Geology Optional Syllabus for UPSC
The UPSC Geology optional is examined in two Mains papers of 250 marks each, 500 marks in total. Paper I has 6 topics and Paper II has 6 topics, listed below with their subtopics.
Geology Paper I syllabus
1. Physical Geology
- Earth's interior, plate tectonics
- Volcanism, earthquakes
- Weathering, erosion
2. Geomorphology
- Landforms, processes
- Fluvial, glacial features
- Coastal & aeolian landforms
3. Structural Geology
- Stress, strain, deformation
- Folds, faults, joints
- Unconformities, structural analysis
4. Paleontology
- Fossil types, preservation
- Evolution, extinctions
- Index fossils, biostratigraphy
5. Stratigraphy
- Principles, correlation
- Geological time scale
- Indian stratigraphy
6. Crystallography
- Crystal systems, symmetry
- Crystal projections
- Physical properties of minerals
Geology Paper II syllabus
1. Mineralogy
- Silicate minerals
- Non-silicate minerals
- Optical mineralogy
2. Petrology
- Igneous rocks, classification
- Sedimentary rocks
- Metamorphic rocks, facies
3. Economic Geology
- Ore deposits, metallogeny
- Coal, petroleum
- Mineral exploration methods
4. Indian Geology
- Geological evolution
- Mineral resources
- Geological formations
5. Hydrogeology
- Groundwater occurrence
- Aquifer properties
- Groundwater exploration
6. Engineering Geology
- Rock mechanics, slope stability
- Dam & tunnel geology
- Environmental geology
Other Sciences optionals
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