Nivedita R (AIR-572, CSE-21) Geography Strategy

Nivedita R cracked CSE-21 with AIR-572. She has already shared her learnings during course of CSE journey. Following is her Geography Optional Strategy

I, Nivedita R from Chennai, recently cracked the Civil Services Examination 2021 with AIR 572 in my 5th attempt (1st Mains and 1st Interview).

Why Geography?

Personal reasons:
- Fascination for maps
- Being good at diagrams
- Discontinuity post Grade 10 and it was good to be
CSE reasons:
- Subject overlaps with GS 1 & GS
- Easy availability of materials
- Scoring nature
- Easily fathomable concepts although technical to a large extent

Lessons:

This is no GS. And it took some time for me to figure this out
Technical terms need to be used every now and then. That will definitely fetch some extra marks. Eg: ‘Archipelago’ instead of ‘a group of islands’
Note making based on every topic in the syllabus immensely helps. Books are voluminous and revisions can become tiresome if from books
Maintaining a repository of diagrams aids in last minute revision
Answer Writing for optional is to be done along with GS answer writing. It is to be given one’s due attention. 500 marks is no small a deal

Strategy:

Comprehensive:

Referring to Vishal Publications topic wise analysis of PYQs and framing answers for the same
Intermingling of concepts from Paper 1 in Paper 2. For example, Weber to be mentioned when a question on industrial location is asked
Watching videos of Geographical phenomena saves time in understanding concepts eg: El nino Modoki, Geomagnetic storms
Bouncers are to be dealt through root words. Eg: Question on Halloween storm
Maps to be extensively used. Monotony to be broken by using regional maps. States, regions, Indian and world map to be used alternatively
Neat diagrams with description and depictions on maps with keys give an extra edge
Words in the syllabi to be used to add to existing dimensions eg: dichotomy , sustainable development etc
Test series help us in checking our inclination to the GS mode
Paper completion is as important as writing quality answers. Compulsory questions are to be written wholesomely
Finding one’s strengths can be rewarding in Paper 1 as there’s liberty of choosing between Physical and Human Geography

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All My Notes @ 1 Place

Paper wise:

PAPER – I Sources:

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY:

Basics from NCERTs and GC Leong
Geomorphology and Oceanography- Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Climatology – DS Lal
Biogeography- Open Source
Environmental Geography- Open Source

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY:

Models in Geography by Majid Hussain
Evolution of Geographical thought- Majid Hussain (selective reading)

PAPER- II Sources:

A Comprehensive Geography of India-Khullar (to have a broader picture)
Extensive Googling, Map reading and case studies from newspapers Map marking: Oxford Student Atlas– Places in News to be studied with maps and one liners from various coaching institutes Although cost benefit ratio is low, this section of 20 marks is not to be neglected

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES:

Articles and case studies in the newspapers
Mudit Sir’s subject wise notes
Pratham Kaushik Sir’s comprehensive strategy
The Geoecologist YouTube Channel for topic wise understanding
Shankar IAS class notes and test series
Toppers answer sheets for do’s and don’ts.

Every optional has its own merits and downsides. Play on your strengths and not be swayed by the herd.

And make the most of your optional preparation. Every mark that is gained in optional papers can be a game changer. Discussions on your Optional may also surface during Personality Test. So say no to rote. And yes to curious self. Conceptual clarity and some good presentation skills can take you far.

And for Mudit Sir, his Geography Optional notes helped me maintain brevity in note making. Comprehensive strategic posts by toppers in his blog have been the guiding light throughout.

Grateful to him and his thought of giving back to the student community.

I wish more courage and resilience to all my fellow aspirants. Against all odds, believe in yourself. And I am sure this phase of your life will bring the best out of you.

Other CSE 21 Topper Strategies:

DecodeCivils by Mudit Jain