Geography is a core subject in the UPSC Civil Services Examination — both in Prelims (GS1) and Mains (GS1 & optional). Choosing the right geography book can make your preparation easier and more effective. In this blog, we bring you the 10 best geography book for UPSC in 2025, carefully selected for both beginners and advanced aspirants.
Whether you’re looking for GC Leong, Majid Hussain, or world geography books in Hindi or English, this guide covers everything with detailed comparisons and use cases.
1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
A classic and must-read for UPSC aspirants, this book covers physical geography with easy explanations and illustrations. It is ideal for conceptual clarity in Prelims and GS Paper 1.
📌 Best for: Beginners, conceptual clarity
📌 Language: English
📌 Use for: Prelims, Mains GS1
2. Geography of India by Majid Hussain
This is the go-to book for Indian Geography. It covers demographics, resources, economic and social geography in great detail — critical for Mains.
📌 Best for: In-depth Indian geography
📌 Language: English
📌 Use for: Prelims, Mains GS1, Optional
3. Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press
A highly recommended atlas to visualize concepts and strengthen map-based learning. Helpful for location-based questions in Prelims.
📌 Best for: Maps, visual learning
📌 Use for: Prelims, Optional, Interview
📌 Tip: Use with GC Leong
4. World Geography by Majid Hussain
Excellent for understanding world geographical patterns, climatology, and global trade routes. Helpful for Mains and Optional papers.
📌 Best for: World geography topics
📌 Language: English
📌 Use for: Mains GS1, Optional
5. NCERT Class 11 & 12 Geography Textbooks
The foundation of UPSC geography starts here. These are directly referred to in many UPSC questions and form a strong base.
📌 Best for: Beginners, Conceptual basics
📌 Use for: Prelims, Mains
📌 Books to refer:
Fundamentals of Physical Geography (Class 11)
India: Physical Environment (Class 11)
Fundamentals of Human Geography (Class 12)
India: People and Economy (Class 12)
6. Direction IAS Geography Optional Notes
If you’re taking Geography as an optional, these coaching institute notes are popular for their concise, exam-focused content.
📌 Best for: Optional candidates
📌 Use for: Optional Paper I & II
7. Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
This book is detailed and technical — more suited for Geography Optional candidates. It covers all dimensions of physical geography in UPSC language.
📌 Best for: Advanced learners, Optional
📌 Language: English
📌 Use for: Optional Paper I
8. Environmental Geography by Savindra Singh
A niche but important book covering topics like climate change, disasters, and sustainability. Useful for GS3 and Optional.
📌 Best for: Environmental angle
📌 Use for: GS3, Optional, Essay
9. Geography Made Simple Series (TMH or Arihant)
Quick revision books for last-minute preparation. These are especially helpful for Prelims and for daily MCQs practice.
📌 Best for: Quick revision
📌 Use for: Prelims
10. Bhugol (Geography) in Hindi – Majid Hussain
For Hindi medium aspirants, this is the most popular and accessible book that covers Indian and world geography.
📌 Best for: Hindi medium students
📌 Use for: Prelims & Mains
🧭 GC Leong vs Majid Hussain – Which is Better?
| Feature | GC Leong | Majid Hussain |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Physical Geography | Indian & Human Geography |
| Language | Simple and Illustrative | Descriptive and Detailed |
| Best for | Prelims, Concepts | Mains, Indian Geography |
| UPSC Use Case | GS1, Map-based questions | GS1, Optional Paper 1 & 2 |
Verdict: Use GC Leong for concepts and Majid Hussain for depth and India focus.
How to Prepare Geography for UPSC – 5-Step Strategy
Start with NCERTs (Class 11 & 12)
Use GC Leong for physical geography
Majid Hussain for Indian & World geography
Solve PYQs and mark recurring themes
Revise with Maps + Atlas regularly
Final Thoughts – Start Small, Buy Smart
Every topper recommends quality over quantity. Start with 2–3 essential books, and gradually build your resource list. All the books above are trusted by thousands of UPSC aspirants and are available online.
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