UPSC Geology Books 2020-21 - Best Optional Books for IAS Geology Exam
UPSC Geology Books 2020-21 - UPSC aspirants planning to appear for the Civil Services Exam must keep a list of UPSC Geology 2020-21 books for their preparation. Candidates must have a strong preparation strategy backed with the best book for Geology 2020-21. Along with the best books for UPSC Geology, candidates must also know about the UPSC IAS syllabus, exam pattern which will add on to the benefit of cracking the exam. A list of UPSC 2020-21 books have been mentioned in the following list. These books of UPSC Geology 2020-21 are referred by experts and exam toppers. Geology is an optional subject of the UPSC mains exam. Around 11 lakh candidates appeared for UPSC CSE exam. In this article, we have shared a list of UPSC Geology books 2020-21 that contains all the important topics and sub-topics related to the Geology subject. This will help then prepare for the UPSC IAS 2020 exam in a better and a more efficient way.
Latest: UPSC Geo-Scientist admit card 2021 has been released by UPSC. Check UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologists syllabus here.

UPSC Geology Books 2020-21
Geology optional subject is the studies of Earth. The questions will be based on Geomorphology, Oceanography, Biogeography, Climatology, Human Geography, Geography of India, General Geology, Paleontology, Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology etc.
Best Books for UPSC Geology 2020-21
Best Geology UPSC IAS Books | Authors |
NCERT Books (Geography) | From Class 6-10 |
A Dictionary of Geology | Morrison |
Geomorphology | Woolridge or Thornbury |
Ananda K. Coomaraswamy Writings on Geology and Mineralogy: Scientific Papers and Comments | Ranganathan, A. & Rao, K. Srinivasa (Eds.) |
Geology: An Introduction | Kronaris and Krambine |
Petrography | Williams |
Concise Glossary of Geology | S.M. Mathur. |
The Ice Age in the Indian Subcontinent and Associated Human Culture | Terra, H. De. & Paterson, T.T. |
Principles of Petrology | G.W. Turrel |
Dimensions of Himalayan Geology | A.K. Biyani |
Remote Sensing and GIS for Natural Resource Management | Bir Abhimanyu Kumar |
Marine Geology: A Scenario Around Indian Coasts | T.K. Mallik |
Remote Sensing in Geomorphology | S.M. Ramasamy |
Metallogenesis of Manganese Ores of Srikakulam-Visakhapatnam Belt | F.N. Siddiquie |
Inland Fisheries: Ecology and Management | R. L. Welcomee |
Mineral Exploration: Recent Strategies | S. Rajendran |
The Evolution and Classification of Soils-Ramanan | E. & Whittles, C.L. (Tr.) |
Mine Closure | Naresh Chandra Saxena |
Hydrocarbon Potential and Exploration Strategy of Cauvery Basin, India | J.N. Sahu |
Advancing Frontiers in Geology and Geophysics: A Volume in Honour of M.S. Krishnan | A P Subramaniam & S. Balakrishnan |
Delta Sedimentation: East Coast of India | Singh, I.B. & Swamy, A.S.R. |
Igneous Rocks and Metamorphic Petrology | Turner |
Earthquake Disaster Reduction: Masonry Buildings, Design and Construction | Anand S. Arya |
Early Man in Eastern Himalayas: North-East India and Nepal | A. K. Sharma |
Deccan Traverses: The Making of Bangalore’s Terrain | Mathur, Anuradha & Cunha, Dilip Da |
Geological Maps | D.K. Awasthi |
Encyclopaedia of Geology | Yadgiri, Vaishali |
Geology and Evolution of the Indian Plate (from Hadean to Holocene – 4Ga to 4 Ka) | S.M. Naqvi |
Encyclopaedia of Paleontology | Sharma, Vivek |
Glossary of Structural Geology and Tectonics- P.S. Saklani 6. Wild India: The wildlife and landscapes of India | Guy Mountfort & Hashim Tyabji |
Foreland Sedimentation in Himalayan Tectonic Regime: A Relook at the Orogenic Process | V. Riverman |
Encyclopaedia of Fish and Fisheries | Anand, Visha |
Encyclopaedia of Geo-Informatics: Incorporating GIS and Remote Sensing, 5 Vols | Trivedi, Priya Ranjan |
Geologic Settings and Petroleum Systems of India’s East Coast Offshore Basins: Concepts and Applications | Ravi, Bastia |
Himalaya: Geological Aspect, Vol. 5 | P.S. Saklani (Ed.) |
Himalaya: Geological Aspects, Vol. 1 & 2 | P.S. Saklani |
Himalaya: Geological Aspects, Vol. 3 | P.S. Saklani (Ed.) |
Himalaya : Geological Aspects, Vol. 4 | P.S. Saklani (Ed.) |
History and Culture of the Himalaya, 3 Vol | K. S. Gulia |
Mineral and Crystal Science | V.C. Jesh |
Simple Geological Structure | Plate and Charlincr |
Ocean | Square drop, Johnson and Bliming |
Underground Hydrology | David Keith Toad |
Sedimentary Rocks | Petti John |
Text Book of Physical Geology | Mahapatra |
Text Book of Geology | P.K. Mukherjee |
Soil Mineralogy | I. E. Grim |
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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - UPSC Geology Books 2020-21 - Best Optional Books for IAS Geology Exam
Question: From to buy the books for UPSC Geology 2020-21?
Answer:
You can buy it online as well as offline stores.
Question: What are some of the best books of UPSC Geology?
Answer:
Some of the best books recommended by experts as well as from toppers are mentioned in this article.
Question: Is Geology a good subject to be taken as optional?
Answer:
No subject is good or bad, it all depends upon your interest. Yes, Geology is good, if you have an interest related to Earth and beneath.
Question: What are the recommended study materials apart from the best books?
Answer:
Apart from books, you must also refer to the previous year question papers as well as online videos and notes shared by experts as well as toppers.
Question: How much time is better to prepare for the UPSC IAS exam?
Answer:
Invest at least 1-1.5 years strictly to studies. Study for close 5-6 hours per day during this time if you are willing to clear the exam.
Questions related to UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Exam
What does GATE exam help in after Msc Geology?? Or,What is the basic procedure to get a job through GATE exam?
Hi Ishaan,
GATE is one of the most valuble examination conducted in India.
Through GATE qualifying scores after MSc in geology you get following opportunities to choose from:-
1. you can pursue phd or research work with scholarships
2. you can apoly for private jobs
3. you can apply for PSU jobs
4. you can go for fellowship program in management.
So there are alot of good options for you if you clear GATE exam.
Hopethis will help you out .
Good luck.