Geography Career in India

The word Geography originates from the Greek words “Geo or Gaea” both meaning "Earth", and “graphein” meaning "to describe" or "to map". Hence it can be inferred that Geography is the science of the earth i.e., the study of the surface of the earth, the location and distribution of its physical and cultural features, the aerial outlines of places, and also the interrelation of these features as they influence human population.

Geography Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification: The minimum qualification for taking up the course is 10+2 with high marks in social sciences including geography. For the degree courses, there is an entrance test in which the aptitude of aspirants is checked for the specialized study of Geography. A first –class Hons.degree in geography for postgraduate course in geography is generally a prerequisite.

Personal attributes: Aspirants for this field must have the ability to enjoy creating and imagining; this is among those professions where learning from others plays an important role in the budding stages. An inborn talent, dedication, an eye to form, ability to utilize colors and creative ability to develop original ideas are also important factors.

Geography Job Prospects

Geography offers several career options with numerous specializations.

Cartography - Geographers who specialize in this make maps, charts, globes and models

Survey - Geographers can specialize in surveying, either by joining the Survey of India or state Survey Departments or Private organizations. Surveyors map the surface of the earth through mathematical observations and field work.

Urban and Regional Planning - (Qualification required: Geography graduates or post graduates) this specialization is concerned with planning, housing and development projects with respect to their location and utilization of available land-space. There are degree courses available in this stream.

Town Planning - (Qualification required: Post Graduates in geography) They are employed by public and private organizations engaged in Urban planning and design and by NGOS involved in rural development projects. Many universities are offering Diploma courses in the specialized field of Town Planning.

Remote Sensing - Studies of quickly changing phenomena such as floods, draught and forest fires, etc. Remote sensing satellites provide a variety of information about the earth's surface

Depending on their area of specialization, geographers may be employed as forest managers or in agricultural or economic institutes or as demographers in government and research organizations. A geography background is also an asset for careers in travel and tourism, particularly for travel Journalism. Geography also helps in competitive examinations and general knowledge papers.

Geography Pay Package

Since the nature of job prospects is very diverse, the salary can vary tremendously. Though, initially pay packet in this field of work is not as lucrative as other hot career options, one can expect a starting salary somewhere around Rs. 8,000 - 12,000 per month.

Geography Institutes/Universities

• University of Delhi

University Road, Delhi 110 007
Phone South Campus: 011-24119832
Phone North Campus: 011-2766709, 27667011, 27667190
Fax: 011-27667049
Website: www.du.ac.in

• University of Rajasthan

JLN Marg,
Jaipur 302004, Rajasthan
Phone: 91-141-2711070
Fax: 91-141-2711799
Email: info@uniraj.ernet.in
Website: http://www.uniraj.ernet.in/

• Institute of Geo-informatics & Remote Sensing

Course Offered : PG Certification 6 months
Address : 25/1, Rustomji Street, Ballygunge, Kolkata, 700019
City : Kolkata
State : West Bangal
Phone : 033-24602501
Email : training@igrs-gis.com
Website : http://www.igrs-gis.com

• Jamia Millia University

Jamia Nagar, New Delhi
Pin-10025
Tel: 26984650, 26985180
Fax: 011-26981232
Email: admin@jmi.nic.in
Website: www.jmi.nic.in

• Amity University

Amity Campus, Sector 44
Noida- 201303, Uttar Pradesh
Ph 26569050, 2653047
Website: www.amity.edu

• Loyola College

Phone: +91-44-28178200
Fax: +91-44-28175566
Email: helpdesk@loyolacollege.edu
Website: www.loyolacollege.edu

• Symbiosis Institute of Design

Viman Nagar, Pune 411 014
Maharashtra,  INDIA
Tel (Admissions): +91 20 6561 3769 / 70
Fax: +91 20 2663 4549
Email: info@symbiosisdesign.ac.in
Website: www.symbiosisdesign.ac.in

• Apeejay College of Fine Arts

Bhagwan Mahavir Marg,
New Jawahar Nagar
Jalandhar- 144001
Phone: 0181-2452181, 2458547
Fax: 0181- 2225204
E-mail: acfa.jln@apj.edu
Website: www.apj.edu

• Other universities

Rabindra Bharti University, kolkatta
Banaras Hindu University
Banasthali Vidhyapeeth, Rajasthan.
Rajasthan School of Arts, Jaipur.
SNDT Women's University, Mumbai.
M. S. University of Baroda, Baroda.
Kala Bhavan, Vishva Bharti, Shanti Niketan West Bengal.
College of Arts, Delhi.
University of Calcutta