Here are all 52 Resources questions asked in UPSC Geography Optional Paper II from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 3 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
2.1] Land, surface and ground water resources
12 questions
Highlight the characteristics of land utilisation in Eastern Ghats region of India. What are the recent threats to land utilisation method in the region? [2025/15m/3b]
Water scarcity is an important cause of disputes and conflicts in India. Suggest innovative methods for location-based solutions. [2024/15m/4c]
Discuss the targets of focused interventions of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain, 2024 in rural and urban areas. [2024/15m/6c]
Examine the critical issues of groundwater resources in India. [2021/15m/6b]
The pattern of growing ecological foot-prints is uneven in nature. Analyse with reference to land resources in India. [2020/10m/150w/5d]
Examine the major causes of ground water depletion in India. [2019/10m/1b]
Illustrate with suitable examples the endeavours undertaken in augmenting conservation of water and vegetation in India. [2018/20m/6a]
Discuss the freshwater crisis in India and prepare a blueprint for its sustainable management. [2017/20m/2a]
Evaluate the impact of technology on resource utilization in India. (In about 200 words) [2016/15m/200w/6c]
Account for the geographical distribution of groundwater resources of India. How serious is its depletion in recent decades? [2015/20m/2a]
Discuss the emerging pattern of surface water utilisation in India. [2010/30m/4a]
Discuss the need of conservation and utility of water resource in India. [2007/60m/3]
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21 questions
Efficient use of energy resources can resolve the energy crisis in India. Comment. [2026/15m/3c]
Critically examine the role of petroleum energy resources on International Geopolitics with special reference to India. [2023/15m/3c]
Why are critical minerals essential for the economic development and national security in India? [2023/10m/150w/5e]
Discuss the green energy initiatives of India as a signatory nation to the Paris Agreement. [2023/20m/7a]
The peninsular location of India provides scope for harnessing non-conventional energy resources. Discuss with examples. [2022/15m/2b]
India is bestowed with rich mineral resources due to its geological structure. Correlate the above statement with large mineral belts of India. [2022/20m/4a]
Discuss the importance of solar energy in future economic development of India. [2021/20m/3a]
Discuss the reserves, distribution and production of all varieties of coal in India. [2021/20m/4a]
Keeping the recent developments in view, how can the energy crisis of India be circumvented by harnessing non-conventional energy resources? [2018/10m/1d]
Why has solar energy in India not been developed to desired level in spite of its high potential? [2017/15m/8c]
Give an account of the development of renewable resources of India. (In about 200 words) [2016/15m/200w/3c]
Location of thermal power plants and coal fields in India are not mutually conducive. Analyse. (150 words) [2014/10m/150w/1d]
Delineate the coalfields of India and mention their distinctive features. (150 words) [2013/15m/150w/2b]
Delineate the mineral belts of India and mention their distinctive features. [2012/30m/3a]
Offshore oilfields and coastal ecology. [2010/15m/250w/5b]
Suggest appropriate energy policy for minimizing energy crisis in India. [2008/20m/200w/5a]
“Non-conventional energy is the energy of the future in India.” Justify this statement. [2005/60m/2]
Bring out the present-day position of exploitation and processing of nuclear minerals in India. [1998/20m/200w/1d]
Examine the pattern of distribution and mode of exploitation of bauxite in India. [1998/60m/4]
Critically examine the metalliferous mineral resources of India with particular reference to their present and future demands. [1996/60m/3]
Examine the fossil fuel resources of India with particular reference to the present and future demands for energy. [1995/60m/3]
2.3] Biotic and marine resources; forest and wild life resources and their conservation
19 questions
Describe the geographical conditions necessary for the growth of mangrove forests in India. Explain their ecological and economic significance. [2026/10m/1d]
Why are coral reefs in India most important with respect to its dynamic ecosystem? Explore. [2025/15m/2b]
Examine the validity of Blue Economy initiatives of India. Elaborate the impacts of this economy on country’s development. [2025/15m/7c]
Conservation and breeding centres are important components of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation, 2020-2025. Why? [2024/10m/1c]
Discuss the impact of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 on forest conservation in India. [2023/10m/1d]
How do physiography and climate of India explain the biological diversity of the country? [2022/10m/1c]
Discuss the impact of Forest Rights Act, 2006 on the local forest communities in India. [2022/10m/150w/5a]
Discuss the salient features of Project Tiger in India. [2021/10m/150w/5a]
Discuss the problems of wildlife conservation and management in India. [2019/10m/150w/5b]
Illustrate with suitable examples the endeavours undertaken in augmenting conservation of water and vegetation in India. [2018/20m/6a]
Identify the important biotic resource regions of India and highlight their problems. (In about 250 words) [2016/20m/250w/3a]
Outline the Government of India’s strategies of conservation of the Western Ghats. [2015/15m/8c]
Suggest the measures of wild-life conservation with reference to extinction of rare species. [2014/15m/2b]
Identify the major biosphere reserves of India and discuss their role in the conservation of forest and wildlife. [2011/30m/3a]
Give an account of potentiality and prospects of development of marine resources of India. [2011/30m/3b]
How does the formation of a National Park help ecological restoration and conservation? Explain with suitable examples. [2010/30m/7b]
Identify the important biotic-resource regions of India. Highlight, in brief the problems and remedial measures of biotic-resource conservation in India. [2004/60m/3]
Examine the National Forest Policy of India. [2000/20m/200w/5c]
Examine the need for conservation of biotic resources in India. (Short note) [1999/20m/R2]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026