Booklist for UPSC Geology Optional 2025– Standard Textbooks by Topic
If you’re preparing for the UPSC Geology Optional, having the right textbooks is crucial. The syllabus is broad, but the resources are surprisingly stable — standard university-level books that cover both theory and application in sufficient depth.
Here’s a structured list of essential books, organized by subject area.
Plate Tectonics and Earth’s Interior
Book: Earth as an Evolving Planetary System
Author: K.C. Condie (4th Edition)
A solid foundation for understanding the dynamic earth, tectonic plates, mantle-core processes, and planetary evolution.
Mineralogy and Crystallography
Book: Manual of Mineral Science
Authors: Cornelis Klein & Barbara Dutrow (23rd Edition)
Standard reference for physical properties, crystallography, internal symmetry, mineral chemistry, and classification.
Geomorphology
Book: Fundamentals of Geomorphology
Author: Richard Huggett (5th Edition)
Covers geomorphic processes, structural landforms, weathering, soils, fluvial systems, and planetary geomorphology.
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Book: Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Author: Sam Boggs Jr. (2nd Edition)
Explains textures, structures, diagenesis, provenance, and classification of sedimentary rocks in depth.
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Book: Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Author: J.D. Winter (2nd Edition)
Covers crystallization, thermodynamics, phase diagrams, magma genesis, facies, metamorphic textures, and reactions.
Structural Geology
Book: Structural Geology
Author: Haakon Fossen (2nd Edition)
Concepts include stress, strain, rheology, faults, folds, shear zones, and tectonic regimes with modern visuals.
Economic Geology / Ore Deposits
Book: Ore Deposit Geology
Author: John Ridley (2013 Edition)
Covers classification, magmatic and hydrothermal ore processes, sedimentary ore systems, and supergene enrichment.
Geology of India
Book: Geology of India
Authors: M. Ramakrishnan & R. Vaidyanadhan
Discusses Indian cratons, mobile belts, Proterozoic basins, Gondwana, Deccan Traps, and Cenozoic geology.
Hydrogeology
Book: Groundwater Hydrology
Author: D.K. Todd (3rd Edition)
Includes aquifer properties, well hydraulics, groundwater quality, pollution, recharge, and saline intrusion.
Invertebrate Palaeontology
Book: Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution
Author: E.N.K. Clarkson (4th Edition)
Topics include major fossil groups: molluscs, brachiopods, echinoderms, graptolites, trilobites, and ichnology.
Vertebrate Palaeontology
Book: Vertebrate Palaeontology
Author: Michael J. Benton (5th Edition)
Discusses early fishes, tetrapod evolution, reptiles, dinosaurs, birds, mammals, and human evolution.
Engineering Geology
Book: Fundamentals of Engineering Geology
Author: F.G. Bell (2nd Edition)
Best for selective reading on slope stability, foundations, and ground investigation techniques relevant to UPSC questions.
How to Use This Booklist
This is not a list to read cover to cover. Use these books to:
- Build concepts in each core subject area.
- Strengthen answer-writing with labeled diagrams and case studies.
- Practice previous year questions alongside relevant chapters.
- Fill theory gaps after covering the UPSC syllabus line-by-line.
Many toppers recommend reading selectively and revising deeply. Cross-reference this booklist with the official UPSC Geology Optional syllabus and you’ll stay focused.
