Q51. Which of the following geomorphic features is NOT typically associated with the flat, low-gradient terrain of the mature floodplains found in the Northern Plains?
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 51–60 of 462 questions
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Q52. In the specific context of the soil composition in the Northern Plains, the term ‘Kankar’ strictly refers to:
Explanation
In the context of the Northern Plains, the term ‘Kankar’ refers to hard, nodular deposits of calcium carbonate. These are predominantly found in the Bhangar soil, which is the older alluvium situated above the active floodplains.
Q53. Which of the following statements correctly and fundamentally differentiates the major Peninsular rivers from the Himalayan rivers?
Explanation
Peninsular rivers are much older than Himalayan rivers and have reached a mature stage of development. Consequently, they flow through broad and shallow valleys with graded profiles, indicating that they have nearly reached their base level of erosion. In contrast, Himalayan rivers are youthful and active, cutting deep V-shaped valleys and gorges as they flow through the high, rising mountains of the north.
Q54. Match List-I with List-II:
| Specific Island/Feature | Key Characteristic/Location |
|---|---|
| A. Pitti Island | i. Highest point in Andaman and Nicobar |
| B. Saddle Peak | ii. Southernmost tip of India |
| C. Minicoy | iii. Uninhabited bird sanctuary in Lakshadweep |
| D. Indira Point | iv. Largest island in Lakshadweep |
Explanation
Pitti Island is an uninhabited bird sanctuary in Lakshadweep, while Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Minicoy is the largest island within the Lakshadweep group. Indira Point, located on Great Nicobar Island, represents the southernmost tip of Indian territory. These locations are key geographical landmarks within India’s oceanic territories in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Q55. Consider the following statements regarding the overarching geographical significance of India’s physical divisions:
I. The lofty Himalayas actively intercept and regulate the monsoon climate of India.
II. The incredibly fertile Northern Plains effectively act as the essential granary of the country.
III. The ancient Peninsular Plateau firmly provides a solid base for metallurgical industries due to its immense mineral wealth.
IV. The steep slopes of the Western Ghats optimally generate substantial hydroelectric power due to their sheer gradients.
V. The extensive coastal areas consistently offer highly favorable natural conditions for the development of ports and maritime trade.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The lofty Himalayas actively intercept and regulate the monsoon climate of India.
II. The incredibly fertile Northern Plains effectively act as the essential granary of the country.
III. The ancient Peninsular Plateau firmly provides a solid base for metallurgical industries due to its immense mineral wealth.
IV. The steep slopes of the Western Ghats optimally generate substantial hydroelectric power due to their sheer gradients.
V. The extensive coastal areas consistently offer highly favorable natural conditions for the development of ports and maritime trade.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
India’s physical divisions provide diverse economic benefits. The Himalayas regulate climate and provide water, while Northern Plains serve as the country’s granary. The Peninsular Plateau is rich in minerals, and the Western Ghats offer high potential for hydroelectric power. Additionally, the extensive coastline facilitates international maritime trade through numerous ports. Together, these divisions form a highly balanced and resource-rich environment.
Q56. A major, highly engineered railway line runs parallel to the western coast of India. The engineers constructing tunnels and bridges through this challenging region had to heavily cut across highly resistant, steep-sided mountainous escarpments. Which exact physiographic feature were they continuously traversing?
Explanation
The Konkan Railway is a major engineering marvel that runs parallel to the western coast of India. To build this line, engineers had to navigate the extremely challenging terrain of the Western Ghats. This involved constructing numerous tunnels and bridges through the steep-sided, rugged mountain escarpments. The range acts as a formidable barrier between the narrow coastal strip and the elevated interior of the plateau.
Q57. The Coromandel Coast famously receives a highly significant, life-sustaining portion of its annual rainfall during the winter season. What is the primary geomorphological and climatic reason for this specific phenomenon?
Explanation
The Coromandel Coast receives significant rainfall during the winter due to the retreating northeast monsoon. As these winds blow from the land toward the sea, they pass over the Bay of Bengal, where they pick up moisture. When they strike the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, they cause heavy precipitation. This unique seasonal pattern distinguishes the east coast from the rest of India.
Q58. Moving longitudinally from west to east, the mighty Himalayas have been traditionally divided on the basis of prominent river valleys. Which of the following regional divisions is incorrectly matched with its bounding rivers?
Explanation
The regional division of the Himalayas is based on river valleys. The Punjab Himalayas lie between the Indus and Sutlej, and the Kumaon between the Sutlej and Kali. However, the Assam Himalayas are situated between the Teesta and the Dihang rivers. Bounding them with the Ganga is incorrect, as the Ganga flows much further south than this mountainous region.
Q59. What is the fundamental basis for the classification of Indian rivers into Himalayan and Peninsular systems?
Explanation
Indian rivers are categorized based on their place of origin and geological history. Himalayan rivers originate from the high mountains, influenced by tectonic activities and glacial melt. Conversely, Peninsular rivers are much older, originating from the plateau region. This distinction defines their unique geomorphological features, drainage patterns, and flow regimes across the subcontinent.
Q60. Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of Himalayan rivers:
Statement I: They are predominantly perennial in nature.
Statement II: They receive water solely from the melting of glaciers in the higher altitudes.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement I: They are predominantly perennial in nature.
Statement II: They receive water solely from the melting of glaciers in the higher altitudes.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
Himalayan rivers are perennial because they receive water from two distinct sources throughout the year. During the summer months, the melting of high-altitude glaciers provides a steady flow. In the monsoon season, heavy rainfall significantly augments their discharge. This dual supply distinguishes them from seasonal rivers that depend solely on annual rainfall for their sustenance.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (d) Deep V-shaped valleys |
| 52 | (a) Hard, nodular calcareous deposits found predominantly in the older alluvium (Bhangar). |
| 53 | (c) Peninsular rivers flow through shallow valleys with graded profiles, unlike the deep valleys of Himalayan rivers. |
| 54 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 55 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 56 | (c) The Western Ghats |
| 57 | (d) Retreating northeast monsoon winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal before striking the coast. |
| 58 | (d) Assam Himalayas: Situated between the Teesta and the Ganga rivers |
| 59 | (b) Origin and evolutionary history of systems |
| 60 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
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.