UPSC CSE EXAM

11 Years TOPIC - Wise

Prelims PYQs
(2014-2024)

GEOGRAPHY
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
GEOGRAPHY
CHAPTER-1
INDIA MAPPING POINTS, RIVERS, LAKES, GLACIERS, PEAKS, ETC.

1. With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the 6. Which one of the following is the best example of
Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day
which one of the fallowing sequences is correct? extensive marshland? [UPSC2023]
[UPSC 2024] (a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(a) Ghaghara — Gomati — Gandak — Kosi (b) Marakkanam Salt Pans
(c) Naupada Swamp
(b) Gomati — Ghaghara — Gandak — Kosi
(d) Rann of Kutch
(c) Ghaghara — Gomati — Kosi — Gandak
(d) Gomati — Ghaghara — Kosi — Gandak 7. Gandikota canyon of South India was created by
which one of following rivers? [UPSC 2022]
2. Consider the following information: [UPSC 2024] (a) Cauvery (b) Manjira
Waterfall Region River (c) Pennar (d) Tungabhadra
1 Dhuandhar Malwa Narmada
2 Hundru Chota Subarnarekha 8. Consider the following pairs: [UPSC 2022]
Nagpur Peak Mountains
3 Gersoppa Western Netravati 1. Namcha Barwa Garhwal Himalaya
Ghats 2. Nanda Devi Kumaon Himalaya
In how many of the above rows is the given 3. Nokrek Sikkim Himalaya
information correctly matched? Which of given pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
(c) All three (d) None
9. Consider the following pairs: [UPSC 2022]
3. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023] Reservoirs States
1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 1. Ghataprabha Telangana
2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 2. Gandhi Sagar MP
3. Meandering of the Gandak River formed Kanwar 3. Indira Sagar Andhra Pradesh
Lake. 4. Maithon Chhattisgarh
How many of the statements given above are correct? How many pairs given above are not correctly
(a) Only one (b) Only two matched?
(c) All three (d) None (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs.
4. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023]
1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of 10. With reference to Indus River system, of the
Vindhya and the Sahyadri Ranges. following 4 rivers, 3 of them pour into one of them
2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of which joins Indus direct. Among following, which
Satpura Range. river that joins Indus direct? [UPSC 2021]
3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum
of Western Ghats. (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two 11. Consider following River [UPSC 2021]
(c) All three (d) None 1. Brahmani
2. Nagavali
5. Consider the following pairs: [UPSC 2023] 3. Subarnarekha
Port Well known as 4. Vamsadhara
1. Kamarajar First major port in India Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?
Port registered as a company (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
2. Mundra Port Largest privately owned (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 3
port in India
3. Visakha- Largest container port in 12. Siachen Glacier is situated to the [UPSC 2020]
patnam Port India (a) East of Aksai Chin
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (b) East of Leh
(a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) North of Gilgit
(c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs (d) North of Nubra Valley

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
13. With references to history of India, consider the 20. Which of following is/are tributary/ tributaries of
following pairs: [UPSC 2020] Brahmaputra? [UPSC 2016]
Famous Place Present State 1. Dibang
1. Bhilsa Madhya Pradesh 2. Kameng
2. Dwarasamudra Maharashtra 3. Lohit
3. Girinagar Gujarat Select the correct answer using the code given below.
4. Sthanesvara Uttar Pradesh (a) 1 only
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly (b) 2 and 3 only
matched? (c) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only.
21. Which of the following pairs of States of India
14. Consider following pairs: [UPSC 2019]
Glacier River indicates the easternmost and Westernmost State?
1. Bandarpunch Yamuna (a) Assam and Rajasthan
2. Bara Shigri Chenab (b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan
3. Milam Mandakini (c) Assam and Gujarat
4. Siachen Nubra (d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat [UPSC 2015]
5. Zemu Manas
Which of pairs given above are correctly matched? 22. Consider following rivers [UPSC 2015]
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4 1. Vamsadhara
(c) 2 and 5 (d) 3 and 5 2. Indravati
3. Pranahita
15. Among the following cities, which one lies on a 4. Pennar
longitude closest to that of Delhi? [UPSC 2018] Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?
(a) Bengaluru (b) Hyderabad (a) 1,2 and 3
(c) Nagpur (d) Pune (b) 2,3 and 4
(c) 1,2 and 4
16. Which one of the following is an artificial lake? (d) 2 and 3 only
(a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
(b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
23. Consider following pairs: [UPSC 2015]
(c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)
Pilgrimage Location
(d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh) [UPSC 2018]
1. Srisailm Nallamala Hills
17. If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what 2. Omkareshwar Satmala Hills
is the minimum number of States within India 3. Pushkar Mahadeo Hills
through which you can travel, including the origin Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched
and the destination? [UPSC 2017] (a) 1 only
(a) 6 (b) 7 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 8 (d) 9 (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
18. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2017]
1. In India, Himalayas are spread over 5 states only. 24. Consider following rivers [UPSC 2014]
2. Western Ghats are spread over five states only. 1. Barak
3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. 2. Lohit
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 3. Subansiri
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only Which above flows through Arunachal Pradesh?
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
19. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following
statements: [UPSC 2017] (c) 1 and 3 only
1. Source of Teesta is same as that of Brahmaputra (d) 1, 2 and 3
but it flows in Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and is a 25. Which one of the following pairs of islands is
tributary of river Teesta. separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree
3. It flows into Bay of Bengal on India Bangladesh Channel’? [UPSC 2014]
border (a) Andaman & Nicobar
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (b) Nicobar & Sumatra
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) Maldives & Lakshadweep
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Sumatra& Java

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
26. Consider following pairs : [UPSC 2014] (d) 2 and 4 only
Hills Region 27. At one of the places in India, if you stand on the
1 Cardamom Hills Coromandel Coast seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the
2 Kaimur Hills Konkan Coast sea water recedes from the shore line a few
3 Mahadeo Hills Central India kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a
4 Mikir Hills North-East India day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched? when the water recedes. This unique
(a) 1 and 2 only phenomenon is seen at [UPSC 2017]
(b) 2 and 3 only (a) Bhavnagar (b) Bheemunipatnam
(c) 3 and 4 only (c) Chandipur (d) Nagapattinam.

CHAPTER-2: WORLD MAPPING POINTS, RIVERS, LAKES, GLACIERS, PEAKS, etc.

1. Consider the following information: 6. Consider following: [UPSC 2022]

Region Mountain Type of 1. Azerbaijan 2. Kyrgyzstan
range mountain 3. Tajikistan 4. Uzbekistan
1. Central Vosges Fold mountain 5. Turkmenistan
Asia Which of above have borders with Afghanistan?
2. Europe Alps Block mountain
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
3. North Appalachians Fold mountain
America (c) 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
4. South Andes Fold mountain
America 7. Consider following pairs: [UPSC 2020]
In how many rows, given info is correctly matched? Rivers Flows into
(a) Only one (b) Only two 1. Mekong Andaman Sea
(c) Only three (d) All four 2. Thames Irish Sea
3. Volga Caspian Sea
2. The longest border between any two countries in the 4. Zambezi Indian Ocean
world is between: [UPSC 2024] Which of pairs above is/are correctly matched?
(a) Canada and the United States of America (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(b) Chile and Argentina (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) China and India
(d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation 8. Consider following pairs: [UPSC 2019]
Sea Bordering Country
3. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2024] 1 Adriatic Sea Albania
1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation 2 Black Sea Croatia
in any form. 3 Caspian Sea Kazakhstan
2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers. 4 Mediteranean Sea Morocco
5 Red Sea Syria
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

4. Which one of the following is a part of the Congo 9. Which of following have shrunk immensely/dried up
Basin? [UPSC 2023] in the recent past due to human activities ?
(a) Cameroon (b) Nigeria 1. Aral Sea 2. Black Sea
(c) South Sudan (d) Uganda 3. Lake Baikal [UPSC 2018]
Select correct answer using the code given below :
5. Consider the following countries: [UPSC 2023] (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3
1. Bulgaria 2. Czech Republic (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3
3. Hungary 4. Latvia
5. Lithuania 6. Romania 10. Which of the following is geographically closest to
How many of above share land border with Ukraine? Great Nicobar? [UPSC 2017]
(a) Only two (b) Only three (a) Sumatra (b) Borneo
(c) Only four (d) Only five (c) Java (d) Sri Lanka

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
11. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port 13. Turkey is located between [UPSC 2014]
by India? [UPSC 2017] (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea
(a) India’s trade with African countries will (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
enormously increase. (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
(b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea
countries will be strengthened.
(c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to 14. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the
Afghanistan and Central Asia. following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation from south to north? [UPSC 2014]
of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India. 1. Bangkok
2. Hanoi
12. Which one of following countries of South-West Asia 3. Jakarta
does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? [UPSC
4. Singapore
2015]
Select correct answer using the code given below.
(a) Syria (b) Jordan
(a) 4-2-1-3 (b) 3-2-4-1
(c) Lebanon (d) Israel
(c) 3-4-1-2 (d) 4-3-2-1

CHAPTER-3: PLACES IN NEWS

1. Consider the following countries: [UPSC 2024] 3. People who fled from civil war in Somalia live in
1. Finland Dadaab complex in Kenya.
2. Germany Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. Norway (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only
4. Russia
How many of the above countries have a border 5. Which one of following statements best reflects issue of
with the North Sea? Senkaku Islands, mentioned in the news? [UPSC 2022]
(a) Only one (b) Only two (a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands
(c) Only three (d) All four made by a country around South China Sea.
(b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes
2. One of the following regions has the world’s largest over these islands in East China Sea.
tropical peatland, which holds about three years (c) Permanent American military base has been set
worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence
and the possible destruction of which can exert capabilities.
detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one (d) Though International Court of Justice declared
of the following denotes that region? [UPSC 2024] them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian
(a) Amazon Basin countries claim them.
(b) Congo Basin
(c) Kikori Basin 6. Consider following pairs: [UPSC 2022]
Country Reason for being in news
(d) Rio de la Plata Basin
recently
1 Chad Setting up a permanent military
3. Which of the following countries are well known as the base by China
two largest cocoa producers in the world? 2 Guinea Suspension of Constitution and
(a) Algeria and Morocco Govt. by military
(b) Botswana and Namibia 3 Lebanon Severe and prolonged economic
(c) Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana depression
(d) Madagascar and Mozambique [UPSC 2024] 4 Tunisia Suspension of Parliament by
President
4. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2022] How many above pairs are correctly matched?
1. Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement in north- (a) Only one pair
western Kenya. (b) Only two pairs
2. Some people who fled from South Sudan civil (c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
war live in Bidibidi.

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
7. Consider following : [UPSC 2022] Which of pairs given above are correctly matched?
Region in the news Country (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 3 and 4 only
1. Anatolia Turkey (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only
2. Amhara Ethiopia
3. Cabo Delgado Spain 11. Consider the following pairs [UPSC 2018]
4. Catalonia Italy Towns Country in news
How many above pairs are correctly matched? 1. Aleppo Syria
(a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs 2. Kirkuk Yemen
(c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs 3. Mosul Palestine
4. Mazar-i-sharif Afghanistan
8. Term “Levant” often heard in news corresponds to
Which of pairs given above are correctly matched?
which of following regions? [UPSC 2022]
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 4
(a) Region along eastern Mediterranean shores
(b) Region along North African shores from Egypt to (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4
Morocco
(c) Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa 12. Recently, in which of following countries having
(d) Entire coastal area of Mediterranean Sea lakhs of people either suffered from severe
famine/acute malnutrition or died due to starvation
9. Which one of the lakes of West Africa has become caused by war/ethnic conflicts? [UPSC 2018]
dry and turned into a desert? [UPSC 2022] (a) Angola and Zambia
(a) Lake Victoria (b) Lake Faguibine (b) Morocco and Tunisia
(c) Lake Oguta (d) Lake Volt (c) Venezuela and Colombia
(d) Yemen and South Sudan
10. Consider following pairs: [UPSC 2018]
Regions in news Country 13. Recently, linking of which of following rivers was
1. Catalonia Spain undertaken? [UPSC 2016]
2. Crimea Hungary (a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra
(b) Godavari and Krishna
3. Mindanao Philippines
(c) Mahanadi and Sone
4. Oromia Nigeria
(d) Narmada and Tapti

CHAPTER-4: NATURAL VEGETATION

1. Consider the following description: [UPSC 2024] 3. Consider the following trees: [UPSC 2023]
1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low. 1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year. 2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm. 3. Teak (Tectona grandis)
What is this type of climate? How many of the above are deciduous trees?
(a) Equatorial climate (a) Only one
(b) China type climate (b) Only two
(c) Humid subtropical climate (c) All three
(d) Marine west coast climate (d) None

2. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023] 4. The vegetation of savannah consists of grassland with
Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in scattered small trees. The forest development in such
nutrients. areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a
Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of combination of some conditions. [UPSC 2021]
tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the Which of the following are such conditions?
soil to decompose quickly. 1. Burrowing animals and termites.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the 2. Fire
above statements? 3. Grazing herbivores
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct 4. Seasonal rainfall
and Statement-II is the correct explanation for 5. Soil properties
Statement-I Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct (a) 1 and 2
and Statement-II is not the correct explanation (b) 4 and 5
for Statement-I (c) 2, 3 and 4
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is (d) 1, 3 and 5
incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
5. “Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other 1. Hard and waxy leaves
biome and as a result, the soil surface is often almost 2. Tiny leaves
bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely 3. Thorns instead of leaves
composed of plant forms that reach up into the Select the correct answer using the code given below
canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees.” (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
This is the most likely description of: [UPSC 2021]
(a) Coniferous forest
(b) Dry deciduous forest
(c) Mangrove forest
(d) Tropical rain forest
6. Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in
the desert areas to inhibit water loss? [UPSC 2018]

CHAPTER -5: AGRICULTURE

1. Consider the following: [UPSC 2024] How many of the above are generally known as tea-
1. Cashew producing States?
2. Papaya (a) Only one State
(b) Only two States
3. Red sanders
(c) Only three States
How many of the above trees are actually native to (d) All four State
India?
(a) Only one (b) Only two 6. With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider
(c) All three (d) None the following statements: [UPSC 2022]
1. Tea Board is statutory body.
2. Consider the following plants: 2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
1. Groundnut
3. Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in
2. Horse-gram Bengaluru.
3. Soybean 4. Board has overseas offices at Dubai and
How many of the above belong to the pea family? Moscow.
(a) Only one Which of the statements given above are correct?
(b) Only two (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4
(c) All three
(d) None 7. “System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in
which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is
3. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023] practiced, results in: [UPSC 2022]
1. India has more arable area than China. 1. Reduced seed requirement
2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India 2. Reduced methane production
as compared to China. 3. Reduced electricity consumption
3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian Select correct answer using the code given below:
agriculture is higher than that in China. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
How many of the above statements are correct? (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None 8. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2021]
1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous
4. Among the following crops, which one is the most evergreen tree.
important anthropogenic source of both methane and 2. Tamarind tree is endemic to south Asia.
nitrous oxide ? [UPSC 2022] 3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as
(a) Cotton (b) Rice minor forest produce.
(c) Sugarcane (d) Wheat 4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in
5. Consider the following States: [UPSC 2022] the production of biofuels.
1. Andhra Pradesh Which of the statements given above are correct?
2. Kerala (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4 and 5
3. Himachal Pradesh (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1,2, 3 and 5
4. Tripura

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
9. How is permaculture farming different from Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
conventional chemical farming? [UPSC 2021] (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
practices but in conventional chemical farming,
monoculture practices are predominant. 15. “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is
2. Conventional chemical farming can cause injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost free days
increase in soil salinity but such phenomenon is and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A
not observed in permaculture. light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture
3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible is ideally suited for cultivation of the crop.” Which
in such regions. one of the following is that crop? [UPSC 2020]
4. Practice of mulching is very important in it but (a) Cotton (b) Jute
not necessarily so in conventional one. (c) Sugarcane (d) Tea
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 16. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation
(c) 4 only (d) 2 and 3 of sugarcane in India, consider the following
statements: [UPSC 2020]
10. With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following 1. A substantial saving in seed material is made
statements: [UPSC 2021] when ‘bud chip settings’ are raised in a nursery
1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. and transplanted in the main field.
2. Palm oil is a raw material for some industries 2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination
like lipstick and perfumes. percentage is better with single budded setts as
3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. compared to setts with many buds.
Which of the statements given above are correct? 3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only directly planted, single-budded setts have better
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 survival as compared to large setts.
4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settings
11. Among the following, which one is the least water- prepared from tissue culture.
efficient crop? [UPSC 2021] Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Sugarcane (b) Sunflower (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) Pearl millet (d) Red gram (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

12. In context of India, which of following are considered 17. What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?
to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? [ 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is
1. Crop diversification possible.
2. Legume intensification 2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all
3. Tensiometer use other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
4. Vertical farming UPSC 2020] 3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? possible.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 3 only 4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is
(c) 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 possible. [UPSC 2020]
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
13. What are the advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
residue of the previous crop. (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is
possible. [UPSC 2020] 18. With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in
3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. India in the last five years, consider the following
Select the correct answer using the code given below: statements: [UPSC 2019]
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only 1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than
that of oilseeds.
14. With reference to pulse production in India, consider 3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of
the following statements: [UPSC 2020] sugarcane.
1. Black gram is cultivated as both kharif and rabi 4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily
crops. decreased.
2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of Which of the statements given above are correct?
pulse production. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
3. In last 3 decades, while production of kharif (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
pulses increased, production of rabi pulses has
decreased.

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
19. Among following, which one is the largest exporter
of rice in the world in last five years? [UPSC 2019] 23. Which of the following is/are advantage /advantages
(a) China (b) India of practising drip irrigation? [UPSC 2016]
(c) Myanmar (d) Vietnam 1. Reduction in weed
2. Reduction in soil salinity
20. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2019] 3. Reduction in soil erosion
1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into Select the correct answer using the code given below.
environment. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
2. Cattle release ammonia into environment. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen
compounds into environment. 24. What are significances of practical approach to
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? sugarcane production known as Sustainable
(a) 1 and 3 only Sugarcane Initiative? [UPSC 2014]
(b) 2 and 3 only 1. Seed cost is very low than conventional method
(c) 2 only 2. Drip irrigation can be practiced effectively
(d) 1, 2 and 3 3. No application of chemical/ inorganic fertilizers
at all
21. With reference to circumstances in Indian agriculture, 4. Intercropping scope is more as compared to
concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes conventional method.
significance. Which of the following fall under Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Conservation Agriculture? [UPSC 2018] (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
1. Avoiding monoculture practices (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Adopting minimum tillage
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 25. In the context of food and nutritional security of
4. Using crop residues to cover the soil surface India, enhancing the 'Seed Replacement Rates' of
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing various crops helps in achieving the food production
/crop rotations targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/
Select the correct answer using the code given below: constraints in its wider / greater implementation?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
(c) 2, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5 2. No participation of private sector seed companies
in supply of quality seeds of vegetables, planting
22. With reference to agricultural soils, consider materials of horticultural crops. [UPSC 2014]
following statements : [UPSC 2018] 3. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality
1. High content of organic matter in soil drastically seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.
reduces its water holding capacity. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to (c) 2 and 3 (d) None
the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
CHAPTER-6 : ATMOSPHERE

1. With reference to “water vapour”, which of the Statement-II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
following statements is/are correct? [UPSC 2024] gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long
1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with wave radiation.
altitude. Which one of the following is correct in respect of
2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles. the above statements?
Select the answer using the code given below: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(a) 1 only
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct
(b) 2 only
but Statement-II does not explains Statement-I
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is
2. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2024] correct
Statement-I: The atmosphere is heated more by
incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial
radiation.

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
3. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2024] 1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and
Statement-I: Thickness of the troposphere at the cool surface of the Earth.
equator is much greater as compared to poles. 2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared
Statement-II: At the equator, heat is transported to radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and
great heights by strong convectional currents. thus cause warming effect.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
the above statements? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, 7. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?
but Statement-II does not explains Statement-I (a) Clouds absorb the radiation released from the
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect Earth’s surface. [UPSC 2019]
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. (b) Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
(c) The Earth’s surface would have a low
4. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023] temperature on cloudy nights.
Statement-I: Temperature contrast in continents and (d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
oceans is greater during summer than in winter.
Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more 8. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2015]
than that of land surface. 1. The winds which blow between 30 N and 60 S
Which one of the following is correct in respect of latitudes throughout the year are known as
the above statements? westerlies.
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct & 2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in
Statement-II is correct explanation for Statement-I the NorthWestern region of India are part of
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct westerlies.
and Statement-II is not correct explanation for Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement-I (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
9. In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific
5. With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not
of the following statements is correct? [UPSC 2023] originate. What is the reason? [UPSC 2015]
(a) Total amount of insolation received at equator is (a) Sea Surface temperature are low
roughly about 10 times of that received at poles. (b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of (c) Coriolis force is too weak
insolation. (d) Absence of land in those regions
(c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water
vapour that is concentrated in lower atmosphere.
(d) Infrared waves are a part of the visible spectrum
of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

6. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2022]

CHAPTER-7: CLIMATOLOGY

1. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2024]

Statement-I: Rainfall is one of the reasons for 2. Which of following is/are correct inference/inferences
weathering of rocks. from isothermal maps in the month of January?
Statement-II: Rain water contains CO2 in solution. 1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the
Statement-III: Rain water contains atmospheric ocean and to the south over the continent.
oxygen. 2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf
Which one of the following is correct in respect of Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the
the above statements? North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms
(a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are bend towards the north. [UPSC 2024]
correct and both of them explain Statement-I Select the answer using the code given below:
(b) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, (a) 1 only
but only one of them explains Statement-I (b) 2 only
(c) Only one of the Statement II and III is correct (c) Both 1 and 2
and that explains Statement-I (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
3. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2020] 4. “Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear
1. Jet Streams occur in Northern Hemisphere only and bright with a sea breeze; as the sun climbs high in the
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, than rain comes
3. Temperature inside eye of a cyclone is nearly 10 with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over.” Which
degree Celsius lesser than that of surroundings. of the following regions is described here? [UPSC 2015]
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) Savannah (b) Equatorial
(a) 1 only (c) Monsoon (d) Mediterraneaz
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only 5. Sseasonal reversal of wind is typical characteristic of
(d) 1 and 3 only (a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates [UPSC 2014]

CHAPTER-8: OCEANOGRAPHY

1. Consider the following statements : [UPSC 2021] Select correct answer using the code given below:
1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
oceans are warmer than the eastern sections (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
owing to the influence of trade winds,
2. In temperate zone, westerlies make eastern 5. Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which
sections of oceans warmer than Western sections among the following? [UPSC 2015]
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. Gravitational force of the Sun
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. Gravitational force of the Moon
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Centrifugal force of the Earth
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
2. With reference to the water on the planet Earth, (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
consider the following statements: [UPSC 2021] (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is
more than the amount of groundwater. 6. What explains the eastward flow of equatorial
2. The amount of water In polar ice caps and counter current? [UPSC 2015]
glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater. (a) Earth’s rotation on its axis
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Difference in salinity of water
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator

3. With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT),

which of following statements are correct? [UPSC 2020]
1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C
isotherm which is 129 meters in southwestern
Indian Ocean during January — March.
2. OMT collected during Jan — March can be used
in assessing whether rainfall in monsoon will be
less or more than a certain long-term mean.
Select correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’

mentioned in news while forecasting Indian
monsoon, which of following statements are correct?
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by difference
in sea surface temp between tropical Western
Indian Ocean & tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s
impact on the monsoon. [UPSC 2017]

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
CHAPTER-9: PHYSIOGRAPHY

1. With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the 4. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023]
following statements is/are correct? [UPSC 2024] 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier
1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. than S waves.
2. It is maximum at poles & is absent at equator. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and
Select the answer using the code given below: fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas
in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. On June 21 every year, which of following latitude(s) (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?
1. Equator 5. In northern hemisphere, longest day of year normally
2. Tropic of Cancer occurs in the: [UPSC 2022]
3. Tropic of Capricorn (a) First half of the month of June
4. Arctic Circle [UPSC 2024] (b) Second half of the month of June
Select correct answer using the code given below: (c) First half of the month of July
(d) Second half of month of July
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4
6. On 21st June, the Sun [UPSC 2019]
(a) Does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
3. Consider the following: [UPSC 2024]
(b) Does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
1. Pyroclastic debris
(c) Shines vertically overhead at noon on Equator
2. Ash and dust
(d) Shines vertically overhead at Tropic of Capricorn
3. Nitrogen compounds
4. Sulphur compounds
How many are products of volcanic eruptions? 7. Which of the following phenomena might have
influenced the evolution of organisms? [UPSC 2014]
(a) Only one (b) Only two
1. Continental drift
(c) Only three (d) All four
2. Glacial cycles
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2.

CHAPTER-10: PHYSIOGRAPHY OF INDIA

1. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to

the weathering of: [UPSC 2021] 3. Consider the following States: [UPSC 2015]
(a) Brown forest soil 1. Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Fissure volcanic rock 2. Himachal Pradesh
(c) Granite and schist 3. Mizoram
(d) Shale and limestone In which States do ‘Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests’
occur?
2. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2018] (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
located in the Indian Territory.
2. Barren Island lies 140 km east of Great Nicobar 4. In India, problem of soil erosion is associated with
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was which of following? [UPSC 2014]
in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. 1. Terrace cultivation
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Deforestation
(a) 1 only 3. Tropical climate'
(b) 2 and 3 only Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(c) 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3

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 PRELIMS PYQs - (Geography)
CHAPTER-11: HUMAN AND ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY

1. The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as: 7. With regard to solar water pumps consider following:
(a) the number of children born per 1000 people 1. Solar power can be used for running surface
in the population in a year. pumps and not for submersible Pumps.
(b) the number of children born to a couple in 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal
their lifetime in a given population. pumps and not ones with piston. [UPSC 2020]
(c) the birth rate minus death rate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(d) the average number of live births a woman (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
would have by end of her child-bearing age. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

2. About 3/4 of world's cobalt required for 8. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2020]
manufacturing batteries for electric motor vehicles, is 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
produced by: [UPSC 2023] 2. Coal fired power plants release sulphur dioxide
(a) Argentina and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
(b) Botswana 3. High ash content is observed in Indian Coal.
(c) the Democratic Republic of the Congo Which of the above given statements is/are correct?
(d) Kazakhstan (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Ilmenite & rutile, abundantly available in certain
coastal tracts, are rich sources of which of following? 9. Consider following statements: [UPSC 2018]
[UPSC 2023] 1. In India, State Governments do not have the
(a) Aluminium (b) Copper power to auction non-coal mines.
(c) Iron (d) Titanium 2. Andhra Pradesh & Jharkhand donot have gold
mines
4. With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in 3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines.
India, consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023] Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. None of them uses seawater. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
3. None of them is privately owned.
10. In which of the following regions of India are shale
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two gas resources found? [UPSC 2016]
(c) All three (d) None 1. Cambay Basin
2. Cauvery Basin
5. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2023] 3. Krishna-Godavari Basin
Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, Select the correct answer using the code given below.
depends on coal for most its electricity production. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent at (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
least 60%, is required for production of electricity.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of 11. With reference to two non-conventional energy
the above statements? sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’,
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct & consider the following ‘statements:[UPSC 2014]
Statement-II correct explanation for Statement-I 1. Coalbed methane is pure methane extracted from
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct coal seams, while shale gas is mixture of
and Statement-II is not correct explanation for propane & butane & can be extracted from fine-
Statement-1 grained sedimentary rocks.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct exist, but so far no shale gas have been found.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
6. With reference to India, consider the following:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Monazite contains thorium. [UPSC 2022]
3. It occurs naturally in entire Indian coastal sands
4. In India, Govt only can process/export monazite.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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