The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Mains examination is a crucial stage in the highly competitive civil services examination in India. Among the array of optional subjects available to aspirants, Geography stands out as a popular choice due to its interdisciplinary nature and relevance to contemporary issues. Aspirants opting for Geography as their optional subject delve into a diverse range of topics, from physical geography and geomorphology to human geography and environmental studies. To understand the intricacies of the UPSC Mains Geography Optional Paper, analyzing previous year papers becomes indispensable. These papers serve as invaluable resources, offering insights into the exam pattern, question types, and the depth of knowledge required. In this context, delving into the previous year papers provides aspirants with a strategic advantage, aiding them in formulating a comprehensive preparation strategy to tackle the challenges posed by this esteemed examination.
Question Paper Specific Instructions
- Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
- There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- 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 (2015)
SECTION A
1. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Attempt a classification of Geomorphic processes from the zonal point of view.
(b) Discuss as to how frontogenesis contributes to weather instability.
(c) Describe the characteristics of different types of pelagic deposits.
(d) Explain the characteristics of ecological succession.
(e) Comment on the impact of environmental education on quality of life.
2. (a) Discuss the contributions of the American School of Subaerial Denudation in geomorphology 20.
(b) What is Potential Evapotranspiration? Explain how it is used in assessing the water balance in an area. 15
(c) Discuss the methods of conserving biodiversity for sustainable development. 15
3. (a) Discuss the basis of Koppen’s climatic classification. Bring out the salient characteristics of ‘Cs’ type of climate. 20
(b) Explain with examples asto how channel dynamics has been responsible for the development of alluvial fans and cones. 15
(c) Classify soils based on their zonal distribution and describe the characteristics of pedocals. 15
4. (a) Explain the different stages of ecological adaptation of man and bring out the changing balance between man and environment. 20
(b) “Present-day landforms bear more complexity than simplicity.” Elucidate. 15
(c) Explain the meridional circulation of the atmosphere and its importance in world climate. 15
SECTION B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) “The welfare face of geography makes it an inter-disciplinary subject.” Elaborate.
(b) “Energy mix is a step towards sustainability.” Discuss.
(c) Discuss Nelson’s method of functional classification of towns.
(d) “Marx’s view on population is more humanistic.” Comment.
(e) “Development planning has a component of environmental cost.” Discuss.
6. (a) “Regional synthesis is the crux of geographical studies.” Elaborate. 20
(b) “Man-induced famines are becoming more common than nature-induced ones”. Comment. 15
(c) Critically examine the theories on population migration. 15
7. (a) Discuss the relevance of Von thunen’s model on agricultural location in the contemporary context. 20
(b) “Cultural regions are the most suited units to study the diversity of an area.” Comment. 15
(c) Discuss the approaches to the study of behavioural geography. 15
8. (a) “There is a rejuvenation of environementatalism as a paradigm in geographical studies.” Comment. 20
(b) “Geographical traits lead to regional imbalances.” Examine. 15
(c) “Vital statistics are necessary ingredients for development planning”. Elaborate. 15
Geography Optional Question Paper-2 (2015)
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:
- Tharangambadi
- Namcha Barwa
- Narcodam
- Khajjiar
- Chunchanakatte
(b) Why does the pharmaceutical industry concentrate largely in the western region of the country? (In about 150 words) 10
(c) Explain the pattern of winter rainfall in India. (In about 150 words) 10
(d) Discuss the relationship of watershed approach to village level planning. (In about 150 words) 10
(e) How does natural vegetation affect the formation of in situ soils? (In about 150 words) 10
2. (a) Account for the geographical distribution of groundwater resources of India. How serious is its depletion in recent decades? 20
(b) Why is the traditional crafts industry in India on the decline? 15
(c) Explain how modernization of Indian agriculture is affected by unfavourable institutional factors with suitable examples. 15
3. (a) Distinguish between ‘agricultural productivity’ and ‘agricultural efficiency’, and bring out the disparity in regional distribution of agricultural efficiency. 20
(b) With the help of a map, indicate the principal areas of dryland farming in the country and account for farmers’ suicides mainly in those areas. 15
(c) Evaluate the contribution of Communication and Information Technology to the development of economy and society, and examine the relevance of the recently launched ‘Digital India’ programme. 15
4. (a) Account for the growing frequency and intensity of floods in India, and suggest short- and long-term remedial measures indicating the chronically flood-prone areas. 20
(b) How does climate change affect the process of desertification of India? 15
(c) Discuss the scope of replication of ‘White Revolution’ in India. 15
SECTION B
5. Answer all the following. The word limit for (b), (c), (d), (e) has been indicated in the parenthesis: 10×5=50
(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: 2×5=10
- Nokrek
- Gorakhnath Peak
- Indrakiladri Peak
- Polavaram
- Anaimudi
(b) “Age-sex pyramid is res=presentative of the history of a region.” Explain. (In about 150 words) 10
(c) “Mono-functional towns are economically vulnerable.” Discuss. (In about 150 words) 10
(d) Explain how change in land use can promote eco-development at different levels in the country. (In about 150 words) 10
(e) Discuss the social and spatial ramifications of increasing longevity. (In about 150 words) 10
6. (a) Decentralized planning through the strengthening of the Panchayat system is the focus of planning in India in recent times. Suggest a blueprint for an integrated regional development plan. 20
(b) In population planning, the thrust of the Government has been ‘planning the population’ not ‘plan for the population’. Elaborate. 15
(c) Is planning for a cluster of villages a viable option, when planning for backward areas of the country? Discuss with suitable examples. 15
7. (a) Reduction in regional disparities has been one of the priority goals of national planning in India. how the proposed new Smart urban centres may contribute to the process? 20
(b) How has India’s Look East’ policy taken shape in the past two decades and how it may affect India’s external trade? 15
(c) Indian island territories and vulnerable to the sea level rise. Explain. 15
8. (a) Discuss the concept of multi-level planning as practised in India, and explain the implications of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in this respect. 20
(b) Give a reasoned account of river water disputes related to the River Krishna. 15
(c) Outline the Government of India’s strategies of conservation of the Western Ghats. 15
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How important is it to solve previous year papers for UPSC Mains Geography Optional?
A: Solving previous year papers is crucial for UPSC Mains Geography Optional preparation. It helps candidates understand the exam pattern, question trends, and the depth of knowledge required. It also aids in time management and enhances problem-solving skills.
Q: Are there any specific topics that are frequently asked in the Geography Optional papers?
A: While the UPSC may vary questions, certain topics like geomorphology, climatology, human geography, and regional planning have consistently appeared in previous year papers. Candidates should focus on these areas, but also be prepared for any surprises.
Q: How can I effectively use previous year papers for revision?
A: Use previous year papers as a tool for self-assessment. Time yourself while solving papers to simulate exam conditions. Identify weak areas and revise those topics thoroughly. Analyze the answers critically, and understand the demand of the question to improve your answer-writing skills.
Q: Are there changes in the pattern of Geography Optional papers in recent years?
A: While the core syllabus remains consistent, the pattern of questions may evolve. UPSC may introduce interdisciplinary questions or focus on current affairs related to geography. Hence, staying updated with recent developments is crucial, and candidates should adapt their preparation strategies accordingly.
Q: How can I manage time effectively during the Geography Optional paper in UPSC Mains?
A: Time management is key in UPSC Mains. Practice writing answers within the stipulated time. Allocate time wisely among different sections. Start with questions you are most confident about to build momentum. Don’t spend too much time on a single question; move on and come back if time permits.
To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604
- Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
- Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
- Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
- For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
