Physical Setting – Geography Optional PYQs (1995–2026)

Here are all 77 Physical Setting questions asked in UPSC Geography Optional Paper II from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 6 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.

1.1] Space relationship of India with neighbouring countries

1 question

1. Mention the space relationship of India with neighbouring countries. (In about 150 words) [2016/10m/150w/1c]

1.2] Structure and relief; physiographic regions

20 questions

1. Briefly describe the origin, distribution and economic significance of Cuddapah and Dharwar rock systems of India. [2026/10m/1b]

2. Referring to the location and physical formation of karewas, highlight their economic significance. [2025/10m/1b]

3. Discuss the basis of various explanations for the formation of Shiwalik. [2024/10m/1b]

4. Describe the origin, distribution and economic significance of Gondwana system of rocks in India. [2023/10m/1b]

5. Explain the geological characteristics and ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats. [2023/10m/150w/5c]

6. Describe the structure and relief features of Deccan Plateau. [2021/15m/6c]

7. Distinguish the geographical aspects of North-Western lava plateau and Chotanagpur plateau of peninsular India. [2018/20m/2a]

8. Justify the inclusion of Meghalaya in Peninsular India and discuss its vegetation and soil types. [2017/15m/7c]

9. Explain the topographical and structural characteristics of the Siwalik Range. (150 words) [2013/10m/150w/1b]

10. Explain the structural characteristics of the Deccan plateau. [2012/30m/2a]

11. Karewa Deposits and their economic significance. [2011/15m/200w/5b]

12. Explain Himalayan Orogeny and illustrate how the process has affected the geomorphic characteristics of Macro divisions of Himalayas. [2010/60m/2]

13. Distinguish between the West and East coasts of India in terms of their evolution, present topography and drainage pattern. [2009/60m/3]

14. Explain the different views put forth about the origin of Himalayas and divide Himalayas into vertical divisions. [2007/60m/2]

15. Discuss the relief features of Indian Northern Plains. [2001/60m/2]

16. Give a brief account of the second-order regions of India’s Peninsular Plateau. [2001/20m/200w/5b]

17. Describe the structure and relief features of Peninsular India. [2000/60m/2]

18. Explain the rise of the Himalayan ranges. (Short note) [1999/20m/R1]

19. Discuss the origin and main geomorphic feature of Thar Desert of India. [1997/20m/200w/1a]

20. Draw a sketch-map in your answer book to delineate the main physiographic regions of India and provide a reasoned account of the relief and structure of the Himalayan region. [1995/60m/2]

1.3] Drainage system and watersheds

13 questions

1. Discuss the variations in nature of glaciers in India and the emerging issues due to climate change. [2024/15m/3b]

2. Describe the salient features of east-flowing rivers of India. [2021/15m/4b]

3. Present the salient features of West flowing rivers of India. [2019/10m/150w/5a]

4. Explain the changing river courses and their impacts on the riparian population in India with suitable examples. [2018/10m/150w/5b]

5. Drainage pattern in Peninsular India is a result of its geological structure and topography. Elaborate. [2017/15m/8b]

6. Explain the shifting of river courses and river capturing in the Himalayas. (In about 150 words) [2016/10m/150w/1b]

7. How is drainage pattern determined by the water divide? (150 words) [2014/10m/150w/1c]

8. Highlight the socio-economic and ecological roles of River Cauvery in its riverine tract. [2014/20m/3a]

9. Present a comparative analysis of the regimes of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers of India and examine their implications in the irrigation system of the country. [2011/60m/2]

10. Distinguish between the Himalayan and the peninsular drainage system. [2008/60m/2]

11. Highlight the salient differences between the Himalayan and the Peninsular drainage systems. [2003/60m/2]

12. Draw a sketch map of India showing major river basins. Examine the feasibility of the concept of river basins as a planning unit. [1997/60m/7]

13. Examine the origin and characteristics of the antecedent drainage system of the Himalayas. [1996/20m/200w/1a]

1.4] Mechanism of Indian monsoons and rainfall patterns; tropical cyclones and western disturbances

16 questions

1. The relationship between El Niño and the Indian monsoon is becoming complex under the conditions of global warming. Critically examine. [2026/20m/2a]

2. How are geographic factors influencing the distribution of high annual rainfall in certain parts of India? [2024/10m/150w/5a]

3. Critically examine the factors affecting the unpredictability of South-West Monsoon system in India. [2022/20m/2a]

4. Explain the impact of tropical cyclones and western disturbances on the climate of India. [2021/20m/6a]

5. Climate change has unsettled the rhythm of seasons. Comment with examples and empirical evidences. [2020/10m/1b]

6. Why is the Indian Monsoon erratic in nature? Explain. [2019/10m/1c]

7. Discuss the rainfall pattern and correlate it with spatial distribution of natural vegetation in India. [2019/15m/3c]

8. Explain the unusual intensity of dust storms and thunder storms across India in the pre-monsoon period of year 2018. [2018/10m/1b]

9. Give a reasoned account of unusual pattern of distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India in 2017. [2017/10m/1b]

10. Explain the pattern of winter rainfall in India. (In about 150 words) [2015/10m/150w/1c]

11. Discuss the mechanism of Indian Monsoon. (150 words) [2013/10m/150w/1c]

12. Give reasons as to why rainfall variability is a characteristic feature of India’s monsoons. [2009/30m/2b]

13. Give a critical reasoned account of the recent theories of origin of Indian Monsoon with special reference to jet stream theory. [2006/60m/2]

14. Explain the origin, mechanism and characteristics of Summer Monsoon in India. [2002/60m/2]

15. Elucidate the mechanism of the Indian Monsoon. [1999/60m/R5]

16. Explain the factors responsible for uneven distribution of rainfall in India. [1995/20m/200w/1a]

1.5] Floods and droughts; climatic regions

12 questions

1. Explain the factors that contribute to droughts in India with specific reference to food production, distribution and availability. Can Indian agricultural policies resolve the issue? [2025/20m/7a]

2. Discuss the problems of floods and their management with special reference to Indo-Gangetic Plain. [2023/15m/3b]

3. Appraise why drought is one of the most common climatic extremes in India. [2021/15m/2b]

4. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic regions of India especially with reference to Stamp’s climatic regionalization. (In about 250 words) [2016/20m/250w/2a]

5. Describe the flood-prone areas and their management problems in the Ganga Plains. (In about 200 words) [2016/15m/200w/2b]

6. Describe the salient climatological characteristics of Rayalaseema region. [2014/20m/4a]

7. Comment on the criteria of identifying Drought Prone Areas in India. (150 words) [2014/10m/150w/5d]

8. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic regions of India, specially with reference to Stamp’s climatic regionalization. [2012/30m/2b]

9. Comment on: Giving reasons, identify the chronic drought prone areas of India. [2009/20m/200w/5d]

10. Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic regions of India, especially with reference to Stamp’s climatic regionalization. [2004/60m/2]

11. Explain the criteria used in the identification of drought-prone areas in India. [1996/20m/200w/1b]

12. Draw a sketch-map in your answer book to delineate the main climatic regions of India and discuss the important climatic characteristics of each region. [1996/60m/2]

1.6] Natural vegetation; soil types and their distributions

15 questions

1. Explain the vertical zonation of vegetation of the Himalayas. [2026/10m/1c]

2. Describe the geographical conditions necessary for the growth of mangrove forests in India. Explain their ecological and economic significance. [2026/10m/1d]

3. Soils of India, are clear reflections of the structure and process. Comment. [2022/15m/3c]

4. Discuss the economic significance of volcanic soils of India. [2021/10m/1c]

5. Soil types in India, classified on the basis of colour, possess specific chemical and mineral characteristics. Discuss. [2020/15m/2b]

6. Discuss the rainfall pattern and correlate it with spatial distribution of natural vegetation in India. [2019/15m/3c]

7. Justify the inclusion of Meghalaya in Peninsular India and discuss its vegetation and soil types. [2017/15m/7c]

8. Describe the distribution of black soils in India and their specific use for agriculture. (In about 200 words) [2016/15m/200w/4c]

9. How does natural vegetation affect the formation of in situ soils? (In about 150 words) [2015/10m/150w/1e]

10. Bring out the distribution of Laterite soils in India and their specific use for agriculture. [2014/20m/2a]

11. Discuss the spatial distribution of Natural Vegetation in India with the help of a sketched map. [2010/30m/3a]

12. Discuss the formation and their distribution of the major soil types of India. [2009/30m/2a]

13. Explain the sequence of vegetation zones of the Himalayas. [2001/20m/200w/5c]

14. Discuss the distribution and characteristics of the evergreen forest in India. [1996/20m/200w/1c]

15. Examine the origin and characteristics of the soils of the North Indian Plain. [1995/20m/200w/1b]

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Last updated: 30 October 2026