Human and Economic Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)
3 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Human and Economic Geography (Geography). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2020Geography · Human and Economic Geography
Q1. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: 1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crops. 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. 3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: In India, the important pulse crops grown in winter (rabi) are chickpea, lentil, lathyrus, field pea and kidney bean. However, green gram, black gram and cowpea are grown in both spring and rainy season. Black gram (Urad dal) can be cultivated in both kharif (monsoon) and rabi (winter) seasons in India, making it a versatile crop in the country’s agricultural cycle.
Statement 2 is incorrect: According to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), the share of pulse production in 2018-19 was as follows: Tur (15.34%), Gram (43.29%), Moong (Green gram, 10.04%), Urad (Black gram, 13.93%), Lentil (6.67%), and other pulses (10%). Green gram alone does not account for nearly half of India’s total pulse production.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Over the past three decades, both kharif pulses and rabi pulses have experienced increased production due to improved agricultural practices, increased area under cultivation, and better support for pulse farming.
UPSC 2020Geography · Human and Economic Geography
Q2. "The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop." Which one of the following is that crop?
Explanation
Option (a) is correct: Cotton is India’s most important fiber crop, accounting for about 25% of the world’s cotton production. Cotton growing condition requirements:
Temperature and climate: Cotton flourishes in a subtropical climate with optimal temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C. Rainfall: Cotton needs 50 to 100 cm of rainfall during its growing period, but excessive or waterlogged conditions can negatively affect its growth. Soil Type: Cotton grows best in light, well-drained, moisture-retaining soils, especially the black cotton soil of the Deccan Plateau, which has high moisture-retention capacity. Frost-Free Days: Requires at least 210 frost-free days and bright sunshine to complete its life cycle. Growing Season: It is a kharif crop and typically takes 6 to 8 months to mature Top Cotton Producing States: Gujarat > Maharashtra > Telangana > Andhra Pradesh > Rajasthan. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:
Jute: Requires high rainfall (150-200 cm) and humid weather, not subtropical conditions. Sugarcane: Requires higher rainfall (75-200 cm) and thrives mainly in tropical regions. Tea: Requires cool, humid conditions, heavy rainfall (150-300 cm), and acidic soils, unlike the drier conditions needed for cotton.
UPSC 2020Geography · Human and Economic Geography
Q3. Consider the following minerals: 1. Bentonite 2. Chromite 3. Kyanite 4. Sillimanite In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
Explanation
In India, minerals are classified as major minerals and minor minerals under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Major minerals are those specified in the First Schedule of the Act and are under the regulatory control of the central government. Minor minerals are defined under Section 3(e) of the Act and are regulated by state governments.
Option (d) is correct: The following are Major minerals:
Chromite is an oxide mineral of chromium and iron and is the primary source for chromium. It is extensively used in metallurgy, refractory materials, and chemicals. Kyanite is a typically blue silicate mineral used in refractory and ceramic products. Sillimanite is an alumino-silicate mineral used in high-temperature ceramics and refractories. Bentonite is a type of clay formed from volcanic ash and is primarily used in drilling mud, binder, purifier, and absorbent applications. In India, bentonite is officially classified as a minor mineral.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2020
(a) 1 only
2
2020
(a) Cotton
3
2020
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Human and Economic Geography?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Human and Economic Geography (Geography), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Human and Economic Geography?
Questions on Human and Economic Geography (Geography) are available for 27 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
