How to study maps for UPSC?

Map based questions are asked surely in a UPSC exam, If we go through previous year question papers then we can see that minimum 1 question is out of map. These numbers can go up to 3 or 4, therefore you can score 4-6 marks from the map section. Above all, maps give you more interactive scenery about the geography and location of a country and habitat. Also, we can link politics with the map which gives an upper hand in the exams. Although map is a wide part to cover, there are certain ways through which we can easily memorize each and every important part covered.

Fist of all to begin with, we should focus firstly on Indian Geography. Geography itself covers a wide section. Indian Geography have various sub divisions.

Indian Geography 

How to study maps for UPSC?

Neighboring countries of India

 

    • Indian states which share their boundaries with the neighboring countries of India.

    • Oceanic region around the peninsular part.

    • Countries sharing boundaries in International waterways with India.

    • Countries nearby Indian islands.

    • Islands present in or nearby Indian ocean.

Major lines which passes through India

 

    • Important latitude and longitudinal lines passing through India. For example: Tropic of Cancer.

    • States through which these lines pass.

    • Indian coastline and their lengths according to the states.

States

 

    • Name and capitals of all Indian states.

    • Political map of India.

    • Union Territories, also focus on newly formed states and Union Territories.

    • Places in states which were in the news.

Origin of Rivers and their flow

 

    • Origin and flow of major rivers in India.

    • Tributaries of major rivers.

    • Important lakes.

    • Major dams on rivers.

National Park and Sanctuaries

 

    • Important national parks, tiger reserves.

    • Special animals within a sanctuary.

    • Biosphere reserves.

Mountain Ranges

 

    • Extent of mountain ranges and their location.

    • Location of various glaciers.

    • Rivers originating from a particular mountain.

    • Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats mapping.

Places of Importance in India

 

    • Important pilgrimages, world heritage sites mostly listed by UNESCO.

    • Nuclear and thermal power stations.

    • Mineral rich areas, wetlands, Ramsar sites.

World Maps

How to study world maps for UPSC?

World maps are very vivid. At the same time, they are very interesting to study. Therefore, some points to cover for the world map.

World Map Lines

 

    • Important latitudinal and longitudinal lines on the world map. For instance, Tropic of Cancer, Arctic Circle and Equator. Also, countries through which they pass.

    • International date line and Prime Meridian.

Geographic features

Focus on vegetation in different parts of the world like Tundra, Steppe. Also, important mountain ranges, deserts in the world.

It is also highly advised to study the topics from current affairs. Target places which were currently on news lately like Golan Heights. For example, if we talk about Israel and Palestine and the Gaza strip issues should be focused.

Thus, these are some of the major tips to study the maps. One should focus on current affairs more and important places based on geographical, historical, economic, cultural and political importance. Maps are most creative parts in which you’ve to memorize the basic ideas, shapes and picture.

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