Why Few Aspirants Choose Geology as Their IAS Optional

As I qualified the UPSC 2018 examination with a geology optional and became an IAS officer, I am in a unique position to discuss why geology as an optional is not chosen as frequently by candidates today. Although it was once a popular choice among engineering graduates, geology has seen a decline in aspirants over the past decade. This decline is part of a vicious cycle that continues to discourage new students from choosing geology. However, recent developments suggest that geology might be a good option for UPSC aspirants.

The Decline in Geology Aspirants

The current scenario in geology as a UPSC optional is stark. Only around 20 to 30 individuals choose geology as their optional in the UPSC main examination these days. This low participation is largely due to several factors, chief among them being the lack of visible success stories in this subject.

Vicious Cycle of Low Success Rates

Success in UPSC is directly tied to the number of students who attempt the optional. With a limited pool of participants, the number of qualifiers is also limited. This scarcity of successful candidates further discourages students from opting for geology. This cycle perpetuates itself, leading to a perpetually low number of aspirants.

Challenges in Geology Preparation

Insufficient Guidance and Study Materials

Another significant challenge is the lack of guidance and quality study materials. Before the advent of professional coaching, preparation was often self-taught, leading to a lack of structured learning.

With fewer aspirants, the peer study groups that could provide invaluable support and motivation are less common. Additionally, the vastness of the geology syllabus can be overwhelming, particularly if students don't have access to clear and comprehensive study materials.

Poor Quality Study Materials

The available study materials are sometimes more confusing than helpful. While geology is a vast subject, preparation for the UPSC requires a focused, syllabus-centered approach. Unfortunately, few books in the market offer such a focused approach to making notes and study.

Recent Developments and Encouraging Signs

However, the situation is not entirely bleak. In the last five years, the UPSC geology mains question paper has seen a significant improvement with 85 questions directly from the syllabus and repeated from previous years. This predictability has made the subject more attractive to aspirants.

Additionally, the emergence of coaching institutes dedicated to geology has made a significant difference. These institutes have facilitated better study methods and increased accessibility to quality materials. After qualifying, I myself taught a Geology course online at Scope IAS, which saw a good number of aspirants participate. The lecture series has also been reinforced by new faculty members in recent years.

The availability of comprehensive study materials has also improved significantly. My handwritten notes are widely available online or in ORN shops, in the form of four comprehensive booklets. This has saved many aspirants time and effort in sourcing and compiling notes.

Geology has a reputation for being a highly successful optional, with many forestry aspirants achieving extraordinary results within a few months of preparation. Their success stories and preparation strategies are widely available on YouTube, inspiring others to take the plunge.

Final Thoughts

While the recent developments in geology as an optional are encouraging, the final decision to choose geology as an IAS optional remains a highly personal choice. It is crucial that aspirants assess their confidence and preparation methods before making this decision. In the end, the right choice is the one that aligns with their strengths and potential for success.

Thank you for your interest in this topic.