UPSC Geography Optional Question Paper 2021: Paper I and Paper II, All Questions
Both UPSC Geography optional papers from 2021 in full, question by question, with marks, syllabus unit and the topic split for each paper, plus searchable PDFs.
Both UPSC Geography optional papers from 2021 are reproduced in full below, question by question, with marks and the syllabus unit each question came from. Paper I and Paper II each printed 8 questions worth 400 marks; you attempt 5 for 250. The official UPSC PDFs are linked at the top of each paper.
After each paper you will find its topic split, which is the useful part: it shows what the 2021 examiner actually weighted, and how that compares with the eleven-year pattern.
Geography Optional 2021 Paper I
Download: Geography Optional 2021 Paper I (PDF, searchable), a typeset edition of the paper as published by UPSC. Time allowed three hours, maximum marks 250.
Section A
| Q. | Question | Marks | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(a) | Describe the concept of ‘Altiplanation’. | 10 | Geomorphology |
| 1(b) | What are the important factors responsible for airmass modifications? | 10 | Climatology |
| 1(c) | Discuss the hazards associated with rise of sea-surface temperature. | 10 | Climatology |
| 1(d) | Gene pool centres are ‘Good Hope’ for biodiversity conservation. Elucidate. | 10 | Biogeography |
| 1(e) | Describe how ecosystem services of Himalaya are essential for Highland-Lowland sustainability in Asia. | 10 | Biogeography |
| 2(a) | The concept of Plate tectonics has been derived from the isostasy and continental drift theory. Elaborate citing suitable examples. | 20 | Geomorphology |
| 2(b) | Give a detailed account of bottom topography of the Pacific Ocean. | 15 | Oceanography |
| 2(c) | Soil erosion and soil degradation are threat to food supply. Discuss. | 15 | Biogeography |
| 3(a) | Examine major influencing factors for varied patterns of precipitations on the continents. | 20 | Climatology |
| 3(b) | Maritime security is being neglected. Indicate the major challenges and suggest solutions in the context of Law of the Sea. | 15 | Oceanography |
| 3(c) | Explaining the concept of carbon neutrality, describe the measures taken by carbon positive and negative nations. | 15 | Climatology |
| 4(a) | With suitable examples, elaborate human ecological adaptations. Explain its impacts on ecology and environment in various parts of the world. | 20 | Environmental Geography |
| 4(b) | Stream basins and drainage divides are important components to delineate a watershed area. Explain. | 15 | Geomorphology |
| 4(c) | Indicating the causes of lightning, describe the threats associated with it. | 15 | Climatology |
Section B
| Q. | Question | Marks | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5(a) | The interrelationships between social and spatial structure are complex. Explain in the context of socio-spatial dialectic. | 10 | Perspectives in Human Geography |
| 5(b) | How is energy transition seen as an instrument for achieving zero carbon by 2050? | 10 | Economic Geography |
| 5(c) | Protected cultivation assists in healthier and a larger produce. Justify with examples. | 10 | Economic Geography |
| 5(d) | Explain the processes of contagion and hierarchical diffusion in addressing regional imbalances. | 10 | Regional Planning |
| 5(e) | Examine the relevance of Central Place Theory of Christaller in the present context. | 10 | Population & Settlement Geography |
| 6(a) | Development-induced displacement poses serious challenges. Mention its causes, consequences and solutions. | 20 | Regional Planning |
| 6(b) | Describe the role of accessibility and affordability in food security of developing world. | 15 | Economic Geography |
| 6(c) | The environmental issues are not adequately addressed in the regional planning. Comment. | 15 | Regional Planning |
| 7(a) | Suggest criteria, indicators and techniques for delimitation of formal regions. | 20 | Regional Planning |
| 7(b) | Boundaries are important in geopolitics. Explain. What issues develop from the inclusionary and exclusionary aspects of borders? | 15 | Political & Cultural Geography |
| 7(c) | Small number of mega cities are playing key role in organisation of global economics and culture. Explain. | 15 | Population & Settlement Geography |
| 8(a) | Why is radicalism seen as a major paradigm shift in geography? Explain its causes, approaches and criticism. | 20 | Perspectives in Human Geography |
| 8(b) | Aging population has adverse social and economic consequences. Explain with examples. | 15 | Population & Settlement Geography |
| 8(c) | Present a critical account of Alfred Weber Theory of industrial location. | 15 | Economic Geography |
2021 Paper I: where the marks sat
| Unit | Marks | Share of paper |
|---|---|---|
| Climatology | 70 | 17.5% |
| Regional Planning | 65 | 16.2% |
| Economic Geography | 50 | 12.5% |
| Geomorphology | 45 | 11.2% |
| Population & Settlement Geography | 40 | 10.0% |
| Biogeography | 35 | 8.8% |
| Oceanography | 30 | 7.5% |
| Perspectives in Human Geography | 30 | 7.5% |
| Environmental Geography | 20 | 5.0% |
| Political & Cultural Geography | 15 | 3.8% |
Geography Optional 2021 Paper II
Download: Geography Optional 2021 Paper II (PDF, searchable), a typeset edition of the paper as published by UPSC. Time allowed three hours, maximum marks 250.
Section A
| Q. | Question | Marks | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(a) | On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations whether physical / commercial / economic / ecological / environmental / cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry: (i) Ziro Valley (ii) Khecheopalri Lake (iii) Toranmal (iv) Subarnarekha River (v) Koderma (vi) Sir Creek (vii) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (viii) Peechi Dam (ix) Digha Beach (x) Pamban Island | 20 | Physical Setting of India |
| 1(b) | Discuss the geo-political impact of bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan. | 10 | Political Aspects |
| 1(c) | Discuss the economic significance of volcanic soils of India. | 10 | Physical Setting of India |
| 1(d) | Give a reasoned account of difference between sugar industry of North and Peninsular India. | 10 | Industry |
| 2(a) | Landslide is a major problem in Himalayan region. Discuss its causes and mitigation measures. | 20 | Physical Setting of India |
| 2(b) | Appraise why drought is one of the most common climatic extremes in India. | 15 | Physical Setting of India |
| 2(c) | Discuss the ecological and economic challenges of river linking in India. | 15 | Physical Setting of India |
| 3(a) | Discuss the importance of solar energy in future economic development of India. | 20 | Resources |
| 3(b) | Critically examine the importance of Smart Cities Programme for solving urban problems in India. | 15 | Settlement |
| 3(c) | Examine the significance of ecotourism in relation to socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation in India. | 15 | Contemporary Issues |
| 4(a) | Discuss the reserves, distribution and production of all varieties of coal in India. | 20 | Physical Setting of India |
| 4(b) | Describe the salient features of east-flowing rivers of India. | 15 | Physical Setting of India |
| 4(c) | Critically examine the problems of inter-State border disputes in India. | 15 | Political Aspects |
Section B
| Q. | Question | Marks | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5(a) | Discuss the salient features of Project Tiger in India. | 10 | Contemporary Issues |
| 5(b) | Describe the problems of cloud burst in India giving suitable examples. | 10 | Physical Setting of India |
| 5(c) | Discuss the role of watershed management for soil and water conservation in hilly regions of India. | 10 | Resources |
| 5(d) | Critically examine the relevance of Ravenstein’s law of population migration with reference to India. | 10 | Cultural Setting |
| 5(e) | Discuss Ashok Mitra’s classification method of Indian cities. | 10 | Settlement |
| 6(a) | Explain the impact of tropical cyclones and western disturbances on the climate of India. | 20 | Physical Setting of India |
| 6(b) | Examine the critical issues of groundwater resources in India. | 15 | Resources |
| 6(c) | Describe the structure and relief features of Deccan Plateau. | 15 | Physical Setting of India |
| 7(a) | Critically examine how Panchayati Raj system is catalyst in decentralized planning in India. | 20 | Regional Development & Planning |
| 7(b) | Identify the major industrial corridors of India and discuss the characteristics of Bengaluru-Mumbai Corridor. | 15 | Industry |
| 7(c) | Assess the growth of multinational corporations in liberalized economic environment of India. | 15 | Industry |
| 8(a) | Examine how information and communication technology has boosted the development of certain regions of India. | 20 | Industry |
| 8(b) | Discuss the Command Area Development Programme and its impact on eliminating regional inequalities in India. | 15 | Regional Development & Planning |
| 8(c) | Critically assess the status of balance of trade in India and suggest some measures to combat the issues. | 15 | Transport, Communication & Trade |
2021 Paper II: where the marks sat
| Unit | Marks | Share of paper |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Setting of India | 160 | 40.0% |
| Industry | 60 | 15.0% |
| Resources | 45 | 11.2% |
| Regional Development & Planning | 35 | 8.8% |
| Political Aspects | 25 | 6.2% |
| Settlement | 25 | 6.2% |
| Contemporary Issues | 25 | 6.2% |
| Transport, Communication & Trade | 15 | 3.8% |
| Cultural Setting | 10 | 2.5% |
How 2021 Compares With the Eleven-Year Pattern
The 2021 split above is one year of evidence. For the full 2016 to 2026 weightage across all 605 printed questions, and every other paper in the archive, use the UPSC Geography optional question paper hub.
If you are still deciding whether to take the subject, start with Geography optional for UPSC instead; it covers the syllabus, the booklist and the scoring pattern.