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Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 have a specific weightage of 13 questions. UPSC Aspirants are advised to go through the Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 for better preparation.
PWOnlyIAS
May 28, 2025
Geography questions in UPSC Prelims provide an idea of the types of questions and the level of difficulty of this section to prepare for future exams. There were a total of 13 geography questions in UPSC Prelims 2025. Candidates preparing for the first time must go through UPSC Prelims 2025 geography questions to tackle unexpected questions that can be asked in the exam.
| Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 | |
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| Answer Key 2025 | GS Paper (01) Answer Key 2025 CSAT Paper Answer Key 2025 |
Geography questions in UPSC prelims usually consist of both factual and conceptual topics. Some of the questions are based on geographical phenomena such as earthquakes and cyclones, while others may be focused on associated topics such as industries, ports, minerals, etc.
Let us have a look at the details about geography questions in UPSC prelims 2025 and some sample questions from various sections of geography. The comprehensive analysis of these questions will help UPSC aspirants understand the pattern of Geography Questions asked in the UPSC CSE Exam.
In UPSC Prelims 2025, around 13 questions were asked from various topics of Geography:
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Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 with Answers |
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| Question | Answer (Unofficial) | ||||||||
| 1. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth’s rotation and axis. Statement II: Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth’s outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy. Statement III: As the Earth’s polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct |
(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I | ||||||||
| 2. Consider the following countries:
I. Bolivia II. Brazil III. Colombia IV. Ecuador V. Paraguay VI. Venezuela Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries? (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) Only five |
c) Only four | ||||||||
| 3. Consider the following water bodies:
I. Lake Tanganyika II. Lake Tonlé Sap III. Patos Lagoon Through how many of them does the equator pass? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
(d) None | ||||||||
| 4. Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift?
I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa. II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazilian Plateau when the two continents lay side by side. III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I and III only (b) I and II only (c) I, II, and III (d) II and III only |
(c) I, II, and III | ||||||||
| 5. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions. Statement II: Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds. 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 not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct |
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct | ||||||||
| 6. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans. Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere. 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 not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct |
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I | ||||||||
| 7. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: In the context of effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock. Statement II: Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water. Statement III: Clay is not at all porous. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct |
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I | ||||||||
| 8. Consider the following statements:
I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth’s surface. II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet’s average temperature. III. Atmosphere’s gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and III only (b) I and II only (c) I, II and III (d) II and III only |
(c) I, II and III | ||||||||
| 9. The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35 °C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?
I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts. II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II |
(b) II only | ||||||||
| 10. Consider the following countries:
I. United Kingdom II. Denmark III. New Zealand IV. Australia V. Brazil How many of the above countries have more than four time zones? (a) All the five (b) Only four (c) Only three (d) Only two |
(b) Only four | ||||||||
| 11. Consider the following statements:
1. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days. 2. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II |
(a) I only | ||||||||
12. Consider the following pairs:
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None |
(c) All the three | ||||||||
13. Consider the following pairs:
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None |
(d) None | ||||||||
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The table below contains the Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024 with Answers:
|
Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024 with Answers |
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| Serial No | Question | Answer | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. |
The longest border between any two countries in the world is between : (a) Canada and the United States of America (b) Chile and Argentina (c) China and India (d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation |
(a) Canada and the United States of America | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | 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 |
(c) Both 1 and 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | 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? (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 explains Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct |
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to 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? (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 explains Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. |
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | Consider the following :
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
(d) All four | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January?
Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
(a) 1 only | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world?
(a) Algeria and Morocco (b) Botswana and Namibia (c) Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana (d) Madagascar and Mozambique |
(c) Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the fallowing sequences is correct?
(a) Ghaghara — Gomati — Gandak — Kosi (b) Gomati — Ghaghara — Gandak — Kosi (c) Ghaghara — Gomati — Kosi — Gandak (d) Gomati — Ghaghara — Kosi — Gandak |
(b) Gomati — Ghaghara — Gandak — Kosi | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks. Statement-II: Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution. Statement-III: Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I (b) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I (c) Only one of the Statement II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I (d) Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct |
(a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. | Consider the following countries :
How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
(b) Only two | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | Consider the following information:
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
(a) Only one | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 12. | Consider the following information:
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
(b) Only two | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 13. | Consider the following:
How many of the above trees are actually native to India? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
(a) Only one | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 14. | With reference to “water vapour”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
(a) 1 only | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 15. | Consider the following description:
What is this type of climate? (a) Equatorial climate (b) China type climate (c) Humid subtropical climate (d) Marine West coast climate |
(d) Marine West coast climate | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 16. | With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
(c) Both 1 and 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 17. | On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 |
(d) 2 and 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 18. | One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?
(a) Amazon Basin (b) Congo Basin (c) Kilkori Basin (d) Rio de la Plata Basin |
(b) Congo Basin | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 19. | Consider the following plants:
How many of the above belong to the pea family? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
(c) All three | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 20. | The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:
(a) the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year. (b) the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population. (c) the birth rate minus death rate. (d) the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age. |
(d) the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age. | ||||||||||||||||||||
In UPSC CSE Prelims 2023, there were 13 questions asked from the geography section. Some of the questions were difficult while others were moderate. The difficulty of the questions for any individual is although upto the preparation of the candidate.
All the geography questions in UPSC prelims 2023 are given below:
1) Consider the following statements:
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)
2) Consider the following trees:
How many of the above are deciduous trees?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Consider the following pairs:
| Port | Well known as |
| 1. Kamarajar Port | 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 |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
Answer: (b)
4) Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(b) Marakkanam Salt Pans
(c) Naupada Swamp
(d) Rann of Kutch
Answer: (d)
5) Consider the following statements:
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
6) Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?
(a) Aluminium
(b) Copper
(c) Iron
(d) Titanium
Answer: (a)
7) Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The soil in tropical rainforests is rich in nutrients.
Statement II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rainforests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.
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 is the correct explanation for Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Answer: (d)
8) With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d)
9) Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.
Statement II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.
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 is the correct explanation for Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Answer: (a)
10) Consider the following statements:
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d)
11) 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
Answer: (c)
12) With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
(b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
(c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
(d) Infrared waves are a part of the visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.
Answer: (c)
13) Consider the following statements:
Statement I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
Statement II: Uranium, enriched to the extent at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.
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 is the correct explanation for Statement I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Answer: (c)
Geography Questions through PYQs
On an average, 10-15 questions have been asked from the geography section for UPSC prelims. These questions are both conceptual as well as factual. The number of geography questions asked each year in the last few years is given below:
| Year | Number of Geography Questions |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2017 | 9 |
Geography subject is a combination of simple as well as complex concepts. This is the reason why the question paper pattern also reflects the same. For a better chance of scoring well in geography, you can follow some of the tips given below:
UPSC has asked a variety of geography questions in UPSC prelims in the last few years. Here are some of the sample questions previously asked in the exam.
Geomorphology
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3
Human Geography
Q. With reference to the ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement: (2014)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Soil
Q. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? (2013)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Climatology
Q. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of (2014)
(a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(b) All of the above climates
River Systems of India
Q. Consider the following rivers: (2014)
Which of the above flows/flows through Arunachal Pradesh?
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