Regional Planning – Geography Optional PYQs (1995–2026)

Here are all 31 Regional Planning questions asked in UPSC Geography Optional Paper I 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] Concept of a region; types of regions and methods of regionalisation

9 questions

1. Assess the criteria required for selecting regions for developmental planning. [2024/15m/7c]

2. Describe the concept of Planning Region. Explain the environmental and economic factors in the creation of such regions. [2023/15m/8b]

3. Suggest criteria, indicators and techniques for delimitation of formal regions. [2021/20m/7a]

4. What are natural regions? How are they different from planning regions? [2019/10m/150w/5d]

5. Elaborate the idea of ‘Compage’. [2016/10m/150w/5d]

6. What is a ‘region’? Describe ‘Thiessen’ polygon method of regional delimitation. [2016/15m/6c]

7. What is the concept of a region? Discuss the types of regions. [2006/60m/7]

8. What is a region? Discuss the methods of regionalization. [2005/60m/8]

9. What is a region? Discuss the types of regions and the methods of regionalization. [2000/60m/8]

9.2] Growth centres and growth poles

6 questions

1. Discuss the different types of polarisation induced spatial inequalities and imbalances associated with growth poles. [2023/10m/150w/5e]

2. “Growth is not uniform in different places.” Critically examine this statement in the context of the growth pole theory. [2019/15m/7c]

3. Examine the role of small towns in the regional development process. [2017/15m/8b]

4. Write a short note on: Growth poles. [2010/12m/5d]

5. Write a short note on: Growth pole. [2004/20m/200w/5d]

6. Critically examine the role of growth centers and growth poles in regional development process. [2001/60m/7]

9.3] Regional imbalances; regional development strategies

11 questions

1. “Regional imbalances are the product of in situ and ex situ factors.” Elucidate it with examples. [2025/10m/150w/5d]

2. There is a need for gender-sensitive regional development. Elaborate. [2024/10m/150w/5d]

3. Discuss the role of transportation accessibility in regional development. [2022/10m/150w/5d]

4. Explain in detail the impact of regional disparities on economic development. [2022/15m/7c]

5. Explain the processes of contagion and hierarchical diffusion in addressing regional imbalances. [2021/10m/150w/5d]

6. “Where economic growth is sustained over long time periods, its incidence works towards a progressive integration of the space economy.” Elucidate. [2020/10m/150w/5d]

7. “Geographical traits lead to regional imbalances.” Examine. [2015/15m/8b]

8. Explain the relevance of bottom-up and top-down approaches in the development of agrarian economy. [2014/10m/150w/5d]

9. Enumerate alternative strategies of planning for backward regions. [2011/30m/6b]

10. Discuss various strategies for correcting regional imbalances. [2004/60m/7]

11. Write a short note on: Regional imbalance. [2003/20m/200w/5d]

9.4] Environmental issues in regional planning; planning for sustainable development

5 questions

1. The environmental issues are not adequately addressed in the regional planning. Comment. [2021/15m/6c]

2. In what ways can geographers contribute towards optimal land use planning in a region? [2016/15m/8c]

3. “Development planning has a component of environmental cost.” Discuss. [2015/10m/150w/5e]

4. Comment on: Salient features of watershed planning and its advantages and disadvantages. [2012/20m/250w/7a]

5. Highlight the significance of environmental issues in Regional Planning. [2009/30m/8b]

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Last updated: 30 October 2026