Geography Optional Map Questions (1995–2026)

Here are all 47 map questions asked in UPSC Geography Optional from 1995 to 2026, paper by paper, latest 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.

Paper I

17 questions

1. Identify each feature that is indicated by the numerals i to x on the world Map provided. Identification of the feature carries 2 marks each. [2009/20m/2a]

2. Mention the location of each feature in respect of + (−) GMT. This carries 1 mark each. [2009/10m/2b]

3. Comment on: Provide a write-up on the significance of the identified feature in approximately 40 words; this carries 3 marks each. [2009/30m/40w/2c]

4. On the outline map of the world provided to you, mark the location of any ten of the following, for which 1 (one) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer book the significant geographical relevance/strategic importance of the locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 40 words for that entry. 5 (five) marks are allotted for each write up:. Places: Ozark Plateau; Anatolia; Mato Grosso; Pusan; Brooks Range; Dasht-e Kavir; Cape Horn Current; Burzil Pass; Bass Strait; Kjolen; Santos; Abuja. [2008/60m/1]

5. On the outline map of Africa provided to you, mark the location of any ten of the following. Also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of each of them in not more than 10 words. Places: Casablanca; Kimberley; Aswan; Kalahari; Alexandria; Durban; Lagos; Luanda; Lake Victoria; Cape Town; Niger Delta; Maputo. [2007/60m/1]

6. On the outline map of the World supplied to you, mark any ten of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of each of them in not more than 10 words:. Places: Kulti; Mount Adam; Piduratla; Yangon; Kuala Terengganu; Brunei; East Timor; Greater Khingan; Shanghai; Ulan Bator; Dodoma; Tshwane. [2006/60m/1]

7. On the outline map of the World supplied to you, mark any ten of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of each of them in not more than 10 words:. Places: Taipei; Bern; Lake Balaton; Port Louis; Great Barrier Reef; Leeds; Broken Hill; Nova Scotia; Madrid; Moluccas; Graz; Mosul. [2005/60m/1]

8. On the outline map of the world supplied to you, mark any ten of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of every one of them in not more than ten words each:. Places: Andes; Bamian; Cape Horn; Darwin; Fiji; Great Lakes; Iberian Peninsula; Maastricht; Nunavut; Pyrenees; Sinai; Kalahari. [2004/60m/1]

9. On the outline map of the world supplied to you mark any TEN of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of each of them in not more than TEN words:. Places: Stewart Island; Shibeli River; Asuncion; Catskill mountains; North Cape; Cape York Peninsula; Tsugaru Strait; Izmir; Bay of Plenty; Gulf of Darien; Uranium City; Zagreb. [2003/60m/1]

10. On the outline map of the world supplied to you mark any ten of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of every one of them in not more than ten words each:. Places: Adams Bridge; Appalachian Mountains; Bohemia; Chechnya; Golden Triangle; Great Artesian Basin; Labrador Current; Lesotho; Patagonia; Sahel; Tasmania; Yucatan Peninsula. [2002/60m/1]

11. On the outline map of the world supplied to you mark any ten of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of each of them in not more than ten words:. Places: Bandung; Alice Springs; Mekong River; Gulf of Oman; Timor Island; Kara Sea; Atlas Mountains; Gulf of Bothnia; Agulhas Current; Mariana Trench; Lake District; Shiraz. [2001/60m/1]

12. On the supplied outline map of the world mark any TEN of the following and also write in your answer script the most significant aspect of each of them in not more than TEN words:. Places: Addis Ababa; Vladivostok; Mt. Cotopaxi; Mt. Gunnbjorn; Pidurutalagala; Amu Darya; Long Island; Nubian Desert; Karkloof Waterfall; Yellow Sea; Great Bear Lake; Welland Canal. [2000/60m/1]

13. On the outline map of India provided, mark the following, and also write in your answer-book in not more than ten words, what you consider to be the most significant aspect of each of them:. Places: Farakka barrage; Kavaratti; Manali-Leh highway; Majuli riverain island; Rajmahal hills; Palghat gap; Chhattisgarh plain; Luni river; Karwar; Anandpur Sahib | OR (world map): Greenwich; Caribbean Sea; Eritrea; West Bank; Dakshin Gangotri; Vatican City State; Great Dividing Range; Tai-pei; Alaska; Chagai hills. [1999/60m/1]

14. On the outline map of India provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer-book, what you consider to be the most significant aspect of each one of them:. Places: Hirakund Dam; Konkan Coast; Satpura Range; Narmada River; Lava Region; Paradip Port; Visakhapatnam; Lucknow; Chilka Lake; Bangalore | OR (world map): Caspian Sea; Hwang Ho River; Gulf of Oman; Madagascar Island; Appalachian Mountain; Gibson Desert; Sicily Island; Palk Strait; Dogger Bank; Amazon River. [1998/60m/1]

15. On the outline map of India provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer book, what you consider to be the most significant aspect of each one of them:. Places: Mettur Dam; Kaziranga Park; Loktak Lake; Puri; Vindhyan Mountains; Mahanadi; Itanagar; Haldia; Sunderbans; Khetri copper mines | OR (world map): Lake Erie; Black Forest; New York; Jamaica; Falkland Island; Winnipeg; Lake Mansarovar; Tigris River; Sharjah; Areas of Mediterranean climate in Africa. [1997/60m/1]

16. On the map of India provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer-book what you consider to be the most significant aspect of each one of them:. Places: Malwa Plateau; Pamban Island; Zaskar Range; The Godavari; Koyana Project; Gold mines of India; Ranthambore; Barauni; Nanda Devi biosphere; Rourkela | OR (world map): Caribbean Sea; Atlas Mountain; River Rio Grande; Titicaca; Paris; Canaries Current; Ouagadougou; Verkhoyansk; Mauritius; Melbourne. [1996/60m/1]

17. On the map of India provided, mark the following and write in not more than ten words in your answer-book what you consider to be the most significant aspect of each one of them:. Places: Kolleru lake; Maikal range; Palghat; Darjeeling; Ellora; Rann of Kachchh; January Isotherm of 20°C; Ghaghara River; Bokaro; Corbett Park | OR (world map): Danube river; Leipzig; Sierra Nevada; Washington D.C.; Red Sea; Canadian National Railway; Ashkhabad; Ulan Bator; Port Said; Pampas. [1995/60m/1]

Paper II

30 questions

1. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in no more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Bitra Island; Lohit River; Dras; Kuno National Park; Yadadri; Mahi Basin; Tamralipta; Toranmal; Raya Heritage City; Varkala. [2026/20m/1a]

2. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Rushikulya River; Datar Hill; Kikruma; Choritand Tillaya; Byalalu; Neyyar; Uttarlai; Sri Vijayapuram; Dharwas; Gitabitan. [2025/20m/1a]

3. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Lunkaransar; Gua; Raidak River; Ekta Nagar; Chandanwari; Babina; Tatipaka; Along Airport; Karaikal; Panna. [2024/20m/1a]

4. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Nathula; Hutti; Ross Island; Moreh; Ramappa; Namdapha National Park; Sela Tunnel; Ennore Port; Ramagundam; Betwa River. [2023/20m/1a]

5. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in no more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Tarangambadi; Mahe; Bomdila; Dhola Sadiya Bridge; Talakaveri; Satkosia; Dholavira; Sonamarg; Maliku Atoll; Gangasagar. [2022/20m/1a]

6. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Ziro Valley; Khecheopalri Lake; Toranmal; Subarnarekha River; Koderma; Sir Creek; Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; Peechi Dam; Digha Beach; Pamban Island. [2021/20m/1a]

7. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Vadhawan; Salkhan; Coorg; Mhow; Umroi; Thoothukudi; Bargarh; Atal Tunnel; Gurushikhar; Bum La. [2020/20m/1a]

8. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Lothal; River Beas; Chikhaldara; Narora; Lengpui; Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary; Thenmala; Anamudi; Barren Island; Durgaduani creek. [2019/20m/1a]

9. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Shyok River; Mawlynnong; Shravasti; Kori Creek; Amarkantak; Ghatshila; Tawang; Neyyar; Dandeli; Mulshi Lake. [2018/20m/1a]

10. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Thumba; Nayachar Island; Doddabetta; Devasthal; Pangong Lake; Hampi; Havelock Island; Luni River; Daringbadi; Dudhsagar Waterfalls. [2017/20m/1a]

11. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Pir Panjal Range; River Indravati; Nathu La Pass; Jog Falls; Pulicat Lake; Kudankulam; Nalanda; Kudremukh; Headquarters of N-E Railways; Farakka Barrage. [2016/20m/1a]

12. Comment on: On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the locations of all the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Tharangambadi; Namcha Barwa; Narcodam; Khajjiar; Chunchanakatte. [2015/10m/1a]

13. Comment on: On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the locations of all the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Nokrek; Gorakhnath Peak; Indrakiladri Peak; Polavaram; Anaimudi. [2015/10m/5a]

14. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Guru Shikhar; Bhor Ghat; Shravanabelagola; Kalibangan; Ganga Sagar. [2014/10m/1a]

15. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Mundra Port; Chandipur; Mahendragiri; Hazira; Vembanad Lake. [2014/10m/5a]

16. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Mishmi Hills; Lipulekh Pass; Beas River; Rihand Dam; Amarnath. [2013/10m/1a]

17. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:. Places: Rajgir; Sindri; National Highway No. 24; Churk; Indira Gandhi Canal. [2013/10m/5e]

18. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of ALL of the following for which one (1) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer script the significant geographical relevance or strategic importance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. Three (3) marks are allotted for each write-up. Places: Manas; Bhachau; Ganga river waterway from Allahabad; Indravati river; Amravati river; Pir Panjal range; Narkondam Island; Kharkai river; Kalahandi; Kakarapara; Murshidabad; Khetri; Pawapuri; Kolhan highland; North Koel river. [2012/60m/1]

19. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of All of the following for which 1 (One) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer script the significant geographical relevance or strategic importance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. Four (4) marks are allotted for each write-up of these correctly marked locations. Places: Badami; Mandvi; Dodital; Yanam; Netarhat; Shamsabad; Lakshmantirtha River; Bara-Lacha La; Kakolat Fall; Singrauli; Dafla Hills; Tree Island. [2011/60m/1]

20. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of ALL of the following for which 1 (one) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer script the significant geographical relevance or strategic importance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. 3 (three) marks are allotted for each write-up. Places: Narcondam; Kavvayi; Krishnapatnam; Shadnagar; Gahirmatha; Point Calimere; Jaitapur; Parichha; Saltoro Kangri; Shencottah Gap; Banas River; Phalgu River; Sirpur; Sanand; Drass. [2010/60m/1]

21. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of any fifteen of the following for which 1 (one) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer script the significant geographical relevance or strategic importance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. 3 (three) marks are allotted for each write up. Places: Akarimota; Kolleru Lake; Van Tivu; Silent Valley; Amaravati River; Pirotan Island; Mangla; Meghnagar; Shipki La; Bhachau; The Home of Sundari tree; Place of origin of River Narmada; Gokak; Ken River; Bailadila; Bhavani Sagar Dam; Kutralam Falls; Dalma Hills; Rangit River; Dhanjori Hills. [2009/60m/1]

22. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any ten of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 40 words each) on the significant aspects of the same ten entries. Places: Butcher Island; Gopalpur Beach; Lavasa; Gandhisagar; Nam Dapha; Pampore; Mount Harriet; Barail Ranges; Palitana; NIO; Baltal; Pindari. [2008/60m/1]

23. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any ten of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 30 words each) on the significant aspects of the same ten entries:. Places: Nagarjuna Sagar; Dharmasala; Aizawl; Konkan Railway; Kovalam Beach; Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; ICRISAT; Vishakhapatnam Port; Panna; Nuclear Fuel Complex; Gurgaon; Bodh Gaya. [2007/60m/1]

24. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any ten of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 30 words) on the significant aspects of the same ten entries:. Places: Malaygiri; Sibsagar; Khetri; Kolleru; Sind river; Kalakot; Nathula Pass; Renukoot; Sabarigiri; Surendranagar; New Moore Island; Javadi Hills. [2006/60m/1]

25. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any ten of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 30 words) on the significant aspects of the same ten entries:. Places: Jawaharlal Nehru Port; Chandra Bhaga River; Kaimur Range; Dalhousie; Ganga Sagar; Indira Point; Cardamom Hills; Bombay High; Nag Pahar; Gersoppa Falls; Pulicat Lake; Kakinada. [2005/60m/1]

26. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any TEN of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 30 words) on the significant aspects of each entry. Places: Gulf of Kachchh; Indravati river; Mount Abu; Ganga river waterway from Allahabad; Dhauladhar range; Kudremukh; Gulmarg; Black soils; Nagarjun Sagar; Bhuj; Rajrappa Fall; Dimapur. [2004/60m/1]

27. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any ten of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 30 words) on the significant aspect of each entry. Places: Loktak Lake; Elephanta Island; Kali Sindh River; Ranikhet; Girnar Hills; Alwaye; Shillong Plateau; Kolar Gold Mines; Salem; Rohtang Pass; Gobind Ballabh Pant Sagar; New Mangalore. [2003/60m/1]

28. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any TEN of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 30 words) on the significant aspect of each entry. Places: Blue Mountain; Tawa river; Dallirajhara mines; Marmugao; Coimbatore; Kodaikanal; Wular lake; Rourkela; Konkan railway; Laterite soils; Gulf of Mannar; Rana Pratap Sagar. [2002/60m/1]

29. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any ten of the following entries. Write brief notes (not exceeding 30 words) on the geographical significance of each entry. Places: Harishchandra Range; Bhima river; Semi-arid climatic zone; Manas National Park; Anai Mudi; Sambhar lake; Digboi oilfield; Baghelkhand; National Highway No. 8; Anjar; Red and Yellow soil areas; Minicoy island. [2001/60m/1]

30. Draw an outline map of India covering the major portion of a page of your answer-book and mark on it ten of the following entries:. Places: Cauvery; Narmada river; Chilka lake; Nagarjunsagar; Agra; Cochin; Satpura range; Aravalli hills; Bombay High; Kaziranga National Park; Kargil region; National Highway No. 7. [2000/60m/1]

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Last updated: 30 October 2026