UPSC Mains Geography Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Topic-wise previous year questions from UPSC Mains — General Studies Paper 1
📋 UPSC Syllabus
Geography
Salient features of world's physical geography. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location — changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Trend Analysis
Year-wise and theme-wise distribution of Geography questions
2025
8
2024
5
2023
7
2022
8
2021
7
2020
7
2019
7
2018
8
2017
8
2016
7
2015
6
2014
10
2013
10
Geomorphology
9
9
Climatology
13
13
Oceanography
5
5
Biogeography & Cryosphere
4
4
Climate Change
8
8
Human Geography of the World
2
2
Economic Geography of the World
11
11
Physical Geography of India
14
14
Human Geography of India
3
3
Economic Geography of India
25
25
Miscellaneous
4
4
Year
Marks
Theme
98 of 98 questions
Geomorphology
1
Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.
202515 Marks250 WordsGeomorphologyQ16
2
How are the fiords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
202310 Marks150 WordsGeomorphologyQ6
3
Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks.
202210 Marks150 WordsGeomorphologyQ4
4
Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.
202110 Marks150 WordsGeomorphologyQ7
5
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
202010 Marks150 WordsGeomorphologyQ4
6
Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.
201810 Marks150 WordsGeomorphologyQ6
7
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.
201410 Marks150 WordsGeomorphologyQ17
8
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.
201410 Marks150 WordsGeomorphologyQ18
9
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.
20135 Marks100 WordsGeomorphologyQ19a
Climatology
10
What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
202410 Marks150 WordsClimatologyQ4
11
What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain.
202410 Marks150 WordsClimatologyQ6
12
What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
202415 Marks250 WordsClimatologyQ15
13
What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?
202415 Marks250 WordsClimatologyQ16
14
Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines whether processes. How?
202215 Marks250 WordsClimatologyQ17
15
Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.
202115 Marks250 WordsClimatologyQ14
16
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?
201715 Marks250 WordsClimatologyQ17
17
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.
201612.5 Marks200 WordsClimatologyQ13
18
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree?
201410 Marks150 WordsClimatologyQ16
19
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why?
201410 Marks150 WordsClimatologyQ19
20
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?
20135 Marks100 WordsClimatologyQ20b
21
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?
201310 Marks200 WordsClimatologyQ21
22
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called 'Phailin'. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. 5 marks-100 words.
20135 Marks100 WordsClimatologyQ19b
Oceanography
23
What are Tsunamis ? How and where are they formed ? What are their Consequences ? Explain with examples.
202510 Marks150 WordsOceanographyQ7
24
What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world.
202215 Marks250 WordsOceanographyQ14
25
How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples?
201915 Marks250 WordsOceanographyQ17
26
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.
201715 Marks250 WordsOceanographyQ14
27
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?
201512.5 Marks200 WordsOceanographyQ14
Biogeography & Cryosphere
28
The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.
202010 Marks150 WordsBiogeography & CryosphereQ5
29
Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.
201910 Marks150 WordsBiogeography & CryosphereQ5
30
What are the consequences of spreading of 'Dead Zones' on marine ecosystem?
201810 Marks150 WordsBiogeography & CryosphereQ7
31
How does the cryosphere affect global climate?
201710 Marks150 WordsBiogeography & CryosphereQ8
Climate Change
32
How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations ? Discuss with examples.
202510 Marks150 WordsClimate ChangeQ4
33
Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.
202310 Marks150 WordsClimate ChangeQ4
34
How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
202115 Marks250 WordsClimate ChangeQ15
35
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?
202010 Marks150 WordsClimate ChangeQ6
36
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
202015 Marks250 WordsClimate ChangeQ17
37
Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples.
201910 Marks150 WordsClimate ChangeQ4
38
How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
201512.5 Marks200 WordsClimate ChangeQ18
39
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent.
201410 Marks150 WordsClimate ChangeQ20
Human Geography of the World
40
Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region?
201810 Marks150 WordsHuman Geography of the WorldQ5
41
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.
201612.5 Marks200 WordsHuman Geography of the WorldQ16
Economic Geography of the World
42
Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.
202215 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ15
43
Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the onshore occurrences of oil reserves?
202515 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ14
44
Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.
202115 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ16
45
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?
201512.5 Marks200 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ20
46
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.
201310 Marks200 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ24
47
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.
201715 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ15
48
Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world.
201410 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ23
49
Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?
202310 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ5
50
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world.
201410 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ24
51
Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.
202215 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ16
52
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa?
201410 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of the WorldQ25
Physical Geography of India
53
Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.
202515 Marks250 WordsHuman Geography of IndiaQ17
54
Why is the South-West Monsoon called 'Purvajya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?
202310 Marks150 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ7
55
Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
202315 Marks250 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ14
56
Identify and discuss the factors for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.
202315 Marks250 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ15
57
Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.
202210 Marks150 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ5
58
Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer.
202110 Marks150 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ8
59
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
202110 Marks150 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ4
60
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
202015 Marks250 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ14
61
What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?
201915 Marks250 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ14
62
How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?
201915 Marks250 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ15
63
In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?
201715 Marks250 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ16
64
"The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides." Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.
201612.5 Marks200 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ14
65
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
201512.5 Marks200 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ15
66
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats.
20135 Marks100 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ22a
67
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why?
20135 Marks100 WordsPhysical Geography of IndiaQ22b
Human Geography of India
68
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
201612.5 Marks200 WordsHuman Geography of IndiaQ18
69
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
201512.5 Marks200 WordsHuman Geography of IndiaQ17
Economic Geography of India
70
What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India ? Discuss with suitable examples.
202510 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ5
71
The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?
202415 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ14
72
From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.
202315 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ17
73
Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.
201815 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ15
74
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by United Nations.
201710 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ7
75
Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain.
201410 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ21
76
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?
201410 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ22
77
Discuss the natural resource potentials of 'Deccan Trap'.
202210 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ6
78
Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
202110 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ5
79
"In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development". Discuss
201710 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ6
80
It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn't appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.
201310 Marks200 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ25
81
Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.
202510 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ6
82
Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.
202210 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ7
83
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.
202015 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ16
84
Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.
202010 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ7
85
Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?
201910 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ6
86
Discuss the factors for localization of agrobased food processing industries of North-West India.
201910 Marks150 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ7
87
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.
201815 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ16
88
Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification.
20135 Marks100 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ23a
89
Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.
20135 Marks100 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ23b
90
"The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system." How can it be made effective in urban areas?
201815 Marks250 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ14
91
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.
201612.5 Marks200 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ15
92
In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in droughtprone and semi-arid regions of India?
201612.5 Marks200 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ20
93
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.
201512.5 Marks200 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ16
94
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.
201612.5 Marks200 WordsEconomic Geography of IndiaQ19
Miscellaneous
95
How can Artificial Intelligence (Al) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning ?
202515 Marks250 WordsMiscellaneousQ15
96
Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?
201810 Marks150 WordsMiscellaneousQ4
97
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.
201815 Marks250 WordsMiscellaneousQ17
98
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?
201710 Marks150 WordsMiscellaneousQ5
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