Which is Better Geography or History for Optional?
Selecting the right option subject from among the plethora of options available is a very crucial decision to be taken by any UPSC aspirant. A good number of students tend to get confused between Geography and History in the sense that both are very famous optional subjects and are also part of the GS syllabus. So, which is better for you — Geography or History? Let us put Geography and History in simple terms and try to understand which one might suit you better.
1. Understanding the Nature of Subjects
Geography is semi-scientific. It includes maps, diagrams, data, and a bit of logical understanding. It deals with Earth’s physical features, climate, population, economic activities, and various geographical phenomena.
History is a humanities subject with a heavy emphasis on memorisation. It includes ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, as well as world history. You grasp timelines, events, causes, and effects.
Best Coaching, Institutes, Colleges Rank 2. Syllabus Comparison
The Optional Syllabus for Geography is shorter and organised. Paper 1 studies Physical Geography-Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography. Paper 2 Studies Indian Geography, Economic Geography, and Human Geography.
History Optional Syllabus is much bigger. Paper 1 covers Ancient and Medieval India, and Paper 2 covers Indian History and World History in Modern Terms, and many students find it difficult to finish because of its length.
Verdict: Geography is less lengthy and more well-structured. On the other hand, History is more detailed and lengthy.
3. Overlap with GS Papers
Geography overlaps with GS Paper 1 (Indian and World Geography) and assists in the environment and disaster management sections of GS-3.
History majorly overlaps with GS Paper 1 (Indian History and World History), Art and Culture, and to a certain degree, supports essay writing.
Verdict: Both have good overlaps, but History has a more solid foundation for GS-1.
4. Scoring Potential
Geography is considered highly scoring as it involves diagrams, maps, and objective, necessarily precise answers. A neat presentation of flowcharts and data might fetch handsome marks.
History could be scoring, yet such answers will be lengthy and will require strong writing skills. Then it depends on one’s presentation skills, and even then, there is no guarantee of scoring marks all the time.
Decision: Geography gives more scoring opportunities due to its structured answers.
5. Availability of Resources
- A plethora of books and online material exists in both subjects.
- Geography has NCERT, G C Leong, Savindra Singh, and up-to-date current data.
- History has old NCERTs, Bipin Chandra, Satish Chandra, and Spectrum.
Decision: Both having resources at par, availability would not be an issue.
6. Background Of Students
Science and Engineering students tend to choose Geography because of its logical structure, maps, and scientific nature.
Arts and Humanities students find History easier because of their relative comfort in reading and writing long answers.
Verdict: Geography is likely to be suitable for students having a science background, and History for students having an arts background.
7. Interest and Comfort
This is the foremost factor. If you read a lot about wars, empires, freedom movements, and civilisations, History should be your subject. If maps, nature, environment, and understanding of Earth phenomena are of your interest, Geography would surely attract you.
Verdict: Opt for that which excites you the most. Interest would mean preparation with ease and all confidence.
8. Coaching Support – Plutus IAS
In case this choice is still a dilemma for you, expert guidance can be taken at Plutus IAS, one of the best IAS Coaching institutes in India. At Plutus IAS, they offer:
- Personalised mentorship in optional subject selection
- Expert faculty in Geography and History subjects
- Well-structured study material
- Answer writing practice and test series
- Flexible classes: online and offline
Plutus IAS helps the student experience the pros and cons of the subjects and gives counselling before you finalise your options. This guidance by Plutus IAS has led many successful candidates to clear the UPSC in both Geography and History.
Final Thoughts: Geography or History?
There is no definitive answer as to which is the more important discipline. Both have toppers in their ranks and are equally respected by the UPSC. The better subject will always match an individual’s interest, background, and style of preparation.
If you:
Like logical understanding and diagrams → Opt for Geography
Like reading stories, timelines, and events → Opt for History
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