Geography Prelims PYQs, 2017 to 2026

1. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 11
   Consider the following assertion:
   In the Pleistocene period either the Yamuna once flowed into the Indus, or the Sutlej flowed into the Yamuna and one major tributary of either had shifted from the Ganga to the Indus or vice versa.
   Which of the following is/are the basis of the above assertion?
   1. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda
   2. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote
   3. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 2 only
   3. 1 and 2
   4. 3
2. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 13
   Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched?
   1. Vitasta : Chenab
   2. Asikni : Jhelum
   3. Parushni : Ravi
   4. Yavyavati : Beas
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 and 2
   2. 3 and 4
   3. 3 only
   4. 4 only
3. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 25
   Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information:
   1. It has an antecedent drainage system.
   2. It flows through three countries.
   3. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
   4. It does not form distributaries.
   Select the answer from the following:
   1. Brahmaputra
   2. Indus
   3. Sutlej
   4. Teesta
4. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 26
   Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are not correct?
   1. Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States.
   2. Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States.
   3. Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
5. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 30
   Ships from which of the following countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out to the Indian Ocean?
   1. Bahrain
   2. Syria
   3. Qatar
   4. Egypt
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 and 2
   2. 1 and 3
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 and 4
6. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 31
   Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries?
   1. Ecuador
   2. Peru
   3. Bolivia
   4. Colombia
7. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 33
   With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct?
   1. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.
   2. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.
   3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
8. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 34
   Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India?
   1. Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity
   2. Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills
   3. Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 2
   3. 2 and 3
   4. 3 only
9. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 39
   Which of the following statements with reference to Lake Turkana is/are correct?
   1. It is the largest desert lake in the world.
   2. The lake is situated in South Sudan along the eastern fringe of the Sahara desert.
   3. The lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also referred to as the ‘Jade Sea’.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 3 only
   3. 2 and 3 only
   4. 1, 2 and 3
10. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 95
    Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct?
    1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
    2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
    3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
    4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.
    Select the answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. 1, 2 and 4
11. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 6
    Consider the following statements:
    I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. I and II only
    2. II and III only
    3. I and III only
    4. I, II and III
12. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 22
    Consider the following countries:
    I. Bolivia
    II. Brazil
    III. Colombia
    IV. Ecuador
    V. Paraguay
    VI. Venezuela
    Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries?
    1. Only two
    2. Only three
    3. Only four
    4. Only five
13. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 23
    Consider the following water bodies:
    I. Lake Tanganyika
    II. Lake Tonlé Sap
    III. Patos Lagoon
    Through how many of them does the equator pass?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All the three
    4. None
14. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 25
    Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift?
    I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa.
    II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side.
    III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. I and III only
    2. I and II only
    3. I, II and III
    4. II and III only
15. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 26
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.
    Statement II: Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
    2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
    3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
    4. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
16. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 27
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans.
    Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
    2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
    3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
    4. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
17. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 28
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: In the context of effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock.
    Statement II: Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water.
    Statement III: Clay is not at all porous.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
    2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
    4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
18. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 29
    Consider the following statements:
    I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth’s surface.
    II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet’s average temperature.
    III. Atmosphere’s gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. I and III only
    2. I and II only
    3. I, II and III
    4. II and III only
19. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 33
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth’s rotation and axis.
    Statement II: Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth’s outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy.
    Statement III: As the Earth’s polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
    2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
    4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
20. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 52
    Consider the following pairs:

    	State	Description
    I.	Arunachal Pradesh	The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks
    II.	Nagaland	The State came into existence on the basis of a Constitutional Amendment Act
    III.	Tripura	Initially a Part ‘C’ State, it became a centrally administered territory with the reorganization of States in 1956 and later attained the status of a full-fledged State

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All the three
    4. None
21. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 76
    Consider the following countries:
    I. United Kingdom
    II. Denmark
    III. New Zealand
    IV. Australia
    V. Brazil
    How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?
    1. All the five
    2. Only four
    3. Only three
    4. Only two
22. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 77
    Consider the following statements:
    I. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days.
    II. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I only
    2. II only
    3. Both I and II
    4. Neither I nor II
23. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 79
    Consider the following pairs:

    	Country	Resource-rich in
    I.	Botswana	Diamond
    II.	Chile	Lithium
    III.	Indonesia	Nickel

    In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All the three
    4. None
24. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 80
    Consider the following pairs:

    	Region	Country
    I.	Mallorca	Italy
    II.	Normandy	Spain
    III.	Sardinia	France

    In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All the three
    4. None
25. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 89
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories.
    Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
    2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
    3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
    4. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
26. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 1
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.
    Statement-II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
27. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 2
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.
    Statement-II: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
28. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 3
    Consider the following:
    1. Pyroclastic debris
    2. Ash and dust
    3. Nitrogen compounds
    4. Sulphur compounds
    How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
29. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 4
    Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January?
    1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
    2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.
    Select the answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
30. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 5
    Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world?
    1. Algeria and Morocco
    2. Botswana and Namibia
    3. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
    4. Madagascar and Mozambique
31. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 6
    With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct?
    1. Ghaghara − Gomati − Gandak − Kosi
    2. Gomati − Ghaghara − Gandak − Kosi
    3. Ghaghara − Gomati − Kosi − Gandak
    4. Gomati − Ghaghara − Kosi − Gandak
32. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 7
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks.
    Statement-II: Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution.
    Statement-III: Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I
    3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I
    4. Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct
33. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 8
    Consider the following countries:
    1. Finland
    2. Germany
    3. Norway
    4. Russia
    How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
34. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 9
    Consider the following information:

    	Waterfall	Region	River
    1.	Dhuandhar	Malwa	Narmada
    2.	Hundru	Chota Nagpur	Subarnarekha
    3.	Gersoppa	Western Ghats	Netravati

    In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
35. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 10
    Consider the following information:

    	Region	Name of the mountain range	Type of mountain
    1.	Central Asia	Vosges	Fold mountain
    2.	Europe	Alps	Block mountain
    3.	North America	Appalachians	Fold mountain
    4.	South America	Andes	Fold mountain

    In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
36. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 12
    With reference to “water vapour”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.
    2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.
    Select the answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
37. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 13
    Consider the following description:
    1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
    2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
    3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm − 250 cm.
    What is this type of climate?
    1. Equatorial climate
    2. China type climate
    3. Humid subtropical climate
    4. Marine West coast climate
38. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 14
    With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
    2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
    Select the answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
39. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 15
    On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?
    1. Equator
    2. Tropic of Cancer
    3. Tropic of Capricorn
    4. Arctic Circle
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 3 and 4
    4. 2 and 4
40. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 16
    One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?
    1. Amazon Basin
    2. Congo Basin
    3. Kikori Basin
    4. Rio de la Plata Basin
41. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 79
    The longest border between any two countries in the world is between:
    1. Canada and the United States of America
    2. Chile and Argentina
    3. China and India
    4. Kazakhstan and Russian Federation
42. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 88
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
43. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 89
    Consider the following statements:
    1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
    2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
44. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 1
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake.
    2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake.
    3. Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
45. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 5
    Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?
    1. Bhitarkanika Mangroves
    2. Marakkanam Salt Pans
    3. Naupada Swamp
    4. Rann of Kutch
46. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 6
    Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?
    1. Aluminium
    2. Copper
    3. Iron
    4. Titanium
47. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 7
    About three-fourths of world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by
    1. Argentina
    2. Botswana
    3. the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    4. Kazakhstan
48. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 8
    Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin?
    1. Cameroon
    2. Nigeria
    3. South Sudan
    4. Uganda
49. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 9
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges.
    2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range.
    3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
50. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 41
    In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?
    1. Andhra
    2. Gandhara
    3. Kalinga
    4. Magadha
51. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 61
    Consider the following countries:
    1. Bulgaria
    2. Czech Republic
    3. Hungary
    4. Latvia
    5. Lithuania
    6. Romania
    How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?
    1. Only two
    2. Only three
    3. Only four
    4. Only five
52. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 62
    With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?
    1. The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
    2. Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
    3. Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
    4. Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.
53. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 64
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.
    Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
54. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 65
    Consider the following statements:
    1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
    2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
55. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 76
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
    Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
56. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 97
    Consider the following pairs:
    (Area of conflict mentioned in news : Country where it is located)
    1. Donbas : Syria
    2. Kachin : Ethiopia
    3. Tigray : North Yemen
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
57. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 22
    “System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in:
    1. Reduced seed requirement
    2. Reduced methane production
    3. Reduced electricity consumption
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
58. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 23
    Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert?
    1. Lake Victoria
    2. Lake Faguibine
    3. Lake Oguta
    4. Lake Volta
59. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 24
    Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers?
    1. Cauvery
    2. Manjira
    3. Pennar
    4. Tungabhadra
60. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 25
    Consider the following pairs:
    (Peak : Mountains)
    1. Namcha Barwa : Garhwal Himalaya
    2. Nanda Devi : Kumaon Himalaya
    3. Nokrek : Sikkim Himalaya
    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 only
    3. 1 and 3
    4. 3 only
61. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 26
    The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?
    1. Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
    2. Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco
    3. Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa
    4. The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea
62. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 27
    Consider the following countries:
    1. Azerbaijan
    2. Kyrgyzstan
    3. Tajikistan
    4. Turkmenistan
    5. Uzbekistan
    Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan?
    1. 1, 2 and 5 only
    2. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
    3. 3, 4 and 5 only
    4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
63. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 28
    With reference to India, consider the following statements:
    1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
    2. Monazite contains thorium.
    3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
    4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 4 only
    3. 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
64. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 29
    In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the:
    1. First half of the month of June
    2. Second half of the month of June
    3. First half of the month of July
    4. Second half of the month of July
65. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 30
    Consider the following pairs:
    (Wetland/Lake : Location)
    1. Hokera Wetland : Punjab
    2. Renuka Wetland : Himachal Pradesh
    3. Rudrasagar Lake : Tripura
    4. Sasthamkotta Lake : Tamil Nadu
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. Only one pair
    2. Only two pairs
    3. Only three pairs
    4. All four pairs
66. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 62
    Consider the following States:
    1. Andhra Pradesh
    2. Kerala
    3. Himachal Pradesh
    4. Tripura
    How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
    1. Only one State
    2. Only two States
    3. Only three States
    4. All four States
67. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 70
    Consider the following pairs:
    (Reservoirs : States)
    1. Ghataprabha : Telangana
    2. Gandhi Sagar : Madhya Pradesh
    3. Indira Sagar : Andhra Pradesh
    4. Maithon : Chhattisgarh
    How many pairs given above are not correctly matched?
    1. Only one pair
    2. Only two pairs
    3. Only three pairs
    4. All four pairs
68. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 81
    Consider the following statements:
    1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
    2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and thus cause warming effect.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
69. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 88
    Consider the following pairs:
    (Region often mentioned in the news : Country)
    1. Anatolia : Turkey
    2. Amhara : Ethiopia
    3. Cabo Delgado : Spain
    4. Catalonia : Italy
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. Only one pair
    2. Only two pairs
    3. Only three pairs
    4. All four pairs
70. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 91
    Consider the following pairs:
    (Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts : Location in the State of)
    1. Dhauli : Odisha
    2. Erragudi : Andhra Pradesh
    3. Jaugada : Madhya Pradesh
    4. Kalsi : Karnataka
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. Only one pair
    2. Only two pairs
    3. Only three pairs
    4. All four pairs
71. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 49
    Which one of the following statements is correct?
    1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
    2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
    3. Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
    4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
72. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 51
    How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?
    1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
    2. Conventional chemical farming can cause increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
    3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
    4. Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 3
    2. 1, 2 and 4
    3. 4 only
    4. 2 and 3
73. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 52
    With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements:
    1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
    2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
    3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
74. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 53
    With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct?
    1. Chenab
    2. Jhelum
    3. Ravi
    4. Sutlej
75. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 54
    With reference to India, Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are the names of
    1. glaciers
    2. mangrove areas
    3. Ramsar sites
    4. saline lakes
76. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 55
    Consider the following rivers:
    1. Brahmani
    2. Nagavali
    3. Subarnarekha
    4. Vamsadhara
    Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?
    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 and 4
    3. 3 and 4
    4. 1 and 3
77. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 57
    Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?
    1. Sugarcane
    2. Sunflower
    3. Pearl millet
    4. Red gram
78. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 58
    Consider the following statements:
    1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds.
    2. In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
79. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 59
    In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements:
    1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
    2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
    3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
80. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 62
    With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
    1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
    2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
81. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 63
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
    2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
    3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
    4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
    5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1, 2, 4 and 5
    2. 3, 4 and 5
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 5
82. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 64
    The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of
    1. brown forest soil
    2. fissure volcanic rock
    3. granite and schist
    4. shale and limestone
83. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 68
    Consider the following pairs:
    (River : Flows into)
    1. Mekong : Andaman Sea
    2. Thames : Irish Sea
    3. Volga : Caspian Sea
    4. Zambezi : Indian Ocean
    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2 and 4 only
84. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 80
    What is the use of biochar in farming?
    1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
    2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
    3. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
85. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 83
    What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?
    1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop.
    2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
    3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
86. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 86
    With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
    1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
    2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
    3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
87. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 87
    “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?
    1. Cotton
    2. Jute
    3. Sugarcane
    4. Tea
88. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 89
    With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:
    1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
    2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
    3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.
    4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 4 only
    4. 2, 3 and 4 only
89. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 90
    In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture?
    1. Crop diversification
    2. Legume intensification
    3. Tensiometer use
    4. Vertical farming
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
90. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 91
    What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?
    1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
    2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
    3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
    4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 1, 2 and 4 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 2, 3 and 4 only
91. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 92
    Consider the following minerals:
    1. Bentonite
    2. Chromite
    3. Kyanite
    4. Sillimanite
    In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 4 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 2, 3 and 4 only
92. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 93
    With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January – March.
    2. OMT collected during January – March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
93. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 96
    Siachen Glacier is situated to the
    1. East of Aksai Chin
    2. East of Leh
    3. North of Gilgit
    4. North of Nubra Valley
94. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 97
    With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:
    (Famous Place : Present State)
    1. Bhilsa : Madhya Pradesh
    2. Dwarasamudra : Maharashtra
    3. Girinagar : Gujarat
    4. Sthanesvara : Uttar Pradesh
    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 1 and 4 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 2 and 4 only
95. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 98
    Consider the following statements:
    1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
    2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
    3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 2 only
    4. 1 and 3 only
96. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 99
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 2 only
    4. 1 and 3 only
97. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 20
    On 21st June, the Sun
    1. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
    2. does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
    3. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
    4. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
98. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 21
    Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the ‘New World’ and introduced into the ‘Old World’?
    1. Tobacco, cocoa and rubber
    2. Tobacco, cotton and rubber
    3. Cotton, coffee and sugarcane
    4. Rubber, coffee and wheat
99. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 23
    Consider the following pairs:
    

    	Famous place	River
    1.	Pandharpur	Chandrabhaga
    2.	Tiruchirappalli	Cauvery
    3.	Hampi	Malaprabha

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
100. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 33
     Consider the following States:
     1. Chhattisgarh
     2. Madhya Pradesh
     3. Maharashtra
     4. Odisha
     With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?
     1. 2-3-1-4
     2. 2-3-4-1
     3. 3-2-4-1
     4. 3-2-1-4
101. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 36
     Consider the following pairs:
     

     	Sea	Bordering country
     1.	Adriatic Sea	Albania
     2.	Black Sea	Croatia
     3.	Caspian Sea	Kazakhstan
     4.	Mediterranean Sea	Morocco
     5.	Red Sea	Syria

     Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
     1. 1, 2 and 4 only
     2. 1, 3 and 4 only
     3. 2 and 5 only
     4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
102. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 37
     Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?
     1. China
     2. India
     3. Myanmar
     4. Vietnam
103. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 38
     Consider the following pairs:
     

     	Glacier	River
     1.	Bandarpunch	Yamuna
     2.	Bara Shigri	Chenab
     3.	Milam	Mandakini
     4.	Siachen	Nubra
     5.	Zemu	Manas

     Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
     1. 1, 2 and 4
     2. 1, 3 and 4
     3. 2 and 5
     4. 3 and 5
104. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 42
     What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?
     1. Recently discovered uranium deposits
     2. Tropical rain forests
     3. Underground cave systems
     4. Water reservoirs
105. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 44
     Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?
     1. Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth’s surface.
     2. Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
     3. The Earth’s surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.
     4. Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
106. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 62
     With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
     1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
     2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
     3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
     1. 1 and 3 only
     2. 2 and 3 only
     3. 3 only
     4. 1, 2 and 3
107. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 13
     Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
     1. Aral Sea
     2. Black Sea
     3. Lake Baikal
     Select the correct answer using the code given below:
     1. 1 only
     2. 2 and 3
     3. 2 only
     4. 1 and 3
108. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 27
     Consider the following statements:
     1. In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines.
     2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines.
     3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines.
     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
     1. 1 and 2
     2. 2 only
     3. 1 and 3
     4. 3 only
109. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 29
     Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?
     1. Bengaluru
     2. Hyderabad
     3. Nagpur
     4. Pune
110. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 37
     Consider the following pairs:
     

     	Towns sometimes mentioned in news	Country
     1.	Aleppo	Syria
     2.	Kirkuk	Yemen
     3.	Mosul	Palestine
     4.	Mazar-i-sharif	Afghanistan

     Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
     1. 1 and 2
     2. 1 and 4
     3. 2 and 3
     4. 3 and 4
111. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 57
     Consider the following statements:
     1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.
     2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
     3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.
     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
     1. 1 only
     2. 2 and 3 only
     3. 1 and 3 only
     4. 1, 2 and 3
112. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 59
     With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture?
     1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
     2. Adopting minimum tillage
     3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
     4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
     5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations
     Select the correct answer using the code given below:
     1. 1, 3 and 4
     2. 2, 3, 4 and 5
     3. 2, 4 and 5
     4. 1, 2, 3 and 5
113. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 77
     Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
     1. Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
     2. Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
     3. Nainital (Uttarakhand)
     4. Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)
114. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 82
     With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:
     1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
     2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
     3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
     1. 1 and 2 only
     2. 3 only
     3. 1 and 3 only
     4. 1, 2 and 3
115. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 85
     Consider the following statements:
     1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
     2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
     3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
     1. 1 only
     2. 2 and 3
     3. 3 only
     4. 1 and 3
116. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 90
     Consider the following pairs:
     

     	Regions sometimes mentioned in news	Country
     1.	Catalonia	Spain
     2.	Crimea	Hungary
     3.	Mindanao	Philippines
     4.	Oromia	Nigeria

     Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
     1. 1, 2 and 3
     2. 3 and 4 only
     3. 1 and 3 only
     4. 2 and 4 only
117. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 19
     At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at
     1. Bhavnagar
     2. Bheemunipatnam
     3. Chandipur
     4. Nagapattinam
118. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 30
     With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
     1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
     2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
     3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
     1. 1 and 3 only
     2. 2 only
     3. 2 and 3 only
     4. 1, 2 and 3
119. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 49
     If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination?
     1. 6
     2. 7
     3. 8
     4. 9
120. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 54
     Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries?
     1. Jordan
     2. Iraq
     3. Lebanon
     4. Syria
     Select the correct answer using the code given below:
     1. 1, 2 and 3 only
     2. 2 and 3 only
     3. 3 and 4 only
     4. 1, 3 and 4 only
121. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 58
     Consider the following statements:
     1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.
     2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.
     3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.
     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
     1. 1 and 2 only
     2. 3 only
     3. 2 and 3 only
     4. 1 and 3 only
122. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 66
     With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
     1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
     2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.
     Select the correct answer using the code given below:
     1. 1 only
     2. 2 only
     3. Both 1 and 2
     4. Neither 1 nor 2
123. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 71
     Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?
     1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
     2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
     3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
     Select the correct answer using the code given below:
     1. 1 and 2 only
     2. 3 only
     3. 1 and 3 only
     4. 1, 2 and 3
124. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 98
     Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?
     1. Sumatra
     2. Borneo
     3. Java
     4. Sri Lanka

Take the timed test above to see the answers and explanations.