Geography is an important subject in Class 8 CBSE Social Science. It helps students understand the world around them – from natural resources to industries. In this article, we bring you easy-to-understand and exam-focused Class 8 Geography notes based on the latest NCERT syllabus. These notes will help you in quick revision and score better in exams.

CBSE Class 8 Geography – Overview

The NCERT Geography textbook for Class 8 is titled “Resources and Development.” It contains 6 chapters, each explaining key concepts related to resources, land use, industries, and human-environment interaction.

Here is a chapter-wise breakdown with important points:

Chapter 1: Resources

What is a Resource?

• Resource: Anything that can be used to satisfy human needs is called a resource.

• Examples: Water, air, minerals, forests, etc.

Types of Resources

1. Natural Resources: Found in nature (e.g., water, minerals)

2. Human-made Resources: Made by humans (e.g., buildings, roads)

3. Human Resources: People with knowledge and skills

Classification by Availability

• Renewable: Replenished naturally (sunlight, water)

• Non-Renewable: Limited in supply (coal, petroleum)

Key Points for Exam

• Resource = Utility + Value

• Conservation and sustainable use are essential

Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Land Resources

• Uses of land: Agriculture, forestry, mining, settlements

• Land degradation due to deforestation, overgrazing, mining

Soil Resources

• Formation: Weathering of rocks

• Types of Soil in India: Alluvial, black, red, laterite, desert, mountain soil

• Soil conservation methods: Terracing, contour ploughing, afforestation

Water Resources

• Freshwater is only 2.7% of all water

• Scarcity causes: Overuse, pollution, unequal distribution

• Water conservation: Rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation

Natural Vegetation & Wildlife

• Forests prevent erosion and maintain climate balance

• Threats: Deforestation, poaching, habitat loss

• Conservation: National parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves

Key Points for Exam

• Use maps to locate types of soils and forest regions in India

Chapter 3: Mineral and Power Resources

Types of Minerals

• Metallic Minerals: Iron, copper, bauxite

• Non-metallic: Mica, salt, limestone

Methods of Mining

• Open-cast mining

• Shaft mining

• Drilling (for oil and gas)

Power Resources

1. Conventional: Coal, petroleum, natural gas

2. Non-conventional: Solar, wind, tidal, geothermal

Energy Conservation

• Switch to renewable sources

• Use energy-efficient appliances

Key Points for Exam

• Difference between renewable and non-renewable

• Location of major mineral belts in India

Chapter 4: Agriculture

Types of Farming

1. Subsistence Farming: For family use (e.g., shifting, intensive)

2. Commercial Farming: For sale in markets (e.g., plantations)

Major Crops

• Food Crops: Rice, wheat, maize

• Cash Crops: Cotton, jute, sugarcane

• Beverage Crops: Tea, coffee

Factors Affecting Agriculture

• Climate

• Soil

• Topography

• Market availability

Key Points for Exam

• Understand types of farming with examples

• Learn major crops and their growing states

Chapter 5: Industries

Types of Industries

1. Based on Raw Material: Agro-based, mineral-based

2. Based on Size: Small-scale, large-scale

3. Based on Ownership: Public, private, joint, cooperative

Industrial System

• Inputs: Raw material, labor, power

• Processes: Activities like refining or manufacturing

• Outputs: Finished goods

Major Industrial Regions in India

• Mumbai-Pune

• Kolkata-Hugli

• Bangalore-Tamil Nadu

Key Points for Exam

• Learn about Jamshedpur (Iron & Steel) and Ahmedabad (Textile)

• Diagram of industrial system is important

Chapter 6: Human Resources

Population – A Resource

• Human resource = Educated + Skilled people

• Population distribution is uneven

Factors Affecting Population Distribution

• Climate

• Soil and water

• Economic and political factors

Population Density and Growth

• Density = People per square km

• Population explosion can be harmful

Key Points for Exam

• India’s population is second largest

• Focus on literacy rate, life expectancy, occupational structure

Exam-Focused Tips to Learn Geography Easily

Use Diagrams and Maps

1. • Label physical and political maps

     • Practice location of rivers, industries, minerals

2. Make Short Notes

   • Use bullets and mind maps

   • Highlight keywords

3. Revise Important Definitions

   • Resource, deforestation, population density, etc.

4. Solve NCERT Questions

   • End-of-chapter exercises

   • Map-based questions

5. Use Flashcards

   • For crop types, soil types, power sources

Class 8 Geography – NCERT Book PDF & Sample Papers

• Download free NCERT Class 8 Geography Book PDF from ncert.nic.in

• Solve sample papers and previous year questions for practice

• Refer to CBSE marking scheme for better understanding

Why Study Geography?

Geography builds your understanding of:

• Earth’s environment

• Natural resources and their use

• Economic activities and people’s lives

It’s not just a school subject – it helps in competitive exams, career planning, and real-life decisions too!

Conclusion

These Class 8 CBSE Geography notes provide an exam-ready summary of all chapters from the NCERT book. With clear concepts, definitions, and important facts, you can confidently prepare for school tests and final exams. Remember to revise regularly, practice map work, and stay curious about the world!