All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Geography 2025 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2025Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
India map locations, karewas, Himalayan ecosystem, nautical tourism (1)Pharmaceutical industry, coral reefs, agricultural sector changes (1)SC/ST population distribution, Eastern Ghats land use, dairy sector challenges (1)Regional consciousness and inter-state disputes, cottage industries, rural settlements diversity (1)Rural-urban fringe, religious groups distribution, watershed planning, North East India region, fox nut cultivation (1)Urban heat island, Sagarmala project, sex-ratio in India (1)Droughts and food security, desertification and land degradation, Blue Economy initiatives (1)Green architecture and climate change, regional planning for island territories, international boundaries of India (1)
(a) 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 : 2×10=20
(i) Rushikulya River
(ii) Datar Hill
(iii) Kikruma
(iv) Choritand Tillaya
(v) Byalalu
(vi) Neyyar
(vii) Uttarlai
(viii) Sri Vijayapuram
(ix) Dharwas
(x) Gitabitan
(b) Referring to the location and physical formation of karewas, highlight their economic significance. 10
(c) How does Himalayan ecosystem regulate the cropping pattern and agricultural activities in Himalayan region of India ? Discuss. 10
(d) Write a critically argued essay on nautical tourism and its infrastructure in India. 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) आपको दिए गए भारत के रेखा मानचित्र पर, निम्नलिखित सभी की स्थिति को अंकित कीजिए । अपनी क्यू.सी.ए. पुस्तिका में इन स्थानों में से प्रत्येक का भौतिक/वाणिज्यिक/आर्थिक/पारिस्थितिक/पर्यावरणीय/सांस्कृतिक महत्व अधिकतम 30 शब्दों में लिखिए : 2×10=20
(i) रुशिकुल्या नदी
(ii) दातार हिल
(iii) किकरुमा
(iv) चोरितंद तिलैया
(v) ब्यालालू
(vi) नेय्यार
(vii) उत्तरलाई
(viii) श्री विजयपुरम
(ix) धारवास
(x) गीताबीतान
(b) करेवा के स्थान और भौतिक निर्माण का उल्लेख करते हुए, उनके आर्थिक महत्व को रेखांकित कीजिए । 10
(c) हिमालयी पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र भारत के हिमालयी क्षेत्र में फसल प्रणाली और कृषि गतिविधियों को कैसे नियंत्रित करता है ? चर्चा कीजिए । 10
(d) भारत में समुद्री पर्यटन और इसके बुनियादी ढांचे पर एक आलोचनात्मक तार्किक निबंध लिखिए । 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) map: locate accurately > label > one line on why it matters | (b) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Precise locations, clear mechanisms, specific examples, critical analysis
All 10 locations fixed by state/district and significance category (physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural)
Rushikulya (Ganjam, Odisha; Olive Ridley arribada); Datar Hill (Junagadh; Jamiyal Shah Datar dargah, shared Hindu-Muslim pilgrimage)
(a) Explain the factors which contribute to the growth of India's pharmaceutical industry with specific reference to its concentration in western region of India. 20
(b) Why are coral reefs in India most important with respect to its dynamic ecosystem ? Explore. 15
(c) How does the agricultural sector of India confront with the contemporary physical and politico-economic changes in the different regions of the country ? Elucidate. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत के औषधीय उद्योग के विकास में योगदान करने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या विशेषतः भारत के पश्चिम क्षेत्र में इसके संकेन्द्रण के संदर्भ में कीजिए । 20
(b) भारत में प्रवाल भित्तियाँ अपने गतिशील पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र के संबंध में सबसे महत्वपूर्ण क्यों हैं ? अन्वेषण कीजिए । 15
(c) भारत का कृषि क्षेत्र किस प्रकार से देश के विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में समकालीन भौतिक और राजनीतिक-आर्थिक परिवर्तनों का सामना करता है ? स्पष्ट कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise causal chains, specific Indian examples, and clear regional differentiation.
Historical chemical-industry base of Gujarat/Maharashtra → supply chains, know-how, path dependence; Patents Act 1970 (process patents) enabling generics; Gujarat ~1/3 of output
Mumbai–Pune knowledge corridor (IIT/ICT/universities) supplying skilled manpower; research institutions
Ports (JNPT, Kandla) lowering API-import/formulation-export costs; state industrial policy, pharma parks, SEZs, PLI
Clustering economies (Ahmedabad–Vadodara–Ankleshwar–Vapi; Mumbai–Thane–Pune–Aurangabad); bulk drug park (Bharuch); US FDA-approved plants
Reef locations: Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kachchh, Lakshadweep, Andaman
High biodiversity, endemic species, nursery grounds for commercial fisheries
Blue-carbon value via associated habitats; calcification caveat and acidification vulnerability; threats (2023–25 bleaching) and Schedule I/CRZ/MPA/community conservation
50McompareSC/ST population distribution, Eastern Ghats land use, dairy sector challenges
(a) Why is the pattern of population distribution of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes different in India ? Compare their socio-economic problems with examples. 20
(b) Highlight the characteristics of land utilisation in Eastern Ghats region of India. What are the recent threats to land utilisation method in the region ? 15
(c) What are the challenges of dairy sector in India ? Describe the contribution of bovine population. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में अनुसूचित जातियों व अनुसूचित जनजातियों के जनसंख्या वितरण का प्रारूप भिन्न क्यों है ? इनके सामाजिक-आर्थिक समस्याओं की तुलना उदाहरण सहित कीजिए । 20
(b) भारत के पूर्वी घाट क्षेत्र में भू-उपयोग की विशेषताओं को रेखांकित कीजिए । क्षेत्र में भू-उपयोग पद्धति के लिए तात्कालिक खतरे क्या हैं ? 15
(c) भारत में डेयरी क्षेत्र की चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं ? गोजातीय जनसंख्या के योगदान का वर्णन कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close | (c) challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Precise spatial analysis for (a), specific land use details for (b), and clear link between bovine contribution and dairy challenges for (c).
SCs dispersed across plains/deltas (Punjab ~32% share, UP largest numbers) — caste-based agrarian hierarchy; STs clustered in central tribal belt and NE hills (Mizoram/Lakshadweep >90%) — isolation, retreat, colonial forest policy; Census 2011 16.6%/8.6%
Shared problems: poverty, educational deprivation, political under-representation
SC-specific: social exclusion, untouchability, peripheral segregation, manual scavenging; landlessness/wage labour
ST-specific: physical/infrastructural isolation; displacement, land alienation, curbs on jhum/podu; FRA 2006, PESA, PVTGs; SC safeguards (Atrocities Act, manual scavenging ban)
50MdiscussRegional consciousness and inter-state disputes, cottage industries, rural settlements diversity
(a) "Socio-political landscape in India is a result of regional consciousness creating inter-state disputes." Discuss with region specific examples. 20
(b) Why cottage industries in India are an integral part of Indian socio-economic structure ? Assess this with reference to different types of cottage industries in rural India. 15
(c) "The rural settlements in India are highly diversified due to both physical and cultural factors." Justify the statement with examples. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "भारत में सामाजिक-राजनीतिक परिदृश्य क्षेत्रीय चेतना का परिणाम है जो अंतर-राज्य विवाद पैदा करता है ।" क्षेत्र विशेष उदाहरणों के साथ चर्चा कीजिए । 20
(b) भारत में कुटीर उद्योग भारतीय सामाजिक-आर्थिक संरचना का अभिन्न अंग क्यों हैं ? ग्रामीण भारत में विभिन्न प्रकार के कुटीर उद्योगों के संदर्भ में इसका आकलन कीजिए । 15
(c) "भारत में ग्रामीण बस्तियों में भौतिक और सांस्कृतिक दोनों कारकों के कारण अत्यधिक विविधता है ।" उदाहरणों सहित कथन की पुष्टि कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (c) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with precise regional examples and diagrams.
Regional consciousness defined (language, ethnicity, culture, perceived entitlement); link to resource/boundary conflict
Balanced conclusion: legitimate aspirations vs secessionist/majoritarian tendencies; cooperative federalism and transparent tribunals
Cottage industries capital-light, household-based, linked to local resources/skills/agriculture; decentralized employment and seasonal labour absorption
Types: khadi and village industries; handloom (Varanasi silk, Kanchipuram); handicrafts (Moradabad brass, Kashmir walnut); agro-based (Kerala coir, Bengal jute)
Cultural/occupational continuity; women's empowerment through home-based work; rural-urban linkages and export income
Challenges (mechanisation, factory/global competition, raw material, credit/marketing) and support (KVIC, PMEGP, SFURTI, GI, PM Vishwakarma, MUDRA) with way forward
50MCompulsoryexplainRural-urban fringe, religious groups distribution, watershed planning, North East India region, fox nut cultivation
(a) How can rural-urban fringe be delineated ? Explain with suitable examples from India. 10
(b) "Spatial distribution of religious groups in India does not show any specific pattern." Illustrate with arguments. 10
(c) "Watershed is the most appropriate spatial unit for planning." Comment. 10
(d) Is North East India a geo-political or geo-cultural region ? Justify your answer. 10
(e) Discuss the necessary conditions for the cultivation of fox nuts and describe the areas of its production in India. 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) ग्रामीण-नगरीय उपांत को कैसे निर्धारित किया जा सकता है ? भारत से उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित व्याख्या कीजिए । 10
(b) "भारत में धार्मिक समूहों का स्थानिक वितरण कोई विशिष्ट प्रारूप नहीं दर्शाता है ।" तर्कपूर्ण उदाहरणों सहित समझाइए । 10
(c) "योजना के लिए जलोत्सरण क्षेत्र (वाटरशेड) सबसे उपयुक्त स्थानिक इकाई है ।" टिप्पणी कीजिए । 10
(d) क्या पूर्वोत्तर भारत एक भू-राजनीतिक या भू-सांस्कृतिक क्षेत्र है ? अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए । 10
(e) मखाना की खेती के लिए आवश्यक परिस्थितियों की चर्चा कीजिए तथा भारत में इसके उत्पादक क्षेत्रों का वर्णन कीजिए । 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, clear mechanisms, specific Indian examples, and balanced arguments.
RUF defined as dynamic transition zone (Pryor's inner/outer fringe); land-use gradient and speculative conversion
Arguments supporting the statement: local-scale intermixing, Hindu plurality everywhere, dispersed Muslims, syncretism (Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb), absence of bloc segregation
Counter-arguments: macro/meso clustering; Census 2011 shares (Hindu 79.8%, Muslim 14.2%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Jain 0.4%); Sikhs in Punjab/Haryana
Muslim clusters (Kashmir Valley, UP/Bihar, West Bengal borders, Barak/Brahmaputra, Malabar); Christians (NE states, Kerala/Goa/TN); Buddhists (Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal, Maharashtra); Jains (urban western India)
Balanced conclusion: mosaic + clustering, not random or uniform
50MdescribeUrban heat island, Sagarmala project, sex-ratio in India
(a) Describe the causes of the phenomenon of 'urban heat island'. What are the effective measures to deal with this phenomenon in India ? 20
(b) With reference to the transport and communication network of India, critically discuss the Sagarmala project. 15
(c) What are the key features of sex-ratio of population in India ? Evaluate the impacts of child sex-ratio on general sex-ratio in the country. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) 'नगरीय उष्मा द्वीप' की परिघटना के कारणों का वर्णन कीजिए । भारत में इस परिघटना से निपटने के लिए प्रभावी उपाय क्या हैं ? 20
(b) भारत की परिवहन और संचार संपर्क प्रणाली के संदर्भ में सागरमाला परियोजना की समालोचनात्मक चर्चा कीजिए । 15
(c) भारत में जनसंख्या के लिंग-अनुपात की प्रमुख विशेषताएं क्या हैं ? देश में सामान्य लिंग अनुपात पर बाल-लिंग अनुपात के प्रभावों का मूल्यांकन कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with precise examples and data.
Anthropogenic heat (vehicles, industry, AC); reduced evapotranspiration from paving; urban canyon trapping of long-wave radiation
Measures: Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (2013; cool roofs/reflective surfaces), Telangana Cool Roof Policy, India Cooling Action Plan
Urban greening (Miyawaki, street trees), permeable pavements/rainwater harvesting, building codes, metro-induced compact development
Sagarmala (2015) as port-led development strategy (port modernisation, connectivity, port-linked industrialisation, coastal community development, coastal shipping/IWT); Vadhavan, Great Nicobar transhipment
Communication-network dimension: port community systems, single-window customs, e-port platforms, real-time logistics data
Critical discussion: implementation delays, land/financing/coordination issues; environmental concerns at Mundra/Vizag
Hinterland connectivity deficits; digital integration needs (data sharing, cybersecurity, last mile)
50MexplainDroughts and food security, desertification and land degradation, Blue Economy initiatives
(a) Explain the factors that contribute to droughts in India with specific reference to food production, distribution and availability. Can Indian agricultural policies resolve the issue ? 20
(b) What are the causes and consequences of land degradation due to desertification in India ? Examine with reference to various regional issues. 15
(c) Examine the validity of Blue Economy initiatives of India. Elaborate the impacts of this economy on country's development. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) खाद्य उत्पादन, वितरण और उपलब्धता के विशिष्ट संदर्भ में भारत के सूखे में योगदान करने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या कीजिए । क्या भारतीय कृषि नीतियाँ इस मुद्दे का समाधान कर सकती हैं ? 20
(b) भारत में मरुस्थलीकरण से होने वाले भू-क्षरण के क्या कारण और प्रभाव हैं ? विभिन्न क्षेत्रीय मुद्दों के संदर्भ में जाँच कीजिए । 15
(c) भारत के नीली अर्थव्यवस्था में कदम बढ़ाने के पहल की वैधता की जांच कीजिए । देश के विकास में इस अर्थव्यवस्था के प्रभावों की विस्तार से व्याख्या कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept or mechanism > Diagram > Regional example > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Clear causal chains, precise regional examples, specific policy references, and well-structured arguments with evidence.
Drought as a cascade: meteorological → hydrological → agricultural drought; drought-prone zones (Rajasthan, Marathwada, north Karnataka, western Odisha)
Monsoon variability, El Niño, negative IOD (positive IOD offsets El Niño)
50MdiscussGreen architecture and climate change, regional planning for island territories, international boundaries of India
(a) While defining the green architecture, discuss its principles and challenges in response to climate change in India. 20
(b) With reference to typical examples, assess why regional planning in India is important for island territories for their sustainable development. 15
(c) With reference to international boundaries of India, discuss the related issues, giving suitable examples. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) हरित निर्माणकला (ग्रीन आर्किटेक्चर) को परिभाषित करते हुए, भारत में जलवायु परिवर्तन के प्रत्युत्तर में इसके सिद्धांतों और चुनौतियों की चर्चा कीजिए । 20
(b) विशेष उदाहरणों सहित, यह आकलन कीजिए कि भारत में प्रादेशिक नियोजन द्वीपीय प्रदेशों के सतत विकास के लिए क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है । 15
(c) भारत की अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सीमाओं के संदर्भ में, संबंधित मुद्दों पर चर्चा करते हुए उपयुक्त उदाहरण दीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Diagram > Regional Example > Application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, specific Indian examples, clear diagrams, and strong causal links throughout.
Green architecture defined (sustainable, energy-efficient design minimising resource use/emissions)
Principles: site optimisation; water conservation; energy efficiency; sustainable materials; indoor environmental quality
Indian climate-change context (urban heat islands, monsoon variability, coastal flooding, cooling demand); examples CII-Godrej GBC Hyderabad, Suzlon One Earth Pune
Indian framework (GRIHA, IGBC, ECBC 2017, Eco-Niwas Samhita) and climate-zone differentiation; challenges (cost, skills, maintenance, weak code adoption, no post-certification monitoring, retrofitting)
Regional planning as existential for islands; Lakshadweep atolls (water, elevation, cyclones, tourism) and Andaman & Nicobar (biodiversity, seismic/tsunami risk, indigenous communities)
Planning content: ICZM/ICRZ 2019, desalination/groundwater protection, disaster-resilient infrastructure, carrying-capacity tourism; eco-sensitive zoning, Island Development Agency, PVTG protection; Great Nicobar debate
GIS/remote sensing/climate projections for hazard mapping; carrying-capacity limits for hotels/water/waste
Link to sustainable development goals; balance of development and conservation