UPSC exam acts as a gateway to civil services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others, requiring candidates to have a comprehensive understanding of various subjects, with Geography being a crucial one.

Geography section holds significant weight in UPSC Prelims, making it essential for candidates to thoroughly review Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims to prepare effectively for the Geography-related questions in the exam.

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims is an invaluable resource for UPSC aspirants. Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims questions help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam’s format and the types of questions likely to appear in the examination.

• Pattern of Questions: Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims mix factual knowledge and conceptual clarity, covering physical geography (landforms, climate, resources) and human geography (population, migration, urbanization), testing both recall and analytical abilities.

• Geographical Features and Mapping: Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims focus on physical features like mountains, rivers, and climate zones. Map-based questions are important, testing the ability to interpret locations of countries, capitals, rivers, and geographical phenomena.

• Human Geography and Population: Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims focus on human geography, testing knowledge of human-environment relationships, migration, population density, urbanization, and their impact on development, including demographic trends and migration patterns.

• Resource Management and Sustainability: Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims emphasize resource management and sustainability, covering natural resources, energy, SDGs, climate change, and environmental degradation, testing candidates’ ability to apply geographical knowledge in contemporary contexts.

Also Read: Attempts in UPSC

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims Important Topic

Geography syllabus for UPSC Prelims is broad and can be categorized into key areas like Physical Geography, Indian Geography, World Geography, and Environmental Geography. Here’s a breakdown of essential topics:

1. Physical Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Physical Geography is the foundation of the subject and is crucial for the UPSC Prelims. Key topics include:

• Climatology: Explore global climate classifications, climate change, and the factors influencing weather patterns.
• Plate Tectonics & Continental Drift: Understand the formation of landforms, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
• Atmospheric Circulation & Weather Systems: Study the monsoon, cyclones, jet streams, and global weather patterns.
• Earth’s Structure: Study the layers of the Earth — crust, mantle, and core — and tectonic activities.
• Oceanography: Learn about ocean currents, tides, and phenomena like El Niño and La Niña and their climate impacts.
• Geomorphology: Focus on landforms such as mountains, valleys, plains, erosion, deposition, and weathering processes.Also read: Geography Questions in UPSC Prelims

2. Indian Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Indian Geography plays a vital role in UPSC Prelims, given its direct relevance to India. Key areas to focus on:

• Natural Resources: Understand the distribution of minerals, forests, and water resources in India.
• Agriculture: Learn about major crops, cropping patterns, irrigation methods, and challenges like drought and desertification.
• Rivers of India: Focus on major rivers, tributaries, basins, and concepts like river rejuvenation.
• Soil Types: Study the different soil types in India, such as alluvial, black, red, and laterite soils.
• Physiographic Divisions of India: Study the Himalayas, Indo-Gangetic plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, and Islands.
• Indian Climate: Understand the monsoon system, climatic influences, cyclones, and seasonal variations.

Also read: Last 10 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers

3. Environmental Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

A strong grasp of environmental issues is essential for the exam. Key topics to cover:

• Ecology & Ecosystems: Study terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, food chains, and biodiversity.
• Climate Change & Environmental Issues: Focus on global warming, pollution, and environmental conventions.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Understand India’s progress in environmental conservation and sustainability.

Also read: UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers

4. World Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

World Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims will help in identifying recurring patterns and focusing on the areas that are most likely to be tested.

• Major Natural Regions of the World: Study deserts, rainforests, tundras, and their climatic conditions.
• Continents & Countries: Focus on geographical features, major rivers, mountain ranges, and climate.
• Natural Disasters: Learn about earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions, along with their geographical significance.

Also Read: Geography Important Topics for UPSC Prelims

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims Important Trend

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims important trends over the years are:

• Geography Contribution: Geography consistently accounts for 15-20 questions, totaling 30-40 marks in the Prelims.

• Shift to Application-Based Questions: UPSC is moving away from straightforward factual questions and focusing more on application-based queries.

• Increase in Map-Based Questions: Both direct and indirect map-related MCQs have become more prevalent in recent years.

• Integration with Environmental Science: Geography questions increasingly overlap with topics related to Environmental Science.

• Recurring Themes: Common themes include questions on bordering countries of major seas and countries within specific river basins.

• 2024 Trends: The 2024 Prelims featured a significant number of core conceptual questions in physical geography.

Also Read: International Organisations

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims Trends

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims analysis highlights the trend in the number of questions asked over recent years, providing valuable insights for candidates to focus their preparation effectively.

Year of Preliminary Examination	Number of Geography Questions
2024	20
2023	16
2022	16
2021	10
2020	10
2019	14
2018	10

How to Analyse Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Analyzing Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims is crucial for understanding the exam’s structure and the types of questions asked. Through consistent practice and focused revision, aspirants can build a deeper understanding of geographical concepts, improve their problem-solving skills, and develop effective time management strategies, all while staying informed about current geographical trends and challenges.

• Understand the Syllabus: Focus on physical geography, human geography, resource management, and sustainability.
• Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Practice solving Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims to understand question patterns and frequently asked topics.
• Map Practice: Regularly practice map-based questions to interpret locations, geographical features, and regions accurately.
• Focus on Concepts: Build a strong conceptual understanding of landforms, climate, migration, urbanization, and resource management.
• Stay Updated: Follow current events related to geography, like climate change, environmental issues, and sustainable development goals.
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time for better exam strategy.

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims 2024

Here is Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims 2024 with Answers:

Question 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

Answer: (a) Canada and the United States of America

Question 2: Consider the following statements:

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) Both 1 and 2

Question3: 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 explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Question 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 explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Question 5: Consider the following:

1. Pyroclastic debris
2. Ash and dust
3. Nitrogen compounds
4. Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

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

Answer: (d) All four

Question 6: Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January?

1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream, and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Question 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

Answer: (c) Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana

Question 8: With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct?

(a) Ghaghara — Gomati — Gandak — Kosi
(b) Gomati — Ghaghara — Gandak — Kosi
(c) Ghaghara — Gomati — Kosi — Gandak
(d) Gomati — Ghaghara — Kosi — Gandak

Answer: (b) Gomati — Ghaghara — Gandak — Kosi

Question 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

Answer: (a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I

Question 10: Consider the following countries:

1. Finland
2. Germany
3. Norway
4. Russia

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

Answer: (b) Only two

Question 11: Consider the following information:

Waterfall	Region	River
1. Dhuandhar	Malwa	Narmada
2. Hundru	Chota Nagpur	Subarnarekha
3. Gersoppa	Western Ghats	Netravati

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

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

Answer: (a) Only one

Question 12: Consider the following information:

Region	Name of the Mountain Range	Types of Mountain
1. Central Asia	Vosges	Fold mountain
2. Europe	Alps	Block mountain
3. North America	Appalachians	Fold mountain
4. South America	Andes	Fold mountain

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

Answer: (b) Only two

Question 13: Consider the following:

1. Cashew
2. Papaya
3. Red sanders

How many of the above trees are actually native to India?

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

Answer: (a) Only one

Question 14: With reference to “water vapour”, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.
2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Question 15: Consider the following description:

1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm.

What is this type of climate?

(a) Equatorial climate
(b) China type climate
(c) Humid subtropical climate
(d) Marine West coast climate

Answer: (d) Marine West coast climate

Question 16: With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Question 17: On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) sunlight of more than 12 hours?

1. Equator
2. Tropic of Cancer
3. Tropic of Capricorn
4. Arctic Circle

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: (d) 2 and 4

Question 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 effects 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

Answer: (b) Congo Basin

Question 19: Consider the following plants:

1. Groundnut
2. Horse-gram
3. Soybean

How many of the above belong to the pea family?

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

Answer: (c) All three

Question 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.

Answer: (d) the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age.

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims Source and Strategies

• Study NCERTs
  Begin with NCERT for foundational understanding.

• Class 11th – Fundamentals of Physical Geography and Indian Geography
• Class 12th – Human and Economic Geography

• Create Concise Notes
  Make short notes by summarizing important points from Geography-related questions. These will aid in quick and effective revision.

• Atlas: It is crucial for UPSC geography preparation, offering visual maps, political borders, physical features, and climate patterns, which aid in developing conceptual clarity and analytical skills.

• For Map Work: Follow Bharat Darshan Series on UnderStand UPSC Youtube channel.

• Practice PYQs by Year: Focus on the last 10 years of UPSC CSE Prelims Geography PYQs. Identify recurring topics, track your mistakes, and revise areas where you are weak.

• Take Mock Tests: Regularly simulate exam conditions by taking mock tests. This helps improve both speed and accuracy under time pressure.

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