Part of the General Studies-I question bank for OPSC (OAS) Mains.
A comprehensive, topic-wise practice set of 34 questions on Physiography & Climate of India for OPSC (OAS) Mains General Studies-I. 17 of them have been set in an actual paper — the years and exams are printed against each (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2006). The rest are practice questions on the same syllabus points.
Previous year questions
| No. | Question | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important." Examine this statement critically. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2026 10 marks |
| 2 | Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2026 10 marks |
| 3 | What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2025 10 marks |
| 4 | Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2024 10 marks |
| 5 | Why is the South-West monsoon called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? | UPSC Mains GS-I 2024 10 marks |
| 6 | Divide India into major physiographic divisions and describe the region in which the land of Odisha State is included. | OPSC OAS Mains 2023 20 marks |
| 7 | Chennai and Mangalore approximately lie on the same latitude, yet both places receive different amount of rainfall in different months. Why? How do you foresee the role of Arctic Sea in India's monsoon system? Discuss. | OPSC OAS Mains 2023 15 marks |
| 8 | Discuss the natural resource potentials of 'Deccan trap'. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2023 10 marks |
| 9 | Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2022 10 marks |
| 10 | Explain the role of monsoon on the agriculture of India. | OPSC OAS Mains 2019 10 marks |
| 11 | Coastal plains in eastern Odisha. | OPSC OAS Mains 2016 GS Paper-I Q.6(b) · 4 marks |
| 12 | Explain the main characteristics of Indian climate and discuss the spatial distribution of rainfall in the country with special reference to its relief and location. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 10 marks |
| 13 | Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 10 marks |
| 14 | The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance. Why? | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 GS Paper-I Q.5(c)(i) · 10 marks with (ii) |
| 15 | Physiographic characteristics of Odisha. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 GS Paper-I Q.6(a) · 5 marks |
| 16 | Physiographic characteristics of coastal plains. | OPSC OAS Mains 2006 GS Paper-I Q.6(e) · 5 marks |
| 17 | Write a brief note on: Majuli. | OPSC OAS Mains 2006 GS Paper-I Q.14(a) · 4 marks |
Practice questions
| No. | Question | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Illustrate the distinctions that characterize rivers in northern and southern regions of India. | — |
| 19 | What geological processes led to the formation of the Deccan Traps, and how do they offer insights into Earth's history? | — |
| 20 | Discuss the natural resource potential of the Deccan Trap. | — |
| 21 | Investigate the factors that contribute to India's susceptibility to earthquakes. Additionally, shed light on the complexities associated with the country's earthquake management efforts. | — |
| 22 | Elucidate the reciprocity of tectonics and climate change as the primary drivers of landform evolution in the Himalayas. Also enumerate its implications for sustainable development and disaster risk reduction. | — |
| 23 | Highlight the significance of the Himalayas for realizing the sustainable development goals (SDGs 2030). Discuss their natural resource potentials and the challenges in harnessing them. | — |
| 24 | Explain the mechanism behind the onset of the Indian monsoon. Additionally, explain the effect of ENSO on the Indian monsoon. | — |
| 25 | Critically assess the relationship between El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and the Indian monsoon. | — |
| 26 | In recent years, India has witnessed an increase in extreme weather events. Assess the factors contributing to this trend. | — |
| 27 | Discuss the characteristics and meteorological significance of western disturbances in the Indian Subcontinent? | — |
| 28 | Describe the origin of Nor' Westers in Eastern India. | — |
| 29 | How is volcanic eruptions in India explained by tectonic theory? | — |
| 30 | Explain the main characteristics of Indian climate and discuss the spatial distribution of rainfall in the country with special reference to its relief and location. | — |
| 31 | Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau. | — |
| 32 | What steps have been taken to protect the flora and fauna of the country? | — |
| 33 | Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. | — |
| 34 | Discuss the natural resource potentials of 'Deccan trap'. | — |