Geography and Economics for BPSC Mains exam
INTRODUCTION
In this article, I am going to deliberate upon the preparation strategy of Geography and Economics for BPSC Mains Exam. In the succeeding paragraphs, I will discuss books, syllabus approach, and note-making strategy with appropriate examples for effective BPSC Mains preparation.
GEOGRAPHY BOOKS FOR BPSC EXAM
First of all, you must understand that BPSC exam preparation is integrated in nature, and separate geography books for BPSC Prelims and BPSC Mains cannot be suggested.
The books mentioned below are important for both BPSC Pre Exam and BPSC Mains Exam. However, the reading style differs:
- BPSC Prelims is objective → focus on facts, data, locations, and terms
- BPSC Mains is subjective → focus on analysis, application, and issues
NCERT BOOKS LIST
- Class 6 – Geography: The Earth Our Habitat
- Class 7 – Geography: Our Environment
- Class 8 – Geography: Resource and Development
- Class 9 – Geography: Contemporary India – I
- Class 10 – Geography: Contemporary India – II
- Class 11 – Geography: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
- Class 11 – Geography: India – Physical Environment
- Class 12 – Geography: Fundamentals of Human Geography
- Class 12 – Geography: India – People and Economy
REFERENCE BOOKS
- Geography: A Comprehensive Study – Mahesh Kumar Baranwal
GEOGRAPHY FOR BPSC MAINS EXAM
As per the latest syllabus of BPSC Mains Exam, candidates are required to study Geography of India and Geography of Bihar. Geography and Economics together form a part of General Studies Paper-2 of the BPSC Mains Exam. A candidate is required to answer only 3 questions out of 5 asked from this section. Total marks for Geography & Economics is 114 marks.
Question Pattern
Question No. 01 (Geography & Economics)
- Compulsory short answer question
- 5 sub-questions of 8/7 marks
- Total: 38 marks
Question No. 02 & Question No. 03
- Long answer questions
- Choose one question from each
- Each carries 38 marks
PREPARATION OF GEOGRAPHY AND ECONOMICS FOR BPSC MAINS EXAM
It is advised not to read any additional book exclusively for BPSC Mains Geography. Instead:
- Read syllabus carefully
- Select topics selectively
Along with static topics, you must also select current-based issues related to geography and economy.
GEOGRAPHY TOPICS FOR BPSC MAINS
- Characteristics of Indian Monsoon
- Effect of monsoon on Indian economy
- Need for agricultural reforms in India
- Green Revolution: positive and negative impact
- Second Green Revolution
- Food processing industry in India and Bihar
- Contract farming and farm laws
- Agricultural subsidy
- Blue Economy
- Organic farming
- PM Krishi Sampada Scheme & Mega Food Park Scheme
- Inland waterways in India
- Transport and industrial/agricultural development
- National Logistics Policy (NLP)
- River disputes among Indian states
- Flood and drought in Bihar
- Industrial backwardness of Bihar
- River system of Bihar
- Economic backwardness of Bihar
- River valley projects: pros and cons
- Demographic dividend
- Migration of labour from Bihar
- Inland waterways in Bihar
- International trade from Bihar
- Means of irrigation in Bihar
- Urbanisation in Bihar
- Sustainable growth
- Urban Heat Island
- Rain shadow area
ECONOMICS TOPICS FOR 70TH BPSC MAINS
- Unemployment in India
- India and WTO
- Trade war and protectionism
- Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
- Inclusive growth
- Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- Poverty and government schemes
- Disinvestment in PSUs
- Merger of PSU banks
- Ease of Doing Business
- Trade deficit
- Start-up ecosystem
- Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile (JAM)
- Social sector schemes
- Basic infrastructure
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- Chemical industry
- Cotton industry
- Iron and steel industry
- Software industry
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Migration in India
- Monetary policy and fiscal policy
- Monetary Policy Committee
NOTES OF GEOGRAPHY FOR BPSC MAINS EXAM
Notes for the above topics must be prepared. Notes should be hand-written. Use Books, Wikipedia and YouTube to prepare notes.
- Write in point-wise format
- Use simple language
- Revise notes regularly for retention
CONCLUSION
Geography and Economics play a significant role in BPSC Mains selection. Aspirants should follow the above-mentioned book list, selective syllabus approach, and note-making strategy to score well in General Studies Paper-2.
