Geography UPSC Mains Topic Wise Previous Year Questions (1979-2023)

Geography holds significant importance in the UPSC civil services examination, featuring prominently in both the preliminary and mains stages. Moreover, the UPSC offers Geography as an optional subject, and it enjoys widespread popularity among candidates, irrespective of their academic backgrounds in science or arts. This popularity can be attributed to its logical approach and its potential for high scores. However, even if candidates do not select Geography as their optional subject, a comprehensive understanding of the subject remains crucial for success in clearing the IAS exam. A total of 70 questions were asked by UPSC in the last 10 Years.

SOLAR SYSTEM

(a) What is the ‘diamond ring effect’ observed during a total solar eclipse? How is it caused?
(b) Astronomers have, of late, been discussing ‘black hole’. What is a ‘black hole’? 1979
Why has Saturn’s Titan been in the news recently? 2011
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (150 words) 2017

PHYSIOGRAPHY

Mention the number of States and the number of Union Territories in India. 1979
Is it correct to say that the land of India slopes from West to East? 1981
Briefly describe the role of the Himalayas in the resource development of the country. 1983
(a) Why has Bombay longer sunshine after office hours than Calcutta?
(b) Why is the Coromandel coastal plain wider than the Malabar coast? 1983
Name the main physiographic divisions of India and give the salient features of each division. 1984
(a) Despite the fact that half of India lies outside the Tropic of Cancer, India is called a tropical country. Why is it so? 1987
(b) What is the Exclusive Economic Zone of India? Why has it been constituted? 1987
What is eutrophication? What are its effects? 1987
How was the Meghalaya Plateau separated from the Deccan Plateau? 1991
What do you understand by Deccan Trap? Describe Its characteristics. 1995
Why do the Western Ghats receive more rainfall than the Eastern Ghats? 1995
Mention the advantages that India enjoys being at the head of the Indian Ocean. 1996
What are the geo-economic causes of underdevelopment of various regions in India? 1998
How do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep differ in geological evolution and topographical conditions? 1998
How is deforestation of Himalayas disturbing the ecological balance of north India? 1999
What is the importance of the Indian Ocean for India? 1999
Write note on Linguistic regions of India. 2000
Had there been no Himalayas, what would have been the winter climate in north India? 2001
Write a short note on Glacier. 2001
Write a short note on Equinox. 2001
Write a short note on Define Teral Region. 2003
Why are the Aravallis called a divide between Mewar and Marwar? 2004
Write a short note on Karewas. 2005
Write a short note on New Moore Island. 2006
Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan highlands play an important role in the development of the South- West monsoon. (125 words) 2007
Write notes on Indira Point (20 words) 2007
Write notes on Causes of Chambal Ravines. (20 words) 2007
Write about Terai Region in 20 words. 2008
Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic development in India. 2009
Write about Barren Island. 2009
Write brief but precise note on Sea – floor spreading.2010
Examine the causes and the extent of ‘desertification in India and suggest remedial measures. (250 words) 2012
What do you understand by the theory of ‘continental drift’? Discuss the prominent evidence in its support. (100 words) 2013
Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30⁰ N latitudes and on the western side of the continent. Why? (200 words) 2013
Bring out the causes for the more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (100 words) 2013
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? 2013
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. 2014
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 2014
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. 2016
Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (Answer in 150 words) 2018
How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? 2019
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words) 2020
The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 2020
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (Answer in 150 words) 2021
Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 2021
Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words) 2022
How are the fiords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? 2023

CLIMATE

Unlike most other parts of the country, why is the Tamil Nadu coast wettest in November-December and not in July-August? (1980
(a) What is the greenhouse effect? 1981
(b) What is ‘Jaipur Foot’?
(c) What is the Richter scale used for?
(d) What is biological nitrogen fixation?
Monsoon is known to be an energy released by the sea. Explain. How does this energy benefit the entire economic system of our country? In what ways could this country prepare itself to fight the vagaries of the monsoons? (About 150 words) 1982
Why is India undertaking expeditions to Antarctica? Describe the influence of Antarctica and the Antarctic ocean on the climate of India and on the nutrient and energy supply to the Indian Ocean. 1983
How far is It justifiable to state that the financial budget of this country is a gamble, against the Indian monsoon? To what extent have developmental measures solved the problem? 1986
What is the basis of monsoon forecasts now prepared by the Indian Meteorological Department, which have been reasonably correct for the last three successive years? 1991
Which part of India receives more rainfall from the northeast monsoon than from the southwest monsoon? Explain why It Is so. 1994
What is the ‘intensity of rainfall’? Discuss Its importance to Indian farmers. 1995
Discuss the origin of the Monsoon in India. 1997
Mention the agro-climatic regions of India stating the basis of classification. 2000
Write short note on Mango Showers. 2000
Explain the causes of the Indian Monsoon. 2001
Discuss the distribution of winds and rainfall over India In the summer monsoon season. 2002
Write note on Winter rains In India. 2008
The winter rains in North India are largely related to Jet Streams and Western Disturbances. Bring out the relationship. (150 words) 2008
Write about Nor’westers In 20 words. 2008
Bring out the significance of the various activities of the Indian Meteorological Department. 2009
List the significant local storms of the hot-weather season In the country and bring out their socio – economic Impact. (150 words) 2010
Write brief but precise note on Frontogenesis and Frontolysis. 2010
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (100 words) 2013
What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How does it affect weather and the habitants of the place? (100 words) 2010
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? 2015
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss 2015
How does the cryosphere affect global climate? (150 words) 2017
Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 2021
How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect eh weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 2021
Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (Answer in 150 words) 2022
Troposphere is very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? 2022
Discuss the consequences of climate change on food security in Tropical countries. 2023
Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (Easterly) in Bhojpur region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? 2023

VEGITATION

Possessing a tremendous diversity of climate and physical conditions, India has a great variety of fauna. What are the main categories/ species of Indian fauna? Name any three which are unique in the world. What Important steps are being taken to preserve them? Have these efforts been successful? (150 words) 1982
Which Is the largest expanse of tidal forests in India and in which State is it located? 1984
Where do we find large desert areas in India? What steps have been taken by the Government for their development? 1985
List major areas of wasteland in India. Write a note on the prospects of the wasteland development in the Country explaining its impact on the food, fodder, and fuel supply. 1986
Which parts of India are described as ‘arid zones’? Comment on the characteristics and economic activities prevalent in these regions. 1993
Where do mangrove forests occur In India? Describe their main characteristics. 1996
Why has there been opposition from the North-Eastern States to the Supreme Court ban on all activities inside forests? 1997
Which parts of India have been identified as drought-prone? Mention the norms for such identification. 1998
What is wasteland? Write a note on the prospects of wasteland development in India.2000
What are mangroves and in what way are they useful to us? 2001
‘Mention the area of Shola forests in India. 2003
Write a short note on the following: 2004
1. The Sambhar Lake
2. The Sundarban
3. Bombay High
4. Sabarkantha & Banaskantha
Discuss the wetlands and their role In ecological conservation in India. 2009
Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. 2019
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.

SOIL

Describe the various types of soils and their distribution in India. 1983
Soil erosion is one of the most crucial problems In India and offers the most frightening prospects for the coming years. Describe the various kinds of soil erosion and the steps which may be taken for the protection of land steps which may be taken for the protection of land. 1984
What are laterite soils? Where do we find these In India? Explain their problem and the most suitable use. 1984
What is black soil? Give their distribution in India and explain their uses and problems. 1988
What is the need for soil conservation? What are the major measures taken by the Government towards conserving soil in India? 1990
Why is the soil of Malwa In Madhya Pradesh black while that of Karnataka red? Discuss the relative fertility of these soils. 1994
Write short note on India’s Laterite soils. 2000
Write a short note on Regurs. 2005
Write note on Causes of Soil erosion and its control in India. 2005
Write notes on Inceptisol. (20 words) 2007

DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Name the major International rivers flowing through India. What Countries / States are covered by the Ganga and the Godavari rivers on their course from their source to the sea? 1980
Describe the different methods of irrigation practiced in India and bring out their relative importance in view of the recent developments in irrigation. 1984
What Is Dakshin Gangotri and where is it located? 1984
What is ‘Dakshina Ganga’? Why is it so named? 1991
Describe the various measures taken under the Ganga Action Plan and their impact on the water quality of the river. (About 250 words) 1994
Why have the rivers of peninsular India well-defined rigid channels In sharp contrast to the Himalayan rivers? 1995
Write a short note on “Two prominent left bank tributaries of river Ganges”. 2001
Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of Peninsular India. 2003
Elucidate the factors contributing to the growing need for water harvesting in India, both rural and urban. 2005
Write note on Significance of Lake Chilka. 2005
Why do the rivers of west coast not form a delta? 2006
Write note on Hussain Sagar. 2006
Write about Buckingham Canal. 2008
Write brief but precise note on Causes for dominant dendritic pattern of drainage in the Gangetic plains. 2010

AGRICULTURE

Can the agricultural development, we have achieved so far, be considered adequate? If so, why? If not, why not? 1980
Which are the States in India that produce (i) groundnut, (ii) tea, (iii) tobacco, and (iv) pepper? 1980
Write short notes on the following: 1981
1. Thai – Vaishet Project
2. Operation flood
What is shifting cultivation? Where in India has this been resorted to? Consider its consequences and examine the steps taken by the Government to prevent this practice. 1981
Discuss the geographical conditions favoring the cultivation of wheat or rice in India and describe the steps taken to improve its productivity. (About 150 words). 1982
Name the cotton-growing areas of India. Describe the various factors that favor its cultivation in these areas. What part does cotton play in the present-day economy of India? 1983
The government of India has given high priority to Oilseeds Development Program. What strategy has been adopted to accelerate the efforts to increase their production? Name important oilseeds cultivated in India with their distribution. 1984
What are the important wheat-growing regions in India and why? Are we now growing enough wheat in India to meet our own demand for it? 1985
What is white revolution? Discuss the different factors which have helped to bring about this revolution in India. 1986
The Government of India has recently set up a Department of Food Processing. What are its functions? 1988
Explain the concept of ‘social forestry’ in India. 1990
Mention the states where shifting cultivation is still practiced in India. 1990
Briefly explain the use of various chemical fertilizers in Indian agriculture. 1990
What is social forestry? Describe how social forestry can help in the uplift of the rural poor. 1993
What is dryland agriculture? Discuss its importance to India. 1994
What is shifting cultivation? Describe its salient characteristics with reference to India. 1996
What is dry farming? Discuss its relevance in augmenting the food supply in India. 1999
Give an account of the tea plantations of Assam and West Bengal and state the economic significance of these plantations. 2002
Write short notes on Jhum cultivation – process and consequences. 2002
Write a note on the Negative impacts of shifting cultivation. 2005
Agricultural Productivity in India remains low. Explain the reasons for this situation. (150 words) 2008
Write about Organic Farming in 20 words. 2008
Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for a regionally differentiated approach to increase crop production and Diversification in the country. 2009
Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivalik and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. 2014
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? 2014
Mention the advantage of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared the International Year of Pulses By the United Nations. 2017
How and to what extent would micro irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? 2021

INDUSTRY/FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOCATION IF INDUSTRIES/TRADE

1. Why is there a concentration of the jute mills along the Hooghly and chemical industries in Gujarat? 1979
2. Briefly outline the causes of sickness in industries, particularly in the eastern region of India. What are the concrete measures that are being taken to meet the situation and with what results? 1980
3. Mention the distribution of steel plants in India, with foreign collaboration or assistance, if any. What are the locational advantages enjoyed by each of these plant? 1981
4. What is an industrial sick unit? Name the Indian industry where the problem of industrial sickness is very acute. 1990
5. What is the exclusive economic zone of a country? Discuss its relevance to India. 1994
6. Name the mineral which is mined at each of the following places: 1994
  1. Neyveli
  2. Panna
  3. Jaduguda
7. Name the industry which is located at each of the following places: 1995
  1. Bongaigaon
  2. Alwaye
  3. Kapurthala
8. Describe the changes that have taken place in the direction of international trade of India since Independence. 1998
9. Write note on Khetri Copper Project. 2002
10. Account for the very high concentration of salt extraction industries in the Saurashtra and South Tamilnadu Coast. 2003
11. Examine the distribution of oil refineries in India. 2004
12. Write note on Mixed economy. 2006
13. Write notes on Special Economic Zone (SEZ). (20 words) 2007
14. Bring out the pros and cons of Special Economic Zones. (150 words) 2008
15. Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in southern states of India? Discuss with justification. (100 words) 2013
16. Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (100 words) 2013
17. Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 2014
18. Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. 2019
19. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words) 2020
20. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (Answer in 250 words) 2021
21. Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words) 2022

POPULATION

Bring out the findings of the 1981 Census in regard to the growth and variations in rates of growth of population in different parts of the country. How do you account for the population explosion during the last three decades? What measures should be adopted for population control? 1981
Where do the Todas and Santhals live in India? 1986
Mention any three tribal areas in India. What are the main components of the Government’s tribal development programme? 1988
Explain the factors affecting the distribution of population In India, bringing out the variation in density over space. 1991
What measures has the Government of India taken for the development of Tribal areas in India? (97/lI/6b/15)
Examine the fallout of the population explosion in India at the close of twentieth century. (98/I/6a/10)
Name the mega cities of India and mention their specific problems. (99/II/6c/15)
Explain the major racial groups of India. (00/I/4b/10)
Write short note on Census definition of urban places. (02/I/5(iv)/2)
State the four distinctive stages of Indian Demographic history. (03/I/4C/10)
Write short notes on the following :
(I) Who are Todas and where do they live?
(ii) Name any four principal languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (03/I/5(iil),(iv)/2)
Write notes on Jarawas. (20 words) (07/I/5C/2)
Write about Demographic Dividend. (08/I/4d/2)
Write brief but precise note on Transhumance in India. 2010
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (250 words) 2017

TRANSPORTATION

Name two major ports each in India’s eastern and western sea coast and the major export/imports through each of these ports. 1980
Which are the terminal stations of the Black Diamond Express? Why is the train so named? 1981
Point out at least three advantages of dieselisation of rail transport in India. 1985
Where is the largest railway marshalling yard located in India? Also name the railway and the district. 1984
What is MRTS? Where it is in operation? 2003
What is Golden Quadrilateral? How will it help in the economic development of the country? 2004
Technological changes have brought in a major shift in the use of roads as transport corridors in India. How far do you agree with this view? 2007
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 2016
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (Answer in 250 words) 2018
How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? 2019

ENERGY RESOURCES

What are the current problems facing the Tarapur Atomic Power Project and what steps are being considered to overcome them? 1979
Name the atomic mineral of which India has abundant resources. 1979
Comment on the performance of the Power (Electricity) Sector in India. What is the Impact of recurring power shortages and frequent power cuts on production and growth? What steps could be taken to tone up the performance of this vital sector of the economy? 1980
What is Geothermal? Mention a few areas where we have located geothermal resources in India. 1980
What is Bombay High? What Is SAGAR SAMRT’S connection with Bombay High? 1980
What measures have been taken by the Government of India to develop our own sources for the supply of petroleum crude? Discuss the measure of success achieved in this regard. 1985
Expert opinion is sharply divided regarding the advisability or otherwise of building nuclear power plants in India. Summarize the chief arguments on either side and suggest what according to you would be a wiser policy. (About 250 words) 1987
What is the need for Coal Conservation? What are the major components of India’s Coal Conservation Policy? 1987
Explain the term captive power station. What is the aim of setting up of such stations? 1990
What do you understand by the Integrated Rural Energy System? Also mention at least three new sources of Energy. 1991
Discuss the potential of solar energy utilization in India. (About 250 words) 1992
Mention some of the new programs that have been undertaken in recent years in respect of nuclear research in India. 1992
Name of main petroleum producing areas in India. 2002
Write short note on Bombay High. 2004
What are the resource bases available for the economic development of the newly created States of Jharkhand and Uttaranchal? 2005
Bring out the prospects of development of alternative energy sources of India. 2006
Write about Ultra Mega Power Projects 2006
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (200 words) 2013
“Inspite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss (150 words) 2017
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. (250 words) 2017
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Answer in 150 words) 2022

NATURAL RESOURCE

It is said that India has substantial reserve of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (200 words) 2013
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 2014
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? 2015
Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? (Answer in 150 words) 2018
Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? 2019
Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. (Answer in 150 words) 2022
Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (250 words) 2023

WATER RESOURCE

Explain briefly the importance of the Beas Sutlej Link Project. 1979
What is the economic importance of the Kandla and Paradeep ports? 1979
What is the scope of the Farakka Barrage and what are the problems relating to it? What proposals have been put forward toresolve the problems and with what results? 1980
Where is Thein dam being built and why? 1985
What are the objects of the Ganga Action Plan? Explain, in brief, the benefits of the plan. (About 75 words) 1986
Scarcity of safe drinking water is an acute problem In a large number of villages in India. Point out the factors which make even the available water unfit for drinkingby the rural population. What steps would you Recommend to make such water potable? (About 250 words) 1987
What is “under-water archaeology”? What important findings have been made in Indian coastal waters recently? 1987
What is fluorosis? What can be done to minimise its harmful effects? 1988
Where is Tehri Dam located and what is the scope of the project? What are the objections of the Environmentalists to the project? 1990
Explain the concept of National Water Grid and its objectives. 1990
Comment on the detrimental effects of canal irrigation? 1990
What is ‘Jal Shakti’? What are its uses? 1991
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is expected to set up a number of hydroelectric projects in the Eighth plan. Summarise the salient features of the proposal. 1991
What is drip irrigation? Why is it considered the most efficient method of irrigation? 1995
Why has the Narmada River Valley Project attracted the attention of the common people? 1997
What do you know about Narmada Sagar Dam? 1998
Write note on Nagarjunasagar Project. 2000
What do you know about Hirakud Project. 2001
Write note on National Water Grid. 2006
Write about National Waterways. 2009
The impact of climate change on water resources in India. Examine, (in about 150 words) 2011
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. 2014
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. 2015
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. 2016
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? 2016
In what way micro -watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? 2016
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. (250 words) 2017
“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas? (Answer in 250 words) 2018
Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (Answer in 250 words) 2018
What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? 2019
How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples. 2020
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words) 2020
The interlinking of revivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (Answer in 250 words) 2020
Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? 2023

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Examine the recent developments that have taken place in identifying and mapping land resources in India. 1991
What do you understand by Command Area Development? 1992
Why is there a demand for making Uttarakhand a Separate Hill State in India? 1997
Write a short note on Multi-level planning in India. 2000
‘Political boundaries and regional boundaries need to be co-terminus.’ Do you agree? 2005
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. 2015

GROWTH CENTRE/POLE

What is the economic rationale behind the establishment of “growth centers”? Briefly explain the criteria for selecting three growth centres. 1990
As part of the process of urban sprawl’, distinguish between urban peripheral growth, suburbs and satellite towns giving, at least, one example of each type from any metropolitan centre of India. 1990
Define the concept of ‘growth centres’ and evaluate its relevance in regional planning in India. 2002
Explain the nature and causes of growing slum problems in the metropolitan cities of India. 2007
Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. 2022