainted With the Exam Paper Pattern
Go through as many previous years’ question papers as you can. Getting familiarised with the pattern can prove as an advantage and will also prepare you to face anything in the exam hall.
- Connecting Current Affairs with Geography
Every day you read articles, blogs in newspapers, magazines, and editorials, you read about the weather, various natural calamities, the geographical phenomenons, border issues between countries, and other such related topics. Try to relate it to the content you have read in your Geography preparations.
This will help you to remember and understand it better. Another plus side to this is that you are also preparing for your current affairs with even more related content.
- Connecting Geography with Other Subjects
The socio-political, cultural, history of a particular area are all connected to the geography of the same. For example, a lot of politics is involved while determining the countries that produce oil and petroleum. Anthropology and geography are strongly connected. For example, the clothes, custom, etc. of the region depends on the climatic conditions of the region. This knowledge can help you with your UPSC exam preparation.
- Learning with Mnemonics
Memorizing the humongous lists of things in the UPSC syllabus can be very hectic. Mnemonics is a fun way to learn the list of various things.
For example,
To remember the kings from the ancient times who practised Buddhism.
BAPU KA HATH
B- Bimbisara
A- Ashoka
P- Prasanjeet
U- Udaysen
K- Kanishka
HATH- Harshvardhana
To remember all the member nations of the SAARC
MBBS PAIN
M- Maldives
B- Bangladesh
B- Bhutan
S- Sri Lanka
P- Pakistan
A- Afghanistan
I- India
N- Nepal
A mnemonics to remember the core industries in India
CCC FRENS
C- Coal
C- Crude Oil
C- Cement
F- Fertilizers
R- Refinery Products
E- Electricity
N- Natural Gas
S- Steel
Conclusion
These were some of the best tips, techniques and strategies to prepare for the UPSC Prelims. MCQs in the UPSC can be tricky sometimes. Having your strategies intact well before will not only help you excel in just the geography MCQ for UPSC, but also for questions related to history MCQ for UPSC and polity MCQ for UPSC.
We will keep you updated regarding all the UPSC tips, tricks, and strategies that will help you excel in your UPSC examinations. Stay tuned to our regular blogs for more subject-related information and UPSC related content.
