Heard the famous saying "Geography is destiny?” It's a statement that echoes through the ages, reminding us of the profound impact our physical environment has on our lives.
Every river, mountain, and climate pattern is a potential question waiting to trip you up or propel you forward.
This blog covers everything from physical geography to human geography, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to tackle those tricky geography questions in UPSC Prelims. Let’s get started!
You know how they say practice makes perfect? Well, in the UPSC world, it's especially true for Geography. Regular dips into geography questions are like doing daily push-ups for your brain. It’s not just about memorizing rivers and mountains; it’s about building a strong foundation.
Why is geography such a big deal for the UPSC Prelims?
Understanding the significance of geography questions in UPSC Prelims is the first step; now, let’s dive into the key topics you need to focus on to solidify your prep and ace the Prelims.
Understanding key geographical features and concepts is crucial when tackling geography questions in UPSC Prelims. This section covers important topics for UPSC prelims on Geography.
These aren’t just random facts—they’re insights that will help you tackle geography questions in UPSC prelims more confidently.
Alright, now that we've covered the key topics, let's dive into some actual geography questions in UPSC Prelims from previous years to see how this knowledge gets tested.
Geography questions in UPSC Prelims aren't just about knowing places. They test how well you understand the connections between various elements on Earth. Let's look at some past geography questions in UPSC Prelims to see the type of knowledge required.
Here's a breakdown of the number of geography questions in UPSC Prelims over the last few years:
As you can see, geography questions in UPSC Prelims consistently hold a significant chunk of the paper. Let's analyze these questions to understand the trends. Below are some of the questions asked in the years 2024, 2023, and 2022:
Question: Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims, 2024)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation and no river contributes freshwater to it, which makes the water highly saline.
Question: The longest border between any two countries in the world is between: (UPSC Prelims, 2024)
Answer: (a) Canada and the United States of America
This question highlights an important fact about international borders. The Canada-US border is not only the longest in the world but also significant due to its history and the extensive trade between the two nations. The total length is around 8,891 kilometres, emphasizing the vastness of both countries.
Question: Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.
Statement II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (UPSC Prelims, 2024)
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct
Statement I is incorrect because the atmosphere is heated more by terrestrial radiation (long-wave) than by incoming solar radiation (short-wave). Statement II is correct, as greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide absorb long-wave radiation effectively, trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Question: Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to the poles.
Statement II: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (UPSC Prelims, 2024)
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.
Answers: (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I
The troposphere is thicker at the equator due to the strong convectional currents that transport heat to higher altitudes, which doesn't occur as intensely at the poles.
Question: Consider the following:
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions? (UPSC Prelims, 2024)
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (d) All four
All four items—Pyroclastic debris, Ash and dust, Nitrogen compounds, and Sulphur compounds—are products of volcanic eruptions, making option (d) correct. These materials are typically released during explosive volcanic activities.
Question: Consider the following statements:
How many of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC Prelims, 2023)
Answer: (a) Only one
The Jhelum River indeed passes through Wular Lake, making this statement correct. However, the Krishna River does not directly feed Kolleru Lake, and the Gandak River does not form Kanwar Lake. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
Question: Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following? (UPSC Prelims, 2023)
Answer: (d) Titanium
Ilmenite and rutile are rich in titanium dioxide, making them key sources of titanium, a metal widely used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.
Question: Consider the following trees:
How many of the above are deciduous trees? (UPSC Prelims, 2023)
Answer: (b) Only two
Teak and Mahua are deciduous trees, shedding their leaves seasonally. Jackfruit is evergreen, retaining its foliage throughout the year, making the correct answer two deciduous trees.
Question: Consider the following pairs:
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (UPSC Prelims, 2023)
Port
Well Known As
1. Kamarajar Port
The first major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port
Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam
Largest container port in Port India
Answer: (b) Only two pairs
Kamarajar Port is indeed the first major port registered as a company, and Mundra Port is the largest privately owned port. However, Visakhapatnam is a major port but not the largest container port—that title belongs to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva). Hence, only two pairs are correct.
Question: Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland? (UPSC Prelims, 2023)
Answer: (d) Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is a vast marshland that resulted from the repeated rise and fall of sea levels, leaving behind extensive salt flats, making it the best example among the options.
Question: Consider the following statements:
How many of the above statements are correct? (UPSC Prelims, 2023)
Answer: (b) Only two
India indeed has more arable land and a higher proportion of irrigated areas than China. However, China surpasses India in terms of average productivity per hectare, making only the first two statements correct.
Question: Consider the following statements:
1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth's surface and thus cause a warming effect.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims, 2022)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Low clouds absorb more infrared radiation from the Earth, leading to a warming effect. High clouds, on the other hand, trap heat rather than reflect it, contributing to warming rather than cooling.
Question: Consider the following states:
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States? (UPSC Prelims, 2022)
(a) Only one State
(b) Only two States
(c) Only three States
(d) All four States
Answer: (b) Only two States
Kerala and Tripura are well-known tea-producing states. Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are not major tea producers.
Question: Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert? (UPSC Prelims, 2022)
(a) Lake Victoria
(b) Lake Faguibine
(c) Lake Oguta
(d) Lake Volta
Answer: (b) Lake Faguibine
Lake Faguibine in Mali, West Africa, has dried up due to a combination of climate change and human activities, turning the area into a desert.
Question: Consider the following pairs:
Peak
Mountains
1
Namcha Barwa
—
Garhwal Himalaya
2
Nanda Devi
—
Kumaon Himalaya
3
Nokrek
—
Sikkim Himalaya
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (UPSC Prelims, 2022)
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Nanda Devi is correctly paired with Kumaon Himalaya. Namcha Barwa is in the Eastern Himalayas, not the Garhwal Himalaya, and Nokrek is in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, not the Sikkim Himalaya.
Question: Consider the following countries:
1. Azerbaijan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan
Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan? (UPSC Prelims, 2022)
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (c) 3, 4 and 5 only
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan share borders with Afghanistan. Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan do not border Afghanistan.
By now, you should have a solid grasp of how geography questions are structured in the UPSC Prelims. Next up, let's dive into some effective strategies for organizing your study sessions and maximizing retention.
Practice and revision are the cornerstones of cracking geography questions in UPSC Prelims. You need more than just knowledge; you need to apply it under pressure. Let's dive into how you can do that.
UPSC loves to test your understanding of geography in unexpected ways. To crack their code:
Don't just look at the answers. Analyze why certain options are correct and others wrong. This approach is crucial for mastering geography questions in UPSC Prelims. For instance, in 2019, a question linked coffee cultivation to specific soil types, highlighting UPSC's focus on interlinked concepts.
Get your hands on PYQ’s. Solve them timed, just like the real exam. Spend about 1-2 hours per session to build speed and accuracy. Use these sessions to identify and strengthen weak areas. Let's say you find many questions on river systems. It's a clear signal to up your game in that area.
While knowing capitals and river basins is crucial, geography questions in UPSC Prelims often blend facts with analysis. Questions like "Why is Region X prone to landslides?" require a mix of factual knowledge and analytical skills. Practice such questions from mock tests and textbooks. Aim for at least 2-3 mock tests per week.
Want to test your knowledge anytime, anywhere?
SuperKalam is your go-to platform.
Don't just memorize locations. Focus on the geographical context behind geography questions in UPSC Prelims. Why is a place located there? What are its neighbors like? How does it affect the region?
For an engaging way to enhance your learning, check out this series: 1 Mind-Map A Day Series | UPSC CSE | Arpita Sharma Ma'am
Keep an eye on geographical news. Climate change, natural disasters, and geopolitical events often make it to the UPSC question paper.
Want a daily edge in current affairs?
SuperKalam's Daily News Analysis has you covered.
Read the editorial summary, take the quiz, and see how it ties into the GS syllabus—perfect for keeping your prep on point!
While world geography has its place, the bulk of geography questions in UPSC Prelims focus on India. Dedicate ample time to understanding India's diverse geographical features and their implications.
Explaining geography questions in UPSC Prelims to someone else solidifies your understanding. Whether it's a study partner, a friend, or even a family member, this active recall method is highly effective.
You've made it through the maze of rivers, mountains, and climate zones! Geography questions in UPSC Prelims aren't just about memorizing facts; they're about understanding the big picture. Remember, geography is the foundation for many other UPSC topics, so mastering it can give you a significant edge.
SuperKalam is your personal mentor to help UPSC students in their exam preparation. With its comprehensive approach and engaging features, SuperKalam empowers you to master geography questions in UPSC Prelims.
Let's turn that knowledge into marks!
Also read: Significance of Test Series in Clearing UPSC Prelims
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