The Environment and Ecology section has become one of the most important and scoring areas in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). Every year, nearly 15–20 questions in the Prelims come from Environment, and the topic also overlaps with Geography, Current Affairs, and GS Paper 3 in Mains.
In this post, let’s break down how to study Environment for UPSC effectively — what to read, how to link it with current affairs, and how to retain concepts till the exam.
Step 1: Understand the Syllabus Linkages
Before diving into resources, first check where “Environment” fits into the UPSC syllabus.
In Prelims (GS Paper I):
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change.
- Basic concepts of Pollution, Conservation, and Sustainable Development.
In Mains (GS Paper III):
- Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Disaster and Climate Change
Knowing this helps you avoid reading random material — focus only on what UPSC asks.
Step 2: Standard Books and Resources
Start with limited, authentic sources. Here’s a list you can rely on:
1. NCERTs (Class 6–12)
Especially Biology (Class 12) and Geography (Class 11 & 12) chapters on ecology, ecosystem, and resources.
2. Shankar IAS Environment Book
- The most recommended and comprehensive book for UPSC.
- Covers all major concepts like biodiversity, protected areas, conventions, and environmental organizations.
3. Current Affairs Sources
- PIB, Down to Earth, Mongabay, The Hindu (Environment section)
- Focus on new environmental policies, international summits (like COP meetings), and reports from UNEP, IPCC, WWF, etc.
4. Government Reports
- India State of Forest Report (ISFR)
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
- Annual reports of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Step 3: Make Concept-Based Notes
Organize your notes around core themes, such as:
- Ecosystem and Biodiversity
- Pollution (types, control measures, acts)
- Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies
- Environmental Governance and International Conventions
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Keep one-page summaries for each topic. Include data, examples, and recent government initiatives.
Step 4: Integrate Current Affairs
Environment questions in UPSC often come from recent developments with conceptual angles.
Example:
If the news mentions Project Dolphin — revise:
- Types of dolphins in India
- Threats to aquatic biodiversity
- National Biodiversity Act provisions
Use a “concept + current link” approach while revising.
Step 5: Practice PYQs and Mock Tests
UPSC often repeats themes with slight variations.
Solve the previous 10 years’ Prelims questions on Environment. This will help you:
- Identify recurring areas (e.g., biodiversity hotspots, national parks).
- Learn how to eliminate options using logic.
- Also, attempt topic-wise sectional tests to build accuracy and speed.
Step 6: Revise Smartly
- Keep one short revision notebook with key facts — like RAMSAR sites, biosphere reserves, and recent COP events.
- Revise these facts weekly.
- Use mind maps and flowcharts for retention.
Step 7: For Mains Answer Writing
When writing answers in GS Paper 3:
- Quote recent reports (e.g., IPCC AR6, UNEP Emission Gap Report).
- Use data + examples + keywords like “sustainable”, “inclusive”, “resilient”.
- Conclude with solutions or way forward.
Quick Summary
| Component | Source/Strategy |
|---|---|
| Basic Concepts | NCERTs + Shankar IAS |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu, Down to Earth |
| Reports & Data | MoEFCC, IPCC, UNEP |
| Practice | PYQs + Mock Tests |
| Mains Preparation | Integrate with GS Paper 3 topics |
Final Words
The Environment section is both scoring and conceptual. With a mix of static preparation, current linkage, and regular revision, you can master it easily. Remember — UPSC tests your understanding, not your memory. Focus on clarity, connection, and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Environment Preparation for UPSC
1. How do I start studying Environment for UPSC?
Begin with the NCERT textbooks (Class 6–12) to understand the basics of ecology and environment. Then move on to the Shankar IAS Environment Book, which covers all major UPSC-relevant topics. Finally, connect these concepts with current affairs from reliable sources like The Hindu and Down To Earth.
2. Which is the best book for Environment for UPSC?
The Shankar IAS Environment Book is widely considered the best single source for Environment preparation. However, it should be supplemented with NCERTs, current affairs, and government reports such as the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) and MoEFCC annual reports.
3. How many questions are asked from Environment in UPSC Prelims?
On average, 15–20 questions appear in the UPSC Prelims from the Environment and Ecology section. These include topics like biodiversity, pollution control, environmental laws, and climate change conventions.
4. How to link current affairs with Environment preparation?
Whenever a new policy, project, or international summit appears in the news, revise the underlying concept from your Environment book. For example, if “Project Dolphin” is in the news, revise biodiversity conservation and aquatic ecosystem concepts.
5. Is Shankar IAS book enough for Environment UPSC?
It covers almost 80–85% of the static portion. To make your preparation complete, you should add current affairs, environmental reports, and government schemes to handle dynamic questions effectively.
6. How to prepare Environment for UPSC Mains GS Paper 3?
For Mains, focus on answer writing and include data, examples, and recent government initiatives. Read about Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Climate Change, and Sustainable Development in detail. Practice writing answers that include causes, impacts, and solutions.
7. Are Environment topics repeated in UPSC exams?
Yes. UPSC often repeats themes and concepts such as national parks, climate conventions, and pollution control acts. Reviewing previous year questions (PYQs) helps identify these recurring areas.
8. What are the most important topics in Environment for UPSC?
Some high-priority topics are:
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Climate Change and Global Warming
- Pollution (Air, Water, Soil)
- Environmental Legislations
- National Parks and Protected Areas
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- International Conventions (Paris Agreement, CBD, Ramsar Convention)
9. How much time is enough to prepare Environment for UPSC?
If you study regularly, 3–4 weeks are sufficient to cover Environment comprehensively — including static concepts, current affairs, and revision. However, consistent revision and practice are key to retaining facts.
10. Can I prepare Environment for UPSC without coaching?
Absolutely. With the right resources — NCERTs, Shankar IAS book, current affairs magazines, and PYQ analysis — you can prepare Environment effectively through self-study. Coaching is optional, not mandatory.
Also check:
https://examessence.com/how-to-prepare-science-and-technology-for-upsc/