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UPSC CSE Prelims 2019 — Geography Questions with Answers

All 7 Geography previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2019, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Crop Origins

   Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the 'New World' and introduced into the 'Old World'?

   • a)The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
   • b)The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
   • c)It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
   • d)Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

   Explanation: Tobacco, cocoa and rubber are all New World crops that were later introduced to the Old World, making this the correct grouping.

2. Q2.Indian Geography

   Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?

   • a)Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
   • b)Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
   • c)Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
   • d)Tansen invented many Ragas.

   Explanation: Hyderabad lies almost on the same longitude as Delhi, making it the closest among the options.

3. Q3.Physical Geography

   On June 21 every year, which of the following latitudes experience(s) nearly twelve hours of daylight?

   • a)Manas National Park
   • b)Namdapha National Park
   • c)Neora Valley National Park
   • d)Valley of Flowers National Park

   Explanation: At the equator day and night are nearly equal (about twelve hours each) throughout the year, including on June 21.

4. Q4.Agriculture

   The lower Gangetic plain is characterized by humid climate with high temperature throughout the year. Which one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for this region?

   • a)1, 2 and 3
   • b)2, 3 and 4
   • c)1, 2 and 4
   • d)1, 3 and 4

   Explanation: The hot, humid lower Gangetic plain is best suited to paddy and jute, both needing high temperature and ample moisture.

5. Q5.Rivers

   With reference to river Indus, consider the following statements:

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: The Indus rises in Tibet and flows through the Ladakh region of India, so both statements are correct (key answer A maps to the intended option).

6. Q6.Hydrology

   On the planet Earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion?

   • a)1 and 2 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: After ice caps and glaciers, the largest share of the remaining freshwater on Earth exists as groundwater.

7. Q7.Earth Science

   Consider the following statements about the Earth's magnetic field and early atmosphere:

   • a)The proportion of literates in the population
   • b)The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines
   • c)The size of population in the working age group
   • d)The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

   Explanation: Earth's magnetic field has reversed over geological time and early organisms modified the atmosphere, but the early atmosphere had no free oxygen, so only statements 1 and 3 are correct (key answer D maps to the intended option).