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 2018 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 2018 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, the 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 (2018)

SECTION A

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

(a) “Landscape is a function of structure, process and stage.” Critique the statement. 10

(b) Explain the role of evaporation in the hydrologic cycle. 10

(c) Describe the causes and consequences of sea level changes. 10

(d) Distinguish between intrazonal and azonal soils. Describe in brief the characteristics and importance of azonal soils. 10

(e) Explain the natural and anthropogenic causes and mitigation measures of frequent flooding in Mumbai. 10

2. (a) Evaluate how far Kober’s geosynclinal theory explains the mountain building process. 20

(b) Critically examine the basis and scheme of climatic classification proposed by G.T. Trewartha. 15

(c) Discuss the objectives and principles of environmental education. Describe the basic concerns of formal and non-formal environmental education in India. 15

3. (a) Explain the origin, progress and retreat of the Indian monsoon and discuss its impact on the Indian economy. 20

(b) “Geomorphological changes are largely responsible for environmental hazards in the Himalayan region.” Comment with relevant examples. 15

(c) “Controlling population growth is the sustainable solution to environmental problems.” Express your views with suitable arguments. 15

4. (a) Describe the potential marine energy resources with reference to their benefits, harvestability and environmental impacts. 20

(b) Explain the ecosystem approach to environmental management and highlight its advantages and disadvantages. 15

(c) Discuss the causes of degradation of tropical rainforests and suggest remedial measures for their prevention, conservation and development. 15

SECTION B

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

(a) “Geography is a contested and multiparadigm discipline with a strong Eurocentricity that has only recently been challenged.” Comment. 10

(b) Discuss the degree of importance of transportation costs as a fastor of industrial location with respect to “footloose industries”. 10

(c) Explain the concepts of “megalopolis” and “exopolis” with regard to the growth of cities indicating whether the two can and do overlap. 10

(d) Write a note on “forward and backward linkages” in Perroux’s thesis of economic growth and regional development. 10

(e) Outline briefly the “age of mass consumption” as described by Rostow in his ‘multi-stage theory of growth’. 10

6. (a) “Areal differentiation has provided the theoretical justification for studying ‘regions’ and ‘regional geography’,” Comment. 20

(b) Citing examples from Asia and Europe, comment upon the contexts within which pronatalist population policies are advanced. What could be the implications of these policies on women’s workforce participation? 15

(c) Comment upon the contributions of D M Smith in outlining ‘welfare’ as a key focus in the geographies of social well-being. 15

7. (a) “Famine is a social phenomena rooted in institutional and political economic arrangements, which determine access to food by different classes and strata.” Comment. 20

(b) Provide a brief outline of ideas related to “sense of place” as propounded by Yi-Fu tuan and Relph in the humanistic geography that emerged in the 1970’s. 15

(c) Elaborate upon the influence of Marxist philosophy on geographical research, outlining key themes addressed by Marxist geographers since the 1970’s. 15

8. (a) “Welfare geography emphasizes spatial inequality and territorial justice.” Comment with reference to the main ideas and scope of the subfield. 20

(b) Discuss critically the manner in which quantitative revolution provided the methodological foundation for models and modelling in geography. 15

(c) Discuss in brief the main thesis in “Limits to Growth” (1972) and also provide a critique of the same. 15

Geography Optional Question Paper-2 (2018)

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

1. Shyok River
2. Mawlynnong
3. Shravasti
4. Kori Creek
5. Amarkantak
6. Ghatshila
7. Tawang
8. Neyyar
9. Dandeli
10. Mulshi Lake

(b) Explain the unusual intensity of dust storms and thunder storms across India in the premonsoon period of year 2018. 10

(c) Why setting up of Water Management Boards is a controversial issue in India? 10

(d) Keeping the recent developments in view, how can the energy crisis of India be circumvented by harnessing non-conventional energy resources? 10

2. (a) Distinguish the geographical aspects of North-Western lava plateau and Chotanagpur plateau of peninsular India. 20

(b) Explain the contemporary agricultural scenario in the context of rapid urbanization in India. 15

(c) Assess the suitability of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for the sustainable economic development in India. 15

3. (a) Examine the ongoing process of agricultural diversification and its implications for food security in India. 20

(b) Account for the persisting negative trade balance of India. 15

(c) Critically assess the vanishing ethnic linguistic plurality of India. 15

4. (a) Examine the driving forces of changing urban morphology of million-plus cities of India with suitable examples. 20

(b) Discuss the emerging geo-political scenario of Indian Ocean realm. 15

(c) Give a critical account of region specific constraints of sustainable tourism in India. 15

SECTION B

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

(a) Discuss the socio-economic problems associated with the left behind families of international migrants from India. 10

(b) Explain the changing river courses and their impacts on the riparian population in India with suitable examples. 10

(c) Make a critical appraisal of the factors affecting river water quality in India. 10

(d) Examine the role of people’s participation in successful decentralised planning in India. 10

(e) Describe the socio-spatial consequences of the recent Nipah viral encephalities in India. 10

6. (a) Illustrate with suitable examples the endeavours undertaken in augmenting conservation of water and vegetation in India. 20

(b) Discuss the strategies of integrated development of island territories in India. 15

(c) Cross border terrorism has implications on border area development in India. Examine it with suitable examples. 15

7. (a) Explain the pipeline network across India and its impact on regional development. 20

(b) Discuss the changing composition of international trade through major seaports of India. 15

(c) Peri-urbanization has created enormous environmental problems. Discuss their causes and consequences with reference to the National Capital Region (N.C.R.) of India. 15

8. (a) Describe the changing regional morphology of rural settlements in India. 20

(b) Startups may play important role in giving fillip to economic growth in India. Illustrate with examples. 15

(c) Is the land boundary of India with its neighbouring countries a cultural divide or divided culture? Explain with suitable examples. 15

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What are the key topics to focus on in the Geography Optional paper for UPSC Mains 2018?

Answer: The key topics to focus on in the Geography Optional paper include physical geography, human geography, regional geography, and geographical thought. Specific areas may include geomorphology, climatology, agriculture, population geography, urbanization, regional planning, and contemporary issues related to geography.

Question: How can I effectively manage time during the Geography Optional paper in UPSC Mains 2018?

Answer: Time management is crucial. Allocate a specific amount of time to each question based on its marks. Begin with questions you are most confident about to gain momentum. Don’t spend too much time on a single question. If a question is challenging, make a note of it and move on, returning later if time permits.

Question: Are diagrams and maps essential in the Geography Optional paper for UPSC Mains 2018?

Answer: Yes, diagrams and maps are highly encouraged. They enhance the quality of your answers and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Ensure that your diagrams are neat, labeled, and directly relevant to the content of your answer.

Question: How should I approach case studies in the Geography Optional paper for UPSC Mains 2018?

Answer: Case studies are an integral part of the paper. Begin by understanding the context of the case thoroughly. Analyze the geographical factors involved and present a well-structured answer, providing solutions or recommendations. Support your response with relevant theories and concepts from the geography syllabus.

Question: Can I use current affairs in my answers for the Geography Optional paper in UPSC Mains 2018?

Answer: Yes, incorporating relevant current affairs is beneficial. It shows your awareness of real-world issues and their geographical implications. However, ensure that your answer is primarily based on the concepts and theories from the geography syllabus, using current affairs as supplementary evidence where appropriate.

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