UPSC Prelims 2026
Indian Geography Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 5 solved UPSC Prelims 2026 Indian Geography questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Consider the following assertion :
In the Pleistocene period either the Yamuna once flowed into the Indus, or the Sutlej flowed into the Yamuna and one major tributary of either had shifted from the Ganga to the Indus or vice versa.
Which of the following is/are the basis of the above assertion ?
- The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda
- The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote
- The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems
Select the answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
🧠 Concept First — What is Being Asked?
This question tests understanding of Pleistocene river piracy and drainage evolution in the Indian subcontinent — specifically the ancient connection between the Indus and Ganga river systems.
🌊 The Core Geological Idea
During the Pleistocene epoch, a single massive river called the Indo-Brahma (Shiwalik River) is believed to have connected modern Indus and Ganga basins. Later, tectonic uplift (Delhi Ridge) caused river avulsion — Yamuna shifted east to Ganga, Sutlej shifted west to Indus.
📋 Statement-wise Analysis
Statement 1 — Incorrect. The Nadi-Sukta (Rigveda 10.75) lists rivers east to west (Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Sutlej). It reflects Holocene human geography — NOT Pleistocene geological shifts which occurred millions of years before the Vedic period.
Statement 2 — Incorrect. Robert Bruce Foote = "Father of Indian Prehistory" — famous for discovering India's first Paleolithic handaxe at Pallavaram, Tamil Nadu (1863). His work focused on Stone Age archaeology in South India and Gujarat — NOT geological mapping of Sutlej-Yamuna shifts.
Statement 3 — Correct. The presence of closely related blind river dolphins in two completely separated basins:
- Platanista gangetica minor → Indus
- Platanista gangetica gangetica → Ganga
Same species in separated basins = biological proof of ancient river connection = primary basis of the assertion.
Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information:
- It has an antecedent drainage system.
- It flows through three countries.
- It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
- It does not form distributaries.
Select the answer from the following:
Detailed Explanation:
Explanation:
The Sutlej River satisfies all the given conditions. It is an antecedent river, originating near Rakshastal in the Tibetan Plateau and flowing through China, India, and Pakistan.
It is an important source of irrigation in northwestern India and, unlike the Indus and Brahmaputra, does not form distributaries. Instead, it joins the Chenab before ultimately merging with the Indus system.
Therefore, Option C (Sutlej) is correct.
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An antecedent river is a river that existed before the formation of a mountain range and maintained its original course by cutting through the rising terrain. The Indus, Sutlej, and Brahmaputra are classic examples of antecedent rivers in the Himalayas. |
Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are not correct?
- Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States.
- Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States.
- Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Uttar Pradesh shares borders with the highest number of Indian jurisdictions (8 States and 1 Union Territory).
Statement 2 is incorrect. West Bengal has the longest international border among Indian States (with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan), not Rajasthan.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Sikkim is not the only State sharing a boundary with just one other State; Meghalaya also shares its border only with Assam.
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Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India ?
- Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity
- Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills
- Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers
Select the answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The western part of the Peninsular Block experienced tectonic subsidence, causing parts of the western coast to sink below sea level.
Statement 2 is correct. The Peninsular Block contains old residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda Hills and Mahendragiri Hills, which are remnants of ancient mountains.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Peninsular rivers are mature rivers with broad and shallow valleys. Deep V-shaped valleys are mainly associated with the youthful Himalayan river system.
Peninsular Block of India
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It is the oldest and most stable geological region of India, made up of hard crystalline rocks.
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The region is characterized by residual hills, plateaus, mature river systems, and low tectonic activity compared to the Himalayas.
With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct ?
- The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.
- It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.
- Maximum precipitation is between December and May.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Detailed Explanation:
Explanation
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Statement 1 is Correct: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a humid tropical coastal climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.
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Statement 2 is Correct: The islands receive rainfall from both the South-West Monsoon and the North-East Monsoon, resulting in abundant annual rainfall.
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Statement 3 is Incorrect: The maximum rainfall occurs between May and September during the South-West Monsoon. The period from December to May is comparatively drier and is the peak tourist season.
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Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct, making Option B the correct answer.
Climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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The islands experience an equatorial maritime influence, leading to small annual temperature variation and high humidity.
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Rainfall is received from both monsoon systems, unlike most parts of mainland India.
UPSC Prelims 2026 - Indian Geography Chapter-wise Distribution
Physical Geography of India
4 Qs (80%)Climate of India
1 Qs (20%)UPSC Prelims 2026 - Indian Geography Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Indian Geography questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2026?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Indian Geography in UPSC Prelims 2026?
- Physical Geography of India: 4 questions (80%)
- Climate of India: 1 questions (20%)