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UPSC Mains 2019 Geography Paper II

Explore the complete UPSC Mains Geography Paper II question paper from 2019, with every question clearly presented alongside its marks and word limit. Read online or download either PDF edition free.

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Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2019Time Allowed: Three HoursMaximum Marks: 250

Practise Under the Exam Clock

Set aside three hours, start the clock and write your answers on paper, just as you would in the examination. Nothing needs to be uploaded.

Question Paper Specific Instructions

  • There are EIGHT questions divided in TWO SECTIONS.
  • Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
  • Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
  • The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
  • Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
  • Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches/maps and diagrams, wherever considered necessary.

Section A

  1. 1

    Question 1

    50marks
    1. 1(a)

      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: (i) Lothal (ii) River Beas (iii) Chikhaldara (iv) Narora (v) Lengpui (vi) Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary (vii) Thenmala (viii) Anamudi (ix) Barren Island (x) Durgaduani creek [Outline map of India provided]

      20marks
    2. 1(b)

      Examine the major causes of ground water depletion in India.

      10marks
    3. 1(c)

      Why is the Indian Monsoon erratic in nature? Explain.

      10marks
    4. 1(d)

      Explain the significance of dry farming in drought prone areas of India.

      10marks
  2. 2

    Question 2

    50marks
    1. 2(a)

      Correlate the agro-climatic zones with agro-ecological regions of India.

      20marks
    2. 2(b)

      Critically analyse the role of multinational corporations in India's economic development with suitable examples.

      15marks
    3. 2(c)

      Discuss how watershed management has become a tool in eradication of rural poverty in India.

      15marks
  3. 3

    Question 3

    50marks
    1. 3(a)

      Discuss the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture and its impact on human health.

      20marks
    2. 3(b)

      Examine ongoing space programmes of India and their implications for national security in future.

      15marks
    3. 3(c)

      Discuss the rainfall pattern and correlate it with spatial distribution of natural vegetation in India.

      15marks
  4. 4

    Question 4

    50marks
    1. 4(a)

      Discuss the political aspects of Himalaya. Explain how it has affected the geo-strategy, geo-politics and regional consciousness of Indian federalism.

      20marks
    2. 4(b)

      Examine the development of information technology in India and its influence on work culture and society.

      15marks
    3. 4(c)

      Explain the present status of age-structure and availability of workforce in India.

      15marks

Section B

  1. 5

    Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

    50marks
    1. 5(a)

      Present the salient features of West flowing rivers of India.

      10marks
    2. 5(b)

      Discuss the problems of wildlife conservation and management in India.

      10marks
    3. 5(c)

      Correlate the price of land, vertical growth of cities and the growth of slums in large cities of India.

      10marks
    4. 5(d)

      Assess the importance of foot-loose industries in the development of backward regions in India.

      10marks
    5. 5(e)

      Examine the problems of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in India.

      10marks
  2. 6

    Question 6

    50marks
    1. 6(a)

      "Intrabasins linkages of rivers are more feasible economically, socially and ecologically". Discuss with suitable examples from India.

      20marks
    2. 6(b)

      Provide a reasoned account on emerging conurbations in India and explain with suitable examples the problems associated with it.

      15marks
    3. 6(c)

      Explain the relevance of green tourism for sustainable development of mountain environment in India.

      15marks
  3. 7

    Question 7

    50marks
    1. 7(a)

      Analyse the role of interstate migration in regional disparity in India.

      20marks
    2. 7(b)

      Give a reasoned account of high level of pollution in North Indian cities as compared to South Indian cities.

      15marks
    3. 7(c)

      Analyse the incentive oriented programmes for removing regional imbalances in socio-economic development of India.

      15marks
  4. 8

    Question 8

    50marks
    1. 8(a)

      With special reference to India examine the changes in the nature and patterns of international trade. Mention the major influencing factors.

      20marks
    2. 8(b)

      Describe the altitudinal and spatial geo-environmental hazards in the Himalayas.

      15marks
    3. 8(c)

      "India is emerging as global power in relation to Indian ocean realm." Elaborate.

      15marks

Evaluation for More Optionals Coming Soon

Evaluation for PSIR, Geography, Anthropology, Public Administration and History is being developed. Register your interest, and we will let you know when it becomes available.




    Typed by UPSC Gurus from the official UPSC question paper. Spotted an error? Tell us on WhatsApp at 81220 02172.