How to approach Maps for UPSC

Maps form a very crucial part of UPSC preparation. They offer multiple benefits—both from an examination perspective and on the general knowledge front. Every year, a minimum of three to five questions becomes a part of the UPSC Prelims exam. 

The study of maps enables a student to present answers in the most detailed and professional way possible. Thus, making it simple for him to secure more marks. It also makes learning easy and helps relate to various current affairs of the country and the issues in the world as a whole.

Maps need to be prepared extensively and a lot of effort goes into them. Most students find it difficult to study maps. The Top 10 IAS Coaching Centres in Chennai suggest tips to improve the student’s knowledge through the study of maps.

There are no specific patterns in which the questions are asked in the UPSC exams and hence, there are no shortcuts per se to prepare yourself for the exam. A general understanding with a detailed study of the maps is the right way to start the preparation for the UPSC with maps.

The Top IAS Academy in Chennai suggests going through the map of India at first because all the UPSC officers serve India. The geography of India is diverse in nature with a lot of distinct regions, climates, and other geographical qualities specific to a particular region.

The candidate must make him proficient with the map by drawing it for stronger memory. It has a good weightage, particularly in UPSC Mains General Studies Paper. You should have a rough idea of the position of all the important countries around the world.

Getting the latest edition of the Atlas is a requisite while preparing for UPSC. The important aspect to be studied on a map as suggested by a UPSC Coaching Centre in Chennai are:

  • The locations of the neighboring countries and the states with whom they share the boundaries, the coastal regions, and all the island territories of India.
  • The origin and the flow of the rivers along with their tributaries give a brief idea of the water resources in the country.
  • The geographical boundaries of all the states and their neighboring states. It is also important to make note of significant cities in those states.
  • The students must be acclimated to the latest news concerning the particular city in question. So, having a clear idea regarding its location on the map is crucial.
  • Knowing important longitude and latitude coordinates like the Tropic of Cancer, the standard meridian is essential. Also, make note of the states and important cities that fall on these lines.
  • The students may also study the different mountain ranges, lakes of cultural significance, the natural vegetation of the country, the climate of a specific region and its monsoon cycle, famous national parks in the country, and every heritage site.

 

Any IAS Academy in Chennai would suggest their students to study maps as an extension to their regular study routine and hence not assume this as an extra burden in the portion. The maps of the world and India will make up a large portion of the syllabus easy for the students. Map work is very useful when it comes to scoring extra marks in the GS mains papers.