UPSC Map Based PYQs (2013–2025) Solved

Mapping is one of the most important areas in UPSC Prelims. Every year, questions are asked about world maps and Indian maps. These questions look simple, but they require deep clarity. Many aspirants lose marks because they prepare maps only by memorizing locations. However, UPSC does not test memory alone. It tests understanding.

Over the past two decades, map-based questions have followed certain patterns. These patterns help us understand how to prepare in a focused way. Here, we will discuss major themes from previous years’ questions and the right strategy to handle them.

UPSC Map Based PYQs

Over the years, UPSC has consistently included map-based questions in the Prelims examination. A year-wise analysis helps aspirants understand recurring themes, frequently asked regions, and the evolving focus areas in both Indian and world geography.

UPSC Map Questions 2025

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2025 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Andes Mountains

Andes mountains pass through how many of the following countries?

1. Bolivia
   II. Brazil
   III. Colombia
   IV. Ecuador
   V. Paraguay
   VI. Venezuela

(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) Only five

Answer: (c)

Q2. Equator and Water Bodies

Through how many of the following water bodies does the equator pass?

1. Lake Tanganyika
   II. Lake Tonlé Sap
   III. Patos Lagoon

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (d)

Q3. Region–Country Matching

Consider the following pairs:

1. Mallorca : Italy
   II. Normandy : Spain
   III. Sardinia : France

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

Answer: (d)

UPSC Map Questions 2024

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2024 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Longest International Border

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

Answer: (a)

Q2. North Sea Bordering Countries

How many of the following countries have a border with the North Sea?

1. Finland
   II. Germany
   III. Norway
   IV. Russia

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: (b)

Q3. Red Sea Statements

Consider the following statements regarding the Red Sea:

1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.

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)

UPSC Map Questions 2023

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2023 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Map Marking (Descriptive)

On the outline map of India, mark the following and write their significance (≤ 30 words each):

(i) Kolleru Lake
(ii) Nanda Devi
(iii) Chota Nagpur Plateau
(iv) Pamban Island
(v) Karakoram Pass
(vi) Mahanadi River
(vii) Guru Shikhar
(viii) Kadi
(ix) Similipal
(x) Digboi

 UPSC Map Questions 2022

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2022 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Region–Country Matching

Consider the following pairs:

How many pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs

Answer: (a)

Q2. Reservoir–State Matching

Consider the following pairs:

How many pairs are not correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs

Answer: (c)

UPSC Map Questions 2021

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2021 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Indus River System

Among the following rivers, which one joins the Indus directly?

(a) Chenab
(b) Jhelum
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutlej

Answer: (d)

Q2. Rivers Rising from Eastern Ghats

Consider the following rivers:

• Brahmani
• Nagavali
• Subarnarekha
• Vamsadhara

Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 3

Answer: (b)

UPSC Map Questions 2020

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2020 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Rivers and Outflow

Consider the following pairs:

Which of the pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer: (c)

Q2. Siachen Glacier

Siachen Glacier is situated to the:

(a) East of Aksai Chin
(b) East of Leh
(c) North of Gilgit
(d) North of Nubra Valley

Answer: (d)

 UPSC Map Questions 2019

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2019 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Sea–Bordering Country

Consider the following pairs:

Which of the pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (b)

UPSC Map Questions 2018

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2018 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Longitude Closest to Delhi

Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?

(a) Bengaluru
(b) Hyderabad
(c) Nagpur
(d) Pune

Answer: (c)

UPSC Map Questions 2017

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2017 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Mediterranean Sea Border

The Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries?

1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon
4. Syria

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (c)

Q2. Closest to Great Nicobar

Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?

(a) Sumatra
(b) Borneo
(c) Java
(d) Sri Lanka

Answer: (a)

Q3. Kohima to Kottayam (Minimum States)

Minimum number of States through which you can travel (including origin and destination):

(a) 6
(b) 7
(c) 8
(d) 9

Answer: (b)

UPSC Map Questions 2016

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2016 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Community–Country Matching

Correct match?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Answer: (c)

UPSC Map Questions 2015

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2015 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Easternmost & Westernmost State

Which pair indicates easternmost and westernmost state?

(a) Assam and Rajasthan
(b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan
(c) Assam and Gujarat
(d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat

Answer: (d)

Q2. Pilgrimage–Location Matching

Correct match?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

UPSC Map Questions 2014

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2014under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. Turkey’s Location

Turkey is located between:

(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea
(b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

Answer: (b)

Q2. South-East Asia City Sequence (South → North)

(a) 4-2-1-3
(b) 3-2-4-1
(c) 3-4-1-2
(d) 4-3-2-1

Answer: (c)

UPSC Map Questions 2013

The following questions were asked in UPSC 2013 under the map-based geography section for this year.

Q1. National Park–River Matching

Correct match?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None

Answer: (b)

How to Prepare Maps for UPSC 2026

Preparation should be regular and visual. Avoid reading maps only from textbooks.

1. Blank Maps: Practice marking mountain ranges and rivers on blank world and India maps.
2. Travel Routes: Trace the minimum number of states required to travel between distant Indian cities like Kohima and Kottayam.
3. Conflict Zones: Mark cities like Aleppo (Syria), Mosul (Iraq), and regions like Catalonia (Spain) or Mindanao (Philippines).

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