Here are all 57 Political Aspects questions asked in UPSC Geography Optional Paper II from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 4 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.
9.1] Geographical basis of Indian federalism; state reorganisation; emergence of new states
7 questions
Discuss the emergence of linguistic regions and states in India. [2022/15m/7b]
Has the regional aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir been addressed through re-organisation of the state? Make an assessment. [2020/10m/1d]
Comment on the basis of creation of new States in India in 2000. (150 words) [2013/15m/150w/6b]
Critically examine the bases of state reorganization in India since Independence. [2008/60m/7]
Examine the Geographical basis of Indian Federalism. [2006/20m/200w/5b]
Explain the basis and consequences of the establishment and implementation of recommendations of the State Re-organisation Commission in India since 1950s. [1997/60m/8]
Write a short note on: Geographical basis of the Indian Federation. [1996/20m/200w/5d]
9.2] Regional consciousness and inter-State issues
13 questions
“Socio-political landscape in India is a result of regional consciousness creating inter-state disputes.” Discuss with region specific examples. [2025/20m/4a]
Water scarcity is an important cause of disputes and conflicts in India. Suggest innovative methods for location-based solutions. [2024/15m/4c]
Discuss the continuing disputes on water sharing between the riparian states of North-West India. [2022/15m/3b]
Critically examine the problems of inter-State border disputes in India. [2021/15m/4c]
Discuss the political aspects of Himalaya. Explain how it has affected the geo-strategy, geo-politics and regional consciousness of Indian federalism. [2019/20m/4a]
Why setting up of Water Management Boards is a controversial issue in India? [2018/10m/1c]
Explain the inter-State issues involved in implementation of the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal Project. [2017/10m/1c]
Give a reasoned account of river water disputes related to the River Krishna. [2015/15m/8b]
What is Regionalism? Discuss how regionalism affects the developmental process with suitable examples. [2010/30m/8b]
Write a critical note on the Cauvery River Dispute. [2007/20m/200w/5c]
Discuss the salient features of Cauvery Water Award. [2002/20m/200w/5c]
Regional consciousness versus national integration in India. (Short note) [1999/20m/R4]
Discuss the role of languages in regional consciousness and national integration in India. [1998/60m/8]
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View the BookDownload Free Sample9.3] International boundary of India and related issues; cross-border terrorism
13 questions
With reference to the international boundary between India and Bangladesh, discuss the related issues and challenges. [2026/15m/6c]
With reference to international boundaries of India, discuss the related issues, giving suitable examples. [2025/15m/8c]
Kalapani dispute has opened a new front on the India-Nepal international border. Explain. [2022/10m/150w/5e]
Border area development is an important national priority. What are the resilient steps needed for peaceful borders? [2020/20m/4a]
Cross border terrorism has implications on border area development in India. Examine it with suitable examples. [2018/15m/6c]
Is the land boundary of India with its neighbouring countries a cultural divide or divided culture? Explain with suitable examples. [2018/15m/8c]
Bring out the geopolitical implications of Doklam dispute in the context of Indo-China relations. [2017/10m/150w/5b]
Explain the origin, dimension and implications of Sino-Indian border dispute. (In about 200 words) [2016/15m/200w/8c]
India is involved in a number of border disputes. Explain the reasons and remedies. [2014/20m/8a]
Examine the origin, dimensions and implications of the Sino-Indian border dispute. [2012/30m/7a]
Role of physiography in cross border terrorism. [2010/15m/250w/5a]
Write an essay on the origin, dimensions and implications of Sino-Indian border dispute. [2004/20m/200w/5c]
Discuss the geopolitical importance of India’s Land Boundaries. [2001/60m/6]
9.4] India’s role in world affairs; geopolitics of South Asia and Indian Ocean realm
24 questions
India’s vulnerability to maritime choke-points has increased sharply over time due to geopolitical tensions. Discuss. [2026/15m/3b]
“India’s approach to the Indian Ocean is cooperative rather than coercive.” Critically examine the statement. [2026/10m/5d]
Is North East India a geo-political or geo-cultural region? Justify your answer. [2025/10m/5d]
North-Eastern States of India are geopolitically sensitive and strategically significant. Explain. [2024/10m/1d]
India is playing a very significant role in world affairs. Examine the stands taken by India in important global and regional summits. [2024/20m/7a]
Examine the geostrategic significance of Indian islands. [2023/15m/2c]
Critically examine the role of petroleum energy resources on International Geopolitics with special reference to India. [2023/15m/3c]
Examine the geopolitical impact of bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. [2023/15m/6c]
Discuss the geopolitical significance of Quad in the Indo-Pacific realm with reference to marine trade in the region. [2022/15m/8b]
Discuss the geo-political impact of bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan. [2021/10m/1b]
Describe the economic, maritime and strategic interests of India in South China Sea. [2020/15m/8b]
Discuss the political aspects of Himalaya. Explain how it has affected the geo-strategy, geo-politics and regional consciousness of Indian federalism. [2019/20m/4a]
“India is emerging as global power in relation to Indian ocean realm.” Elaborate. [2019/15m/8c]
Discuss the emerging geo-political scenario of Indian Ocean realm. [2018/15m/4b]
Explain the role of India in the geo-politics of South Asia. [2016/10m/150w/5d]
How has India’s ‘Look East’ policy taken shape in the past two decades and how it may affect India’s external trade? [2015/15m/7b]
Bring out the role of terrain in determining India’s political influence over neighbouring countries. (150 words) [2014/10m/150w/5e]
Discuss the implications of India’s strategic location with reference to the Indian Ocean. [2014/15m/7c]
Write a note on geopolitics of the Indian Ocean realm. (250 words) [2013/20m/250w/6a]
Assess the geographical significance of Indian Ocean. [2008/20m/200w/5c]
Make an appraisal of the role of India in the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean. [2003/20m/200w/5d]
Analyse the role of India in the geo-politics of the Indian Ocean Region. [2000/60m/7]
Discuss the geopolitical importance of Indian Ocean area. [1998/20m/200w/5d]
Write a short note on: Importance of India in the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean realm. [1995/20m/200w/5d]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026