The Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. Aspiring civil servants opt for Geography as an optional subject for the Main examination due to its relevance in understanding various socio-economic and environmental issues. Within the Geography optional syllabus, Climatology holds a significant position, addressing the study of climate patterns, atmospheric processes, and their implications on the Earth’s surface. Previous years’ question papers (PYQs) play a crucial role in the preparation strategy for aspirants, offering insights into the examination pattern and the depth of knowledge required. Analyzing Climatology PYQs not only helps candidates familiarize themselves with the examination format but also enhances their understanding of key concepts and their applications in the context of geographical phenomena. In this context, delving into the Climatology PYQs for the UPSC CSE Mains Geography Optional becomes an indispensable part of the aspirants’ preparation journey.
CLIMATOLOGY
| UNIT | TOPIC | YEAR | PYQ’s Paper –I | PYQ’s Paper – II |
| CLIMATOLOGY | Temperature and Pressure Belts of the world | 2016 | Q1 (b) Differentiate between insolation and temperature and explain anomalous temperature. | |
| Atmospheric Circulation | 2014 | Q1 (b) Discuss the salient features of ‘sirocco’ and ‘mistral’. | ||
| 2015 | Q4 (c) Explain the meridional circulation of the atmosphere and its importance in the world climate. | |||
| 2017 | Q2. (a) Discuss the forces which govern the air movement on the Earth’s surface. | |||
| 2019 | Q3. (a) Discuss in detail the tri-cellular model of atmospheric circulation. | |||
| Planetary and local winds | 2014 | Q1. (b) Discuss the salient features of sirocco and mistral. | ||
| Monsoons and Jet streams | 2014 | Q3. (a) Discuss the nature and origin of Indian monsoon and recent techniques of its prediction. | ||
| 2017 | Q1 (b) Give a reasoned account of the unusual pattern of distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India in 2017. | |||
| 2018 | Q3. (a) Explain the origin, progress, and retreat of the Indian monsoon and discuss its impact on the Indian economy. | |||
| 2019 | Q1(c) Why is the Indian monsoon erratic in nature? Explain. | |||
| 2020 | Q3. (a) Examine how various factors influence the origin and development of the Indian Monsoon System. | Q1(b) Climate change has unsettled the rhythm of seasons. Comment with examples and empirical evidence. | ||
| Air masses and front of genesis | 2015 | Q1. (b) Discuss; as to how frontogenesis contributes to weather instability | ||
| 2017 | Q1. (c) Discuss the impacts of ocean currents on air mass behaviour. | |||
| 2020 | Q3. (c) Explain the characteristic features of Frontogenesis and Frontolysis. | |||
| 2021 | Q1. (b) What are the important factors responsible for Airmass modifications? | |||
| Temperate and Tropical Cyclones | 2017 | Q2. (b) Compare the origin and weather conditions associated with the tropical and temperate cyclones. | ||
| 2020 | Q1. (a) Write a geographical note on Halloween Storm | |||
| 2021 | Q6 (a) Examine the impact of tropical cyclones and Western disturbances on the climate of India | |||
| Types and distribution of precipitation | 2019 | Q3(C) Discuss the rainfall pattern and correlate it with spatial distribution of natural vegetation in India. | ||
| 2021 | Q3. (a) Examine major influencing factors for varied patterns of precipitations on the continents. | |||
| Koppen’s, Thornthwaite’ s and Trewartha’s classification of climate | 2014 | Q4. (a) Describe the salient climatological characteristics of Rayalaseema region. | ||
| 2015 | Q3. (a) Discuss the basis of Koppen’s climatic classification. Bring out the salient characteristics of the ‘Cs’ type of climate. | |||
| 2018 | Q2. (b) Critically examine the basis and scheme of climatic classification proposed by G.T.Trewartha | |||
| 2021 | Q1. (b) Explain the techniques to calculate potential evapotranspiration suggested by Thornthwaite. | |||
| Hydrological Cycle | 2015 | Q2. (b) What is Potential Evapotranspiration? Explain how it is used in assessing the water balance in an area. | ||
| 2018 | Q1. (b) Explain the role of evaporation in the hydrologic cycle. | |||
| Global Climate Change and role and response of man in climatic changes | 2016 | Q3. (a) Discuss the significance of World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and its core projects in the understanding of climatic change. | ||
| 2017 | Q3. (a) “Climate change is a reality.” Explain with suitable examples. | |||
| Applied Climatology and Urban Climat | 2019 | Q2. (c) Explain the nature of urban climates and their impact on global environmental change. |
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