UPSC Geography Questions for Prelims and Mains - Previous Year Questions PDF

By engaging in the regular practice of UPSC Geography questions, candidates can develop a profound understanding of the world's physical and human landscapes. This practice will help you grasp concepts related to landforms, climate patterns, population distribution, and economic geography. Solving diverse question types, from map-based inquiries to conceptual problems, can enhance your spatial awareness and critical thinking skills.

Overall, practising UPSC geography questions for Prelims and Mains cultivates a comprehensive grasp of the subject, bolstering your confidence and readiness for the Civil Services Examination. Download the previous year's Geography questions in UPSC Prelims and Mains exams from the PDF links provided in this article.

Download: UPSC Prelims Geography Questions PDF

Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims

Q1: Consider the following statements with reference to Millets:

1. The earliest evidence of millets in India is found in the Indus Valley Civilization.
2. They are annual grasses grown in dry areas of temperate and subtropical regions.
3. They are naturally gluten free.
4. They don't need a specific photoperiod to flower.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: d

Q2: With reference to Regenerative Agriculture, consider the following statements:

1. It focuses on improving the health of the soil.
2. It adopts the monocropping method to increase productivity.
3. It aims to reduce the use of synthetic inputs such as herbicides and pesticides.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. a) 1 only 
2. b) 2 only 
3. c) 1 and 3 only 
4. d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: c

Q3: The drainage basin of the Brahmaputra River covers which of the following states?

1. Assam
2. Tripura
3. Nagaland
4. Sikkim
5. Meghalaya

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: c

Q4:Consider the following pairs:

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 3 and 4 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1 and 4 only

Answer: b

Q5: Consider the following countries:

1. Belarus
2. Estonia
3. Hungary
4. Czech Republic
5. Poland

Which of the above has borders with Ukraine?

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

Answer: c

Q6: With reference to the Western Disturbances, consider the following statements:

1. These are low-pressure storms that originate from subtropical high-pressure regions.
2. Jet streams blowing south of the Himalayas bring in western disturbances in India.
3. They are beneficial for the wheat and apple crops in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: d

Q7: With reference to the Steppe climatic region, consider the following statements:

1. It is a dry grassy plain lying between the equator and the tropical region.
2. Chinook, a hot local wind, blows through the region.
3. It is ideal for extensive mechanised wheat cultivation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer: b

Q8: The perceived centre of the Sun’s disk is in the same plane as the Equator when:

1. a) subsolar point hits the Tropic of Cancer around June 21
2. b) subsolar point hits the Tropic of Capricorn around December 21
3. c) the Earth's axis is not tilting toward or away from the sun.
4. d) The Earth is closest to the Sun

Answer: c

Q9: Which of the following factors are responsible for the occurrence of debris avalanches and landslides in the Western Ghats?

1. Steep slopes with vertical cliffs
2. Tectonically active zone
3. High temperature changes
4. Heavy rainfall over a short period

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: a

Q10: Which of the following factors are responsible for the occurrence of debris avalanches and landslides in the Western Ghats?

1. Steep slopes with vertical cliffs
2. Tectonically active zone
3. High temperature changes
4. Heavy rainfall over a short period

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: a

Geography Previous Year Questions UPSC Mains

Engaging in focused geography question practice for the UPSC Mains examination is paramount to mastering this subject. Mains examination demands a deeper comprehension of geographical concepts, requiring aspirants to connect theory with real-world scenarios. By practising UPSC geography questions, you can refine your analytical and application skills. 

Geography Previous Year Questions (PYQ 2024)

1. What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
2. What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.
3. What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.
4. The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?
5. What are aurora australia and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?
6. What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?

Geography Previous Year Questions ( PYQ 2023)

1. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.
2. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?
3. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
4. Why is the South-West Monsoon called Purvaiys’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?
5. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
6. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.
7. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?
8. From being a net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.

Geography UPSC Mains Questions (PYQ 2022)

1. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone-prone areas given by the India Meteorological Department.
2. Discuss the natural resource potential of the ‘Deccan trap’.
3. Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks.
4. The troposphere is a very significant atmosphere layer that determines weather processes. How?
5. Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade.
6. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for its limited spatial spread.
7. What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in the fishing industry of the world.
8. Describing the distribution of rubber-producing countries indicates their major environmental issues. 

UPSC Mains Geography Questions (PYQ 2021)

1. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats.
2. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
3. What are the environmental implications of recreating the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples.
4. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on the regional environment.
5. Why is India considered a subcontinent? Elaborate on your answer.
6. Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.
7. How does the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
8. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of the uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.

To practise more UPSC Geography Questions for UPSC Mains, download the following PDF.

FAQs on UPSC Geography Questions

How many Geography Questions are there in UPSC Mains?

The number of geography questions in the UPSC Mains exam can vary from year to year, as the questions are distributed across different subjects. Generally, there are around 3 to 5 questions related to geography in the Mains examination.

What is the best way to practice Geography PYQs for UPSC Mains?

To cover Geography questions for the UPSC Mains, focus on understanding key concepts in physical and human geography, study geographical issues, and connect them to current events. Read textbooks, reference materials, and analyse maps. Practise answer-writing with case studies, interdisciplinary links, and map interpretations. At last, solve Geography previous year questions asked in UPSC Mains to analyse your performance level.

What is the difficulty level of UPSC Geography Questions?

UPSC geography's difficulty level depends on your familiarity with the subject and how well you prepare. It covers diverse topics such as physical and human geography, environmental issues, and more. With thorough study, practice, and understanding of concepts, it can become manageable.

What type of Geography Questions are asked in UPSC Prelims?

In the UPSC Prelims exam, geography questions cover a lot of different things. These include things like the Earth's Physical features, Human Geography, Indian and World Geography, and environmental problems. Usually, there are about 15 to 20 questions about geography in the first part of the UPSC Prelims exam.