The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Main Examination is a crucial stage in the civil services selection process, demanding a comprehensive understanding of diverse subjects. Among the optional subjects offered, Geography stands out as a popular choice, attracting candidates with a keen interest in the spatial aspects of our world. The UPSC Mains 2019 Geography Optional Previous Year Paper serves as a valuable resource for aspirants seeking to gauge the exam pattern, question types, and the depth of knowledge required. Analyzing this paper offers insights into the examiner’s expectations, helping candidates refine their preparation strategies and enhancing their proficiency in the subject. In this context, delving into the nuances of the Geography optional paper from 2019 provides a strategic advantage for those aspiring to excel in the UPSC Main Examination.
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, an 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 struck off.
Geography Optional Question Paper-1 (2019)
SECTION A
1. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Describe phreatic eruptions and their consequences.
(b) Explain the techniques to calculate potential evapotranspiration suggested by Thornthwaite.
(c) How are sandspits and tombolos formed?
(d) Amensalism is a biotic factor that determines the geographic limits of species. Explain.
(e) How do mountaineers constitute a threat to Mount Everest?
(b) Compare and contrast different types of plate boundaries. 15
(c) Explain the nature of urban climates and their impact on global environmental change. 15
3. (a) Discuss in detail the tri-cellular model of atmospheric circulation. 20
(b) How are soil acidity and alkalinity related to soil fertility? 15
SECTION B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(d) What are natural regions? How are they different from planning regions?
(e) Discuss the genetic classification of boundaries suggested by Hartshorne.
(b) Globalization can often subsume folk culture. What are its positive and negative effects? 15
(b) Assess the challenges for countries with the largest shares of aged populations. 15
(c) Examine the relevance of the ‘rimland theory’ in the contemporary world. 15
Geography Optional Question Paper-2 (2019)
SECTION A
1. (a) On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all 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: 2×10=20
- Lothal
- River Beas
- Chikhaldara
- Narora
- Lengpui
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thenmala
- Anamudi
- Barren Island
- Durgaduani Creek
(b) Examine the major causes of ground water depletion in India. 10
(c) Why is the Indian Monsoon erratic in nature? Explain. 10
(d) Explain the significance of dry farming in drought prone areas of India. 10
2. (a) Correlate the agro-climatic zones with agro-ecological regions of India. 20
(b) Critically analyse the role of multinational corporations in India’s economic development with suitable examples. 15
(c) Discuss how watershed management has become a tool in eradication of rural poverty in India. 15
3. (a) Discuss the sue of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture and its impact on human health. 20
(b) Examine ongoing space programmes of India and their implications for national security in future. 15
(c) Discuss the rainfall pattern and correlate it with spatial distribution of natural vegetation in India. 15
4. (a) Discuss the political aspects of Himalaya. Explain how it has affected the geo-strategy, geopolitics and regional consciousness of Indian federalism. 20
(b) Examine the development of information technology in India and itsinfluence on work culture and society. 15
(c) Explain the present status of age-structure and availability of workforce in India. 15
SECTION B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Present the salient features of West flowing rivers of India. 10
(b) Discuss the problems of wildlife conservation and management in India. 10
(c) Correlate the price of land, vertical growth of cities and the growth of slums in large cities of India. 10
(d) Assess the importance of foot-loose industries in the development of backward regions in India. 10
(e) Examine the problems of glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in India. 10
6. (a) “Intrabasins linkages of rivers are more feasible economically, socially and ecologically”. Discuss with suitable examples from India. 20
(b) Provide a reasoned account on emerging conurbations in India and explain with suitable examples the problems associated with it. 15
(c) Explain the relevance of green tourism for sustainable development of mountain environment in India. 15
7. (a) Analyse the role of interstate migration in regional disparity in India. 20
(b) give a reasoned account of high level of pollution in North Indian cities as compared to South Indian cities. 15
(c) Analyse the incentive oriented programmes for removing regional imbalances in socioeconomic development of India. 15
8. (a) With special reference to India examine the changes in the nature and patterns of international trade. Mention the major influencing factors. 20
(b) Describe the altitudinal and spatial geo-environmental hazards in the Himalayas. 15
(c) “India is emerging as global power in relation to Indian ocean realm”. Elaborate. 15
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Question: What were the key topics covered in the Geography Optional paper of UPSC Mains 2019?
Answer: The UPSC Mains 2019 Geography Optional paper covered a wide range of topics, including geomorphology, climatology, human geography, and regional planning. Specific questions delved into landforms, weather patterns, population trends, and geographical aspects of regional development.
2. Question: Were there any significant changes in the pattern or difficulty level of the Geography Optional paper in UPSC Mains 2019 compared to previous years?
Answer: Without specific information on the 2020 paper, it’s challenging to comment on changes. Generally, UPSC tends to maintain a consistent pattern, but slight variations in question distribution and difficulty level may occur.
3. Question: Were case studies or practical examples an essential component of the Geography Optional paper in UPSC Mains 2019?
Answer: UPSC often emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge through case studies. Candidates were likely expected to support their answers with relevant and real-world examples to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of geographical concepts.
4. Question: How important was map-based knowledge in the Geography Optional paper of UPSC Mains 2019?
Answer: Map-based questions are typically crucial in the Geography Optional paper. Candidates may have been asked to identify and analyze geographical features, understand spatial relationships, and correlate map information with theoretical concepts.
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