UPSC MAINS 2022 – Geography Optional Previous Year Paper

The Geography Optional paper in the UPSC Mains is known for its comprehensive coverage of geographical concepts, theories, and their application to real-world scenarios. The Geography Optional Previous Year Paper for 2022 provides aspiring civil servants with valuable insights into the examination pattern, question types, and the depth of knowledge expected.

Question Paper Specific Instructions

• Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
• There are EIGHT questions divided into two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
• The candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
• Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
• The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
• Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
• Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
• Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological order. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.

Geography Optional Question Paper-1 (2022)

SECTION A

1. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=10

1. (a) Define ‘speleothem’. Discuss the various forms and features of speleothems. 10

1. (b) What are the high altitude environmental hazards? Explain with suitable examples. 10
1. (c) What is pollution dome? Discuss its formation and impacts. 10

1. (d) When corals are affected by stress it cause them to turn completely white. Explain the reasons of such an occurrence. 10
1. (e) Well developed soils typically exhibit distinct layers in their soil profile. Elaborate. 10

2. (a) Sequential changes in land use and land cover have brought global and regional ecological changes and imbalances. Elucidate. 20

(b) Explain how various aspects of channel morphology are used in transportation, settlement and land use planning flood control and flood management? 15

(c) What is the relationship between ocean currents and global surface wind systems? Explain with examples how does the gyre in the Northern Hemisphere differ from the one in the Southern Hemisphere. 15

3. (a) Plants and animals that exist in a particular ecosystem are those that have been successful in adjusting to their habitat and environmental conditions. Elucidate with examples. 20

(b) With suitable examples describe the impacts of movement of air masses on weather and winds in different parts of the continents. 15

(c) Discuss the role of Slope, Altitude and Relief (SAR) in landscape development. 15

4. (a) Rise of surface temperature brings severe consequences. Elaborate the potential changes and threats associated with it in the world.

(b) Describe how short term variations in temperature are related to the processes of receiving energy from the sun to the Earth’s surface and dissipating it to the atmosphere. 15

(c) With the help of suitable sketches describe the mountain genesis and mountain types. Give suitable examples from various mountain systems of the world. 15

SECTION B

5. Answer the following in about 150 words each:

5. (a) Analyse the effects of Globalisation on languages. 10
5. (b) “Shifting global trade patterns create new opportunities.” Examine this statement. 10
5. (c) Examine the morphological factors that influence the origin and growth of towns. 10
5. (d) Discuss the role of transportation accessibility in regional development. 10
5. (e) Explain the geometrical boundaries with examples. 10

6. (a) “Culture is a dynamic concept”. Elucidate with examples. 20

(b) “Automation is rapidly changing the economies of labour and will affect trade patterns in significant ways”. Clarify. 15

(c) “Over crowding leads to chronic problem of shortage of housing in Indian cities”. Explain citing relevant examples. 15

7. (a) “Climate change is a serious problem to global food security and poverty eradication”. Critically examine. 20

(b) Critically examine the significance of the Quantitative Revolution and its influence in the development of Geography. 15

(c) Explain in detail the impact of regional disparities on economic development. 15

8. (a) How migration is affected by push and pull factors? Explain how these factors play a role in understanding new settlement patterns. 20

(b) Explain the relevance and applicability of Von Thunen theory of Agriculture-location in today’s world. 15

(c) Discuss the concept of ‘Rank-size-Rule’ given by G K Zipf. Is this rule relevant in Indian context? 15

Geography Optional Question Paper-2 (2022)

SECTION A

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 no more than 30 words for each entry : 2×10=20

(i) Tarangambadi
(ii) Mahe
(iii) Bomdila
(iv) Dhola Sadiya Bridge
(v) Talakaveri
(vi) Satkosia
(vii) Dholavira
(viii) Sonamarg
(ix) Maliku Atoll
(x) Gangasagar

WITH AFGHANISTAN, BANGLADESH, BHUTAN, NEPAL MYANMAR (BURMA), PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA

(b) Why has extreme particulate pollution remained a festering issue in Delhi NCR region? 10
(c) How do physiography and climate of India explain the biological diversity of the country? 10
(d) The process of desertification leads to soil desiccation and soil loss. Explain. 10

2. (a) Critically examine the factors affecting the unpredictability of South-West Monsoon system in India. 20

(b) The location of India provides scope for harnessing non-conventional energy resources. Discuss with examples. 15

(c) Groundwater contamination in the fast expanding urban of India appears to have become a major public health issue. Discuss. 15

3. (a) Discuss the recent changes brought about in institutional frameworks of agriculture in India. Evaluate its impact on the agrarian of the country. 20

(b) Discuss the continuing disputes on water sharing between the riparian states of North-West India. 15

(c) Soils of India, are clear reflections of the structure and process. Comment. 15

4. (a) India is bestowed with rich mineral resources due to its geological structure. Correlate the above statement with large mineral belts of India. 20

(b) Discuss the importance of ‘Dry-land’ farming in the drought-prone regions of India. 15

(c) Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times have led to devastating consequences for people living in low-lying areas and flood plains of the country. Discuss. 15

SECTION B

5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50

5(a) Discuss the impact of Forest Rights Act, on the local forest communities in India. 10
5(b) Can the Panchayat Raj institutions play a role in grassroot level planning in India ? If yes, discuss how. 10
5(c) Discuss the significance of new ports on the Western Coast of India on the external trade of the country. 10
5(d) How would decline in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) below the replacement level, in many states Of India affect the future population structure of the country? 10
5(e) Kalapani dispute has opened a new front on the India-Nepal international border. Explain. 10

6. (a) Why do disparities in development and incomes between regions persist in large countries like India? How the recent ADP plan address the issue ? 20

(b) Critically examine the role of IRNSS-NavIC programme on the satellite navigation system of India. 15

(c) Examine the role Of high population concentration in Indian slums in making them more vulnerable during pandemic conditions like the COVID-19. 15

7. (a) Discuss the salient characteristics of industrial complexes of Western India. Examine the impact of SEZ policy on the region. 20

(b) Discuss the emergence of linguistic regions and states in India. 15

(c) What are the drivers of urban sprawl around the major cities of the country? How have new investments in transport projects supported sprawl development? 15

8. (a) How do agro-climatic and land capability indicators assist in macro-agricultural regionalisation of India? Illustrate with an appropriate map. 20

(b) Discuss the geopolitical significance of Quad in the Indo-Pacific realm with reference to marine trade in the region. 15

(c) Evaluate the role of the National Food Security Act, 2003 in providing access of food to the poor in India. 15

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Where can I find the UPSC MAINS 2022 Geography Optional Previous Year Paper?

A1: UPSC MAINS previous year question papers are typically available on the official UPSC website. Additionally, you can check online education platforms, libraries, or coaching institutes that may provide access to or discuss these papers.

Q2: What are the key topics covered in the Geography Optional Paper of UPSC MAINS 2022?

A2: The Geography Optional Paper of UPSC MAINS 2022 is likely to cover a broad range of topics, including physical geography, human geography, regional geography, and geographical thought. Specific topics may include geomorphology, climatology, agriculture, population geography, urbanization, and more.

Q3: How should I approach the Geography Optional Paper for UPSC MAINS 2022?

A3: The approach to the Geography Optional Paper should include a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus, regular revision, and practice with previous year papers. Focus on conceptual clarity and the ability to apply geographical theories to real-world scenarios. Additionally, time management during the exam is crucial.

Q4: Are there any changes in the pattern or structure of the Geography Optional Paper in UPSC MAINS 2022 compared to previous years?

A4: To get accurate information about any changes in the pattern or structure of the Geography Optional Paper for UPSC MAINS 2022, it is recommended to refer to the official UPSC notification or contact the UPSC exam authorities directly. They typically provide updates on any modifications in the exam format.

Q5: Can solving UPSC MAINS 2022 Geography Optional Previous Year Papers help in exam preparation?

A5: Yes, solving previous year papers is an effective strategy for UPSC MAINS preparation. It helps in understanding the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the time management required. It also aids in identifying weak areas that require more focus and provides a practical experience of the exam environment.

To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604

1. Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC  Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
2. Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
3. Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
4. For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here

Visit our YouTube Channel – Here