Geography Questions for UPSC Mains (100 Questions)

Top 10 IAS Coaching in Delhi

I. Physical Geography – Geomorphology

1. Discuss the role of plate tectonics in the formation of mountains.
2. Explain the processes of chemical weathering with examples.
3. Examine the erosional and depositional landforms created by rivers.
4. Discuss the role of glaciers in shaping the earth’s surface.
5. Explain the formation of volcanic islands and give examples.
6. Analyse the causes and effects of earthquakes.
7. Discuss the concept of continental drift and supporting evidence.
8. Explain the origin and types of coral reefs.
9. Examine the geomorphological significance of wind action in deserts.
10. Discuss the factors influencing soil formation.

II. Climatology & Oceanography

11. Explain the concept of atmospheric circulation and its impact on climate.
12. Discuss the factors controlling the distribution of temperature on Earth.
13. Examine the causes and effects of El Niño and La Niña phenomena.
14. Explain the formation of cyclones and anti-cyclones.
15. Discuss the impact of monsoon variability on agriculture in India.
16. Explain the greenhouse effect and its role in global warming.
17. Examine the significance of ocean currents in climate regulation.
18. Discuss the causes and effects of acid rain.
19. Analyse the role of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in weather patterns.
20. Explain the distribution and characteristics of different climate zones.

III. Biogeography & Environment

21. Discuss the factors influencing the distribution of natural vegetation.
22. Explain the characteristics of tropical rainforests.
23. Examine the ecological importance of wetlands.
24. Discuss the biodiversity hotspots in India.
25. Explain the causes of desertification and suggest measures to control it.
26. Analyse the role of mangroves in coastal protection.
27. Discuss the importance of ecological succession.
28. Explain the concept of carrying capacity in ecosystems.
29. Discuss the role of forests in carbon sequestration.
30. Examine the threats to coral reef ecosystems.

IV. Indian Physical Geography

31. Describe the physiographic divisions of India.
32. Discuss the geological history of the Himalayas.
33. Examine the river systems of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
34. Discuss the causes of frequent floods in the Brahmaputra basin.
35. Analyse the significance of the Western Ghats for biodiversity.
36. Discuss the distribution and characteristics of black soils in India.
37. Explain the salinity and waterlogging problems in Indian agriculture.
38. Discuss the factors influencing the distribution of rainfall in India.
39. Examine the causes and impact of landslides in Himalayan states.
40. Discuss the role of reservoirs in drought-prone regions of India.

V. Human Geography

41. Discuss the concept and importance of population density.
42. Analyse the demographic transition theory with Indian examples.
43. Examine the causes and consequences of rural-urban migration.
44. Discuss the patterns of urbanisation in India.
45. Analyse the distribution of tribal populations in India.
46. Discuss the role of literacy in socio-economic development.
47. Explain the concept of population ageing and its implications.
48. Analyse the spatial distribution of languages in India.
49. Discuss the socio-economic impact of slums in Indian cities.
50. Explain the role of remittances in rural development.

VI. Economic Geography

51. Discuss the factors influencing the location of industries.
52. Analyse the industrial regions of India.
53. Examine the role of agriculture in India’s economy.
54. Discuss the distribution and production of rice in India.
55. Explain the factors influencing the distribution of coal in India.
56. Discuss the significance of the Green Revolution.
57. Examine the role of irrigation in Indian agriculture.
58. Analyse the major fishing grounds of the world.
59. Discuss the role of transportation networks in economic development.
60. Examine the significance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

VII. Environmental Issues & Disaster Management

61. Discuss the causes and consequences of climate change.
62. Examine the significance of environmental impact assessment (EIA).
63. Discuss the role of renewable energy in sustainable development.
64. Analyse the problem of air pollution in urban India.
65. Examine the causes and effects of water pollution in rivers.
66. Discuss the impact of deforestation on climate.
67. Explain the concept of sustainable agriculture.
68. Discuss the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
69. Examine the disaster preparedness measures for cyclones.
70. Discuss the significance of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

VIII. Contemporary & Applied Geography

71. Discuss the role of remote sensing in resource mapping.
72. Analyse the importance of GIS in urban planning.
73. Discuss the challenges of coastal erosion in India.
74. Examine the significance of interlinking of rivers.
75. Analyse the geographical factors influencing tourism in India.
76. Discuss the impact of mining activities on environment.
77. Examine the role of geography in border disputes.
78. Discuss the significance of the Blue Economy for India.
79. Analyse the geographical distribution of renewable energy potential in India.
80. Discuss the role of climate-smart agriculture in India.

IX. World Geography

81. Discuss the major mountain ranges of the world.
82. Explain the distribution of deserts globally.
83. Analyse the causes of deforestation in the Amazon basin.
84. Discuss the economic significance of the Mediterranean region.
85. Examine the impact of melting glaciers on sea-level rise.
86. Discuss the geographical factors influencing the distribution of population worldwide.
87. Analyse the role of monsoons in Southeast Asia
88. Discuss the causes of desertification in Africa.
89. Examine the distribution of petroleum reserves globally.
90. Discuss the impact of urban heat islands.

X. Map-Based & Case Study Questions

91. On a map of India, mark and discuss major river basins.
92. Mark and explain the significance of major ports of India.
93. On a world map, locate and discuss major earthquake zones.
94. Mark and discuss the biodiversity hotspots of the world.
95. On a map of India, mark and explain major mineral belts.
96. Mark and discuss major industrial regions of the world.
97. On a map of India, mark major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
98. Mark and explain the major areas prone to cyclones in India.
99. On a world map, mark major ocean currents and discuss their impact.
100. On a map of India, mark and analyse regions affected by drought.