Easy units:

PAPER 1

Sec A

• General Geology
• Geomorphology and Remote sensing
Sec B

• Paleontology
• Hydro geology and Engineering Geology
Paper 2:

Sec A

• Sedimentary rocks
Sec B

• Economic geology
• Geochemistry and Environmental Geology
• Mining geology
Relatively difficult units:

PAPER 1

Sec A

• Structural Geology
Sec B

• Startigraphy and Geology of India

Paper 2:

Sec A

• Mineralogy
• Igneous and metamorphic Petrology
Sec B

• All are easy

Till 2016 IFS mains was before Civils Mains. So, relatively the competition was less as
many feared to take three optionals (two in IFS and one in Civils ) at same time.Now the
time has changed.2017 there was one month gap, now there will be two month gap. So,
you dont have privilige of reading only easier part and leaving the rest to god. So be
ready to prepare everything.

BOOK LIST:

PAPER 1:

Sec A:

1. General Geology – Savindra Singh Physical geography – Geomorphology

lesson – Around 10 units. (Check syllabus – subtopics and do selective
read) or KM Bhangar will be suffice (but too comprehensive)
2. Geomorphology and Remote sensing – Savindra singh Physical geography -
Geomorphology lesson – Around 10 units (anyways u caught here…. )
Sub topics:

• For remote sensing ,The Electromagnetic Spectrum , Applications of remote

sensing in geology.The Geographic Information System and its applications.
Global Positioning System. – Indian Forestry by Manikandan and Prabhu would
be suffice – Chapter 1.
• Orbiting satellites and sensor systems.Indian Remote Sensing Satellites – You
have to prepare on your own by searching internet.
3. Structural Geology – Strutural geology by Marland p Billings.

Sub topics :

• Superposed deformation – A textbook of geology Mahapatra

• .Introduction to petrofabrics – Read in net
SEC B:

1. Paleontology – KM Bhangar and Mahapatra

Sub topics:

• Application of microfossils in correlation, petroleum exploration, paleo-climatic

and pale oceanographic studies – Prepare from net
• evolutionary trend – Not present in Bhangar and Mahapatra – search in net
and take notes
• Evolutionary trend in Hominidae, Equidae and Probo-scidae – Search in net
• Siwalik fauna – Search in net.
2. Stratigraphy and Geology of India – KM Bangar

Sub topic:
 • Tectonic framework of India. Evolution of the Himalayas. – Savindra Sing
Physical Geography
3.Hydogeology and Engineering Geology – KM Bhangar and There is a telegram
group for geology books – search there by putting sub topics of this unit.

Sub topics:

• Alkali-aggregate reaction – Search in net

• Landslides causes, prevention and rehabilitation – Savindra singh Physical
geography
PAPER 2:

SEC A:

1. Mineralogy – KM Bhangar
2. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology – KM Bhangar

Sub topics:

• Crystallisation of albite-anorthite, diopside-anorthite and diopsidewollastonite-

silica systems – internet
• ACF and AKF diagrams – Internet
3. Sedimentology – KM Bhangar

• Heavy minerals and their significance. Sedimentary basins of India – Internet

Sec B

1. Economic Geology – KM Bhangar

Sub topics:

• . Conservation and utilization of mineral resources. Marine mineral resources

and Law of Sea – Internet
2.Mining geology – Methods of prospecting – KM Bhangar – Biological and Chemical
prospecting – Internet

Subtopics:

• Estimation of reserves of ore, Methods of exploration and mining metalic ores,

industrial minerals and marine mineral resources. Mineral beneficiation and ore
dressing. – Internet
3.Geochemistry and Environmental Geology – Internet , 12th STD TamilNadu
Chemistry book for crystals , Savindra singh physical geo for Volcanoes etc…
Some tips: