All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Geography 2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
India map locations and physical geography (1)Agricultural institutions, space policy and urbanization (1)Regional disparities, glaciers and domestic tourism (1)Migration, tribal development and water scarcity (1)Rainfall distribution, races, agricultural technology, drought areas, seaports (1)Industrial waste, demographic structure and water conservation (1)India in global affairs, Panchayati Raj and land fragmentation (1)Urban morphology, health geography and rapid transit systems (1)
A
Q1
50M30wCompulsorydiscussIndia map locations and physical geography
On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of 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) Lunkaransar, (ii) Gua, (iii) Raidak River, (iv) Ekta Nagar, (v) Chandanwari, (vi) Babina, (vii) Tatipaka, (viii) Along Airport, (ix) Karaikal, (x) Panna. (b) Discuss the basis of various explanations for the formation of Shiwalik. (10 marks) (c) Conservation and breeding centres are important components of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation, 2020-2025. Why? (10 marks) (d) North-Eastern States of India are geopolitically sensitive and strategically significant. Explain. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
आपको दिए गए भारत के रेखा मानचित्र पर, निम्नलिखित सभी की स्थिति को अंकित कीजिए। अपनी क्यू० सी० ए० पुस्तिका में इन स्थानों में से प्रत्येक का भौतिक/वाणिज्यिक/आर्थिक/पारिस्थितिक/पर्यावरणीय/सांस्कृतिक महत्व अधिकतम 30 शब्दों में लिखिए : (i) लूणकरणसर, (ii) गुआ, (iii) रायडाक नदी, (iv) एकता नगर, (v) चंदनवारी, (vi) बबीना, (vii) तातिपाका, (viii) अलोंग हवाईअड्डा, (ix) कराइकल, (x) पन्ना। (b) शिवालिक के निर्माण के विभिन्न स्पष्टीकरणों के आधार की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक) (c) संरक्षण व प्रजनन केन्द्र, गिद्ध संरक्षण की कार्य योजना, 2020-2025 के महत्त्वपूर्ण घटक हैं। क्यों? (10 अंक) (d) भारत के उत्तरी-पूर्वी प्रदेश भू-राजनीतिक रूप से संवेदनशील तथा रणनीतिक रूप से महत्त्वपूर्ण हैं। व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) map: locate accurately > label > one line on why it matters | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise locations, clear mechanisms, labelled diagrams, specific examples, balanced conclusions.
Correct placement of all ten: Lunkaransar (NW Rajasthan), Gua (W Singhbhum), Raidak (Bhutan–N Bengal), Ekta Nagar (Narmada, Gujarat), Chandanwari (near Pahalgam), Babina (Jhansi), Tatipaka (Godavari delta), Along/Aalo (W Siang), Karaikal (Kaveri delta coast), Panna (Bundelkhand MP)
Accurate significance: salt/groundnut; iron ore; Wang Chhu–Chukha/Tala hydro and Buxa; Statue of Unity/Sardar Sarovar; Amarnath Yatra base; army cantonment; ONGC mini-refinery; strategic ALG; French enclave and port; diamonds and tiger reserve
Category of significance stated (physical, economic, cultural, ecological, strategic)
Brevity (about 30 words each)
Nature of the Shiwalik: Mio-Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene molasse (Siwalik Group), outermost Himalaya
Siwalik/Indobrahm river hypothesis (Pascoe and Pilgrim) and its criticism from palaeocurrent data
Alluvial fan/piedmont deposition by transverse rivers
Foreland-basin deposition and uplift along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (current view); duns and active tectonics
Crash of Gyps vultures (over 90%) due to diclofenac; slow breeding biology
Role of centres: insurance populations, captive breeding, release into Vulture Safe Zones
Plan specifics: new centres in UP, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu; four rescue centres (Pinjore, Bhopal, Guwahati, Hyderabad); a safe zone in each state
Linked measures: bans on toxic NSAIDs (diclofenac 2006; ketoprofen and aceclofenac 2023), drug testing, monitoring
Borders with China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh; Siliguri Corridor vulnerability
China: Arunachal claim, Doklam 2017, Medog dam and water security
Internal and cross-border security: insurgency, Myanmar conflict, FMR ended and fencing, trafficking, migration
Strategic opportunities: Act East, Kaladan, Trilateral Highway, hydropower and resources
50MjustifyAgricultural institutions, space policy and urbanization
(a) Institutional factors are playing a dominant role in controlling the agricultural prosperity in India. Justify with evidences. (20 marks) (b) The Indian Space Policy, 2023 supports the commercial presence in space. In what ways will it benefit the socio-economic development and security of India? (15 marks) (c) Discuss the process of formation of conurbations in India and describe their problems. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में कृषि समृद्धि को नियंत्रित करने में संस्थागत कारक प्रमुख भूमिका निभा रहे हैं। साक्ष्य सहित पुष्टि कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारतीय अंतरिक्ष नीति, 2023 अंतरिक्ष में वाणिज्यिक उपस्थिति का समर्थन करती है। इससे भारत के सामाजिक-आर्थिक विकास और सुरक्षा को किस प्रकार लाभ होगा? (15 अंक) (c) भारत में सनगरों के गठन की प्रक्रिया पर विवेचना कीजिए और उनकी समस्याओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise institutional/policy links, specific Indian examples, clear causal chains, and relevant diagrams/data.
Challenges: need for a space activities law, liability, data security, spectrum
Definition (Geddes) and Census urban agglomeration concept
Process: core growth, suburbanisation, satellite towns, ribbon development along transport corridors, industrial dispersal, merger of villages/census towns
50MexplainRegional disparities, glaciers and domestic tourism
(a) India has wide-ranging regional disparities in economic development. Explain the patterns, implications and challenges. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the variations in nature of glaciers in India and the emerging issues due to climate change. (15 marks) (c) Domestic tourism in India has immense local resource potential. Discuss the reasons and its various dimensions. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में आर्थिक विकास में व्यापक क्षेत्रीय असमानताएँ हैं। प्रतिरूप, निहितार्थ और चुनौतियों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारत में हिमनदों की प्रकृति में विभिन्नताओं और जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण उत्पन्न होने वाले मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) भारत में घरेलू पर्यटन में अपार स्थानीय संसाधन क्षमता है। कारणों एवं इसके विभिन्न आयामों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Diagram > Regional Example > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and diagrams.
Patterns: west/south vs east/central states; coast vs interior; core vs periphery (Himalaya, North-East, tribal belt); intra-state gaps; irrigated vs rain-fed agriculture
Data: per capita income gaps, NITI MPI (Bihar about 34% vs Kerala under 1%)
Implications: distress migration, uneven human development and demography, fiscal federalism tensions (Finance Commission criteria), statehood demands and LWE
Challenges and responses: cumulative causation, weak capacity, resource curse; Aspirational Districts/Blocks, FC transfers, corridors
Variations: winter-accumulation (Karakoram, Western Himalaya) vs summer-accumulation (Central/Eastern Himalaya); valley, cirque, hanging glaciers; debris-covered vs clean ice
Karakoram anomaly vs general retreat (Gangotri retreat data)
Emerging issues: accelerated mass loss (ICIMOD 2023), GLOFs (South Lhonak 2023, Kedarnath 2013), river-flow changes and 'peak water', permafrost-related hazards (Chamoli 2021)
Responses: monitoring, early warning, NDMA GLOF programme, hydropower regulation
Scale: about 2.5 billion domestic tourist visits in 2023
Reasons: physical diversity, religious and cultural circuits, living heritage and crafts, rising incomes and connectivity
50MdiscussMigration, tribal development and water scarcity
(a) Migration is the reflection of regional disparities. What socio-economic and demographic consequences are experienced at the place of origin and destination? (20 marks) (b) In spite of various tribal area development programmes in India, tribal areas still lag behind. Discuss critically with examples. (15 marks) (c) Water scarcity is an important cause of disputes and conflicts in India. Suggest innovative methods for location-based solutions. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) प्रवासन क्षेत्रीय विषमताओं का प्रतिबिंब है। इसके उत्पत्ति स्थान व गंतव्य स्थान पर कौन-से सामाजिक-आर्थिक और जनसांख्यिकीय परिणाम अनुभव किए जाते हैं? (20 अंक) (b) भारत में विभिन्न जनजातीय क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रमों के बावजूद, जनजातीय क्षेत्र अभी भी पिछड़े हुए हैं। उदाहरणों सहित समालोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) भारत में पानी की कमी विवादों और झगड़ों का एक महत्वपूर्ण कारण है। इसके स्थान-आधारित समाधान हेतु नवोन्मेषी तरीके सुझाइए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (c) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples, data, and diagrams.
Link to disparity: push–pull from lagging to leading regions; main corridors (UP/Bihar to Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat; Kerala to Gulf) with Census data
Origin: male-selective out-migration, higher sex ratio, ageing, remittances, loss of youth/skills, feminisation of agriculture, social remittances
Destination: working-age bulge, low sex ratio, cheap labour for industry, informality, slums and service strain, nativism
Policy: ONORC, e-Shram, rental housing, development of source regions
Programmes: TSP/ITDPs, PESA 1996, FRA 2006, EMRS, Van Dhan, PM-JANMAN 2023, DAJGUA 2024
Achievements with examples (road/school coverage, FRA titles, Niyamgiri Gram Sabhas)
Reasons for lag: outcome gaps (literacy, health), displacement and resource alienation, weak implementation and fund diversion, terrain and LWE, cultural mismatch, uneven benefit capture
Critical conclusion: self-rule under Fifth/Sixth Schedules, benefit-sharing, culturally rooted education
Scales of conflict: inter-state (Cauvery, Mahadayi, SYL), rural–urban, intra-village groundwater
Location-based solutions: ice stupas (Ladakh), traditional harvesting (Rajasthan), crop/pumping reforms (Punjab–Haryana), participatory groundwater management (Deccan), desalination and reuse (coastal cities), urban RWH and sponge cities
Conflict-resolution mechanisms: basin authorities (CWMA), data transparency, water entitlements, pani panchayats
Justification of why each method fits its location
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) How are geographic factors influencing the distribution of high annual rainfall in certain parts of India? (b) Indian population belongs to large number of races. Discuss the spatial distribution of major races. (c) Examine the transitional role of technology on Indian agriculture sector. (d) Describe the area-specific strategies for the development of drought-prone areas in India. (e) Examine the relationship between seaports and regional development in India.
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : (a) भारत के कुछ हिस्सों में उच्च वार्षिक वर्षा के वितरण को भौगोलिक कारक कैसे प्रभावित कर रहे हैं? (b) भारतीय जनसंख्या बहुसंख्यक नस्लों से संबंधित है। प्रमुख नस्लों के स्थानिक वितरण की विवेचना कीजिए। (c) भारतीय कृषि क्षेत्र पर प्रौद्योगिकी की परिवर्ती भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए। (d) भारत में सूखा-प्रवण क्षेत्रों के विकास हेतु क्षेत्र-विशिष्ट रणनीतियों का वर्णन कीजिए। (e) भारत में बंदरगाहों और क्षेत्रीय विकास के बीच संबंध का परीक्षण कीजिए।
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (d) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (e) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Mechanism explained, diagram included, specific Indian places named, causal chain clear.
Identify the >200 cm regions: windward Western Ghats, North-East hills, sub-Himalayan belt, Andaman and Nicobar
Orographic uplift of the Arabian Sea branch against the Sahyadri, with rain-shadow to the lee
Funnel-shaped relief of the Khasi hills (Mawsynram, Sohra)
Role of the monsoon trough, Himalayan barrier and maritime location
A recognised classification (B.S. Guha, 1930s) with its six elements
Regional location of each: Negrito (Andamans), Proto-Australoid (central tribal belt), Mongoloid (Himalaya/North-East), Mediterranean (south and Ganga plain), Western Brachycephals, Nordic (north-west)
Example groups for each element
Caveat: race is a weak biological category; Aryan/Dravidian are language families
Framing as stages: subsistence to surplus to precision/market orientation
Green Revolution HYV–fertiliser–irrigation package and its regional concentration
Later phases: micro-irrigation, mechanisation, biotechnology (Bt cotton 2002), post-harvest technology
Digital agriculture: Soil Health Cards, e-NAM (2016), drones, Digital Agriculture Mission/Agri Stack (2024)
Identify the drought-prone regions (arid Rajasthan/Kutch, Deccan rain-shadow, Rayalaseema/Telangana, Bundelkhand) and their cause
Strategy per region: traditional harvesting in Rajasthan, watershed treatment in Maharashtra–Karnataka, tank cascades in Telangana, Chandela tanks in Bundelkhand, check dams in Saurashtra
Crop shift to millets and pulses; contingency crop plans and insurance
Programme history (DPAP 1973, DDP 1977, watershed missions)
Mechanism: port–hinterland linkage and cumulative causation
Port-based industry examples (Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Haldia, Jamnagar, Kandla EPZ)
Trade corridors and hinterland connectivity (JNPA–Western DFC, Chennai auto belt); port cities
50MdiscussIndustrial waste, demographic structure and water conservation
(a) Industrial waste is diversified. Discuss the potentials and challenges associated with it. (20 marks) (b) How is cultural background of States of India reflected in the attributes of sex and age structure? (15 marks) (c) Discuss the targets of focused interventions of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan : Catch the Rain, 2024 in rural and urban areas. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) औद्योगिक अपशिष्ट विविधीकृत है। इससे जुड़ी क्षमताओं और चुनौतियों की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) भारतीय राज्यों की सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि, लिंग और आयु संरचना की विशेषताओं में कैसे परिलक्षित होती है? (15 अंक) (c) ग्रामीण एवं शहरी क्षेत्रों में जल शक्ति अभियान : वर्षा जल संचयन, 2024 के केंद्रित हस्तक्षेपों के लक्ष्यों की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise Indian examples, clear mechanisms, balanced discussion, specific data.
Typology by sector: fly ash, slag and red mud, chemical/hazardous sludge, e-waste, agro-industrial residues, C&D debris
Potentials: material substitution (blended cement, road aggregate), resource recovery from e-waste, energy (cogeneration, CBG), industrial symbiosis, green jobs
Challenges: toxicity and legacy sites, informal processing, enforcement capacity of SPCBs, weak markets for secondary materials, spatial mismatch
Sex ratio contrasts linked to culture: north-western son preference (Haryana, Punjab) vs southern and matrilineal/tribal societies (Kerala, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh), with Census data
Age structure contrasts: early fertility decline and ageing in the south vs young, broad-based pyramids in the Hindi heartland, with NFHS-5 TFR data
Cultural mechanisms: kinship and inheritance, dowry vs bride-price, female education and autonomy, age at marriage
Separating culture from migration effects (Kerala, Delhi)
Campaign basics: 9 March–30 November 2024, theme 'Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti', all blocks of all districts, rural and urban
The five focused interventions: water conservation and RWH; enumeration and geo-tagging of water bodies with scientific plans; Jal Shakti Kendras; intensive afforestation; awareness generation
Rural targets: desilting ponds, reviving defunct borewells, small-river rejuvenation, revenue records of water bodies, snow harvesting
Urban targets: rooftop RWH, urban water-body rejuvenation, recharge pits and stormwater, reuse of treated water under AMRUT 2.0
50MexamineIndia in global affairs, Panchayati Raj and land fragmentation
(a) India is playing a very significant role in world affairs. Examine the stands taken by India in important global and regional summits. (20 marks) (b) The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act devolved functions, finances and functionaries for planning of rural areas in India. Discuss the major achievements with examples. (15 marks) (c) How do small and fragmented landholdings affect the agro-ecological system in rural India? What are the resilient steps needed to overcome this issue? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत विश्व मामलों में बहुत महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा रहा है। भारत द्वारा महत्वपूर्ण वैश्विक व क्षेत्रीय शिखरों में अपनाए गए रुख का परीक्षण कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) 73वें संविधान संशोधन अधिनियम ने भारत में ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों की योजना के लिए कार्य, वित्त व पदाधिकारियों को हस्तांतरित किया। प्रमुख उपलब्धियों की उदाहरणों सहित विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) ग्रामीण भारत में लघु एवं खंडित भूमि जोत, कृषि-पारिस्थितिकी प्रणाली को कैसे प्रभावित करती है? इस मुद्दे पर काबू पाने हेतु कौन-से लचीले कदमों की आवश्यकता है? (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Mains Geography Paper II. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and clear reasoning.
G20 New Delhi 2023: consensus declaration, African Union membership, Global South agenda, IMEC and Global Biofuels Alliance
Climate: Panchamrit and net zero 2070, LiFE, equity/CBDR, ISA and CDRI
Stands at SCO (non-endorsement of BRI, terrorism), BRICS (reform, no common currency), Quad (non-military Indo-Pacific), WTO (food security, public stockholding), UN (Ukraine abstentions, UNSC reform)
Regional: SAARC stalled, BIMSTEC and neighbourhood focus; overall pattern of strategic autonomy with limits
Constitutional framework: three tiers, SEC (243K), SFC (243I), Eleventh Schedule via 243G, reservation
Democratic achievements: regular elections, ~46% women representatives, SC/ST representation, gram sabha and PESA
Examples of functional devolution and planning: Kerala People's Plan, Karnataka (Devolution Index 2024), GPDP, village cases like Hiware Bazar, Mendha Lekha
Finances and functionaries: Finance Commission grants, SVAMITVA, panchayat staff and RGSA; with limitations noted
Data on holdings (Agriculture Census 2015–16: 1.08 ha average, 86% small and marginal)
Ecological effects: soil nutrient and carbon loss, groundwater depletion from multiple tube-wells, water waste, monocropping, residue burning, barriers to conservation technology
Resilient steps: consolidation and digitised land records, legal leasing, FPOs/cooperatives/collective farming, custom hiring, community water management
50MdiscussUrban morphology, health geography and rapid transit systems
(a) How can morphology of Indian towns be described historically? Discuss the major features of the first planned city in India after independence. (20 marks) (b) Health is the outcome of interaction between physical setting, cultural traits and ecological connection. Explain. (15 marks) (c) What are the major regional rapid transit systems developed in India? How are urban problems being addressed by them? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय नगरों की आकारिकी का ऐतिहासिक वर्णन किस प्रकार किया जा सकता है? स्वतंत्रता पश्चात् भारत के पहले नियोजित शहर की प्रमुख विशेषताओं की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) स्वास्थ्य भौतिक स्थिति, सांस्कृतिक लक्षणों व पारिस्थितिक संबंध के बीच परस्परिक क्रिया का परिणाम है। व्याख्या कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) भारत में विकसित प्रमुख क्षेत्रीय द्रुत पारगमन प्रणालियाँ कौन-सी हैं? उनके द्वारा शहरी समस्याओं को कैसे सम्बोधित किया जा रहा है? (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Geography Paper II Rubric. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise examples, clear causal links, and relevant diagrams.
Historical layers: Harappan grid and citadel, early historic fortified capitals, southern temple towns, medieval Indo-Islamic (Shahjahanabad), Rajput grid (Jaipur), colonial dual city (fort, civil lines, cantonment, New Delhi)
Chandigarh's planning history: Mayer–Nowicki plan, Le Corbusier's team from 1951
Features: organic metaphor (head, heart, lungs), sector as neighbourhood unit (~800 × 1200 m), 7V road hierarchy, Capitol Complex (UNESCO 2016), Sukhna Lake, periphery control (1952 Act)
Assessment: influence on Gandhinagar, Navi Mumbai; critiques (low density, car orientation, sprawl beyond periphery)
Framework: medical geography's triangle of habitat, population and behaviour
Cultural trait examples: diet (lathyrism), biomass fuel, sanitation, gender norms
Ecological connection examples: Japanese encephalitis (Gorakhpur), KFD (Western Ghats), kala-azar (Bihar), forest malaria; interaction shown (sickle-cell and malaria)
Definition of RRTS and the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor (82 km, 160–180 km/h, full corridor opened February 2026) with the other NCR priority corridors
Related systems: suburban rail (Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru project), metro networks (1,000+ km), BRTS