UPSC Geology Syllabus 2026 for IAS Paper 1 & 2 Exam
Union Public Service Commission released the official syllabus for the IAS exams on the official UPSC website. The UPSC Geology syllabus is released online in the IAS notification. The UPSC IAS syllabus PDF can be downloaded at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can find important details related to the IAS Exam 2026, such as the UPSC IAS syllabus and the Exam Pattern in the official notification.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC Geology Syllabus 2026 - For Paper 1 Mains Exam
- UPSC Geology Syllabus 2026 - For Paper 2 Mains
- UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2026 - For Prelims & Mains Exam
Candidates are encouraged to go through the Geology optional syllabus to gain a better understanding of the kinds of topics covered by the IAS Geology Optional Exam 2026. Going through the geochemist UPSC syllabus, along with going through the exam pattern can help candidates draft an effective study plan. For more details pertaining to the UPSC Geology optional syllabus, candidates can consult the material below.
UPSC Geology Syllabus 2026 - For Paper 1 Mains Exam
The UPSC IAS 2026 Mains exam consists of nine papers, two of which are optional subjects. For candidates who have opted for Geology as an IAS optional subject, the syllabus for the UPSC Geology Paper 1 covers topics such as general geology, structural geology, remote sensing, palaeontology, geomorphology and more, covering a wide range of topics. To know more about the UPSC Geology syllabus for Paper 1, refer to the table below.
UPSC Geology syllabus for Paper 1
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 |
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UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
Download EBookUPSC Geology Syllabus 2026 - For Paper 2 Mains
The IAS Geology Mains Paper 2 exam has chapters like mineralogy, economic geology, sedimentary petrology, igneous & metamorphic petrology and more. To know more about the syllabus of UPSC Geology Paper 2 Mains exam consult the table below.
UPSC Geology syllabus for Paper 2
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 |
UPSC Subject-wise Questions for Various Subjects
- Free download: IAS Prelims Geography Mock Test
- Free download: IAS Prelims Polity Mock Test
- Free download: IAS Prelims Current Affairs Mock Test
- Free download: UPSC Prelims History Mock Test
- Free download: IAS Prelims Ecolog. & Env. Mock Test
- Free download: IAS Prelims Economics Mock Test
- Free download: IAS Prelims Sc. & Tech. Mock Test
UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2026 - For Prelims & Mains Exam
The Union Public Service Commission will also release the UPSC IAS exam pattern 2026. As per the official UPSC IAS notification, the UPSC CSE prelims exam is objective type in nature whereas the UPSC IAS Mains exam is descriptive in nature. The IAS prelims exam is of 400 marks in total whereas Mains is of 2350 marks. Candidates are encouraged to refer to the exam pattern along with the geochemist UPSC syllabus before preparation. For more details on the prelims and Mains IAS exam pattern 2026 check the tables below.
IAS prelims exam pattern
Papers | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
Paper 1 | General Studies 1 | 200 | 2 hrs |
Paper 2 | General Studies 2 | 200 | 2 hrs |
Also read: UPSC Mock Tests Series for UPSC
- Free download: Complete IAS Prelims Mock Test-1 (100 Questions, Ans. & Explanation
- Free download: Complete IAS Prelims Mock Test-2 (100 Questions, Ans. & Explanation)
- Free download: Complete IAS Prelims Mock Test-3 (100 Questions, Ans. & Explanation)
- Free download: Complete IAS Prelims Mock Test-4 (100 Questions, Ans. & Explanation)
- Free download: Complete IAS Prelims Mock Test-5 (100 Questions, Ans. & Explanation)
UPSC IAS Mains exam pattern
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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many optional subjects are there in the UPSC IAS examination?
A:
The IAS exam has 26 optional subjects.
Q: When will the UPSC IAS 2026 application form be released?
A:
The IAS application form 2026 is expected to be released on January 14, 2026.
Q: How many times in a year is the IAS exam conducted?
A:
The IAS exam is conducted once every year.
Q: What is the minimum age required to appear for the UPSC IAS exam?
A:
The minimum age required to be eligible for the IAS exam is 21 years.
Q: How many optional subjects are there in the UPSC IAS 2026 exam?
A:
The IAS 2026 exam has 26 optional subjects from which the candidates have to choose one.
Q: What is the IAS 2026 selection process?
A:
UPSC IAS 2026 selection process consists of three stages - prelims, Mains and interview.
Q: When will the admit card for the IAS 2026 prelims exam be issued?
A:
The prelims IAS 2026 admit card will be released online on the official website.
Q: Is it required to prepare using IAS 2026 mock tests?
A:
Yes, the UPSC IAS 2026 mock test series will help the candidates prepare for a better exam.
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Hello Aspirant
As your question is not clear, you are asking how to become an IAS, which course or degree you should pursue, and all the related details regarding the IAS. So, I can suggest you choosing the right stream in Intermediate is important.
The Arts/Humanities stream is most helpful
Hello Aspirant
All colleges are the best, and selection mainly depends on you and your consistency. But I can help you regarding this :
After the 10th, you can join PU (11–12th) colleges that offer strong academics and an early IAS foundation.
Some good options are Delhi’s Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya
Hello
If you want to become an IAS officer, you can choose any group CEC, MPC, or BiPC as IAS does not require a specific subject stream.
However, many students prefer CEC (Commerce, Economics, Civics) or MPC (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) because they help build analytical and general knowledge skills useful
Hello, it’s wonderful to see such clarity at such a young age. Becoming an IAS officer requires consistent preparation, strong general knowledge, and excellent analytical skills. Right now, your main focus should be building a strong base in academics, especially in subjects like History, Geography, and Economics. Start reading NCERT
The choice of your graduation path – integrated BSc BEd (Zoology), BTech CS, or integrated BS-MS at IISER Thiruvananthapuram – to pursue the dream of becoming an IAS officer requires careful consideration.
A Bachelor of Arts degree, particularly in subjects like Political Science, History, or Economics, is often considered the
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