GEOGRAPHY STRATEGY

Books/Sources to Refer ->

1.
2.
3.
4.

Weightage given since 2011

Recent Trend
Clarity of Concepts
Indian Geography

4.1 Weightage given since 2011

4.2 How to approach Indian Geography

o

4.2.1 Physiography

4.2.2 River System in India

4.2.3 Minerals

4.2.4 Climate

4.2.5 Soil

4.2.6 Agriculture

4.2.7 Forests (or Natural Vegetation)

4.2.8 Human Geography

4.2.9 Wildlife and Conservation of flora and fauna

4.3 Previous Year UPSC Questions and Solutions from Indian Geography
5. World Geography

5.1 Weightage given since 2011

5.2 How to approach World Geography

o

5.2.1 The Earth and the Universe

5.2.2 Landforms

5.2.3 Atmosphere

5.2.4 Hydrosphere

5.2.5 Different Climatic Types

5.3 Previous Year UPSC Questions and Solutions from World Geography
6. Map-based Questions

GEOGRAPHY (Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic)

Geography is the study of man, his environment and interaction between the two. This definition of geography
tells you about the comprehensive nature of Geography and its vastness.
Geography has overlapping topics which covers Environment, Economics (Human geography- Demograpy)
and Current Events. One should always have an ATLAS while studying geography. It gives you more insights,
makes your reading more meaningful and enjoyable.

Recent Trend
Weightage Given

As per the recent trend, atleast 15-20% weightage is given to Geography. Prima facie it may seem that weightage
given to Geography has declined as compared to the pre 2011 times. But that is not the case. We would illustrate
with an example:
With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are
correct? (2011)
1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced
2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 and 3 only
(c.) 1 and 3 only
(d.) 1, 2 and 3
Solution (c)

This question, though basically forms part of Current Events section, has a direct correlation with Geography.

Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?

(2012)
1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3.Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution (a)

This question, though basically forms part of Environment section, it has a direct correlation with Indian
Geography.
Due to the overlapping nature of questions, and increase in weightage given to Environment, Geography becomes
even more important. Many of these questions can be answered, when basic concepts in Geography is clear.

Clarity of Concepts
While studying Geography, clarity of concepts and it should be substantiated with appropriate facts. Everybody
(from your seniors, people who have cleared the exam, friends, fellow aspirants, even the dabbawalas, house-

brokers in delhi

) keep talking about this clarity of concepts. But would not have explained you what

does it really mean

So the next question is, what do you understand by Clarity of concepts?

We would illustrate this with an example:

The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow
to the east. Why?(2013)
1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
Solution (a)

Concept: Why does narmada river is a West flowing river and not East?
Fact: Narmada river is a West flowing river.

Think & Learn: (This is for you to ponder over)

Which are the other west flowing rivers?

Why do some rivers flow West, while majority flows in the East direction?

Why do rivers flowing in the East direction form Deltas?

A general awareness on which States they flow and Hydro-electrical Projects and Dams constructed
across these rivers.
By now, from the above illustrations you would have understood the following aspects:

Importance of Geography

Clarity of Concepts

Significance of facts

Level of Difficulty of Questions

Now, let us get into the detail strategy of Geography
GEOGRAPHY is divided into two parts Indian Geography and World Geography.
Weightage given to Indian Geography (since 2011)
YEAR

MARKS

2011

12

2012

18

2013

11

2014

16

More importance should be given to Indian Geography, which accounts for 80% of Geography Prelims
Questions.
How to approach Indian Geography?
Physiography:
Indias physiography is so diverse that it can be divided into:
1.

The Himalayas- The Greater Himalayas(Himadri), Lesser Himalayas(Himachal), Sub-Himalayas (Siwaliks)

2.

Peninsular Plateau and Peninsular Mountains

3.

The North Plains and the Coastal plains

4.

Indian Desert

5.

Islands

Focus:

Characteristics Example: Himalayas are young, weak, flexible

How were they formed? Example: The peninsula block was formed by various vertical movements and
block faulting

Climate and Rainfall in these regions

Vegetation or Type of Forests found

Soil along the slopes

Biodiversity in the region

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):
When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following :
1.
2.
3.
4.

Deep gorges
U-turn river courses
Parallel mountain ranges
Steep gradients causing land-sliding

Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold
mountains?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution (d)

River System in India:

Indian River System can be broadly classified into 2 Major systems

Himalayas River system consist of -Indus, Ganga, Brahamaputra,

Peninsular River Systems

Focus:

Evolution of the drainage (river) system

Characteristics of the River system. Example: Peninsular river system is older than the Himalayan river
system. They are non-perennial rivers.

The states they flow through

Comparison between the Himalayas and the Peninsular river system

Hydro-Power projects, other Power plants and Major Dams built on these rivers. Example: Salal project on
River Chenab

West flowing rivers in India. Why do these rivers flow West, while majority rivers flow in the East direction?

Why do east flowing rivers form deltas?

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper)
The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow through
narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers,
Brahmaputra makes a U turn in its course to flow into India. This U turn is due
to (2011)
(a.) Uplift of folded Himalayan series
(b.) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas
(c.) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains
(d.) Both (a) and (b) above
Solution (b)

Minerals
Focus

Major areas where they are found

Characteristics of the minerals

Its Uses and Environmental impact.

Example: Coal occurs mainly in Gondwana region. It is used in power generation, but since its a fossil fuel it leads
to release of CO2 (a major greenhouse gas)
Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):
Consider the following statements: (2013)
1. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds.
2. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma.
3. Dharwars are famous for petroleum.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) None
Solution (b)

Example (2014 Prelims Questions Paper):

With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called coal bed methane
and shale gas, consider the following statements:
1. Coal bed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a
mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary
rocks.
2. In India abundant coal bed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have
been found.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Solution (d)

Climate
Note: Before studying about Monsoons, go through the Climate topic under World Geography for Basic
understanding on Climate and Weather.
Focus

Factors determining the Climate of India

Indian Monsoon
Its nature/characteristics, significance and impact

Upper Air circulation- Jet streams, Westerlies

Cyclones tropical and temperate

El-Nino, La-Nino (More Emphasis should be given)

o

How is it developed?

How does this effect Indian climate and vegetation

Related concepts like upwelling and its advantages

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):

La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina
different from El Nino?
(a.) La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean
whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial
Pacific Ocean.
2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on
monsoon climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution (d)

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):

Consider the following statements:
1.The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.

2.The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution (c)

Soil:
Focus:

Soils in India Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite

Its location (availability)

Characteristics

Crops grown.

Example: Laterite soil contains iron oxide which imparts red colour to the soil. Its poor in humus and
nitrogen due to heavy leaching. Its found in Western Coastal plain

Factors which control the formation of soil

Soil Erosion Sheet erosion, gully erosion etc.- causes

Impact of salinization, alka , acidification of soil

Soil Conservation methods crop rotation, Contour farming, Terracing, cover crops, conservation tillage
and planted windbreaks
Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):
Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in:
(a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action
(b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
(c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
(d) None of the above

Solution:

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?
1. They are generally red in colour.
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Solution (c)

Agriculture:
Focus:

Cropping Pattern: Example: Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Sugarcane, Millets, Coffee, Tea etc.

Where(states) are they are grown?

Climatic conditions suitable for their growth

Classification of crops- Kharif crops, Rabi and Zaid crops with examples.

Irrigation New irrigation methods like Micro-irrigation, Drip-irrigation their usage, advantages and
disadvantages

Farming Shifting cultivation, Terrace cultivation, Crop Rotation, Mixed and Multiple farming where are
these methods practiced; advantages and disadvantages.
Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):

A state in India has the following characteristics:

1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.
2. Its central part produces cotton.
3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics?
(a.) Andhra Pradesh
(b.) Gujarat
(c.) Karnataka
(d.) Tamil Nadu
Solution (b)

With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are

correct?
1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 and 3 only
(c.) 1 and 3 only

(d.) 1, 2 and 3
Solution (c)

Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):

Consider the following crops
1.Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4.Wheat
Which of these are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Solution (c)

Forests (or Natural Vegetation)

Focus:

Tropical Evergreen forests, Deciduous, Hill forests Thorn, Littoral and Swamp forests

Temperature, Rainfall conducive for the growth of these Forests

Regions they occur/grow

Types of trees grown (general awareness)

Economic utilities of these forests

Example: Deciduous Forests found in areas of rainfall 150-200 cm;They are found majorly in Peninsular India; Trees
like teak, sal, sandalwood, rosewood grow here. They are less dense unlike evergreen forests and are a source of
good quality timber.
Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):

Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions
for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production,
and can develop an export oriented industry in this field?
(a.) Andhra Pradesh
(b.) Arunachal Pradesh
(c.) Madhya Pradesh
(d.)Uttar Pradesh
Solution (b)

Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):

Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial
forests?

1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
2. Coexistence of a large number of species
3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3
Solution (d)

Human Geography
Focus

Major Tribal groups and States they belong to; their Skills; Festivals they celebrate.

Demographic dividend
Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):
Consider the following pairs :
Tribe
1. Limboo (Limbu) :

State
Sikkim

2. Karbi :
3. Dongaria :
4. Bonda :

Himachal Pradesh
Odisha
Tamil Nadu

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution (a)

Example (2014 Prelims Questions Paper)

Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during
which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of
the following are such communities/tribes?
A. Bhutia and Lepcha
B.

Gond and Korku

C.

lrula and Toda

D.

Sahariya and Agariya

Solution (b)

Wildlife and Conservation of flora and fauna

This topic overlaps with Environment
Focus

Bird Sanctuaries, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, Wetlands

Be aware of their location, near-by important places on the map

Differences among the three Protected areas- National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves

Endangered Species, Vulnerable and Extinct species

Protected Areas and Important Species found

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):
Two important rivers one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different
name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha merge at a place only a
short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is
an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of
the following could be this?
(a.) Bhitarkanika
(b.) Chandipur-on-sea
(c.) Gopalpur-on-sea
(d.) Simlipal
Solution (a)

Example (2014 Prelims Questions Paper):

Consider the following pairs
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland
Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Solution (c)

Note: For better understanding and easier way to remember refer Page No. 35 India- Forest and Wildlife in the
The Orient BlackSwan School Atlas. The wildlife section is factual and difficult to remember, especially questions
like Which of the following belong to vulnerable category or where is this particular endangered species is found?
Luck too plays its part here. So, some of them skip this section. But you can definitely be smart here, by focusing on
the important Conservation sites and important Species found and the States they are located; the three categories
of Species like Critically- Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY
How to Approach World Geography
The major part of Physical Geography, various concepts and phenomenas related to it come under World
geography. Hence the topics under World Geography might seem to be vast. But covering these topics will not only

help you in strengthening your conceptual understanding of Geography but also in Environment section (which
forms a major part in UPSC prelims examination)
The Earth and the Universe
Focus:

The Solar system; differences between meteors, asteroids, comets and region where they are found

Motion of the Earth Rotation and Revolution its impact on Day and Night;

Inclination of the Earths Axis its effect on seasons

Latitude and Longitude

Important Parallels and Meridians the countries they pass through

General understanding of Solar Eclipse, Lunar Eclipse and Tides and their significance

Earths crust

The Structure of the Earth

Classification of Rocks Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic with examples.

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):
What is die difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together
by rocky and metallic material.
2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found
mostly between Venus and Mercury.
3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 and 2 only
(b.) 1 and 3 only
(c.) 3 only
(d.) 1, 2 and 3
Solution (b)

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):

Consider the following factors:
1. Rotation of the Earth
2. Air pressure and wind
3. Density of ocean water
4. Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 4

(d) 2, 3 and 4
Solution (b)

Landforms:
Focus

A general idea about Continental Drift Theory, Plate Tectonics Theory, Sea Floor Spreading

Geomorphic process

Exogenic and Endogenic process, geomorphic agents its impact.

Volcanoes why and how are they formed?

Weathering and its significance

Mass Movements creep, avalanche, landslides

Erosion and Deposits.

Basic ideas on other landforms like deltas, valleys, meanders, alluvial fans, caves, glaciers, cliffs, terraces,
dunes

Earths movements like folding, faulting, warping and its impact on Landforms

Earthquakes their origin, why and how are they formed, Earthquake Waves like P waves, S Waves, L
Waves

Geographical features Atlas mountains, Highlands and the regions they are found in; Desert regions
across the world

Note: You can expect match the following questions from World Geographic features/landforms
Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Geographical Feature
(a) Abyssinian Plateau :

Region
Arabia

(b) AtlasMountains :

North-Western Africa

(c) Guiana Highlands :

South-Western Africa

(d) OkavangoBasin :

Patagonia

Solution (b)

Example (2014 Prelims Questions Paper):

Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of
organisms?
1.

Continental drift

2.

Glacial cycles

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2.

Solution (c)

Atmosphere: (An important topic from Prelims point of view)

Focus:

Composition and Structure of Atmosphere various layers of atmosphere significance of each layer

Important gases in the atmosphere, its significance and role in protecting human life

Example: ozone in the stratosphere prevents harmful ultra-violet radiations from reaching the earth and
thereby protecting the humans from skin cancer etc.

Heating and Cooling of Atmosphere; Factors controlling temperature distribution

Heat Budget (Incoming and outgoing radiation)

Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming- Ozone layer, Ozone hole.

Temperature Zones on the globe- Tropical, Temperate, Frigid ; characteristics of these zones

Global Pressure Belts- Low Pressure, High Pressure, Doldrums, Horse Latitudes

Concepts like Temperature Inversion, Albedo.

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):

A layer in the Earths atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio

communication. Why?
1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution (d)

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):

Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earths
surface, because
1. the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earths surface
2. there is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3. the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution (a)

Wind System
Focus:

Factors affecting the velocity and direction of the Wind. Example: How does Coriollis force affects the
direction of wind?

Planetary Winds, shifting of Planetary wind belts and their climatic influences in the Northern and Southern
Hemisphere, Inter-tropical and Convergence Zone.

Seasonal and local Winds Monsoons, Land and Sea breezes, Anabatic and Katabatic winds, Blizzards,
Chinook

Mountain and Valley winds

Fronts Warm and Cold front

Upper Air circulation- Jet streams, Westerlies

Phenomenas like cyclones, anti-cyclones, thunderstorms, tornadoes.

Cyclones Tropical and Temperate (More Emphasis should be given)

How are they developed or where do they originate?

Characteristics of these cyclones

Difference between the two

Its impact on the region

Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):
The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern.
What could be the reason for the formation of this hole? (2011)
(a.) Presence of prominent tropo-spheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(b.) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of

chlorofluorocarbons
(c.) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and
chlorofluorocarbons
(d.) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming
Solution (b)

Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):

During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the: (2013)
1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
3. violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(C) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces the thunder
Solution (d)

Clouds and Precipitation

Focus:

Classification of Clouds

Condensations and its forms- Dew, Frost, Fog, Smog, Mist and Haze; How are they different from each
other?

Precipitation

Forms of Precipitation Rainfall, Sleet, Snowfall, Hail

Mechanism of Condensation and Precipitation adiabatic cooling

Types of Precipitation Convectional, Orographic, Cyclonic, Frontal precipitation

Hydrosphere:
Focus:

A general idea about configuration of Ocean Floor Continental Shelf, Slope, Rise, Abyssal Plan, Trenches.
Straits and Isthmuses- differences between them; Locate the famous Straits and Isthmuses on Atlas.
Example: Strait of Gibraltar, Isthmus of Panama.

Fresh water found on the Earths surface. Ice caps, Glaciers and ground Water, Lakes, atmosphere

Ocean Currents (More Emphasis should be given)

Factors influencing the Movement of the Ocean Currents- Planetary Winds, Temperatures, Salinity, Earths
Rotation, Land mass

Types- Warm and Cold Currents

What are Warm and Cold Currents, why are they called so?

Characteristics of the Currents

Identify the Warm and Cold Currents and their direction of flow in Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
Example: Peru Cold current, in the Southern Hemisphere flows in the Anti-Clockwise direction

How do these currents influence the climate and vegetation across the world?

Benefits of these currents, Example: Confluence of Warm and Cold currents is region rich in fisheries.
Disadvantages Example: They make navigation difficult for the sailors
Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):

On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of
the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion
(a) is found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
(b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
(c) exists as groundwater
(d) exists as soil moisture
Solution (c)

The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where:
(2013)
(a) warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
(b) rivers drain out large amounts of fresh water into the sea
(c) warm and cold oceanic currents meet
(d) continental shelf is undulating
Solution (c)

Different Climatic types

Focus:

Have a basic idea about major Climatic Types Tropical, Desert, Mediterranean, Taiga, Arctic (or Polar type)

Distribution or regions found (a general awareness)

Climate temperature, rainfall (not exact numbers, just the range is enough)

Natural Vegetation, Forests:

Tropical (Forests, Grasslands, Deserts)

Mediterranean

Temperate ( Forests, Grasslands, Deserts)

Polar Tundra

Importance of the region and other activities carried out

Example: The Arctic or Polar Climate- they are found mainly in the north of the Arctic circle in the Northern
Hemisphere. Temperature- ranges from 10 C to -37 C, Winters are long and very severe whereas summers are
cool and brief. Precipitation is in the form of snow. Tundra Vegetation. It has gained importance due to discovery
of minerals.

How do all these phenomenon influence Indian climate and vegetation

For better understanding refer these pages in the The Orient BlackSwan School Atlas

Atlas: Page No. 84 Natural Vegetation and Page No. 85 Climatic Regions
Note: These pointers might be boring or difficult to remember. But using an Atlas, while studying these aspects of
Geography, will make your preparation process enjoyable. You dont believe us. Then, pick up an Atlas and
experience it yourself J
Note: Though Topics like Ecosystems, Biomes, Biogeochemical cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen), Biodiversity and
Conservation come under Geography they are covered under Environment Section
Example (2011 Prelims Questions Paper):
What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian
desert belt?
1. It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells.
2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?
(a.) 1 only
(b.) 2 only
(c.) Both 1 and 2
(d.) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution (a)

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):

Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah
Region? (2012)
(a) Rainfall throughout the year
(b) Rainfall in winter only
(c) An extremely short dry season
(d) A definite dry and wet season
Solution (d)

Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):

Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic
herders. The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

(a) African Savannah

(b) Central Asian Steppe
(c) North American Prairie
(d) Siberian Tundra
Solution (b)

Last but not the Least Map-based questions have been frequently asked in UPSC prelims
Check out a few of them (from 2014 Question paper alone, 6 Questions had come). That is why, in the beginning
itself, we had advised you to always keep an Atlas by your side while preparing for Geography
Though UPSC keeps changing its pattern of questions every year, atleast one can accept minimum 2 questions from
Maps alone.
So, the next question would be- how to study/read Maps?
Studying maps alone is not advised and it is impossibleJ . While studying Geography or when you are reading Daily
Newspaper, supplement it with an Atlas. When you read about a place that is in news, look out for it in the Atlas;
and also be aware of the nearby places.
Map-based Questions
Few Examples from 2014 Prelims Questions Paper
Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the Ten
Degree Channel?
A.

Andaman and Nicobar

B.

Nicobar and Sumatra

C.

Maldives and Lakshadweep

D.

Sumatra and Java

Solution (a)

Turkey is located between

A.

Black Sea and Caspian Sea

B.

Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

C.

Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea

D.

Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

Solution (b)

What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East

Asia as one proceeds from south to north?
1.Bangkok
2.Hanoi
3.Jakarta
4.Singapore
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A.

4-2-1-3

B.

3-2-4-1

C.

3-4-1-2

D.

4-3-2-1

Solution (c)

Consider the following pairs

Region often in news
1. Chechnya
2. Darfur
3. Swat Valley

Country
Russian Federation
Mali
Iraq

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Solution (a)

Consider the following rivers:

1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows / flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Solution (b)
Consider these pairs
1. Cardamom Hills

Coromandel Coast

2. Kaimur Hills

Konkan Coast

3. Mahadeo Hills

Central India

4. Mikir Hills

North-East India

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 3 and 4
D. 2 and 4
Solution (c)