Here are all 126 Structural Geology questions asked in UPSC Geology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 5 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.
3.1] Geologic mapping and projections
14 questions
Describe the principles of geological mapping. Using sketches, describe the different types of symbols used in geological mapping. [2026/20m/2a]
Define dip of a rock bed. What is true dip and apparent dip? Find the strike direction of a bed which dips 30°; towards North 30° East. [2024/10m/150w/1e]
What do contours represent in a toposheet? How do the contour lines help to identify the different geomorphic features of an area? Explain with neat diagrams. [2024/15m/2c]
Illustrate the principles of stereographic projection. How are the ‘pi’ and ‘beta’ diagrams useful to analyze fold structure? [2022/15m/3c]
What is stereographic projection in structural geology? Discuss its types, nomenclature and different types of geological plotting technique in a stereonet. [2021/10m/150w/1d]
What does attitude of a bed mean? Define strike, dip direction and dip amount of a bed and explain how these are represented on a map for vertical, horizontal and inclined strata. [2021/15m/2c]
How do we determine the top of beds from primary features? [2020/10m/150w/1d]
With the help of neat sketches, describe the effect of faults on outcrop pattern. [2019/15m/3b]
Enumerate the tools and equipments required to undertake geological mapping. Explain the importance of geological mapping. [2016/20m/4a]
Why equal area stereographic projection is preferred for plotting and analyzing structural data? [2014/10m/3c]
Give an account of each of the following: Significance of stereographic projection in structural analyses. [2011/20m/4c]
Indexing of topographic map of India. [2010/15m/150w/1c]
Principles of geologic mapping and map reading. [2007/20m/200w/1d]
Principles of geological mapping. [2006/20m/200w/1d]
3.2] Stress and strain
25 questions
Describe the homogeneous and heterogeneous deformation of rocks. Add a note on progressive deformation. [2026/15m/3c]
How does strain analysis help in understanding the nature of rock deformation. Discuss centre to centre method of estimation of two dimensional strain. [2025/15m/4c]
What is a Shear Zone? Describe the different Shear Sense indicators. [2023/20m/4a]
Illustrate the common brittle-ductile shear zone structures. Using the stress ellipsoid, deduce the mechanism of faults. [2022/20m/4a]
Discuss stress and strain ellipsoids using neat diagrams. [2021/10m/150w/1e]
What is a shear zone and what are the conditions of its formation? Discuss its general characteristics and types based on deformation type. [2020/15m/3c]
Discuss Mohr’s stress diagram and its significance. What is its relevance in interpreting different stress conditions in rocks? [2020/20m/4a]
How do you differentiate between brittle and ductile deformation in rocks? [2019/10m/150w/1e]
What are shear zones? Explain diagrammatically the transition from brittle fault to ductile shear at depth. [2018/15m/2c]
What are strain markers? Discuss their significance. [2018/15m/3c]
Describe strain markers and their significance. [2016/15m/3c]
What is Mohr’s stress diagram? Describe its significance. [2015/15m/4c]
Plotting of strain ellipsoids on a two-dimensional diagram. [2014/10m/150w/1d]
What is the significance of strain markers in quantification of deformation? [2014/10m/4c]
Difference between brittle and ductile deformation. [2013/10m/150w/1d]
Effect of time on rock deformation. [2012/12m/150w/1e]
Intragranular movements in plastic deformation of rocks. [2012/20m/250w/4c]
Give an account of each of the following: Behaviour of mineral and rocks under deformation conditions. [2011/20m/4a]
Mylonites. [2010/15m/150w/1b]
Types of strain ellipsoid. [2009/20m/200w/1b]
Discuss in detail the behaviour of minerals and rocks under deformation conditions. Illustrate your answer with neat sketches. [2007/60m/4]
Strain markers in deformed rocks. [2005/20m/200w/1d]
Stress-strain relationship in elastic materials. [2004/20m/200w/1d]
Draw a stress and strain ellipsoid for a deformed rock. [2000/20m/200w/1d]
Stress and strain ellipsoid, and rock deformation. [1997/15m/3a]
Preparing for Prelims too?
Our UPSC Prelims Topic-wise PYQ eBook covers every Prelims question with detailed explanations, so you can see exactly where UPSC asks from.
View the BookDownload Free Sample3.3] Folds
22 questions
Discuss the types of folds. Add a note on the classification of folds based on the mechanism of folds. [2026/15m/3b]
What are sheath folds? Discuss the deformational conditions of their formation. [2025/10m/150w/1b]
On the basis of dip isogons describe the classification of folds with neat diagrams. [2025/20m/4a]
Describe fold geometry. Illustrate various types of folds on the basis of their symmetry, orientation of axial plane and the trend of the fold axis. [2024/20m/4a]
Discuss the differences between Symmetrical and Asymmetrical folds with the help of neat diagrams. [2023/10m/150w/1e]
Explain through neat sketches what drag folds are, and how they can be used to determine major fold structure. [2022/10m/150w/1d]
What is a fold domain? Discuss any eight types of folds depending on the closure of fold domain. [2021/15m/3c]
Briefly describe the classification of fold on the basis of fold attitude (dip and plunge). [2020/10m/150w/1e]
What are folds? Describe the morphology of the folds. Discuss the criteria of their recognition in the field. [2019/20m/2a]
Explain, how the geometry of minor folds are helpful in deciphering the geometry of regional folds in an area. [2017/15m/4b]
Using appropriate diagrams, describe Ramsay’s classification of folds in detail. [2015/20m/3a]
Fold classification based on orientation of axial plane and hinge line. [2014/10m/150w/1e]
Importance of structural studies in location of an oil field. [2014/10m/150w/5b]
Classification of folds based on dip isogon. [2012/20m/250w/4b]
With the help of neat sketches, describe the following: Classification of folds based on the orientation of axis and axial plane. [2009/30m/2a]
Discuss the classification and mechanics of folds. Make neat sketches to illustrate your answer. [2004/60m/4]
Differentiate between the following pairs: (i) Dome and basin (ii) Horst and graben (iii) Overthrust and underthrust faults (iv) Hanging wall and footwall. [2003/20m/1d]
Reversal of dips. [2001/15m/4a]
Monocline and Homocline. [2000/15m/4d]
Describe and discuss how folds and faults can be identified in the field. What is the relevance of these for the society? [1999/60m/2]
What are folds? Explain the mechanism of folding and distinguish between Recumbent and Reclined folds. [1998/60m/2]
Comment on the classification of folds, Illustrate your answer with neat sketches. [1996/60m/2]
3.4] Faults and joints
33 questions
What are transform and transcurrent faults? Illustrate them using neat sketches. [2026/10m/150w/1a]
Using neat sketches describe various types of Thrust geometries formed in a compressional regime. [2025/15m/3c]
Diagrammatically explain the formation of normal fault, strike-slip fault and thrust fault with the help of stress ellipsoid. [2024/15m/3c]
Briefly describe the Cataclasite and Pseudotachylite rocks. [2023/10m/150w/1d]
What are joints? Describe the Geometric and Genetic classification of joints with neat diagrams. [2023/15m/2c]
Illustrate the common brittle-ductile shear zone structures. Using the stress ellipsoid, deduce the mechanism of faults. [2022/20m/4a]
What are hanging wall and footwall of a fault? Describe the different classes of faults based on relative movement of walls. [2021/20m/4a]
With the help of neat sketches, describe the effect of faults on outcrop pattern. [2019/15m/3b]
Discuss the mechanism of faulting. [2018/20m/4a]
Fault zone rocks. [2017/10m/150w/1e]
What are joints? Discuss the types of joints developed during folding. [2017/15m/2c]
How would you differentiate between a fault and an unconformity in the field? [2017/20m/3b]
Describe the genetic classification of faults, aided with neat sketches. [2016/15m/2b]
Using neat sketches, describe the types of faults in relation to the orientation of the stress axes. [2015/10m/150w/1d]
What are major differences between transform and transcurrent faults? [2014/10m/2c]
Importance of structural studies in location of an oil field. [2014/10m/150w/5b]
The classification and mechanics of faults. [2013/20m/3a]
Orientation of stress ellipsoid and the types of faults. [2012/20m/250w/4a]
Give an account of each of the following: Shear and tension joints. [2011/20m/4b]
Overthrust, Klippe and Fenster with the help of labelled diagrams. [2010/30m/2b]
Geometrical parameters of joints measured during a survey of rock joints. [2010/30m/3a]
With the help of neat sketches, explain the effects of strike faults on the inclined strata. [2009/30m/3b]
With the help of neat sketches, discuss the following: Geometric analysis of fracture systems in 3-dimension. [2009/30m/4b]
Discuss the classification and mechanics of Faults. Illustrate your answer with neat sketches. [2005/60m/4]
Differentiate between the following pairs: (i) Dome and basin (ii) Horst and graben (iii) Overthrust and underthrust faults (iv) Hanging wall and footwall. [2003/20m/1d]
How are faults identified in the field? [2002/20m/4a]
Classify faults based on their geometry and movement. [2002/20m/4b]
Explain the mechanism of rock failure leading to faulting. [2001/20m/200w/1d]
Nappe. [2001/15m/4b]
Describe and discuss how folds and faults can be identified in the field. What is the relevance of these for the society? [1999/60m/2]
Describe different fault geometries [?] and their relationship with the principal stresses. [1997/60m/2]
Repetition and omission of strata due to structures and other processes. [1995/20m/200w/1d]
Distinguishing characters of a bedding plane from a joint plane. [1995/12m/4a]
3.5] Foliations, lineations and unconformities
32 questions
Describe the types of unconformities with neat sketches. Add a note on their significance. [2026/10m/150w/1c]
What are foliations? Discuss the various types and processes of formation of foliations. [2026/15m/4c]
Discuss the types of Penetrative and Non-penetrative lineations with the help of suitable diagrams and throw light on their genesis. [2025/10m/150w/1e]
What are the planar and linear structures of a rock? Discuss the genesis of boudins. [2024/10m/150w/1b]
What is a rock cleavage? Describe the different types of rock cleavages with the help of neat diagrams. [2023/15m/3c]
Describe the structures showing gap in stratigraphic sequence caused by erosion and non-depositions. [2022/10m/150w/1e]
Illustrate and describe the linear structures of deformed rocks. [2022/15m/2c]
What is an unconformity and what are its structural and stratigraphic importances? Discuss four different types of unconformities with neat sketches. [2020/15m/2c]
What is rock cleavage? Give the significance of cleavage in deciphering the structure of a folded area. [2019/15m/4c]
Write about different types of unconformities and their significance. [2018/10m/150w/1e]
Morphological classification of rock cleavage. [2017/10m/150w/1d]
How would you differentiate between a fault and an unconformity in the field? [2017/20m/3b]
Describe the significance of unconformities in establishing stratigraphic record. [2016/10m/150w/1a]
Describe the importance of cleavage in geological studies. [2016/10m/150w/1d]
Discuss the geometric relationship between cleavage and folding. [2015/10m/150w/1e]
What are tectonites? Describe their types and their significance using neat sketches. [2015/15m/2c]
Types of unconformities and their significance. [2013/20m/3b]
Significance of unconformities. [2011/15m/150w/1d]
With the help of neat sketches, describe the following: Different types of lineation with special reference to their origin. [2009/30m/2b]
With the help of neat sketches, discuss the following: Application of foliation in establishing major structures. [2009/30m/4a]
What are different types of unconformities? Why are they significant in the study of geological history? [2006/60m/4]
Define unconformity and describe its various types. How can they be recognized in the field? [2003/60m/4]
Plunge of folds and direction of movement in fault-planes can be traced by some lineations. There are other lineations as well produced during folding/faulting episodes. Describe these lineations. [2002/20m/200w/1d]
What are Outlier, Window, Tatrot beds and Gangamopteris? [2002/20m/200w/5b]
Inlier and Outlier. [2001/15m/4c]
Paraconformity. [2001/15m/4d]
Significance of Linear and Planar structures. [1999/12m/4c]
Boudinage and its significance. [1998/20m/200w/1c]
Axial plane cleavages. [1998/12m/3b]
Linear and Planar structures, their genetic significance. [1997/20m/200w/1c]
Unconformities. [1996/20m/200w/1d]
Describe any six common linear formed by deformation. Describe briefly their geometry and mode of formation. [1995/60m/2]
Strengthen your GS papers
Our UPSC Mains Topic-wise & Year-wise PYQ eBook (2013–2026) maps every GS question to the syllabus, so you know what UPSC asks and how often.
View the BookDownload Free SampleSpotted an error? Tell us.
We classify every PYQ with care, but mistakes can slip in. If a question is in the wrong topic, has a typo, the wrong year, or is missing, let us know. We review every report and update the page.
Report an Error« Previous: Geomorphology and Remote Sensing | Next: Paleontology »
Back to: Geology Optional PYQs – Topic-wise | Also see: Geology Optional year-wise question papers
Last updated: 31 October 2026