Q251. Which of the following statements correctly differentiates Gondwana coal from Tertiary coal in India?
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 251–260 of 462 questions
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Q252. Identify the odd one out from the following coalfields based on their geological formation period.
Explanation
Jharia, Raniganj, and Singrauli are major coalfields belonging to the Gondwana geological period, which accounts for the bulk of India’s coal production. Makum, located in Assam, is a Tertiary coalfield. Tertiary coal is geologically much younger and generally contains more moisture and sulphur compared to the older Gondwana coal. This distinction is based on the different eras of carboniferous deposition in India.
Q253. Arrange the following stages of coal formation in the correct geological sequence from the earliest (least metamorphosed) to the most advanced (highest carbon content):
I. Bituminous
II. Peat
III. Anthracite
IV. Lignite
Select the correct order using the options below:
I. Bituminous
II. Peat
III. Anthracite
IV. Lignite
Select the correct order using the options below:
Explanation
Coal formation begins with peat, which is the earliest stage with low carbon content and high moisture. Over geological time and under pressure, it transforms into lignite, often called brown coal. Further compression results in bituminous coal, the most common industrial variety. The final and most advanced stage is anthracite, which has the highest carbon content and the least impurities.
Q254. Consider the following statements about Gypsum:
I. It is a hydrated sulphate of calcium.
II. It is widely used in the cement industry to regulate the setting time of cement.
III. Heating gypsum to a high temperature converts it directly into limestone.
IV. Plaster of Paris is manufactured from gypsum.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. It is a hydrated sulphate of calcium.
II. It is widely used in the cement industry to regulate the setting time of cement.
III. Heating gypsum to a high temperature converts it directly into limestone.
IV. Plaster of Paris is manufactured from gypsum.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Gypsum is a hydrated calcium sulphate used extensively in the cement industry to control setting time and in making Plaster of Paris. While heating it produces Plaster of Paris, it does not convert into limestone, which is calcium carbonate. These are chemically distinct minerals with different industrial applications. Gypsum is also valued for soil reclamation in agriculture due to its chemical properties.
Q255. Which of the following characteristics is an exception and is NOT generally associated with Gondwana coal fields?
Explanation
Gondwana coal fields are found in the Peninsular region, specifically within the river valleys of the Damodar, Mahanadi, Godavari, and Wardha. They contain high-quality bituminous coal and represent the vast majority of India’s coal reserves. They are not associated with Tertiary formations or the Himalayas; Tertiary coal is much younger and occurs in states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Tamil Nadu.
Q256. The Jhamarkotra mines, playing a pivotal role in reducing India’s import dependency for fertilizer raw materials, yield which of the following?
Explanation
The Jhamarkotra mines in Rajasthan are critical for India’s agricultural sector as they are the primary source of rock phosphate. This mineral is the essential raw material required to manufacture phosphatic fertilizers. By producing significant quantities of rock phosphate domestically, these mines help reduce the country’s dependence on expensive imports, supporting food security and the domestic fertilizer manufacturing industry.
Q257. Which of the following is recognized as the oldest coalfield in India, having commenced commercial extraction in the 18th century?
Explanation
Raniganj is recognized as the oldest coalfield in India, with commercial mining operations beginning as early as 1774 during the British colonial period. Located primarily in West Bengal, it played a foundational role in the industrialization of the region. It belongs to the Gondwana rock system and remains an important source of coal, although other fields like Jharia currently lead in production.
Q258. Which of the following statements correctly highlights the significance of the KG Basin (Krishna-Godavari Basin)?
Explanation
The Krishna-Godavari Basin on India’s east coast is significant for large natural gas discoveries.
Q259. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes:
| Natural Gas/Oil Field | Basin/Region |
|---|---|
| A. Mangala | i. Assam |
| B. Ravva | ii. Barmer Basin |
| C. Naharkatiya | iii. Cambay Basin |
| D. Hazira | iv. Krishna-Godavari Basin |
Explanation
Mangala is in the Barmer Basin, Ravva in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, Naharkatiya in Assam and Hazira in the Cambay Basin. This gives A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii.
Q260. Consider the following statements about natural gas and oil fields in Rajasthan:
I. The Barmer-Sanchor basin has emerged as a significant onshore oil and gas producing region.
II. Mangala, Bhagyam, and Aishwarya are major oil fields in this region.
III. Jaisalmer basin contains promising reserves of natural gas.
IV. The oil extracted from Rajasthan is entirely offshore.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. The Barmer-Sanchor basin has emerged as a significant onshore oil and gas producing region.
II. Mangala, Bhagyam, and Aishwarya are major oil fields in this region.
III. Jaisalmer basin contains promising reserves of natural gas.
IV. The oil extracted from Rajasthan is entirely offshore.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Barmer-Sanchor basin is a major onshore oil and gas region, with Mangala, Bhagyam and Aishwarya fields, and the Jaisalmer basin has promising gas reserves. The oil is onshore, not offshore, so IV is wrong.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 251 | (c) Gondwana coal is older metallurgical grade; Tertiary is younger lignite. |
| 252 | (d) Makum |
| 253 | (a) II, IV, I, III |
| 254 | (b) III only |
| 255 | (b) They are primarily associated with the Tertiary rock formations of the Himalayas. |
| 256 | (a) Rock Phosphate |
| 257 | (c) Raniganj |
| 258 | (c) Large natural gas discoveries on India’s eastern coast. |
| 259 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 260 | (c) I, II and III only |
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.