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Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024, Check Details Now!

PWOnlyIAS May 07, 2024 06:21 364 0

Geography questions in UPSC prelims have a specific weightage. Candidates preparing for UPSC prelims 2024 are advised to go through this article!

Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024, Check Details Now!

Geography questions in UPSC prelims will give an idea about the questions that are likely to be asked in UPSC prelims from this section. Candidates preparing for the first time will find this handy to tackle unexpected questions that can be asked in the exam.

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. 

In this article, you will find details about geography questions in UPSC prelims 2023 and some sample questions from various sections of geography. 

Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims 2023

In UPSC prelims 2023, there were 13 questions asked from the geography section. Some of the questions were difficult while others were moderate. The complete geography questions in UPSC prelims 2023 is given below:

1) Consider the following statements:

  1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake.
  2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake.
  3. Meandering of the Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (a)

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2) Consider the following trees:

  1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
  2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
  3. Teak (Tectona grandis)

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:

  1. India has more arable areas than China.
  2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China.
  3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China.

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)

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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:

  1. None of them uses seawater.
  2. None of them are set up in water-stressed districts.
  3. None of them is privately owned.

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:

  1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and the Sahyadri Ranges.
  2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range.
  3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats.

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:

  1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
  2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.

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)

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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)

Also Read: Geography Questions through PYQs

Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims in the Last Few Years

UPSC has been asking 10-15 questions on average from 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 Questions in UPSC Prelims

Also Read: Geography Syllabus for UPSC Prelims

Tackling Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims

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:

  • Studying from NCERT: Studying NCERT books will help you clarify basic geographical concepts. This will be helpful in solving basic questions asked in the exam.
  • Awareness of Maps: Candidates must have basic knowledge about maps. This will prove to be handy while solving location-based questions.
  • Regular Reading of Current Affairs: Current affairs form an important part of the geography syllabus. Candidates must keep a track of geographical events and location in news.
  • Practice PYQs: UPSC usually repeats questions from certain themes. If a candidate decodes these themes, they can target specific topics that may be asked in the exam.
  • Attempt Test Series: Writing multiple tests will help you gauge your conceptual understanding. This will enable you to address shortcomings and prepare accordingly.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims PYQ

Sample Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims

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)

  1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
  2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
  3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

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)

  1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
  2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
  3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Soil

Q. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? (2013)

  1. They are generally red in colour.
  2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
  3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
  4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.

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)

  1. Barak
  2. Lohit
  3. Subansiri

Which of the above flows/flows through Arunachal Pradesh?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Frequently Asked Questions

On an average, UPSC asks about 10-15 questions from geography for prelims. In 2023, there were 13 questions from geography.

UPSC asks questions from concepts covered in NCERT books as well as themes that are currently in news. Are Current Affairs Important for Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims?

No. NCERT books may help in understanding the concept better but candidates have to refer to additional books such as “Indian Geography by Majid Hussain”.

Yes. Current affairs play an important part in deciding themes that may be asked in the UPSC prelims exam.

UPSC has been increasing the toughness of questions asked in prelims exam. On average, the difficulty level ranges from moderate to difficult.

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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