Bachelor of Science in Geography, commonly known as BSc Geography, is a graduate program that examines interactions between people, places and the environment. Students who are interested in learning about the geographical connections through fieldwork, human activities and principles, the physical qualities of geopolitical technology, and the Earth's physical properties would find this course perfect.
To be eligible for admission, candidates must pass their 10+2 (Higher Secondary Education) with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Geography, from a recognised board, with a minimum of 50% total marks (can vary according to the university). Admission is offered by colleges like Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Aligarh Muslim University, Pachamuthu Group of Institutions, Yuvakshetra Institute of Management Studies (YIMS), Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Adamas University, Andhra University, Presidency University, Madras Christian College, Jadavpur University. Some universities provide admissions to the candidates through entrance exams like CUET UG, AUCET, PUBDET, and many more, while some colleges provide admission on a merit basis.
Depending on the institution, the average course fee is between INR 7,200 and INR 3,52,000. The program includes practical components such as MAP interpretation, survey, GIS lab work and field studies, which students prepare for analytical and field-based job roles.
Graduates can work as GIS Analysts, Social Studies Teachers, Scientific Writers, Research Associates, Digital Cartographers, and more. There are job opportunities in areas such as urban development officers, government agencies, environmental NGOs, research institutes and private counselling firms. Organisations such as Cityano De Solutions, Narayana Educational Society, Cactus Communications, National Institute of Oceanography, and GeoSpoc recruit the graduates. Based on the position and experience, annual pay ranges from INR 2 to INR 12 LPA. Students can also prepare for postgraduate studies such as MSc, Geoinformatics, Environmental Sciences, and many more.
BSc Geography Highlights
Given below are some of the basic highlights for the BSc in Geography course:
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Why Study BSc Geography?
Students who choose to study a BSc in Geography will get an opportunity to work in industries like environmental management, urban planning, cartography, and research. These industries leverage skills gained from geography studies, such as analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving. Some points related, why study this course are:
- Recognising global issues: Geography offers an outline for understanding and dealing with issues such as urbanisation, overcrowding, natural disasters, and climate change. Students will discover how the world is shaped by the complex connections that exist between human societies and the environment.
- Developing a broader perspective: A degree in geography promotes a sense of global citizenship and encourages students to seriously think about the place and mutual relations of different regions and cultures in the world.
- Building a strong skill: Students will receive practical skills in areas such as fieldwork, data analysis, and mapping, which are valuable assets in various businesses. The course additionally provides a strong emphasis on communication, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Career Options: A Bachelor's degree in Geography can lead to various types of jobs in areas such as research, governance, urban planning, environmental science and GIS technology. There are also opportunities available in commercial companies, non-profit organisations and government agencies.
- Getting practical experience: Many programs provide fieldwork opportunities, which require collecting information, studying and using what has been learned in real-life scenarios. Career growth can greatly benefit from this practical experience.
BSc Geography Eligibility Criteria
A few requirements must be met to be eligible for this course, as admission is usually difficult without them. The requirements for a BSc in Geography are as follows:
- Candidates should have a standard qualification from an approved board or a 10+2 diploma in science or art.
- To be qualified for this course, students must have at least a 50% mark in 10+2 or an equivalent.
- Science candidates with a mathematical stream are given preference, although it is not necessary.
- The minimum age of this course is 17 years, and the maximum age limit is 25 years.
- As long as they finish the course before the date of document verification, those who have completed their 10+2 or diploma and are awaiting their results are eligible to apply.
- According to the UGC guidelines, reserved category SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates receive a 5% mark or equivalent grade relaxation.
BSc Geography Entrance Exams
Candidates must take and pass entrance exams in order to get admission for the BSc in Geography, as most universities focus admission decisions on the scores or rankings secured on these examinations, and a few colleges also provide admission on the basis of the merit score in the 10+2 exam. A few examinations for getting admission for the BSc in Geography have been given below:
BSc Geography Colleges in India
Here is the list of some of the colleges in India that are offering the BSc in Geography:
BSc Geography Admission Process
All universities provide a very similar admissions procedure for the BSc in Geography. The following is the admission procedure at Pachamuthu Group of Institutions for this program:
Step 1: Candidates must pass the Higher Secondary Certificate Examination (10+2) approved by the Syndicate of Periyar University - Salem or any equivalent qualification.
Step 2: All candidates will have to submit their original transfer certificate (TC) from the last institute.
Step 3: Candidates from other states will have to provide an eligibility certificate issued by Periyar University, Salem.
Step 4: Candidates from other countries have to submit:
- One migration certificate
- A recognition certificate from Periyar University - Salem
Step 5: If a student is admitted after the start of a term, they must pay the entire cost for that term.
Step 6: If any student has received admission using false documents, they will be immediately rejected, and all the fees paid will be forfeited.
Step 7: A student who has paid the fees and chooses to leave college will be given a transfer certificate at request.
Step 8: A Special reservation is available for quota.
Each college may have its own admissions procedure for the course and may vary accordingly.
BSc Geography Syllabus
Students can explore the study of Earth's habitats, landscapes, and human environment interactions by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Geography. Graduates of this degree have a special set of skills that includes field research methods, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), environmental evaluation, and geographic analysis. The topics covered in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for BSc in Geography are shown in the table below.
There are several Bachelor of Science in Geography colleges that offer the course for 4 years, with 8 semesters, also, in which they provide projects and hands-on experience to the students through training in the final year.
BSc Geography Jobs & Salary in India
Graduating with a BSc in Geography opens various career opportunities across both the public and private sectors. One can work in urban planning departments, environmental consultancies, or even as a teacher in a reputed institution, and many more. The various job profiles are given below:
BSc Geography FAQs
Is mathematics mandatory for a BSc Geography?
No, mathematics is not mandatory. However, basic mathematical knowledge is particularly helpful for GIS and statistical analysis subjects.
Can candidates study higher after a BSc in Geography?
Yes, students can pursue teaching and research through MSc Geography, Remote Sensing, Environmental Sciences, Urban Planning, or NET/JRF or B.Ed programs.
Is there any difference between a BA and a BSc in geography?
Yes, a BSc in geography is more focused on scientific and technical aspects such as GIS, remote sensing and quantitative methods, while a BA in Geography is more towards human and cultural geography and theoretical concepts.
What skills will a candidate get to learn during this course?
Candidates will learn data analysis and interpretation, GIS and remote sensing software, field survey methods, research and map-making, and many more.