Geography Courses: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Aug 8, 2024 04:11 IST

Geography is the study of physical features of the earth. It is also concerned with the relationship between these features and human beings. Geography courses can be pursued at various course levels. Geography degree courses after the 12th are becoming popular amongst students day by day. The study of the Earth and its lands and features, inhabitants, and phenomena, is known as the study of Geography. The subject of Geography comes under Science and adds as a major contributor to other science subjects we study and know. Admission to Geography courses requires students to have 50 per cent aggregate marks in 10+2 or graduation. The course can be pursued at undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, and diploma levels. Also, students have the option to pursue Online courses in Geography from several online learning platforms like Udemy, edX, and Coursera. The cost of Geography courses ranges from INR 20000 to INR 1 lakh.

The study of Geography helps students to learn about different types of landforms, physical structures of the Earth, Space, and so on. It also helps in knowing the country's resources, topography, and geographical location by taking this course. The graduates of Geography courses can find employment as cartographers, town planners, consultants, conservation officers and landscape architects. The salary at these profiles ranges between INR 2 lakh to 8 lakh.

Latest Updates About Geography Course:

  • CUET UG RE-exam for admission to undergraduate-level courses will be conducted on Jul 19 2024 for affected candidates.
Table of Contents
  1. Geography Course Highlights
  2. Geography Courses Eligibility Criteria
  3. Type of Geography Courses
  4. Geography Abroad for Indian Students
  5. Online Geography Courses
  6. Geography Courses Entrance Exams 2024
  7. Geography Courses Syllabus
    • 7.1 Specialisations in Geography
  8. Best Colleges for Geography Courses
    • 8.1 Best Private Colleges for Geography
    • 8.2 Best Government Colleges for Geography
  9. Geography Career Scope: Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
    • 9.1 Job Profiles and Salary After Geography Courses
    • 9.2 Top Recruiters for Geography Graduates
  10. Geography Courses FAQs: 2024

Geography Course Highlights

Potential students who want to have a promising career can enrol in this course, and there are numerous prospects in the sector. Desirous students can read on for complete information about the programme. It will help them in taking decisions related to entrance exams and which career they can take forward to shape their careers and climb the ladder of success.

Students can have a look at the table below to know the key highlights of a career in Geography.

Particulars Details

Course Name

Geography

Level of Course

Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, Certificate

Duration

UG-3 Years

PG-2 Years

Diploma-1 month to 2 years

Certificate-1 month to 2 years

Eligibility Criteria

UG- Pass Class 12th with 50% marks

PG- Graduation in relevant field

Diploma- Pass 10+2 with 50% marks

Certificate- Pass 10+2 with 50% marks

Entrance Exams

CUET, PUBDET, JMI, CUET PG, UGC NET

Fees

INR 20000-INR 1 lakh

Average Salary

INR 2 LPA-INR 8 LPA

Job Profiles

Geospatial Analyst, Environment Consultant, Market Researcher, Landscape Architect, Tourism Officer, etc.

Top Recruiters

ISRO, NATMO, NRSC, Agriculture research, GIS and Remote sensing, Colleges and Universities

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Quick Links About Geography Course:

Q:   What are Geography courses all about?

A:

Careers in urban planning, environmental management, international relations, Cartography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more are all possible with a geography background. Geography is a field that is always changing, both in terms of education and research.

Our knowledge of the Earth and its processes can be improved by studying geography, which can contribute to ongoing research in many fields. Aspiring individuals who want to have a promising career can enrol in a Geography course as it carries numerous prospects in the sector.

Geography Courses Eligibility Criteria

Geography Eligibility Criteria usually refers to the prerequisites or conditions that people must fulfil in order to pursue a profession in geography or study the subject. These requirements may change based on the particular school, programme, or career, however the following general criteria for admission are:

Geography Courses Eligibility
For Undergraduate Programmes
  • Students interested in the Geography Undergraduate Programme must have a 10+2 from an accredited board.
  • He or she must also pass the Class 12th board exam with a high percentile in Humanities.
  • The percentage is determined by the university/college. The minimum percentile, however, is 45-55 percent.
  • To pursue a BSc in Geography, you must first pass the UGC online test or the All India Entrance test.
For Postgraduate Programmes
  • Candidates for Postgraduate Studies in Geography must have a degree in the discipline from a reputable university.
  • He or she must achieve the bare minimum required percentile in the subject that a university or college expects.
  • To pursue an MSc in Geography, one must first pass the UGC NET or the All India Entrance Exam.

Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Q:   I am a PCM student, can I study Geography?

A:

Yes, you can study Geography course even if you have a PCM background. Many geography programmes welcome students from a variety of backgrounds, as they bring different perspectives and skills to the table. These skills include critical thinking and problem solving skills, communication skills, research skills, data analysis skills, spatial reasoning skills etc.

Type of Geography Courses

Various universities and colleges offer Geography in undergraduate, postgraduate, research, and doctoral programmes. Students can choose the degree in which they want to pursue a Geography course. Geography courses help students understand the globe and its intricacies. It also gives them the ability to recognise the beauty of their globe and make wise choices.

Given below are Geography courses offered at various course levels:

Types of Geography Courses

BA Geography

MA in Geology

BA (Hons) Geography

MSc in Geography

BSc in Geography

MPhil in Geography

MA in Disaster Management

MPhil in Political Geography

MA in Geography

PhD in Geography

MA in Geo-Informatics

PhD in Political Geography

Geography Abroad for Indian Students

The entrance exams required for studying abroad for a Geography programme can vary significantly depending on the country, university, and specific programme you are interested in. The aspirants also need to appear in language proficiency tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for MA abroad admission. 

The course can be completed at a fee ranging from INR INR 4 lakh to 25 lakh. The most popular countries for Geography Abroad are the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, and New Zealand.

Know all about Geography Abroad 

Top Universities for Geography in the USA
Top Universities for Geography in the UK
Top Universities for Geography in New Zealand
Top Universities for Geography in Canada

Online Geography Courses

There are several courses related to environment and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) which can be pursued online. Students will be able to pursue online Geography courses with convenience and flexibility. In the online Geography programme, lectures are delivered via video conferencing.

One can enrol in an Online programme while residing in another city because there are no on-site classes. It also allows aspirants to learn and perform at their own pace take their careers to further growth and expand their knowledge.

Students can have a look at the table below to know some demanding Online Geography Courses:

Online Geography Courses Course Provider Fees (in INR)
Introduction to GIS Mapping Coursera Free
GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis Coursera ----
Machine Learning in GIS and Remote Sensing Udemy INR 649
Information and Communications Technology University of Denver INR 27 lakh

Read More:

Online Courses and Certifications in Geography

Q:   Can I pursue Geography courses through distance education?

A:

Yes, you can pursue Geography courses in distance mode. 

Geography Courses Entrance Exams 2024

Students need to appear in the below-mentioned entrance exams to get admission to Geography courses. Students need to shortlist the colleges in which they want to seek admission and then check their admission formalities on college websites. They also need to check whether admissions in that particular college are provided based on merit or entrance tests. Accordingly, they can prepare for the other formalities and exams.

They can have a look at the table below to know the Entrance Exams for the Geography Course:

Geography Entrance Exams

Geography Entrance Exam Dates

Geography Entrance Exam Schedule

Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

15 May '24 to 24 May '24.

CUET Schedule

Common University Entrance Exam- Postgraduate(CUET PG)

Mar '25 (Tentative)

CUET PG Schedule

University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test(UGC NET)

18 Jun '24

UGC NET Schedule

Note: This information is sourced from official website of the institute/exam.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

7 Dec ' 24

SAT Test December Date

26 Nov ' 24

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

21 Sep ' 24

Second Phase of Counselling Begins

20 Sep ' 24

Reporting to Respective Colleges

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

Feb '25 - Mar '25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Applications Open

TENTATIVE

Apr '25 - May '25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates

05 Jul '23

Utkal University Entrance Test 2023

20 Jun '23

Utkal University Entrance Test 2023: Last date of Application

28 Feb '20 -

15 Aug '20

TUET 2020 online applications

Q:   What is CUET PG examination structure?

A:

The National Testing Agency will shortly release the CUET PG 2024 exam pattern. The CUET PG 2024 exam will be administered online through computer-based testing (CBT), in line with last year's pattern. The exam will be for two hours in total. The question paper will be available in Hindi and English. According to the CUET PG exam pattern 2024, there will be two sections to the question paper and a total of 100 questions in the test. There were 25 questions in Part A on language comprehension and verbal ability, and there were 75 questions in Part B that were unique to a given topic. The structure of the expected CUET PG 2024 question paper is as follows

Part A - Language Comprehension/Verbal Ability, General Test (GK, QA, Analytical Skills)

Number of questions - 25

Part B - Domain knowledge

Number of questions - 75

Q:   How to prepare for UGC NET?

A:

Preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the UGC NET exam:

a) Understand the syllabus: The first step in preparing for the UGC NET exam is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern. Go through the syllabus thoroughly and make a study plan accordingly.

B) Follow a structured study plan: Make a study plan that covers all the topics and subtopics in the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each topic and subtopic, and ensure that you cover all the important concepts.

C) Use standard study materials: Use standard study materials and books recommended by experts and previous-year toppers. This will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and topics covered in the exam.

D) Solve previous year's papers: Solving previous year's question papers and mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in the exam. It will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

E) Practice time management: Time management is crucial in the UGC NET exam, as you have to complete both papers in a limited time. Practice time management by solving mock tests and previous year's papers within the given time frame.

F) Stay updated with Current Affairs: Stay updated with Current Affairs and developments in your field of study, as questions related to Current Affairs and recent developments are often asked in the exam.

G) Take breaks and stay healthy: Taking regular breaks and staying healthy is important for effective preparation. Ensure that you take regular breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. In summary, preparing for the UGC NET exam requires a well-planned and structured study approach. By following these tips, you can prepare effectively for the exam and increase your chances of qualifying.

Geography Courses Syllabus

The geography syllabus is fairly extensive and covers many topics on the globe and its phenomena. This subject focuses on the investigation of the soil, vegetation, plantations, and other factors. Maps and scales, geography with a focus on India, climatic data, map projection, human geography, remote sensing, hours GIS, and quantitative data are just a few of the topics covered. 

Some of the common subjects taught in the PG programme in Geography are:

Year Subjects
First Year
  • Geomorphological Analysis
  • Geography of India
  • Modern Geography
  • Demography and Population
Second Year
  • Economic Geography
  • Remote Sensing
  • Geography of Natural Resource
  • Spatial Dimensions of Development

Relevant Link:

Complete Geography Syllabus

Specialisations in Geography

For individuals who are interested in going more deeply into particular areas of study, geography is a large and interdisciplinary field that offers various specialisations. Here are some noteworthy geographic specialties:

Specialisations in Geography

Behavioural Geography

Demography Geography

Development Geography

Cultural Geography

Economic Geography

Historical Geography

Health Geography

Regional Geography

Biogeography

Urban Geography

Coastal Geography

Climatology

Geodesy

Environmental Geography

Geomorphology

Glaciology

Landscape Ecology

Hydrology

Limnology

Quaternary Science

Oceanography

--

--

--

Students were also interested in topics related to Geography:

Humanities and Social Sciences Course

BHU receives Rs 60 Lakh donation from alumni; to start 12 new scholarships

Popular Specializations

    Q:   What are the popular specialisations in Geography?

    A:

    Some of the popular specialisations are Behavioural Geography, Health Geography, Glaciology, Environmental Geography, etc.

    • Physical geography: This specialisation focuses on the physical features of the Earth, such as its landforms, climate, and natural resources. Read More: Physical Geography 
    • Human geography: This specialisation focuses on the human aspects of the Earth, such as its population, cultures, and economies. Check: Human Geography 
    • Environmental geography: This specialisation focuses on the interactions between humans and the environment. Check: Environmental Geography
    • GIS (Geographic Information Systems): This specialisation focuses on the use of GIS technology to collect, analyse, and visualise spatial data.

    Q:   How to prepare for Indian geography for MAT?

    A:
    Hi, List of 10 best books for MAT are given below : 1. Mission MBA MAT Guide by B S Sijwali and Tarun Goal (Arihant Books) 2. MAT (Management Aptitude Test) Entrance Exams with Practice CDby GKP (G K Publications Pvt. Ltd.) covers, 3. The Pearson MAT Super Course with CD (Pearson) 4. Study Package For Management Aptitude Test by Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw-Hill) 5. 10 Challengers MAT 10 Mock Tests for Management Aptitude Testby Dharmendra Mittal (Arihant Publications) 6. MAT Score Accelerator (Odisha Publication) 7. MAT Solved Papers by Odisha Experts (Odisha Publication) 8. 10 Mock Test Papers MAT by Career Launchers (Oswaal Books) 9. R S Aggarwal for Class XI and XII Maths 10. Barrons Guide to GMAT by Eugene D. Jaffe and Stephen Hillbert (Galgotias Publication Pvt. Ltd.).

    Best Colleges for Geography Courses

    Desirous students can select among the thousands of colleges available for Geography courses. They can make their choice according to their suitability and fee structure. 

    Best Private Colleges for Geography

    Students can have a look at the table below to learn the popular private colleges for Geography courses:

    Geography Private Colleges Geography Private College Fees (in INR)

    Amity University, Noida

    3.68 lakh

    DPG Degree College, Gurgaon

    1.1 lakh
    K L University, Guntur 4.5 lakh

    Lovely Professional University, Delhi

    3 lakh
    Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad 3 lakh
    Madras Christian College, Chennai 56,100

    Patna Women's College, Patna

    22,500

    Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya ,Chandrapur

    2,400
    Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun 35,000

    Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune

    78,000

    Vidyasagar College, Kolkata

    12,700

    Best Government Colleges for Geography

    Some of the renowned govenment colleges for geography courses are:

    Geography Government Colleges Geography Government College Fees (in INR)
    Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 5.4 lakh to 8.9 lakh
    Delhi University 10,900
    Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi 20,000

    Kirori Mal College, Delhi

    41,800

    Kamla Nehru College, Delhi

    1,100
    Madras Christian College, Chennai 56,000

    Note: This information is sourced from official website of the institute.

    Relevant Link for Geography Courses: Top Colleges for Geography

    1 Course
    50.45 K
    7.2 LPA

    #5 India Today

    12 Courses
    44.67 K - 52.23 K
    6.89 LPA

    #2 Outlook

    2.0
    3.13 LPA

    #5 Outlook

    91.57 K
    6 LPA

    #21 Outlook

    3.9 LPA

    #19 The Week

    1 Course
    540
    5.38 LPA

    #13 Outlook

    Popular Private Geography Colleges in India

    2.6 L - 5.2 L
    4.0

    #44 The Week

    3 Courses
    2 L - 3 L
    4 LPA

    Geography Applications open. Apply Now

    4.8 L
    1.0
    2 L - 3 L
    3.75 - 6.75 LPA

    Geography Applications open. Apply Now

    2.16 L - 2.88 L
    1 Course
    50.45 K
    7.2 LPA

    #5 India Today

    Geography Career Scope: Job Profiles & Top Recruiters

    Geography occupations are limitless because it is one of the most strange and distinct topics. Given the relevance of Geography in practically all horizons and domains, a degree in geography can never be wasted. From cartographer to environmental consultant, your Geography degree can lead you to a variety of industries and specialisations. Geography occupations are limitless because it is one of the most strange and distinct topics. Click to learn Careers After Studying Geography. 

    Job Profiles and Salary After Geography Courses

    There are several geography career options in numerous specialisations which are as follows:

    Job Profiles for Geography Graduates

    Cartography

    Survey

    Urban and Regional Planning

    Town Planning

    Remote Sensing

    Climate Change Analysis

    Geospatial Analyst

    Teacher

    Travel and Tourism

    Environment Consultant

    Landscape Architect

    Political Risk Analyst

    Disaster Management

    Market Researcher

    Logistics and Distribution Manager

    Tourism Officer

    Top Recruiters for Geography Graduates

    Geography offers numerous job prospects, and after completing your post-graduate studies in the discipline, you can either pursue an MPhil or a Doctorate in Geography and work as a professor in a reputable institution or university. You can also get a Master of Arts degree and become a geographer in two years.

    As a result, the geography degree provides good career chances and employment opportunities in top positions with a salary ranging from INR 2 lakh to 8 lakh on average. The graduates of Geography courses can find employment in the below organisations:  

    Recruiters for Geography Courses

    ISRO

    GIS and Remote sensing
    NRSC Colleges and Universities
    NATMO Environmental protecting agencies
    Agriculture research Gas exploration company

    Quick Link related to Geography Courses: Career Opportunities for Geography Students

    Q:   How to become a teacher?

    A:

    To become a teacher, you need to obtain a B.Ed degree from a recognised university after completing your graduation or post-graduation. Those who finish graduation and B.Ed become TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher) whereas those who complete post-graduation and B.Ed become PGT (Post Graduate Teacher). On the basis of one's skills and choices, a candidate can teach primary or secondary or senior secondary students. 

    Q:   How to become a professor?

    A:

     To become a professor, the first step that you need to clear is pursuing a Master. After completing the Masters, you should go for the UGC NET Exam. The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA to select the candidates for Lectureships and Junior Research Fellowships.

     The exam is conducted twice a year in 81 subjects like Humanities, English Literature, Management, etc. Make sure that you meet the required eligibility criteria before applying for this exam like qualification, age norms, etc. There are also other exams like CSIR NET SET, GATE, etc. That can help you pursue your dream of becoming a Professor.

    Geography Courses FAQs: 2024

    Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Geography:

    Q:   What is the difference between Physical and Human Geography?

    A:

    Physical Geography and Human Geography are the two main branches of geography. Physical geography studies the natural features of the Earth, while human geography studies the human aspects of the Earth. Physical Geography is the study of the environment like climate, soil, water etc. whereas Human Geography is the study of developments created by man.

    Popular Geography UG Courses

    Following are the most popular Geography UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

    UG Courses

    Popular Geography PG Courses

    Following are the most popular Geography PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

    PG Courses

    qna

    Student Forum

    chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
    Write here...

    Answered a week ago

    A Master of Arts (M.A.) in geography is offered by a number of colleges in Agra. Several well-known choices are:

    Agra's Raja Balwant Singh College provides an M.A. in geography with first-rate facilities and knowledgeable instructors.

    Agra's St. John's College: Under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, this

    ...more

    R

    Ravi Babu

    Contributor-Level 10

    Answered a month ago

    In order to apply for an undergraduate Geography programme through PUBDET candidates must have studied Arts/ Science in their high school with at least three of the following subjects - Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, History, Geography,

    ...more

    A

    Aayushi Madavi

    Contributor-Level 8

    Answered 2 months ago

    Admissions for courses in Geography and Economics in Prince Academy of Higher Education Girls College likely would be closed by last October of 2024.

    Here, as in most Indian colleges, admission happens within a particular schedule. The window usually opens at the beginning of the year, between April

    ...more

    T

    Tanya Tomar

    Contributor-Level 9

    Answered 2 months ago

    Yes, you can apply for M.Sc in Geography even if you have a reappear in one of your B.Ed exams. However, admission will depend on the university or college’s eligibility criteria. Some institutions may require you to clear all exams before granting admission, while others might consider provisional

    ...more

    N

    Nikita Kumari

    Contributor-Level 6

    Answered 2 months ago

    Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) has a good reputation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. It offers diverse programs and research opportunities in Geography. However, consider factors like faculty expertise, research facilities, and departmental support when evaluating its fit for your f

    ...more

    D

    Durgesh kushwaha

    Contributor-Level 6

    Answered 2 months ago

    Environmental Geography and Human Geography are fields of Geography that are concerned with humans and their environment.

    • Environmental Geography deals with the physical environment and the impact of anthropological activities on the natural environment.
    • Human Geography deals with the socio-cultural a

    ...more

    K

    Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

    Contributor-Level 10

    Answered 2 months ago

    Yes of course,   You can pursue year Masters if you are from Hindi medium .After 12th there is no such Hindi aur English medium college. You can pursue your Masters from any college based on its selection process .

    R

    Ritu Verma

    Beginner-Level 5

    Answered 2 months ago

    Here are the key steps for the Environment Geography degree admission process in India:

    • Eligibility: Complete 10+2 with geography  as subjects, or hold a Diploma in Geography.
    • Entrance Exams: Appear for entrance exams, state-level exams, or university-specific exams (if applicable).
    • Application: Apply

    ...more

    K

    Khushi Soni

    Contributor-Level 6

    Answered 2 months ago

    MA Geography is a postgraduate level course that you can pursue after completing graduation. In this course the degree is Master of Arts and the specialisation is Geography. Since most colleges give admission on the basis of entrance exams, you will have to clear an entrance exam accepted by the col

    ...more

    K

    Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

    Contributor-Level 10

    Answered 2 months ago

    There are some colleges that offer MA Geography course with an affordable fee structure. Some of these are as follows:

    MA Geography Colleges

    Average Fees (in INR)

    Jawaharlal Nehru University

    432

    Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University

    600

    Maharaja Ganga Singh University

    700

    Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University, Dhanbad

    720

    Government Girls College, Gurgaon

    840

    Maharshi Dayanand University

    880

    Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi

    1.44 K

    Government Hamidia Arts and Commerce College

    1.9 K

    Jai Narain Vyas University

    1.92 K

    Govt. Madhav Arts and Commerce College, Ujjain

    1.98 K

    Kumaun University

    2.04 K

    Burdwan University

    2.4 K

    K

    Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

    Contributor-Level 10

    Answered 2 months ago

    Yes you can apply for MA Geography after completing BSc course. If you have completed BSc in Geography then you can apply for MA Geography or MSc Geography. If you have completed BSc in any other specialisation such as BSc Computer Science, BSc Chemistry etc. then also you can pursue MA Geography. M

    ...more

    K

    Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

    Contributor-Level 10

    Answered 2 months ago

    If you are a graduate then you can apply for MA Geography. Some colleges may give you preference if you have completed BA or BSc Geography. Most colleges give admission on the basis of entrance exams. If you are applying trough CUET PG then you should be a graduate with a minimum 50% aggregate marks

    ...more

    K

    Keerthana Sundara Vadivel

    Contributor-Level 10

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