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Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims is essential for aspirants. Reviewing Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims year-wise and topic-wise ensures better understanding of ecology, biodiversity, and policies.
PWOnlyIAS
April 03, 2025
Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims has become a crucial segment of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) over the years. The increasing weightage of UPSC Prelims Environment and Ecology Questions reflects its importance in both the UPSC CSE Prelims and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Prelims exams. A candidate’s ability to tackle environment-related questions effectively can significantly impact their overall score.
Interested candidates can get an Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims Overview, covering previous year questions (PYQs), topic-wise analysis, and the year-wise trend of Environment and Ecology Questions in UPSC Prelims.
The Environment and Ecology section in UPSC Prelims consists of both static and dynamic questions. Some questions are based on current affairs, while others focus on fundamental environmental concepts. Over the past few years, 18-22 questions have been asked from this section in the UPSC CSE Prelims, making it a high-scoring subject.
A well-structured topic-wise and year-wise analysis of Environment and Ecology Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years can help aspirants focus on high-yield areas.
| Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims Overview | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Subject Name | Environment & Ecology |
| Relevance in UPSC Prelims | A crucial section covering concepts from ecology, biodiversity, climate change, conservation, and environmental policies |
| Average Number of Questions | 18-22 questions per year |
| Overlapping Subjects | Geography, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Current Affairs |
| Types of Questions | Conceptual, Current Affairs-based, Species in News, National & International Environmental Policies, Conservation Initiatives |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High |
| Year-wise Trend | Increasing significance due to climate-related issues and policies |
| Repeated Themes | Biodiversity, Protected Areas, Environmental Acts & Conventions, Climate Change, Pollution, Conservation Strategies |
Aspirants preparing for UPSC Prelims must analyze previous years’ environment questions to identify key themes and trends. Accessing a UPSC CSE Prelims PYQ of Environment PDF helps in understanding frequently asked topics like biodiversity, climate change, and environmental policies.
Practicing these questions improves conceptual clarity and boosts confidence for the exam. Download the compiled PDF of Environment PYQs to streamline your preparation effectively.
| UPSC CSE Prelims PYQs of Environment PDF Download |
| Click Here |
The UPSC Prelims 2024 saw a mix of conceptual, current affairs-based, and factual questions. Below are some sample UPSC Prelims Environment questions from 2024:
1) According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?
(a) Locomotives using fossil fuels
(b) Ships using fossil fuels
(c) Extraction of metals from ores
(d) Power plants using fossil fuels
Correct Answer :(d) Power plants using fossil fuels
2) Consider the following statements:
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(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.
Correct Answer :(d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.
3) The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are :
(a) Birds
(b) Fish
(c) Insects
(d) Reptiles
Correct Answer :(c) Insects
4) Consider the following statements:
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(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
Correct Answer :(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
5) Consider the following pairs:
| Country | Animal found in its natural habitat | |
| 1. | Brazil | Indri |
| 2. | Indonesia | Elk |
| 3. | Madagascar | Bonobo |
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer :(d) None
6) Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer :(a) 1 and 2 only
7) Consider the following:
How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Correct Answer :(D) All four
8) Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree?
(a) Fig
(b) Mahua
(c) Sandalwood
(d) Silk cotton
Correct Answer :(a) Fig
9) Consider the following:
How many of the above have poisonous species among them?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer :(C) All three
10) With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer :(d) 1, 2 and 3
11) Consider the following:
Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Correct Answer :(B) Only three
12) Consider the following statements:
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(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
Correct Answer :(c) Statement -I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
13) “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations ?
(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
(b) Development of building materials using plant residues
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Correct Answer :(A) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
14) The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:
(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
Correct Answer :(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
15) Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
(a) Central Water Commission
(b) Central Ground Water Board
(c) Central Ground Water. Authority
(d) National Water Development Agency
Correct Answer :(c) Central Ground Water. Authority
16) Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”?
(a) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
(b) Non-inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
(c) Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
(d) Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
Correct Answer :(A) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
17) Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer :(D) Neither 1 nor 2
18) Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) land 3
(d) 3 only
Correct Answer :(B) 2 only
19) With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements :
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) l and 3
(d) 3 only
Correct Answer :(A) 1 and 2
20) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
(a) Ant
(b) Cockroach
(c) Crab
(d) Spider
Correct Answer :(A) Ant
21) Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Correct Answer :(C) 1 and 2
22) Consider the following statements:
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are the cause(s) of acid rain?
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1,3 and 4
Correct Answer :(B) 2 and 4 only
The trend of environment questions in UPSC Prelims indicates that the subject has gained prominence, particularly due to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and international agreements. Below is the approximate distribution of Environment and Ecology Questions in UPSC Prelims Year Wise:
| Environment Questions in UPSC Prelims Year-wise Trend | |
| Year | Number of Environment Questions |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 22 |
The repeated themes in this subject include Biodiversity, Conservation, Climate Change, Pollution, and Environmental Legislation.
By analyzing Environment and Ecology Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years, candidates can identify frequently repeated themes, such as:
A focused strategy based on repeated themes of Environment and Ecology in UPSC Prelims will help in tackling unexpected questions.
Aspirants should focus on high-yield topics from previous years. Here is a breakdown of Topic-wise Environment Questions in UPSC Prelims:
What is the primary reason for the decline in Ganges River Dolphins?
Answer: (d) All of the above
Which one of the following substances is a major contributor to photochemical smog?
Answer: (a) NO₂, O₃, and peroxyacetyl nitrate
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is constituted under which Act?
Answer: (b) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Environment is a crucial topic in the UPSC Prelims exam, with questions often covering biodiversity, climate change, and environmental policies. A well-structured strategy focusing on static and current affairs can help in scoring well.
Here are some effective preparation strategies:
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