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UPSC IFOS Geology Paper I Syllabus

Indian Forest Service Examination

6
Topics
44
Sub-topics
8
Questions

Geology Paper I is one of 32 sections in the UPSC IFOS syllabus. It has 6 topics and 44 sub-topics, tested in Main Examination, with about 8 questions (200 marks). Optional subject, Paper I (200 marks, 3 hours, conventional essay type, answered in English). The paper has 8 questions in Parts A and B; candidates attempt 5, including one compulsory question from each part. Candidates choose any two of the 14 optional subjects..

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UPSC IFOS Geology Paper I: topic-wise syllabus

  1. 1

    General Geology

    Section A

    • Solar system, meteorites and the earth's interior
    • Radioactivity and age of the earth
    • Volcanoes and volcanic belts
    • Earthquakes and seismicity of India
    • Island arcs, trenches and mid-ocean ridges
    • Continental drift, seafloor spreading and plate tectonics
    • Isostasy, orogeny and epeirogeny
  2. 2

    Geomorphology and Remote Sensing

    Section A

    • Weathering and mass wasting
    • Landforms, slopes and drainage
    • Geomorphic cycles
    • Applied geomorphology
    • Geomorphology of the Indian subcontinent
    • Aerial photographs and satellite remote sensing
    • Indian Remote Sensing Satellites
    • GIS and GPS
  3. 3

    Structural Geology

    Section A

    • Geologic mapping and projection diagrams
    • Stress, strain and rock deformation
    • Strain markers
    • Folds and faults
    • Foliations, lineations, joints and unconformities
    • Superposed deformation
    • Petrofabrics
  4. 4

    Paleontology

    Section B

    • Species definition and nomenclature
    • Megafossils, microfossils and preservation
    • Applications of microfossils
    • Cephalopoda, Trilobita, Brachiopoda, Echinoidea and Anthozoa
    • Stratigraphic utility of Ammonoidea, Trilobita and Graptoloidea
    • Evolution of Hominidae, Equidae and Proboscidea
    • Siwalik fauna and Gondwana flora
  5. 5

    Stratigraphy and Geology of India

    Section B

    • Stratigraphic classification
    • Precambrian rocks of India
    • Phanerozoic rocks of India
    • Major boundary problems
    • Paleogeography and igneous activity
    • Tectonic framework of India
    • Evolution of the Himalayas
  6. 6

    Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology

    Section B

    • Hydrologic cycle and subsurface water
    • Aquifer properties and classification
    • Groundwater chemistry and salt water intrusion
    • Groundwater exploration, recharge and management
    • Rainwater harvesting
    • Engineering properties of rocks
    • Geology of dams, tunnels and bridges
    • Landslides and earthquake-resistant structures

Frequently asked questions

What topics are in the UPSC IFOS Geology Paper I syllabus?

Geology Paper I for UPSC IFOS has 6 topics: General Geology, Geomorphology and Remote Sensing, Structural Geology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy and Geology of India and Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, with 44 sub-topics in all.

How many questions come from Geology Paper I in UPSC IFOS?

About 8 questions (200 marks) in Main Examination. Always check the latest notification, as numbers can change.

How do I practise UPSC IFOS Geology Paper I on Topicly?

Pick a topic above and study it your way — step-by-step chat, a quiz, a formula sheet or a voice call with Sia. Topicly tracks each sub-topic so you know what's left. It's free to start.

A study guide, not an official notice. Always confirm with the conducting body's latest notification. See the full exam page for any recorded source, check date and coverage limits.