UPSC Geology Syllabus 2024 for IAS Paper 1 & 2 Exam

Chapters

Topics

General Geology

Island arcs, Volcanoes, Solar System, Volcanic belts, Meteorites, Seafloor spreading, Continental drift; Isostasy, origin and interior of the earth, Earthquakes, Seismic zone of India; trenches & mid-ocean ridges; plate tectonics

Geomorphology & Remote Sensing

Geomorphology of the Indian subcontinent, The Electromagnetic spectrum, Geomorphic cycles, Orbiting Satellites, Landforms, slopes & drainage, Lithology; Geomorphology, Weathering, Soil formations; Morphology, Coastal geomorphology; Applications of geomorphology, Indian Remote Sensing Satellites, Sensor Systems, Applications of remote sensing in Geology

Structural Geology

Stress and strain, Folds & faults, Behaviour of minerals and rocks under deformation conditions, Time relationship between crystallization & deformation, Structural analysis of folds, Principles of geologic mapping & reading, projection diagrams,

Paleontology

Gondwana flora & fauna, Siwalik fauna, Different kinds of microfossils; Evolutionary trend in Hominidae, Index fossils & significance, Megafossils & Microfossils, Species definition & nomenclature; Equidae & Proboscidae

Indian Stratigraphy

Evolution of the Himalayas, Study of climatic conditions, Classification of stratigraphic sequences, Major boundary problems Cambrian/ Precambrian, Permian/TrIAS sic, Cretaceous/Tertiary and Pliocene/Pleistocene; Distribution & classification of Precambrian rocks of India; Tectonic framework of India

Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology

Classification of aquifers; Drainage basin morphometry; Rainwater harvesting; Water bearing characteristics of rocks; Springs; Movement of subsurface water; Saltwater intrusion, Hydrologic cycle & genetic classification of water; Groundwater chemistry, Types of wells, Groundwater recharge; Exploration for groundwater; Engineering properties of rocks and more

Chapters

Topics

Mineralogy

Physical & chemical characters of rock forming, Optical properties of common rock forming minerals; Minerals of the carbonate, phosphate, International system of crystallographic notation; Classification of crystals into systems & symmetry; Elements of X-ray crystallography, Clay minerals

Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology

Crystallisation, Generation & crystallisation of magmas, Bowen's Reaction Principle; Petrogenetic significance of the textures, Petrography & petrogenesis, Deccan volcanic province, Types & agents of metamorphism, Metamorphic grades & zones; ACF & AKF diagrams; Granulite terrains of India.

Sedimentary Petrology

Sedimentary basins of India, Heavy minerals, Clastic and non clastic rocks, petrography and depositional environment, Sedimentary structures, Sediments & Sedimentary rocks: Processes of formation; diagenesis and lithification, Sedimentary facies and provenance

Economic Geology

Geology of the important Indian deposits of minerals, National Mineral Policy, Processes of formation of mineral deposits; Metallogenic epochs & provinces, Conservation and utilization of mineral resources, Marine mineral resources & Law of Sea, tenor of ore, Classification of ore deposits; Controls of ore localisation; Ore textures & structures; Deposits of coal & petroleum in India

Mining Geology

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

Geochemistry and Environmental Geology

Environment protection, Trace elements, Composition of the planets and meteorites, Elementary thermodynamics, Natural hazards, Cosmic abundance of elements, distribution of elements, Sea level changes, Elements of crystal chemistry, Isomorphism and polymorphism, environmental impact of urbanization

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General Studies 1

200

2 hrs

Paper 2

General Studies 2

200

2 hrs

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General English

300

3 hrs

Paper 2

Language (regional language)

300

3 hrs

Paper 3

Essay

250

3 hrs

Paper 4

General Studies 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 5

General Studies 2

250

3 hrs

Paper 6

Optional subject 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 7

Optional subject 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 8

Optional subject 2

250

3 hrs

Paper 9

Optional subject 2

250

3 hrs