50 Geography MCQs Set 5 with Answers for UPSC, SSC, and Competitive Exams

1. The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?

(A) 6
(B) 7
(C) 8
(D) 9
✅ Ans: (C) 8

Explanation: The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. Geography of India by Majid Husain provides a detailed map and description of its path.


2. Which of the following rivers originates in India and flows into Pakistan?

(A) Ravi
(B) Sutlej
(C) Chenab
(D) All of the above
✅ Ans: (D) All of the above

Explanation: The Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab, all part of the Indus River system, originate in India (Himalayas) and flow into Pakistan. Geography of India discusses their transboundary significance under the Indus Water Treaty.


3. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built on which river?

(A) Krishna
(B) Godavari
(C) Cauvery
(D) Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (A) Krishna

Explanation: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, located in Telangana, is constructed on the Krishna River, supporting irrigation and power generation. Geography of India highlights its role in peninsular agriculture.


4. The Great Indian Bustard is mainly found in:

(A) Gujarat
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Maharashtra
✅ Ans: (B) Rajasthan

Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird, is primarily found in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park. Geography of India notes its habitat in arid grasslands.


5. Which of the following crops needs maximum water for cultivation?

(A) Wheat
(B) Rice
(C) Maize
(D) Cotton
✅ Ans: (B) Rice

Explanation: Rice, a Kharif crop, requires extensive water due to its flooded field cultivation method. Geography of India explains its water-intensive nature compared to wheat or maize.


6. Which region is known as the ‘Granary of India’?

(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Punjab-Haryana
(C) Bihar
(D) Andhra Pradesh
✅ Ans: (B) Punjab-Haryana

Explanation: Punjab and Haryana, with fertile alluvial soils and canal irrigation, are India’s ‘Granary’ due to high wheat and rice production. Geography of India emphasizes their Green Revolution impact.


7. Which of the following Indian rivers has a tidal bore?

(A) Yamuna
(B) Hooghly
(C) Narmada
(D) Krishna
✅ Ans: (B) Hooghly

Explanation: The Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganga, experiences tidal bores due to tidal influences from the Bay of Bengal. Geography of India describes this phenomenon near Kolkata.


8. River Sutlej originates from:

(A) Rakshastal
(B) Yamunotri
(C) Mansarovar
(D) Rakas Lake
✅ Ans: (A) Rakshastal

Explanation: The Sutlej originates near Rakshastal in Tibet, close to Lake Mansarovar, flowing through Himachal Pradesh. Geography of India traces its Himalayan origin.


9. In which state is the Gir National Park located?

(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Gujarat
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Maharashtra
✅ Ans: (B) Gujarat

Explanation: Gir National Park in Gujarat is the last habitat of the Asiatic Lion. Geography of India highlights its conservation efforts and biodiversity.


10. Which river flows through the Rift Valley?

(A) Chambal
(B) Tapi
(C) Yamuna
(D) Son
✅ Ans: (B) Tapi

Explanation: The Tapi River flows through a rift valley between the Satpura and Ajanta ranges, forming an estuary. Geography of India contrasts its geology with other rivers.


11. Which is the southernmost range of the Himalayas?

(A) Himadri
(B) Himachal
(C) Shiwalik
(D) Pir Panjal
✅ Ans: (C) Shiwalik

Explanation: The Shiwalik, or Outer Himalayas, is the southernmost range, composed of younger sedimentary rocks. Geography of India describes its foothills across northern states.


12. The term “Pedocal” is associated with:

(A) Tropical soil
(B) Black soil
(C) Desert soil
(D) Alluvial soil
✅ Ans: (C) Desert soil

Explanation: Pedocal soils, rich in calcium carbonate, are typical of arid and desert regions like Rajasthan. Geography of India explains their formation in low-rainfall areas.


13. Which of the following passes connects India to Myanmar?

(A) Zojila Pass
(B) Nathu La Pass
(C) Bomdila Pass
(D) Pangsau Pass
✅ Ans: (D) Pangsau Pass

Explanation: Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh connects India to Myanmar, facilitating border trade. Geography of India notes its strategic location in the Northeast.


14. Which of the following is a tidal port in India?

(A) Kolkata
(B) Vishakhapatnam
(C) Paradip
(D) Cochin
✅ Ans: (A) Kolkata

Explanation: Kolkata, on the Hooghly River, is a tidal port affected by tidal fluctuations, requiring dredging. Geography of India discusses its navigational challenges.


15. Which of these rivers does NOT originate from the Amarkantak Plateau?

(A) Narmada
(B) Son
(C) Mahanadi
(D) Tapi
✅ Ans: (D) Tapi

Explanation: The Narmada, Son, and Mahanadi originate from the Amarkantak Plateau, while the Tapi rises in the Satpura Range. Geography of India clarifies their sources.


16. The largest producer of wheat in India is:

(A) Punjab
(B) Haryana
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Madhya Pradesh
✅ Ans: (C) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh leads in wheat production due to its vast Gangetic plains and irrigation facilities. Geography of India notes its agricultural output.


17. “Patkai Bum” hills are located in:

(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Mizoram
(D) Nagaland
✅ Ans: (B) Arunachal Pradesh

Explanation: Patkai Bum hills form part of the eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Myanmar. Geography of India describes their rugged terrain.


18. The Tropic of Cancer passes through which of these Indian states?

(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Maharashtra
(C) Jharkhand
(D) Kerala
✅ Ans: (C) Jharkhand

Explanation: Jharkhand is among the eight states crossed by the Tropic of Cancer, unlike Tamil Nadu or Kerala, which lie south of it. Geography of India provides a list of these states.


19. Which river system forms the largest delta in the world?

(A) Nile
(B) Amazon
(C) Ganga-Brahmaputra
(D) Mississippi
✅ Ans: (C) Ganga-Brahmaputra

Explanation: The Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta, also called the Sunderban Delta, is the world’s largest, spanning India and Bangladesh. World Geography highlights its mangrove ecosystem.


20. Which among the following rivers is known as the “Red River”?

(A) Yamuna
(B) Brahmaputra
(C) Lohit
(D) Subansiri
✅ Ans: (C) Lohit

Explanation: The Lohit River, a Brahmaputra tributary, is called the “Red River” due to its reddish sediment load from Himalayan erosion. Geography of India notes its course in Arunachal Pradesh.


21. The Indian city known as “City of Lakes” is:

(A) Bhopal
(B) Nainital
(C) Srinagar
(D) Udaipur
✅ Ans: (D) Udaipur

Explanation: Udaipur in Rajasthan, with lakes like Fateh Sagar and Pichola, is called the “City of Lakes.” Geography of India highlights its tourism appeal.


22. The Aravalli Hills are rich in:

(A) Copper
(B) Coal
(C) Limestone
(D) Gold
✅ Ans: (A) Copper

Explanation: The Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan are a major source of copper, along with other minerals like zinc. Geography of India details their mineral wealth.


23. Which of the following cities is located on the Tropic of Cancer?

(A) Kolkata
(B) Gandhinagar
(C) Ranchi
(D) Jaipur
✅ Ans: (C) Ranchi

Explanation: Ranchi in Jharkhand lies close to the Tropic of Cancer, which passes through the state. Geography of India maps its proximity to this latitude.


24. The Coromandel Coast lies between:

(A) Krishna and Kaveri
(B) Mahanadi and Godavari
(C) Godavari and Krishna
(D) Kaveri and Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (A) Krishna and Kaveri

Explanation: The Coromandel Coast extends along India’s southeast coast between the Krishna and Kaveri rivers. Geography of India describes its ports and climate.


25. Which Indian state has no railway service as of now (2025)?

(A) Meghalaya
(B) Sikkim
(C) Nagaland
(D) Arunachal Pradesh
✅ Ans: (B) Sikkim

Explanation: Sikkim remains the only Indian state without operational railway services as of 2025, due to its mountainous terrain. Geography of India notes ongoing rail projects.


26. Which lake is known as the “Floating Lake” of India?

(A) Chilika
(B) Dal
(C) Loktak
(D) Vembanad
✅ Ans: (C) Loktak

Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur is called the “Floating Lake” due to its phumdis (floating islands of vegetation). Geography of India highlights its unique ecosystem.


27. What type of forest is found in the Western Ghats?

(A) Tropical Deciduous
(B) Tropical Evergreen
(C) Alpine
(D) Coniferous
✅ Ans: (B) Tropical Evergreen

Explanation: The Western Ghats host tropical evergreen forests due to high rainfall and warm climate. Geography of India classifies their dense, biodiverse vegetation.


28. Bhitarkanika National Park is famous for:

(A) Tigers
(B) Crocodiles
(C) Elephants
(D) Lions
✅ Ans: (B) Crocodiles

Explanation: Bhitarkanika in Odisha is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles and mangrove forests. Geography of India notes its Ramsar site status.


29. The river flowing through the Kaziranga National Park is:

(A) Teesta
(B) Subansiri
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Manas
✅ Ans: (C) Brahmaputra

Explanation: The Brahmaputra River flows through Kaziranga National Park in Assam, supporting its one-horned rhinoceros habitat. Geography of India describes its ecological role.


30. Which of the following is the highest gravity dam in India?

(A) Tehri Dam
(B) Bhakra Nangal Dam
(C) Sardar Sarovar Dam
(D) Hirakud Dam
✅ Ans: (B) Bhakra Nangal Dam

Explanation: Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej is India’s highest gravity dam (~225 m), vital for power and irrigation. Geography of India details its engineering significance.


31. Which soil is found in the Deccan Plateau and is good for cotton cultivation?

(A) Alluvial
(B) Black
(C) Red
(D) Laterite
✅ Ans: (B) Black

Explanation: Black soil, formed from basaltic lava, dominates the Deccan Plateau and is ideal for cotton due to its moisture retention. Geography of India explains its distribution.


32. Which state is famous for Zojila tunnel?

(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) Jammu & Kashmir
(C) Sikkim
(D) Uttarakhand
✅ Ans: (B) Jammu & Kashmir

Explanation: The Zojila Tunnel, under construction, connects Srinagar to Leh in Jammu & Kashmir, improving year-round access. Geography of India notes its strategic importance.


33. The smallest state in India by area is:

(A) Goa
(B) Sikkim
(C) Tripura
(D) Manipur
✅ Ans: (A) Goa

Explanation: Goa, at ~3,702 sq.km, is India’s smallest state by area. Geography of India contrasts its coastal geography with larger states like Sikkim.


34. Which Indian lake is a lagoon?

(A) Vembanad
(B) Chilika
(C) Pulicat
(D) All of the above
✅ Ans: (D) All of the above

Explanation: Vembanad, Chilika, and Pulicat are lagoon lakes, formed by coastal barriers with brackish water. Geography of India describes their ecological roles.


35. Which country is known as the “Land of Midnight Sun”?

(A) Sweden
(B) Iceland
(C) Norway
(D) Finland
✅ Ans: (C) Norway

Explanation: Norway, within the Arctic Circle, experiences the Midnight Sun, where the sun doesn’t set in summer. World Geography explains this polar phenomenon.


36. What is the northernmost point of India?

(A) Siachen
(B) Indira Col
(C) Karakoram Pass
(D) Leh
✅ Ans: (B) Indira Col

Explanation: Indira Col in Jammu & Kashmir is India’s northernmost point, near the Siachen Glacier. Geography of India clarifies its remote, strategic location.


37. Which of these countries shares the longest border with India?

(A) China
(B) Pakistan
(C) Bangladesh
(D) Nepal
✅ Ans: (C) Bangladesh

Explanation: India shares its longest border (~4,096 km) with Bangladesh, followed by China (~3,488 km). Geography of India details its eastern boundary.


38. Which Indian state has the highest percentage of forest area to its total area?

(A) Mizoram
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Chhattisgarh
(D) Madhya Pradesh
✅ Ans: (A) Mizoram

Explanation: Mizoram has the highest forest cover percentage (~85%), due to its hilly terrain and biodiversity. Geography of India cites recent Forest Survey data.


39. India’s first Geopark is being developed in:

(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Gujarat
(C) Odisha
(D) Rajasthan
✅ Ans: (A) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation: India’s first Geopark is proposed in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, showcasing geological heritage. Geography of India notes its UNESCO potential.


40. The Westernmost longitude of India is:

(A) 68°7’E
(B) 66°8’E
(C) 69°3’E
(D) 70°1’E
✅ Ans: (A) 68°7’E

Explanation: The westernmost longitude of India is 68°7’E, near Sir Creek in Gujarat. Geography of India defines India’s longitudinal extent.


41. The only floating national park in the world is located in:

(A) Assam
(B) Manipur
(C) Meghalaya
(D) Arunachal Pradesh
✅ Ans: (B) Manipur

Explanation: Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, on Loktak Lake, is the world’s only floating national park, home to the Sangai deer. Geography of India highlights its uniqueness.


42. Which city is situated on the bank of the river Jhelum?

(A) Peshawar
(B) Multan
(C) Srinagar
(D) Lahore
✅ Ans: (C) Srinagar

Explanation: Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, lies on the Jhelum River. Geography of India notes its scenic and cultural significance.


43. The Rann of Kutch is a:

(A) Salt desert
(B) Black soil plain
(C) Lava plateau
(D) Sand dune belt
✅ Ans: (A) Salt desert

Explanation: The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is a vast salt desert, seasonally flooded by monsoon waters. Geography of India describes its unique landscape.


44. Sunderbans are famous for:

(A) Bengal Tigers
(B) Olive Ridley Turtles
(C) Wild Ass
(D) Indian Bison
✅ Ans: (A) Bengal Tigers

Explanation: The Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers. Geography of India emphasizes its mangrove ecosystem.


45. Which river is the largest in terms of length in India?

(A) Godavari
(B) Ganga
(C) Yamuna
(D) Krishna
✅ Ans: (B) Ganga

Explanation: The Ganga (~2,525 km) is India’s longest river, flowing through the northern plains. Geography of India contrasts it with the Godavari, the longest peninsular river.


46. Which state has no scheduled tribe population?

(A) Haryana
(B) Punjab
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Bihar
✅ Ans: (B) Punjab

Explanation: Punjab has no scheduled tribe population, unlike states like Haryana or Bihar with tribal communities. Geography of India cites census data.


47. Majuli, the largest river island, lies in which river?

(A) Teesta
(B) Yamuna
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Ganga
✅ Ans: (C) Brahmaputra

Explanation: Majuli, in Assam, is the world’s largest river island, located in the Brahmaputra River. Geography of India notes its shrinking size due to erosion.


48. Which river forms the Dhuandhar Falls?

(A) Chambal
(B) Narmada
(C) Betwa
(D) Son
✅ Ans: (B) Narmada

Explanation: The Narmada River forms the Dhuandhar Falls near Jabalpur, known for its misty appearance. Geography of India describes its scenic beauty.


49. India’s longest tunnel is located in:

(A) Jammu & Kashmir
(B) Himachal Pradesh
(C) Sikkim
(D) Uttarakhand
✅ Ans: (A) Jammu & Kashmir

Explanation: The Atal Tunnel (previously the longest) and other major tunnels are in Jammu & Kashmir, like the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel. Geography of India notes their connectivity role.


50. Which of the following is a coral island of India?

(A) Minicoy
(B) Diu
(C) Barren Island
(D) Great Nicobar
✅ Ans: (A) Minicoy

Explanation: Minicoy, part of Lakshadweep, is a coral island formed by coral atolls. Geography of India contrasts it with volcanic Barren Island.

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