IGNOU
- Fees: ₹ 28000
Geography Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
Degrees offered: M.A., B.A.(Hons), B.A., B.Sc.(Hons), M.Sc.
What is Geography
Geography is the field of social science that includes the study of Earth's landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. Most of the subjects in Geography include physical geography like climate, landforms, and ecosystems and human geography like population, urbanisation, and cultural patterns.
Geography is available at various levels of education like diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, PGD, and even PhD. The eligibility for each level of education is different. There are around 1700 colleges in India that offer Geography programmes. Students who want to pursue geography must be from a humanities and social science background.
After completion of a degree course in Geography, students get to work as urban planners, environmental consultants, GIS specialists, and researchers. The top recruiters for these profiles in India are Survey of India, Geological Survey of India, Wipro, Infosys, TATA Consultancy Services (TCS), Environmental NGOs like WWF India, and Urban planning firms like UrbanClap.
Highlights - Geography
Particulars | Values |
Branch Name | Geography |
Degree | |
Eligibility Criteria | UG: 10+2 in science, commerce, or humanities PG: Bachelor's Degree in Geography or related field PhD: Masters in Geography or related field |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam |
Entrance Exam | CUET UG, CUET PG, BHU UET |
Course Fees | Rs. 43,000 |
Job Profiles | Geologists, Urban Planners, Environmental Consultants, GIS Specialists, and Researchers |
Average Salary | Rs. 7 LPA |
Recruiting Companies | Survey of India, ISRO, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Geological Survey of India, Wipro, Infosys, TATA Consultancy Services (TCS), Environmental NGOs like WWF India and Urban planning firms like UrbanClap. |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
Geography offers a diverse range of specialisations focusing on various interests and career goals of aspiring candidates. By choosing a specialisation, students can develop expertise in areas like urban planning, environmental management, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Below are some of the known specialisation areas in geography in degree programmes.
Master of Science (MSc) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography |
Master of Environmental Management | Master of Urban and Regional Planning |
Master of Population Studies |
Top Geography Colleges in India
There are many colleges and universities in India that offer candidates with geography as a degree course. These colleges and universities not only offer theoretical knowledge but also provide candidates with the opportunity to have hands-on experience and practical experience. Below is the list of the top 10 colleges and universities in India as per the NIRF Ranking that provides geography courses.
Colleges | Average Fees |
Rs. 51,240 | |
Rs. 3,940 | |
Rs. 42,230 | |
- | |
Rs. 36,960 | |
Rs. 55,550 | |
Rs. 1.16 Lakhs | |
- | |
Rs. 38,500 | |
Rs. 40,690 |
Note: The fee structure provided above can be for any particular Geography course (Certificate/Diploma/ Degree/PGD).
Top Private Geography Colleges in India
There are around 1000 private colleges and universities in India that offer Geography courses. These colleges are renowned for their coursework, world-class facilities, expert faculties, and practical exposure. Below is the list of private colleges in India that offer geography as the degree courses.
Colleges | Average Fees |
Rs. 75,650 | |
- | |
Rs. 72,740 | |
- | |
Rs. 60,630 | |
Rs. 57,300 | |
- | |
Rs. 24,400 | |
Rs. 32,300 | |
Rs. 38,000 |
Top Government Geography Colleges in India
There are around 700 government colleges in India that offer geography courses. These colleges have developed and now provide similar educational facilities to those of private colleges but at a lesser cost. Below is a list of some renowned colleges and universities in India that offer geography as their degree courses.
Colleges | Average Fees |
Rs. 21,750 | |
Rs. 1,950 | |
- | |
Rs. 49,250 | |
Rs. 40,590 | |
- | |
- | |
Rs. 53,860 | |
Rs. 27,410 | |
Rs. 24,000 |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Geography
Geography UG Courses Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who aspire to pursue geography in their bachelor's degree have to fall under the category of eligible students. These eligibility criteria requirements are set by the various institutions and colleges that offer geography courses. Below is the list of eligibility requirements for geography courses.
- Candidates must pass 10+2 education from a recognised board of education.
- Candidates can have commerce, science, or humanities as their stream in their class 12 examinations.
Top UG Entrance Exam for Geography
As an eligible criteria requirement, candidates must qualify for a certain entrance examination. The candidates need to successfully qualify for the examination to sit for the counselling sessions. Below are the details of some of the entrance exams required by the candidates:
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | NTA |
Geography PG Courses Eligibility Criteria
Similarly for PG courses in geography also, candidates need to check their eligibility criteria requirements. Candidates need to ensure that they are eligible for the Geography course before they start the application process. Below are certain entrance requirements for Geography courses.
Candidates who wish to pursue post-graduation in Geography must have a Bachelor's degree in geography or a related subject from a well-recognised university.
Top PG Entrance Exam for Geography
The main entrance exam that candidates need to qualify is CUET PG. Below are the details of the entrance exams required by the candidates:
Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
National | NTA |
Scope of Geography in India and Abroad
Geography course offers many job opportunities in India and around the world. In India, geography degree courses offer students the opportunity to work with government agencies like the Survey of India, ISRO, and environmental departments.
Students can also find jobs in private companies in areas like city planning, environmental consulting, and mapping technologies (GIS). Abroad, students can work with global organisations, NGOs, and research centres on important issues like climate change, sustainable development, and disaster management.
Course Fees Geography
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
1.99 K
B.A.(Hons) in Geography at RBS College, Teyai
|
---
Data not available
|
6.25 Lakhs
B.A.(Hons) in Geography at Sharda University, Greater Noida
|
1.60 Lakhs
B.Sc M.Sc in Geography at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli
|
| PG |
100
M.Sc. in Geography at Shri Bhawani Niketan PG Boys College, Jaipur
|
---
Data not available
|
2.34 Lakhs
M.A. in Geography at Amity Institute of Social Sciences, Noida
|
1.20 Lakhs
M.Sc. in Geography at Bhairab Ganguly College, Kolkata
|
| DOCTORAL |
85.00 K
Ph.D in Geography at Career Point Law College, Kota
|
16.80 K
Ph.D in Geography at Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
|
10.20 Lakhs
Ph.D in Geography at University of Science and Technology, Ri Bhoi
|
3.06 Lakhs
Ph.D in Geography at Indira Gandhi University, Meerpur
|
| DIPLOMA |
80.00 K
Diploma in Geography at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
|
12.40 K
M.Sc. in Geography at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
|
80.00 K
Diploma in Geography at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
|
12.40 K
M.Sc. in Geography at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
|
Course Subjects
The course structure for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in geography includes a blend of both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience. Below is the syllabus for both BA Geography and MA Geography.
Geography UG Course
The syllabus of undergraduate courses in Geography provides more emphasis on theoretical aspects of geography and its disciplines. Some of the subjects taught in undergraduate courses in Geography include Physical Geography, Rocks and Minerals, Work of Rivers,s and erosional and depositional landforms. Below is the syllabus of BA Hons. Geography is offered by the University of Delhi.
Semester 1 | |
Geomorphology | Cartographic Techniques |
Disaster Management | Geography of Tourism and Pilgrimage |
Semester 2 | |
Human Geography | Thematic Cartography |
Spatial Information Technology | Coupled Human and Environment System |
Semester 3 | |
Climatology | Geography of India |
Statistical Methods in Geography | Geographic Information System |
Advanced Spatial Statistical Techniques | Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation |
Rural Development | - |
Semester 4 | |
Economic Geography | Environmental Geography |
Field work and Research Methodology | Introduction to GIScience |
Thematic Atlas | - |
Semester 5 | |
Regional Planning and Development | Remote Sensing and GIS |
Demography and Population Studies | Hydrology and Soil Studies |
Urbanization and Urban System | Agriculture and Food Security |
Semester 6 | |
Evolution of Geographical Thought | Disaster Management based Project Work |
Geography of Health | Introduction to Political Geography |
Biogeography and Biodiversity | Geography of Social Wellbeing |
Geography PG Course
The course curriculum for the postgraduate degree programme in the field of Geography depends on the degree and can differ across various colleges. In India, numerous prestigious educational institutions offer enrolment in the M.A. Geography programme. The M.A. Geography course syllabus at the University Of Lucknow is given below for reference
Semester 1 | |
Geographical Thoughts | Geomorphology |
Population Geography | Agricultural Geography |
Practical Geography | - |
Semester 2 | |
Geography of Resources | Climatology |
Political Geography | Urban GeographY |
Semester 3 | |
Regional planning and development | oceanography |
Social and cultural Geography | Human Geography |
Regional Geography of World | - |
Semester 4 | |
Geography of India | Global Environmental Issue |
Remote sensing and GIS | Regional Geography Of World |
Geography of Tourism | Computer Application in Geography |
Careers in Geography
In our country, there are a lot of opportunities for placements for candidates who complete geography. Candidates, post completion of geography degree courses get the opportunities to work in diverse fields. These are the job profiles for Geography:
Job profile | Job description |
A cartographer’s job involves the development of maps that have been designed as on the information taken from various charts, diagrams, conventional maps, and spreadsheets. | |
Coastal Zone Manager | The coastal zone manager holds the responsibility of managing, protecting as well as conserving the coastal areas and the available resources. They are also the ones that make major management decisions for the coastal areas. |
Land Use Analyst | A Land Analyst designs and organises the plans that are made for the land use keeping in mind the basic environmental, economic, and population factors in that area. |
Development Surveyor | A Development Surveyor is the person who holds the responsibility of supervising the development activities that take place on empty plots to ensure that the plans comply with legal, financial, and social factors. |
A geographer studies the Earth and its land, features, and inhabitants. He or She studies environmental issues, plans urban and regional developments, and conducts research. | |
Demographer | A demographer is a social scientist who uses statistical methods to study the size, distribution, and structure of human populations. |
A Forester is responsible for managing forests and woodlands while overseeing activities such as timber production, conservation, and recreation. |
Upcoming trends
Geography courses have been emphasising increasing technology and artificial intelligence in recent types. There is a growing emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial data analysis, reflecting the increasing importance of geospatial technology. Courses are focusing on climate change studies, sustainable development, and urban planning to address global environmental challenges.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
There are lots of reputed recruiters in the field of Geography. Candidates have vast job opportunities after completing geography as their degree courses. These are some of the top recruiters:
- Survey of India
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Geological Survey of India
- Wipro
- Infosys
- TATA Consultancy Services (TCS)
- Environmental NGOs like WWF India
- Urban planning firms like UrbanClap
Average Salary
Salary packages in the field of Geography course depend upon the qualification of the candidate and are based on your talent and hard work. These are some of the geography-related job profiles and their salary:
Job Profile | Annual Salary |
Cartographer | Rs. 3 LPA |
Coastal zone manager | Rs. 8.7 LPA |
Land use analyst | Rs. 2.8 LPA |
Development surveyor | Rs. 4.7 LPA |
Agriculture specialist | Rs. 2.8 LPA |
Geographer | Rs. 7 LPA |
Forester | Rs. 9 LPA |
Source: Ambition Box and Glassdoor
The salary figures mentioned anywhere in these articles are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location, and numerous other factors.
Required Skillset for Geography
Several skills are pre-required by the candidates to excel in the field of Geography. These skills are very essential for the candidates as these give them an edge over other students. Mentioned below are the important skills required in the field of Geography.
- Analytical Skills
- Spatial Thinking
- GIS and Remote Sensing Proficiency
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Research Skills
- Communication Skills
- Data Analysis
- Environmental Awareness
- Technical Skills in Mapping and Cartography
Course Curriculum for Geography
The geography course curriculum covers a mix of physical and human geography topics. Students learn about landforms, climates, ecosystems, and natural resources in physical geography. Human geography explores population, urban development, culture, and economic activities. Courses also include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and cartography, which involve mapping and analysing spatial data.
Popular Geography Entrance Exams in India
CSIR UGC NET
Application Process: 09 Dec, 2024 - 30 Dec, 2024
CUET PG
Exam Date: 11 Mar, 2025 - 28 Mar, 2025 (Tentative)
CUET UG
Exam Date: 15 May, 2025 - 24 May, 2025 (Tentative)
UGC NET
Exam Date: 03 Jan, 2025 - 16 Jan, 2025
LPU NEST
Application Process: 15 Oct, 2024 - 15 Jan, 2025
Popular Geography Colleges in India VIEW ALL
LPU Jalandhar
- Fees: ₹ 327000
- Exams: CUET UG
BHU Varanasi
- Fees: ₹ 5864
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Is a course in Geography hard?
Answer :
A course in Geography might be vast but shall be easy if the candidate is truly interested in it.
Question: Who are the top recruiters of the field?
Answer :
The top recruiters of the field are Survey of India, ISRO, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Geological Survey of India, Wipro, Infosys and TATA Consultancy Services (TCS).
Question: What is the expected salary of a geographer?
Answer :
The salary of the geographer depends upon his/her qualifications and hard work and is also based on merit as well. The average salary of the geographer is Rs. 4.2 LPA.
Question: Who is a Demographer and can a B. Sc. holder in Geography get the post?
Answer :
A Demographer is a social scientist who uses statistical methods to study the size, distribution, and structure of human populations. If you have a B. Sc. in Geography, you can also go for the post of a Demographer.
Question: Is a course in Geography worth it?
Answer :
For a candidate interested in the subject, a course in Geography is worth it. It allows the person to follow a career in a subject that he/she is passionate about. With experience and hard work, a career in this field can also be extremely rewarding.
Questions related to Geography
Showing 809 out of 809 Questions
8 Views
Is Pol science history geography english good combination of subject for cuet admission in du for ba political hons
13th Dec, 2024
Hello
Yes , the combination of Political Science , History , Geography and English is a good choice for CUET (Common University Entrance Test) admission in DU for BA (Hons) Political Science . Political Science and History are directly relevant to the subject , while Geography and English help build a strong academic foundation and analytical skills .
For more details check link given below
https://www.careers360.com/university/university-of-delhi-delhi/ba-political-science-hons-course
Hope this helps you .
Thank you
Answer later 3 Views
Schools in Jharkhand which have political science, history, geography, psychology and sociology as their optional in arts?
22nd Nov, 2024
Hello Sneha
Below are mentioned names of schools in jhatkhand offering arts subjects including sociology and psycology .
Prajapati art Academy
Kalakosk art school
Sristi painting abd handicraft center
Kala Prangan school of arts
Sandarsh kala kendra
Shilpica art school
Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir
Bridford school ,Ranchi
International public school ,Ranchi
Oxford public school
12 Views
Is jossa accept IT subject as a replacement for chemistry as a technical vocational subject for nit admission not for IIT bcoz my grouping is not clear so can I add physics maths English geography and IT marks for 75% criteria
5th Nov, 2024
Hello,
To be eligible for NIT (National Institutes of Technology) admissions through JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority), here’s how subject requirements generally work:
-
Core Subjects for Eligibility : For NIT admissions, the essential subjects typically include Physics , Mathematics , and one other recognized subject. Chemistry is commonly accepted as a technical/vocational subject, but JoSAA has specified that equivalent vocational or technical subjects can sometimes substitute it.
-
IT as a Vocational Subject : Information Technology (IT) is often accepted as a vocational subject in place of Chemistry for the 75% eligibility criteria in JEE Main for NIT admissions. You can check if IT is explicitly listed as acceptable on the JoSAA or JEE Main guidelines for the year you're applying.
-
Subjects to Count Toward 75% Criteria : If IT is acceptable, your 75% aggregate could be calculated based on scores in Physics , Mathematics , English , Geography , and IT .
-
Confirming Eligibility : Refer to the most recent JoSAA guidelines or JEE Main brochure for verification, as subject requirements can occasionally change year to year.
-
Final Consideration : Always consult your school’s or board’s criteria for technical/vocational subjects to ensure that IT meets all eligibility and board-specific criteria for NIT applications.
To know more about admission criteria in NIT, visit : https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-get-admission-in-nits-through-jee-main
Hope it helps !
1 View
Please anyone clear my doubt.JEE JOSAAA COUNSELLING MEIN GEOGRAPHY SUBJECT CONSIDER KARTE HAI KYA AS A ADDITIONAL SUBJECT MERA PCM ENGLISH and GEOGRAPHY KA MARKS LEKAR EXACTLY 378/500 ARHA HAI JOO KI MAHARASHTRA KE TOP 20 PERCENTILE KA RANGE MEIN HAI..as per 2024 ( i am dropper ) Please fix batao i am confused
19th Oct, 2024
The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) considers the following subjects for admission to NITs, IIITs, and GFTI that is in the list below if you have 75 percent these subjects you are eligible.you cant take geography in aggregate
1.Physics is compulsory
2.Mathematics is compulsory
3.One of the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or Technical Vocational
The subject with the highest marks will be considered.Be within the category-wise top 20 percentile of successful candidates in their respective Class 12 board examination.
7 Views
AS PER MAHARASHTRA BOARD TOP 20% PERCENTILE WE NEED 378/500 AS A GENERAL CATEGORY WHEN I AM CONSIDERING PCM ENGLISH AND GEOGRAPHY I AM GETTING EXACTLY 378/500 IS geographic considered as additional subject as per josaaa?? for JEE mains and also advance?
19th Oct, 2024
Hello Vinayak,
Yes, as per JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) and JEE Mains/Advance eligibility criteria , the subjects considered for calculating the top 20% percentile or the minimum qualifying marks for General Category are:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- One language subject (like English)
- One additional subject (can be any subject except vocational ones)
In your case, Geography can be considered as the fifth additional subject , which is allowed under JoSAA rules. So, if you're calculating your score using Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, and Geography and getting exactly 378/500 , it should be valid for both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced eligibility, provided all other criteria are met.
Make sure to double-check the official JoSAA counseling guidelines or updates in case of any changes in the rules.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
