Q111. Select the correct chronological sequence of seasons in India as per meteorological divisions:
Indian Geography: RAS Prelims MCQs
462 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on Indian geography are on this page, in 9 chapters. They cover the physiographic divisions, rivers and lakes, climate, irrigation, agriculture, minerals, industrial regions, the iron and steel, textile and sugar industries, and petrochemical, IT and emerging industries. Each question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 111–120 of 462 questions
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Q112. The frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones on the eastern coast of India are highest during which of the following periods?
Explanation
The frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are highest during the retreating monsoon period, specifically October and November. During this time, the low-pressure center shifts from the land to the sea.
Q113. Which specific atmospheric feature steers the Western Disturbances into the Indian subcontinent during the winter season?
Explanation
The Western Disturbances are brought into the Indian subcontinent by the Westerly Jet Stream. This high-altitude wind system flows from west to east across the subtropical regions. During winter, the jet stream shifts southward, positioning itself over the northern part of India. It acts as a conduit, steering Mediterranean cyclonic storms toward the northwestern plains of the country.
Q114. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
I. It involves an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures in the western and eastern Indian Ocean.
II. A positive IOD is generally beneficial for the Indian monsoon.
III. A negative IOD brings heavier than normal rainfall to the Indian subcontinent.
IV. The IOD can sometimes offset the negative impacts of El Niño on the Indian monsoon.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It involves an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures in the western and eastern Indian Ocean.
II. A positive IOD is generally beneficial for the Indian monsoon.
III. A negative IOD brings heavier than normal rainfall to the Indian subcontinent.
IV. The IOD can sometimes offset the negative impacts of El Niño on the Indian monsoon.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Indian Ocean Dipole involves temperature oscillations between the western and eastern Indian Ocean. A positive IOD usually enhances the monsoon, while a negative IOD can weaken it. Importantly, a positive IOD can sometimes mitigate the rainfall deficit caused by El Niño. Therefore, the statement that a negative IOD brings heavier than normal rainfall to India is generally incorrect.
Q115. What is the main cause for the shifting of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) northwards over the Ganga plains in summer?
Explanation
The ITCZ shifts northward over the Ganga plains during the summer due to the apparent northward movement of the sun towards the Tropic of Cancer. This movement leads to intense heating of the northern landmass, creating a low-pressure zone. This shift is a fundamental part of the monsoon mechanism, as it draws moisture-laden winds from the southern hemisphere across the equator.
Q116. Read the following statements about extreme rainfall regions in India and select the correct option.
Statement I: Mawsynram is currently recognized as the wettest place on Earth, receiving exceptionally high annual rainfall.
Statement II: Mawsynram is located on the leeward side of the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills.
Statement I: Mawsynram is currently recognized as the wettest place on Earth, receiving exceptionally high annual rainfall.
Statement II: Mawsynram is located on the leeward side of the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills.
Explanation
Mawsynram is indeed the wettest place on Earth, receiving record-breaking annual rainfall. However, its high precipitation is because it is located on the windward side of the Khasi Hills, not the leeward side. On the windward side, moisture-laden winds are forced to rise and condense, whereas the leeward side is the rain shadow area that receives significantly less rainfall.
Q117. The tropical cyclones that hit the eastern coast of India during the retreating monsoon originate primarily in which associated water body?
Explanation
The tropical cyclones that strike the eastern coast of India during the retreating monsoon season (October-November) primarily originate in the Andaman Sea and the adjacent Bay of Bengal. These low-pressure systems move westwards or north-westwards, intensifying over the warm waters before making landfall. They are a major source of late-season rainfall and occasional coastal destruction in eastern India.
Q118. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| City | Prominent Climatic Characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. Jodhpur | i. Cold desert climate |
| B. Thiruvananthapuram | ii. Arid / Semi-arid climate |
| C. Delhi | iii. Extreme continental climate |
| D. Leh | iv. Equable maritime climate |
Explanation
Jodhpur features an arid or semi-arid climate typical of the Thar desert region. Thiruvananthapuram has an equable maritime climate due to its coastal location. Delhi experiences an extreme continental climate with very hot summers and cold winters. Leh, situated in the high-altitude rain shadow of the Himalayas, possesses a cold desert climate with very low annual precipitation.
Q119. Identify the odd one out among the following regarding the characteristics of the Cold Weather Season in India.
Explanation
The cold weather season in India is generally characterized by high pressure over the northern plains, offshore winds blowing from land to sea, and pleasant weather with clear skies. While some regions like the northwest receive rain from Western Disturbances and the southeast from the Northeast monsoon, heavy rainfall is not a general characteristic across the central Indian plateau during winter.
Q120. During the hot weather season, the temperature in the peninsular plateau of India remains relatively lower compared to the northern plains. What is the primary cause for this phenomenon?
Explanation
During the hot weather season, the northern plains of India experience extreme heat because of their continental location. In contrast, the peninsular plateau remains relatively cooler. This is due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. These large water bodies exert a moderating maritime influence, preventing temperatures from reaching the extremes seen in the landlocked north.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 111 | (b) Cold weather season, Hot weather season, Southwest monsoon, Retreating monsoon |
| 112 | (a) October to November |
| 113 | (c) Westerly Jet Stream |
| 114 | (a) I, II and IV only |
| 115 | (d) Northward movement of the sun towards the Cancer tropic |
| 116 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 117 | (c) Andaman Sea |
| 118 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i |
| 119 | (d) Heavy rainfall across the central Indian plateau |
| 120 | (a) The moderating influence of the surrounding oceans |
Key facts from Indian Geography
- The RPSC syllabus lists Indian physiography, climate, rivers and lakes, irrigation, important crops, metallic and non-metallic minerals, and industrial regions and industries.
- Physiography and rivers are asked through locations: the highest peak of a range, the origin of a river, a lake and its state.
- Minerals and industries questions link a mineral or plant to its State, for example Khetri copper in Jhunjhunu or Bhilai steel in Chhattisgarh.
- Agriculture and irrigation questions test crops, their leading States and the major projects and disputes.
- The questions often include Rajasthan items, such as the Luni, Zawar and the Indira Gandhi Canal.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Indian Geography?
This page has 462 practice MCQs on Indian Geography. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Indian geography set cover?
Nine chapters: physiographic divisions of India, major rivers and lakes, climate, irrigation, agriculture (food, commercial and plantation crops), minerals (metallic and non-metallic), major industrial regions, iron and steel, textile and sugar industries, and petrochemical, IT and emerging industries.
Is Indian geography in the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. RPSC lists the physiographic divisions, climate, rivers and lakes, irrigation, agriculture, minerals and industries of India in the Geography of World and India section of the syllabus.
How should I prepare Indian geography for RAS Prelims?
Keep a map of India and mark every place that comes up: peaks, rivers, lakes, mines and plants. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and revise State-wise lists of crops, minerals and industries.