Physical Geography (Paper 1) - Previous Year Questions
1983 : 'Landscape is the function of structure, process and stage.' Discuss. 20 Marks
2005 : Structure is a dominant control factor in the evolution of landforms. Discuss with suitable examples. 20 Marks
2016 : “Geological structure has a dominant control on landforms and is reflected on them.” Discuss. 15 Marks
2018 : “Landscape is a function of structure, process and stage.” Critique the statement. 10 Marks
1985 : Discuss the character of the main types of force and earth movements, involved in the production of land forms. 20 Marks
1992 : Write short notes on Classification of Earth Movements. 10 Marks
1993 : Discuss with examples, the influence of volcanism and diastrophism on the evolution of landscape. 20 Marks
1996 : Discuss the processes of mechanical and chemical weathering and show their relationship with soil formation. 20 Marks
1997 : Write short notes on Weathering and soil formation. 10 Marks
1998 : Write short notes on Geomorphic processes. 10 Marks
2004 : Describe the landforms which are products of endogenetic forces. 20 Marks
2010 : “Weathering is a complex phenomenon involving a number of processes and is influenced by various factors.” Elaborate. 15 Marks
2011 : Name the climatically controlled agents of erosion. Explain how they differ in terms of properties of matter. Compare the landforms produced by each one of them. 20 Marks
2014 : Explain weathering and mass wasting, and describe their geomorphic significance. 20 Marks
2015 : Attempt a classification of geomorphic processes from zonal point of view. 10 Marks
2013 : Write short notes on the Impact of Pleistocene Ice Age on the crust of Earth. 10 Marks
2011 : Write short notes on Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism. 10 Marks
2005 : Write short notes on Role of seismic waves in the study of earth’s interior. 10 Marks
2010 : Bring out the relevance of seismic study in determining the structure of the interior of the earth. 15 Marks
2002 : Write short notes on Geosyncline. 10 Marks
1980 : State, in detail, and appraise fully the arguments in favour of and against the theory of Continental Drift. 20 Marks
1988 : Critically analyse the concept of plate tectonics and bring out the evidences to support it. 20 Marks
1990 : Write short notes on Plate tectonics. 10 Marks
1995 : Discuss the limitations of the theory of Continental Drift and show how the theory of plate tectonics is an improvement over it. 20 Marks
1999 : Bring out the distinctions between the ‘continental drift’ theory and the ‘plate tectonics’ theory. 20 Marks
2006 : Critically evaluate the continental drift hypothesis of A. Wegner. 20 Marks
2008 : Write short notes on Seafloor spreading theory. 10 Marks
2012 : Write short notes on Paleozoic glacial evidence for Continental Drift. 10 Marks
2013 : “Offshore Acoustic study helped the development of the concept of sea floor spreading.” Explain. 20 Marks
2019 : Compare and contrast different types of plate boundaries. 15 Marks
2020 : Write an essay on the evolution of continents and oceans using various theories and models. 20 Marks
2001 : Present a critical analysis of the theory of Isostasy. 20 Marks
2007 : Define the concept of Isostasy and discuss the postulations of Airy and Pratt. 20 Marks
2011 : Explain the concept of Isostasy as postulated by Airy and Pratt. 20 Marks
1982 : Discuss the mountain building process in the world with a special reference to the origin of the Himalayas. 20 Marks
1984 : Discuss the mountain-building processes with suitable examples. 20 Marks
2000 : With reference to the theory of Plate Tectonics, explain the origin and growth of young fold mountain systems of the world. 20 Marks
2014 : State the concept of plate tectonics. How does it help in explaining the formation of the Himalayas and Appalachian Mountains? 20 Marks
2018 : Evaluate how far Kober’s geosynclinal theory explains the mountain building process. 20 Marks
1998 : Discuss the concept of vulcanicity and show how the theory of Plate Tectonics explains the mechanism of volcanism and volcanic eruptions. 20 Marks
2017 : Write a note on pseudovolcanic features. 10 Marks
2019 : Describe the phreatic eruptions and their consequences. 10 Marks
2019 : Discuss the methods of measuring the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes. How are seismic zones demarcated? 20 Marks
1981 : Write short note: The typical feature in a region of limestone rocks. 10 Marks
1983 : Write short note on polycyclic land mass. 10 Marks
1984 : Write short notes on Karst landforms. 10 Marks
1986 : Discuss the views of W.M. Davis and Walter Penck on the cycle of erosion. 20 Marks
1987 : Discuss the evolution and characteristics of the landforms of the glaciated regions. 20 Marks
1988 : Write short notes on Karst landforms. 10 Marks
1989 : Write Short notes on Rejuvenated landforms. 10 Marks
1991 : Analyse the sequential development of landforms in either karst or coastal region. 20 Marks
1991 : Write Short note on polycyclic landforms. 10 Marks
1993 : Write short notes on Treppen concept. 10 Marks
1992 : Explain the factors causing rejuvenation in landscape and describe the resultant landforms. 20 Marks
1994 : Discuss the concept of cycle of erosion and bring out clearly the difference between the views of Davis and Penck. 20 Marks
1997 : Discuss the concept of polycyclic landforms and present an analytical study of the polycyclic landforms of a region. 20 Marks
2002 : Provide a critique of the ‘geographical cycle’ model propounded by Davis. 20 Marks
2003 : Explain the sequential development of landforms associated with coastal areas. 20 Marks
2008 : Critically examine the concept of geomorphic cycle& discuss the views of W.M. Davis and W. Penck. 20 Marks
2009 : Highlight the geomorphic features essentially found in topographies under the Second Cycle of Erosion. 15 Marks
2010 : Write short notes on Essential conditions for the development of karst topography. 10 Marks
2012 : Explain the characteristics of the standard epigene cycle of erosion. 20 Marks
2012 : Write short notes on Systems approach to landform analysis. 10 Marks
2013 : What is ‘Base level’? Explain types of base level. 15 Marks
2013 : Write short notes on differences between Normal cycle and Arid cycle of Davis. 10 Marks
2014 : Define the term ‘meander’ and describe the basic characteristics of entrenched meander and ingrown meander. 10 Marks
2015 : “Present-day landforms bear more complexity than simplicity.” Elucidate. 15 Marks
2015 : Discuss the contributions of the American School of Subaerial Denudation in geomorphology. 20 Marks
2016 : “In explaining the concept of ‘Pediplanation’, King combined the ideas of Davis, Penck and Wood with his own.” Elaborate. 20 Marks
2016 : Describe the “Basket of eggs topography”. 10 Marks
2017 : Discuss the concept of Periglacial cycle as propounded by Peltier. 20 Marks
2019 : How are sandspits and tombolos formed? 10 Marks
1982 : Write short notes on Peneplain. 10 Marks
2004 : Write short notes on Peneplain. 10 Marks
2014 : State the concept of erosion surfaces and highlight the factors responsible for their development. 15 Marks
2020 : Discuss the problems of erosion surfaces and explain the different methods to identify them with suitable diagrams. 20 Marks
2015 : Explain with examples as to how channel dynamics has been responsible for the development of alluvial fans and cones. 15 Marks
2017 : “Climate, slope gradient and rock structure influence the avulsion of channels.” Explain. 15 Marks
1990 : Analyse the differences in the models of slope evolution proposed by Davis and Penck. 20 Marks
2009 ; Discuss views on slope development provided by L.C. King. 15 Marks
2012 : Explain how Bosche and Haldenhang lead to the Theory of Slope Replacement. 20 Marks
2017 : “The knowledge of slope analysis has limited field application in the slope management.” Explain. 15 Marks
2020 : Why is mapping important for analysing geo-hydrological investigations? 10 Marks
1998 : Discuss the nature and composition of earth’s atmosphere. 20 Marks
1995 : Write short notes on Inversion of Temperature. 10 Marks
2010 : Write short notes on Inversion of temperature. 10 Marks
2016 : Differentiate between insolation and temperature and explain anomalous temperature. 10 Marks
1980 : Discuss the complete mechanism by means of which the atmosphere is able to maintain its heat-balance. Is the atmosphere getting progressively hotter, and if so, why? 20 Marks
2009 : Write short notes on Tropical atmospheric instability. 10 Marks
2017 : Discuss the forces which govern the air movement on the Earth’s surface. 20 Marks
2003 : Discuss the mechanism and significance of tricellular meridional circulation of atmosphere. 20 Marks
2015 : Explain the meridional circulation of the atmosphere and its importance in world climate. 15 Marks
2019 : Discuss in detail the tri-cellular model of atmospheric circulation. 20 Marks
2007 : Discuss the development of local winds and their influence on local weather, giving three examples of the well-known local winds in the world. 20 Marks
2013 : With suitable examples, bring out the impact of local winds on the climate of an area. 20 Marks
2014 : Discuss the salient features of ‘sirocco’ and ‘mistral’. 10 Marks
1981 : With particular reference to India, explain the origin of the "monsoon". Describe and account for the World distribution of monsoon climates, bringing out the significant differences between each of them. 20 Marks
1983 : Write short note on Jet stream. 10 Marks
2008 : Discuss the mechanism and origin of monsoon winds and explain the role of El Nino on Monsoon circulation. 20 Marks
2011 : Write short notes on Rossby waves and Jet Stream. 10 Marks
2014 : Discuss the nature and origin of Indian monsoon and recent techniques of its prediction. 20 Marks
2018 : Explain the origin, progress and retreat of Indian monsoon and discuss its impact on the Indian economy. 20 Marks
2020 : Explain how various factors influence the origin and development of the Indian monsoon system. 20 Marks
1982 : Write short note on Air masses. 10 Marks
1984 : Discuss the concept of warm and cold fronts and the weather associated with them. 20 Marks
1988 : Attempt a classification of air masses and give the characteristic features and associated weather conditions of each class. 20 Marks
1992 : Discuss the origin, movements and characteristics of air masses and explain their role in influencing world climates. 20 Marks
1997 : Define air masses. How do they originate? Classify them and state the characteristics of any one type. 20 Marks
2001 : Discuss the concept of air masses and present their classification. 20 Marks
2012 : Classify airmasses and explain how ‘cP’ airmass affects global climate. 20 Marks
2015 : Discuss as to how frontogenesis contributes to weather instability. 10 Marks
2020 : Explain the characteristic features of Frontogenesis and Frontolysis. 15 Marks
2020 : Write a geographical note on Halloween Storm. 10 Marks
1987 : Discuss critically the characteristics of tropical cyclones and analyse the extent to which they differ from the temperate cyclones. 20 Marks
1989 : Explain the origin, characteristics and distribution of temperate cyclones. 20 Marks
1995 : Explain and illustrate the life-cycle of a temperate cyclone and also describe the weather associated with it. 20 Marks
1991 : Explain the origin, characteristics and distribution of tropical cyclones. 20 Marks
1999 : Make a comparative study of the tropical and temperate cyclones. 20 Marks
2006 : Compare the structure and associated weather conditions of tropical cyclone with that of temperate cyclone. 20 Marks
2010 : What is polar front and how does cyclone develop along this front? Describe the weather conditions associated with it. 20 Marks
2012 : Compare and contrast tropical cyclone and temperate cyclone. 10 Marks
2014 : Describe the origin and development of thunderstorms with examples. 15 Marks
2016 : Compare the origin and weather conditions associated with the tropical and temperate cyclones. 15 Marks
2000 : Give an account of the types and distribution of precipitation on the surface of the earth. 20 Marks
2010 : Examine the various kinds of atmospheric humidity and their associated forms. 20 Marks
2011 : Give an account of global distribution of precipitation. 20 Marks
2013 : Discuss Dew point and the various forms of condensation. 15 Marks
Using the concept of weather and climate , questions of other Topics were asked.
1986 : Compare the basis of the climatic classification of Koppen with that of Thornthwaite's classification. 20 Marks
1990 : Explain the basic criteria used in Thornthwaite’s 1948 classification of climates. 20 Marks
1994 : Explain the basis of Koppen’s classification of climates. Also mention its merits and limitations. 20 Marks
1996 : Examine critically the drawbacks of Koppen’s classification of climates. Explain how Thornthwaite attempted to overcome Koppen’s limitations. 20 Marks
1999 : Write short notes on Cs type of climate, as per Koppen’s classification. 10 Marks
2002 : Discuss the criteria which Thornthwaite adopted for his 1948 classification of world climates. 20 Marks
2004 : Write short notes on Potential evapotranspiration. 10 Marks
2005 : Discuss the main features of the climatic classification system evolved by Koppen. Also point out its anomalies. 20 Marks
2015 : What is potential evapotranspiration? Explain how it is used in assessing the water balance in an area. 15 Marks
2015 : Discuss the basis of Koppen’s climatic classification. Bring out the salient characteristics of ‘Cs’ type of climate. 20 Marks
2018 : Critically examine the basis and scheme of climatic classification proposed by G.T. Trewartha. 15 Marks
2019 : Explain the techniques to calculate potential evapotranspiration suggested by Thornthwaite. 10 Marks
1985 : Write short notes on Hydrological Cycle. 10 Marks
1991 : Write short notes on Hydrological cycle. 10 Marks
2018 : Explain the role of evaporation in the hydrological cycle. 10 Marks
2002 : Write about Impact of Cryosphere on global climate. 15 Marks
2004 : How would the impact of global warming differ from one part of the earth to another? Give a reasoned account. 20 Marks
2009 : Explain the factors contributing to the global climate change. 15 Marks
2009 : Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on agriculture and food security, and on the Coastal Zones of the World. 15 Marks
2011 : “Contemporary global climate change is an anthropogenic phenomenon.” Discuss. 20 Marks
2016 : Discuss the significance of World Climate Research Programme and its core projects in the understanding of climate change. 20 Marks
2016 : Give a reasoned account on how the impact of Global Warming differs from one part of the Earth to the other. 15 Marks
2017 : “Climate Change is a reality.” Explain with suitable examples. 20 Marks
2009 : How does Climate Change affect urban areas? 15 Marks
2019 : Explain the nature of urban climates and their impact on global environmental change. 15 Marks
1987 : Give a reasoned account of the content of the Atlantic Ocean and their impact on the climatic conditions of the coastal regions. 20 Marks
1989 : Write short notes on Ocean bottom relief. 10 Marks
1991 : Draw a hypsographic curve to represent the major physiographic units of the ocean and comment on their permanency. 20 Marks
1996 : Explain and illustrate the ocean floor topography and give a detailed account of the mid-Atlantic ridge. 20 Marks
1998 : Explain and illustrate the sub marine relief of the Atlantic Ocean. 20 Marks
1999 : Write short notes on Submarine canyons. 10 Marks
2003 : Present a concise account of bottom relief of the Indian Ocean. 20 Marks
2004 : Discuss the mid-Atlantic ridge in terms of the origin, extent and relief. 20 Marks
2010 : Explain the scientifically sound methods of bathymetry and give an account of the bottom topography of the Atlantic Ocean. 20 Marks
2017 : Describe the configuration of the Pacific Ocean Floor. 15 Marks
1993 : Give a reasoned account of the distribution of salinity in the oceans and partially enclosed seas. 20 Marks
2000 : Write short notes on T-S diagram. 10 Marks
2009 : Comment on marine heat budget and the oceanic circulation system. 15 Marks
2011 : Temperature, salinity and density differences in ocean water are the prime causes of ocean water circulation. Elaborate. 20 Marks
2011 : Write short notes on Salinity patterns in Indian Ocean. 10 Marks
2012 : Write short notes on Different layers of ocean water above abyssal plain. 10 Marks
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1981 : Present the classification of Oceanic deposits and account for the origin, types and distribution of Pelagic deposits in the World Oceans. 20 Marks
1985 : Discuss the sources and nature of various deposit found on the floor of the oceans. 20 Marks
1986 : Write short notes on Pelagic deposits. 10 Marks
2004 : Write short notes on Pelagic deposits. 10 Marks
2007 : Discuss the different bases for classifying the ocean deposits and give a detailed account of pelagic deposits of the oceans. 20 Marks
2010 : Write short notes on Ocean deposits. 10 Marks
2015 : Describe the characteristics of different types of pelagic deposits. 10 Marks
1980 : Describe and account for the surface currents of the Indian Ocean and explain how and why they differ from those of the Atlantic. 20 Marks
1981 : Write short note: Cold water coasts. 10 Marks
1982 : "In the northern part of the Indian ocean there is a complete reversal of currents between winter and summer as a result of the alternating monsoon winds." Discuss. 20 Marks
2006 : Write short notes on Ocean currents of Northern Atlantic Ocean. 10 Marks
2013 : Differentiate Storm Surges and Seiches. 10 Marks
2014 : Illustrate the origin and nature of Sargasso Sea and Lagoon. 10 Marks
2016 : “The relationship between the winds and the currents is best seen in the Indian Ocean.” Justify. 15 Marks
2017 : Discuss the impacts of ocean currents on air mass behaviour. 10 Marks
2017 : Distinguish between low energy coasts and coral coasts. 10 Marks
2019 : How are ocean waves formed? Distinguish between a wave of oscillation and wave of translation. 15 Marks
2020 : Explain the currents of the North Atlantic Ocean and their significant role in the climate of Western Europe. 15 Marks
1983 : Discuss different types of marine resources and mention their possible utilization. 20 Marks
1984 : Write short notes on marine resources. 10 Marks
1986 : Give an account of marine resources and discuss their present-day utilization. 20 Marks
1995 : Write short notes on Food from the sea. 10 Marks
1997 : Write short notes on Marine resources, biotic, mineral and energy resources. 10 Marks
2009 : Examine economic significance of the resources of the Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean. 15 Marks
2013 : Analyse the reasons for a comparatively poorer development of fishing grounds in tropical areas. 15 Marks
2016 : Bring out the various ecological problems associated with the exploitation and use of oceans and their resources. 20 Marks
2018 : Describe the potential marine energy resources with reference to their benefits, harvestability, environmental impacts. 20 Marks
2020 : Marine resources are economically very significant. Discus citing suitable examples. 10 Marks
1988 : Write short notes on coral reefs. 10 Marks
1990 : Discuss the theories of formation of coral reefs proposed by Daly, Darwin and Davis. 20 Marks
1997 : Examine critically the theories of the formation of coral reefs and atolls. 20 Marks
2001 : Write short notes on formation of coral reefs. 10 Marks
2008 : Describe the ideal conditions for coral reef formation and discuss the glacial control theory of coral reef formation. 20 Marks
2012 : “Atolls present the most challenging explanation in the evolution of coral reefs.” Discuss. 15 Marks
2013 : Compare the Subsidence and Glacial control theories on the formation of coral reefs. 20 Marks
2014 : Give an account of recent observations on coral bleaching with reference to Clive Wilkinson’s Report. 15 Marks
2020 : Discuss the concept of coral bleaching, its recovery and macroalgal regime shifts due to this process. 15 Marks
2007 : Write short notes on Eustatic changes of Sea level. 10 Marks
2018 : Describe the causes and consequences of sea level changes. 10 Marks
2016 : Discuss Maritime Zones. 10 Marks
2014 : Give a critical account of reasons and consequences of marine pollution. 15 Marks
1998 : Write short notes on Soil genesis. 10 Marks
2000 : Write short notes on Soil profile. 10 Marks
2003 : Write short notes on Genesis of Soils. 10 Marks
2019 : How are soil acidity and soil alkalinity related to soil fertility? 15 Marks
1985 : Classify soils of the world and discuss the distribution and characteristics of each. 20 Marks
1992 : Present a classification of the soils of the world and give their economic significance. 20 Marks
2006 : Write short notes on distribution of soils. 10 Marks
2009 : Write short notes on Zonal and Azonal soils. 10 Marks
2011 : Write short notes on Soil profile in Zonal and Azonal soils. 10 Marks
2015 : Classify soils based on their zonal distribution and describe the characteristics of pedocals. 15 Marks
2017 : Distinguish between the characteristics of Chernozem and Seirozem soils. 15 Marks
2018 : Distinguish between intrazonal and azonal soils. Describe in brief the characteristics and importance of azonal soils. 10 Marks
1996 : Write short notes on Desertification and its preventive measures. 10 Marks
2005 : Write short notes on Soil erosion and conservation. 10 Marks
2008 : Write short notes on Desertification as an environmental hazard. 10 Marks
2020 : “Land degradation is a threat to productivity and sustainable resource management.” Explain with suitable examples from India. 15 Marks
1983 :Divide world into major biotic regions giving the basis of your division. 20 Marks
1986 : Write short notes on World’s biotic regions. 10 Marks
1987 : Write short notes on characteristics of monsoon forests. 10 Marks
1989 : Divide the world into major biotic regions and explain the basis of your division. 20 Marks
1994 : Indicate the major biotic regions of the world and discuss the ecological aspects of the Monsoon region. 20 Marks
2009 : Give a brief account of the principal land biomes and their latitudinal distribution. 15 Marks
2010 : Write short notes on Floristic kingdoms, based on their global distribution. 15 Marks
2011 : Define the term biome. List the terrestrial biomes and describe the characteristics of Savanna biome. 20 Marks
2012 : Write about Adaptation and distribution of animals in the Ethiopian realm. 15 Marks
2013 : Write short notes on the Uniqueness of fauna in the Notogean realm. 10 Marks
2013 : Write short notes on the Types of endemic plants and their degree of vulnerability to extinction. 10 Marks
2013 : Bring out the relationship between climate and vegetation in the mountain biome. 15 Marks
2014 : Define zoogeographic region. Also describe the basic faunal makeup of the Neo-Arctic zoogeographic region. 15 Marks
2014 : State the uniqueness of the Eurasian Steppe Biome. 10 Marks
2016 : Bring out the ecological significance of Tropical Rainforest Biome. 10 Marks
2016 : Describe Newbigin’s scheme of Floristic regions of the world and explain the Mediterranean Floristic Region. 15 Marks
2017 : Give a classification of plants based on the amount of water requirement. 15 Marks
2017 : Describe the characteristics of biological deserts. 10 Marks
2019 : Amensalism is a biotic factor that determines the geographic limits of the species. Explain. 10 Marks
2020 : Land use/Land cover and soil types influence forage quantity and quality in semi-arid regions of the world. Discuss with relevant examples. 15 Marks
2020 : Which factors influence the growth of wild plants in India? Discuss their economic significance. 10 Marks
2001 : Write short notes on Agroforestry. 10 Marks
2007 : Write short notes on Social forestry and environmental conservation. 10 Marks
2018 : Discuss the causes of degradation of tropical rainforests and suggest remedial measures for their prevention, conservation and development. 15 Marks
2020 : Explain the effects and causes of deforestation, and its impact on the pattern of agriculture in India. 15 Marks
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1985 : Write short notes on Ecosystem Concept. 10 Marks
1992 : Write short notes on Concept of Ecosystem. 10 Marks
1993 : Write short notes on Biotic succession. 10 Marks
2001 : Discuss the concept, components and functioning of an ecosystem. 20 Marks
2002 : Write in detail the concept of biosphere as an ecosystem. 20 Marks
2010 : Give an account of the structure of ecosystem and describe its functional aspects. 20 Marks
2014 : Give an account of the nature of biosphere as an ecosystem. 10 Marks
2015 : Explain the characteristics of ecological succession. 10 Marks
2020 : “Human ecology is the study of mutual relationship of people and their environment both natural and social.” Discuss in detail using ecological concepts. 15 Marks
2015 : Explain the different stages of ecological adaptation of man and bring out the changing balance between man and development. 20 Marks
1988 : Discuss in detail man’s impact on ecosystem as a result of the modern technological advancement. 20 Marks
1993 : Define ecosystem and describe briefly its various components. Also discuss how and to what extent the modern man has affected the various types of ecosystems. 20 Marks
1995 : ‘Man must realize the importance of maximizing agricultural production without destroying the ecological basis on which our entire food production system rests.’ Explain with examples. 20 Marks
1996 : Write short notes on Man, and Amazon rainforest. 10 Marks
1998 : Examine the impact of advanced agricultural technology on environment. Support your answer with examples. 20 Marks
2014 : “Food productivity with purity of ecosystem is the need of the hour.” Elaborate. 15 Marks
2016 : Write a critical note on the tendency of “use and throw” in the context of economic status and environment. 15 Marks
1983 : Write short note on Ecological imbalance. 10 Marks
1984 : Discuss man's role in creating ecological imbalances taking examples from a geographical region. 20 Marks
1989 : Examine the causes of ecological imbalances and briefly explain the measures taken to rectify them. 20 Marks
2006 : Discuss the global ecological imbalances and their management. 20 Marks
2012 : Write about Programmes initiated by the International Council of Science on Earth System studies. 20 Marks
2012 : Write short notes on Major components of IGBP. 10 Marks
2011 : Write short notes on Marine Ecosystem. 10 Marks
2013 : What are the characteristics that make CHC a serious threat to the ecosystem? Give examples. 15 Marks
2017 : Explain the concept of micro carbon sink and its relevance. 10 Marks
2019 : “The web of life is seamless and the consequences of disruption to one part of the ecosystem ripple through the whole”. Elaborate. 15 Marks
2000 : Discuss the causes and consequences of environmental degradation and highlight the related conservation measures. 20 Marks
2012 : Discuss how different types of mining lead to different types of environmental problems. 15 Marks
2014 : Enumerate the major causes of increasing degradation of environment in hills and hillslopes, and state its down-valley impact. 15 Marks
2017 : Discuss the Perception, Attitude, Value and Emotion (PAVE) Theory of environmental management. 15 Marks
2018 : Explain the ecosystem approach to environmental management and highlight its advantages and disadvantages. 15 Marks
2019 : How do mountaineers constitute a threat to Mount Everest? 10 Marks
1994 : Write short notes on Biodiversity. 10 Marks
1994 : Write short notes on Sustainable development. 10 Marks
1997 : Write short notes on Buffer zone. 10 Marks
1999 : Discuss the relevance of ‘watershed’ as an ecosystem for the purpose of sustainable development. 20 Marks
2006 : Write short notes on Sustainable development. 10 Marks
2007 : Explain the concept of sustainable development and propose a model for agricultural development. 20 Marks
2015 : Discuss the methods of conserving biodiversity for sustainable development. 15 Marks
2019 : Why is it necessary to conserve genetic diversity of species? Do protected areas serve any useful purpose in this context? 20 Marks
2015 : Comment on the impact of environmental education on quality of life. 10 Marks
2018 : Discuss the objectives and principles of environmental education. Describe the basic concerns of formal and non-formal environmental education in India. 15 Marks
2018 : “Controlling population growth is the sustainable solution to environmental problems.” Express your views with suitable arguments. 15 Marks
1995 : Write short notes on Natural hazards. 10 Marks
2003 : Write short notes on Environmental pollution. 10 Marks
2005 : Bring out major problems of environmental pollution at global scale and suggest measures to check it. 20 Marks
2013 : Explain the levels of Noise pollution and the legislative measures to control it. 15 Marks
2016 : Explain the hydro- meteorological hazards in the Himalayas. 10 Marks
2018 : Explain the natural and anthropogenic causes and mitigation measures of frequent flooding in Mumbai. 10 Marks
2018 : “Geomorphological changes are largely responsible for environmental hazards in the Himalayan region.” Comment with relevant examples. 15 Marks
2019 : The impact of floods on life and property can be most effectively reduced by hazard mapping. Comment. 15 Marks
2020 : Discuss the human response to and management of hazards and disasters in India. 15 Marks
Human Geography (Paper 1) - Previous Year Questions
2005 : Write short notes on Areal differentiation. 10 Marks
2010 : Critically examine the changing perspectives on the concept of areal differentiation.15 Marks
2016 : “Areal differentiation forms the core theme in geography.” Explain. 10 Marks
2018 : “Areal differentiation has provided the theoretical justification for studying ‘regions’ and ‘regional geography’.” Comment. 20 Marks
2015 : “Regional synthesis is the crux of geographical studies.” Elaborate. 20 Marks
1982 : Is the Quantitative method in Geography a means to an end or the Geographic method itself? Discuss clearly bringing out the purpose of Geography. 10 Marks
1983 : Write a critical essay on the quantitative revolution in geography. 20 Marks
1986 : What is meant by quantitative revolution in geography? Discuss its impact on the development of subject. 20 Marks
1998 : What is understood by quantification in geography? Discuss the significance of quantification in modern geographical studies with examples. 20 Marks
2009 : ‘Quantitative Revolution and model building provided an empirical basis for geographical research’- Elaborate. 15 Marks
2016 : Trace the origin and progress of Quantitative Revolution in Geography and bring out its merits and demerits. 20 Marks
2018 : Discuss critically the manner in which quantitative revolution provided the methodological foundation for models and modelling in geography. 15 Marks
1990 : Write short notes on quantitative and behavioural revolutions in geography. 10 Marks
1996 : “The emergence of Behavioural Geography was due to disillusionment with axioms on which models were based and the axioms were far removed from reality.” Comment. 20 Marks
1999 : Describe the sequence of major paradigm shifts in geographic thought during the twentieth century. 20 Marks
2001 : Write short notes on Radical approach in human geography. 10 Marks
2003 : Present a critical analysis of human and welfare approaches in human geography. 20 Marks
2004 : Distinguish between radical and welfare approaches in geographic studies. 20 Marks
2008 : Write short notes on Behavioural Geography. 10 Marks
2011 : Write short explanatory notes on Welfare Approach in Human Geography. 10 Marks
2011 : Discuss the impact of positivism in paradigm shift in Geography. 15 Marks
2014 : Elaborate the concept of mental map. 10 Marks
2014 : Discuss the contribution of geographers in the development of radical geography. 15 Marks
2015 : Discuss the approaches to the study of behavioural geography. 15 Marks
2015 : “The welfare face of geography makes it an inter-disciplinary subject.” Elaborate. 10 Marks
2017 : Discuss the contemporary paradigms of Geography. 20 Marks
2017 : Explain the concept of Time – Geography. 10 Marks
2018 : “Geography is a contested and multiparadigmic discipline with a strong eurocentricity that has only recently challenged.” Comment. 10 Marks
2018 : Provide a brief outline of ideas related to “sense of place” as propounded by Yi- Fu Tuan and Relph in the humanistic geography that emerged in the 1970’s. 15 Marks
2018 : Elaborate upon the influence of Marxist philosophy on geographical research, outline the key themes addressed by Marxist geographers since the 1970’s. 15 Marks
2018 : Comment upon the contributions of D.M. Smith in outlining ‘welfare’ as a key focus in the geographies of social well-being. 15 Marks
2018 : “Welfare geography emphasizes special inequality and territorial justice”. Comment with reference the main ideas and scope of the subfield. 20 Marks
1980 : Discuss the scope of human geography. 20 Marks
1984 : Critically examine the development of determinism and possibilism in geography. 20 Marks
1997 : Critically examine the concept of dualism with special reference to physical versus human geography. 20 Marks
1994 : Examine critically the concepts of ‘determinism’ and ‘possibilism’. 10 Marks
2007 : Write short notes Dualism in geography. 10 Marks
2010 : Write short explanatory notes on Neo-determinism. 10 Marks
2013 : “Ellen Churchill Semple is an ardent supporter of Determinism”. Explain. 10 Marks
2016 : Discuss the relevance of ‘Stop and Go Determinism’ in the present-day context. 15 Marks
1988 : Write short notes on Environmental Determinism. 10 Marks
2002 : Write short notes Neo-environmentalism. 10 Marks
2015 : “There is a rejuvenation of environmentalism as a paradigm in geographical studies.” Comment. 20 Marks
2019 : “A language originates at a particular place and diffuses to other location through the migration of its speakers.” Examine this statement in the context of language hot spots and endangered language hot spots. 10 Marks
1988 : Give a critical account of the cultural evolution of man. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 20 Marks
1989 : Write short notes on Major cultural realms of the world. 10 Marks
2006 : Write short notes on Cultural regions of the World. 10 Marks
2009 : Provide a broad classification of world cultural regions. 20 Marks
2010 : Write short explanatory notes on Occidental cultural realm. 10 Marks
2014 : “Indo-Gangetic hearth is considered to be one of the world’s richest cultural realms.” Examine. 15 Marks
2015 : “Cultural regions are most suited units to study the diversity of an area.” Comment. 15 Marks
2017 : “The traditional cultural identities are at loss with the growth of global connectivity.” Explain. 10 Marks
2019 : Globalisation can often subsume folk culture. What are its positive and negative effects? 15 Marks
2010 : Critically examine the method of deriving Human Development Index. 20 Marks
2013 : Explain the parameters for assessment and the spatial pattern of Human Development Index in the World. 15 Marks
2019 : HDI has brought about a paradigm shift in the way people think about the development process. Critically examine the inherent limitations of HDI. 20 Marks
2020 : Write an essay on gender equity and equality in India in the context of Balanced human Development.