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India - Drainage System PYQs – Geography, SSC & Railway

148 India - Drainage System (Geography) questions asked in recent SSC and Railway exams, newest first, with exam, date & shift, answers and solutions.

📚 148 questionsSSC 80 · Railway 68
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SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q1. Which of the following rivers forms the largest delta in the world before entering the Bay of Bengal?

  1. (a) Mahanadi
  2. (b) Godavari
  3. (c) Krishna
  4. (d) Ganga-Brahmaputra
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Ganga-Brahmaputra

Answer: Option 4 — Ganga-Brahmaputra
The Ganga and the Brahmaputra (joined by the Meghna) build the Sundarbans or Bengal delta, the largest delta in the world, spread over Bangladesh and West Bengal before the rivers enter the Bay of Bengal.
The Mahanadi, Godavari and Krishna also form deltas on the east coast, but far smaller ones.
Revision note — The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta
• Area about 1,05,000 sq km; roughly two-thirds lies in Bangladesh and one-third in West Bengal. It is also called the Sundarbans delta or the Green delta.
• In Bangladesh the Ganga is the Padma, the Brahmaputra is the Jamuna; their joint stream meets the Meghna before reaching the sea.
• The Sundarbans here form the largest mangrove forest in the world, named after the sundari tree; home of the Royal Bengal tiger; UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) and a Ramsar site (2019).
• Ganga: length 2,525 km, rises at Gangotri glacier (as the Bhagirathi) and enters the plains at Haridwar; the Hooghly is its distributary in West Bengal.
• Brahmaputra: rises near Mansarovar as the Tsangpo, enters India through Arunachal Pradesh (as the Siang/Dihang) and is called Brahmaputra in Assam.
• Peninsular deltas of the east coast: Mahanadi (Odisha — Paradip port), Godavari ("Dakshin Ganga", the largest peninsular river), Krishna and Kaveri.
• The west-flowing Narmada and Tapi form estuaries, not deltas.
Do not mix these up
• Largest delta vs largest peninsular delta — the world's largest is the Ganga-Brahmaputra; among peninsular rivers the Godavari builds the largest delta.
• Delta vs estuary — east-flowing rivers with a gentle slope and heavy silt make deltas; the fast west-flowing Narmada and Tapi make estuaries.
Also asked from this topic: the river system that forms the world's largest delta (Ganga-Brahmaputra); the Indian state in which it lies (West Bengal); the vegetation the Sundarbans are famous for (mangrove forest).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q2. Which is the most important river basin for agriculture in northern India?

  1. (a) Narmada
  2. (b) Ganga
  3. (c) Krishna
  4. (d) Tapi
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ganga

Answer: Option 2 — Ganga
The Ganga basin is India's largest river basin and the heart of the Indo-Gangetic plain — deep alluvial soil, perennial Himalayan water and the country's main rice-wheat belt.
Narmada and Tapi are west-flowing rivers of central India and the Krishna is a peninsular river of the Deccan; none of them serves northern India.
Revision note — The Ganga basin
• The Ganga basin covers about 8.6 lakh sq km in India — roughly 26 per cent of the country's area — and spreads over 11 states, from Uttarakhand and Himachal to West Bengal.
• The Ganga rises as the Bhagirathi from the Gangotri glacier; the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet at Devprayag, and the river is called Ganga from there. Length 2,525 km.
• It enters the plains at Haridwar; main tributaries are the Yamuna (largest), Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi from the north and the Son from the south.
• The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, the Sundarbans, is the largest delta in the world; the river ends in the Bay of Bengal.
• Declared the National River in 2008; Namami Gange launched in 2014; the National Ganga Council is headed by the Prime Minister.
• The Narmada and Tapi flow west through rift valleys into the Arabian Sea; the Krishna rises at Mahabaleshwar and drains into the Bay of Bengal.
Do not mix these up
• Largest basin vs longest river — the Ganga is both in India, but the Brahmaputra carries more water and the Godavari is the largest peninsular basin.
• Bhagirathi vs Alaknanda — Bhagirathi is the source stream from Gangotri; Alaknanda (from Satopanth) is the larger of the two at Devprayag.
Also asked from this topic: the river with the largest catchment area in India (Ganga); the basin with the densest population (Ganga basin); the rice-wheat cropping region (Indo-Gangetic Plains).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 2 · Drainage patterns, basins and river terminology

Q3. What primarily influenced the formation of India's drainage system?

  1. (a) Only tectonic plate collisions
  2. (b) Climatic zones and forest cover
  3. (c) Physiographic evolution and rainfall patterns
  4. (d) Man-made canals and irrigation plans
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Physiographic evolution and rainfall patterns

Answer: Option 3 — Physiographic evolution and rainfall patterns
A river system is shaped by the relief and slope of the land it drains and by the amount and timing of rainfall that feeds it.
India's drainage is therefore controlled by the broad physiographic divisions — the Himalayas, the Northern Plains and the Peninsular Plateau — together with the monsoon.
Revision note — Drainage system of India
• Indian rivers are grouped into the Himalayan rivers (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra) and the Peninsular rivers (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada, Tapi).
• Himalayan rivers are perennial — fed by both rain and snowmelt — and are antecedent, older than the mountains they cut through, forming deep gorges.
• Peninsular rivers are seasonal, rain-fed, and flow through broad shallow valleys because the plateau is old, hard rock.
• Most peninsular rivers flow east into the Bay of Bengal and form deltas; Narmada and Tapi flow west through rift valleys and form estuaries.
• About 77 per cent of India's drainage area goes to the Bay of Bengal and about 23 per cent to the Arabian Sea.
• The Western Ghats form the main water divide between the two.
• The Ganga has the largest river basin in India; the Godavari is the largest peninsular river, called the Dakshin Ganga.
Do not mix these up
• Antecedent vs consequent drainage — antecedent rivers are older than the relief and cut across it (Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra); consequent rivers simply follow the slope of the land.
• Delta vs estuary — east-flowing rivers drop silt on a gentle slope and build deltas; the west-flowing Narmada and Tapi drop into the sea through a rift with no delta.
Also asked from this topic: the process that formed the Northern Plains (deposition of alluvium); the peninsular rivers that flow west (Narmada and Tapi); the river with the largest catchment area (Ganga).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q4. Which of the following lakes is a saltwater lake and is also the largest inland saltwater lake in India?

  1. (a) Dal Lake
  2. (b) Wular Lake
  3. (c) Chilika Lake
  4. (d) Sambhar Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Sambhar Lake

Answer: Option 4 — Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Lake, about 80 km west of Jaipur in Rajasthan, is India's largest inland saline lake.
Chilika is bigger, but it is a coastal lagoon open to the Bay of Bengal, not an inland lake; Dal and Wular are freshwater.
Revision note — Sambhar and the other named lakes
• Sambhar: area 190–230 sq km depending on the season, fed by the Mendha, Rupangarh, Khandel and Karian streams; a Ramsar site since 1990.
• It produces about 9 per cent of India's salt, worked by Sambhar Salts Ltd, a Hindustan Salts subsidiary; it is a major wintering ground for flamingos.
• Chilika (Odisha): India's largest brackish-water lagoon and Asia's largest; India's first Ramsar site (1981), famous for Irrawaddy dolphins and Nalabana bird sanctuary.
• Wular (J&K): India's largest freshwater lake, on the Jhelum, in Bandipora district.
• Dal (Srinagar): freshwater; Shalimar Bagh (Jahangir, 1619) and Nishat Bagh stand on its banks.
• Other salt lakes: Pangong Tso (Ladakh), Tso Moriri (Ladakh), Lonar (Maharashtra, a meteorite-crater lake).
Do not mix these up
• Chilika vs Sambhar — Chilika is the largest saltwater (brackish) lake overall; Sambhar is the largest inland saltwater lake. Read for the word inland.
• Wular vs Dal — both are in Kashmir and freshwater, but Wular is the largest freshwater lake in India; Dal is the tourist lake in Srinagar.
Also asked from this topic: the largest saltwater lake in India (Chilika); the state of Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan); the largest freshwater lake in India (Wular).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Drainage patterns, basins and river terminology

Q5. The Peninsular rivers have a distinct seasonal flow pattern compared to the Himalayan rivers. Which of the following is a primary reason for their non-perennial nature?

  1. (a) Their flow is controlled by dams
  2. (b) They originate from melting glaciers
  3. (c) They depend largely on monsoon rainfall
  4. (d) They have large catchment areas
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) They depend largely on monsoon rainfall

Answer: Option 3 — They depend largely on monsoon rainfall
Peninsular rivers rise on the plateau, where there is no snow or glacier, so they are fed only by rain.
They swell in the south-west monsoon (June–September) and shrink to a trickle in the dry months — a seasonal, non-perennial regime.
Revision note — Himalayan vs Peninsular drainage
• Himalayan rivers (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra) are snow-fed and rain-fed, hence perennial; they are young, still cutting V-shaped valleys, gorges and meanders.
• Peninsular rivers flow over hard, old crystalline rock in broad, shallow, graded valleys; their courses are nearly fixed and they do not meander much.
• The main water divide of the Peninsula is the Western Ghats; the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi and Kaveri flow east into the Bay of Bengal and form deltas.
• The Narmada and Tapi flow west through rift valleys into the Arabian Sea and form estuaries, not deltas.
• The Godavari (about 1,465 km) is the longest Peninsular river, called the Dakshin Ganga; it rises at Trimbakeshwar, Nashik.
• The Kaveri is the one Peninsular river that is almost perennial, because its basin gets rain from both monsoons (south-west upstream, north-east downstream).
Do not mix these up
• Perennial vs non-perennial — perennial rivers flow all year (snow plus rain); non-perennial rivers dry up outside the monsoon (rain only).
• Delta vs estuary — the east-flowing rivers build deltas; the west-flowing Narmada and Tapi end in estuaries because of the rift valleys and strong tides.
Also asked from this topic: the river called Dakshin Ganga (Godavari); Peninsular rivers falling into the Arabian Sea (Narmada and Tapi); streams of the Thar Desert (ephemeral — most vanish into the sand).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q6. In Tibet, which river is known as 'Singi Khamban' or the 'Lion's Mouth'?

  1. (a) Indus
  2. (b) Brahmaputra
  3. (c) Ganga
  4. (d) Sutlej
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Indus

Answer: Option 1 — Indus
The Indus rises in Tibet near Lake Mansarovar from the Bokhar Chu glacier in the Kailash range, where the Tibetans call it Singi Khamban (Senge Khabab), the Lion's Mouth.
Each great river of the Mansarovar region has such an animal name — the Brahmaputra is the Tamchok Khambab (Horse's Mouth), the Satluj the Langchen Khambab (Elephant's Mouth).
Revision note — The Indus river
• Source: near Mansarovar, at about 5,180 m, in the Kailash range of Tibet; total length 2,880 km, of which 1,114 km is in India.
• Enters India at Demchok, Ladakh, flows north-west between the Ladakh and Zaskar ranges, cuts a deep gorge near Nanga Parbat and enters Pakistan near Chillas.
• Himalayan tributaries: Zaskar, Shyok, Nubra, Hunza, Gilgit; the Punjab tributaries Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Satluj join it together as the Panjnad at Mithankot.
• Falls into the Arabian Sea east of Karachi; the Harappan cities Mohenjo-daro and Harappa stood on the Indus and its tributary the Ravi.
• Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 (Nehru and Ayub Khan, brokered by the World Bank): India got the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas, Satluj; Pakistan the western rivers Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.
• The name India itself comes from Sindhu, which the Persians called Hindu and the Greeks Indos.
Do not mix these up
• Indus vs Brahmaputra vs Satluj — all three rise near Mansarovar, but only the Indus is the Lion's Mouth; the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) is the Horse's Mouth and the Satluj the Elephant's Mouth.
• Lion's Mouth vs Peacock's Mouth — the Karnali (Ghaghara) is the Mapchu Khambab, the Peacock's Mouth.
Also asked from this topic: the Punjab rivers of the Indus system (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Satluj); the year of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960); the river on which Mohenjo-daro stands (Indus).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 12 September 2026 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q7. Lakes predominantly formed by the action of glaciers are typically found in which major geographical region of India?

  1. (a) The Thar Desert
  2. (b) The coastal plains
  3. (c) The Himalayan region
  4. (d) The Deccan Plateau
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The Himalayan region

Answer: Option 3 — The Himalayan region
A glacier scoops out a hollow (a cirque) or leaves a wall of debris (a moraine) that dams the meltwater; such lakes can exist only where glaciers exist — the high Himalaya.
The desert has playas, the coast has lagoons and the plateau has crater and reservoir lakes, none of them glacial.
Revision note — Lakes of India by origin
• Glacial lakes: Gurudongmar and Tsomgo (Changu) in Sikkim, Chandra Tal and Suraj Tal in Himachal, Roopkund and Hemkund in Uttarakhand — mostly cirque (tarn) or moraine-dammed lakes.
• Tectonic lakes: Wular (J&K), the largest freshwater lake of India, and Pangong Tso in Ladakh, a brackish lake shared with China.
• Lagoons: Chilika (Odisha), India's largest brackish lagoon, Pulicat (AP–TN) and Vembanad (Kerala) — coastal lakes cut off by sand bars.
• Oxbow lakes: cut-off meanders on the Ganga plain, such as Kanwar (Kabartal) in Bihar, the largest oxbow lake in Asia.
• Crater lake: Lonar (Maharashtra), formed by a meteorite impact in the Deccan basalt.
• Man-made: Gobind Sagar (Bhakra dam), Hirakud and Nagarjuna Sagar reservoirs.
• Glacial lakes bring the hazard of a GLOF (glacial lake outburst flood) — the South Lhonak lake burst in Sikkim on 4 October 2023 and devastated the Teesta valley and the Chungthang dam.
Do not mix these up
• Wular vs Dal — both are in Kashmir, but Wular is a large tectonic freshwater lake; Dal is a shallow urban lake famous for houseboats.
• Glacial lake vs lagoon — a glacial lake sits at high altitude behind ice or moraine; a lagoon lies at sea level behind a sand spit.
Also asked from this topic: the states the Teesta flows through, hit by the 2023 outburst flood (Sikkim and West Bengal); the state of the NDMA's GLOF early-warning pilot (Himachal Pradesh, 2026).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 1 · Dams and river valley projects

Q8. The Guru Gobind Sagar Lake, a large artificial lake in India, was primarily formed for which of the following purposes?

  1. (a) Promoting tourism and recreational activities
  2. (b) Enhancing biodiversity and wildlife conservation
  3. (c) Hydropower generation and irrigation
  4. (d) Desalination of seawater for drinking
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Hydropower generation and irrigation

Answer: Option 3 — Hydropower generation and irrigation
Gobind Sagar is the reservoir created by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh.
It is a multipurpose river valley project built to generate hydroelectricity and to carry irrigation water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan; the fishery and the wildlife sanctuary came later as by-products.
Revision note — Bhakra-Nangal and Gobind Sagar
• The Bhakra Dam stands at Bhakra village, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, on the Sutlej; the smaller Nangal Dam downstream is in Rupnagar district, Punjab.
• The reservoir is named Gobind Sagar after the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
• Bhakra is a concrete gravity dam about 226 m high, among the highest in India; the highest is Tehri (260.5 m) on the Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand.
• Jawaharlal Nehru dedicated the project to the nation in 1963 and called such dams the "temples of modern India".
• Its water and power are shared by Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
• The canal network it feeds was central to the success of the Green Revolution in Punjab and Haryana.
• Gobind Sagar is also a notified wildlife sanctuary and one of India's largest inland fisheries.
Do not mix these up
• Gobind Sagar vs Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar — Gobind Sagar is behind the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej; Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar is behind the Rihand Dam in Uttar Pradesh.
• Bhakra vs Nangal — Bhakra is the tall storage and power dam in Himachal Pradesh; Nangal is the low regulating dam in Punjab that feeds the canals.
Also asked from this topic: the river on which the Bhakra Dam is built (the Sutlej); the states the Bhakra-Nangal project lies in (Himachal Pradesh and Punjab); the reservoir it forms (Gobind Sagar).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q9. Which river valley is most associated with the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC)?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Damodar
  3. (c) Mahanadi
  4. (d) Brahmaputra
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Damodar

Answer: Option 2 — Damodar
The DVC was set up to tame the Damodar, the river of Jharkhand and West Bengal whose floods earned it the name Sorrow of Bengal.
Revision note — Damodar Valley Corporation
• Established on 7 July 1948 under the DVC Act, 1948 — the first multipurpose river valley project of independent India, modelled on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) of the USA.
• Purposes: flood control, irrigation, hydro and thermal power, navigation, soil conservation and afforestation; participating governments are the Centre, Jharkhand (then Bihar) and West Bengal.
• The Damodar rises in the Palamu hills of the Chota Nagpur plateau (Jharkhand), flows east for about 592 km and joins the Hooghly below Kolkata; main tributaries are the Barakar, Konar and Bokaro.
• Dams: Tilaiya (1953, the first) and Maithon on the Barakar, Konar on the Konar, Panchet on the Damodar; the Durgapur barrage feeds the canal system.
• The valley holds India's richest Gondwana coalfields — Jharia, Raniganj, Bokaro — and the Bokaro and Durgapur steel plants and the Sindri fertiliser plant grew up around it.
• Other multipurpose projects: Bhakra-Nangal (Sutlej), Hirakud (Mahanadi), Nagarjuna Sagar (Krishna), Tungabhadra (Tungabhadra), Rihand (Rihand, a Son tributary).
Do not mix these up
• Sorrow of Bengal vs Sorrow of Bihar — the Damodar is the Sorrow of Bengal; the Kosi is the Sorrow of Bihar; the Brahmaputra is the Sorrow of Assam.
• DVC vs Hirakud — Hirakud on the Mahanadi (Odisha) is India's longest dam; the DVC has no dam on the Mahanadi.
Also asked from this topic: the purpose of the DVC (multipurpose river valley development); the foreign model it followed (Tennessee Valley Authority); the mineral the Damodar valley is richest in (coal).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q10. India's physiographic divisions are diverse and include plateaus, plains, hills, and coastal regions. The Deccan Plateau is one of the largest volcanic plateaus in the world. Which of the following rivers does NOT originate from the Deccan Plateau?

  1. (a) Godavari
  2. (b) Krishna
  3. (c) Ganga
  4. (d) Tungabhadra
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ganga

Answer: Option 3 — Ganga
The Ganga is a Himalayan river: it rises as the Bhagirathi from the Gangotri glacier (Gaumukh, Uttarkashi) and becomes the Ganga at Devprayag, where the Alaknanda joins it.
The Godavari, Krishna and Tungabhadra are all peninsular rivers that rise on the western edge of the Deccan Plateau and flow east.
Revision note — Rivers of the Deccan Plateau
• Godavari: rises at Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra), about 1,465 km long — the longest peninsular river, called Dakshin Ganga.
• Krishna: rises at Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats, about 1,400 km; main tributaries Bhima, Tungabhadra, Koyna, Ghataprabha, Musi.
• Tungabhadra: formed by the Tunga and Bhadra, both rising in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, which meet at Koodli near Shivamogga; joins the Krishna in Andhra Pradesh.
• Other Deccan rivers: Kaveri (Talakaveri, Brahmagiri hills), Mahanadi (Sihawa, Chhattisgarh), Narmada and Tapi (west-flowing, through rift valleys).
• The Deccan Trap is a basalt cover formed by fissure eruptions about 66 million years ago; its weathering gives the black (regur) soil.
• Peninsular rivers are rain-fed and seasonal; Himalayan rivers are snow-fed and perennial.
Do not mix these up
• Godavari vs Krishna source — Godavari rises at Trimbakeshwar (Nashik); Krishna at Mahabaleshwar (Satara).
• Bhagirathi vs Alaknanda — the Bhagirathi comes from Gangotri, the Alaknanda from Satopanth glacier; they meet at Devprayag.
Also asked from this topic: the origin of the Ganga (Gangotri glacier); where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet (Devprayag); the river called Dakshin Ganga (Godavari).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 2 · Drainage patterns, basins and river terminology

Q11. What is the term used to describe the area from which a river collects its surface runoff?

  1. (a) Catchment area
  2. (b) Delta
  3. (c) Estuary
  4. (d) Tributary
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Catchment area

Answer: Option 1 — Catchment area
The catchment area (also called the drainage basin or river basin) is the whole tract of land from which rain and surface runoff drain into one river and its tributaries.
A delta, an estuary and a tributary are parts of a river system, not the land area that feeds it.
Revision note — Drainage basins and river terms
• Catchment / drainage basin: the area drained by a single river system.
• Two neighbouring basins are separated by an upland line called the water divide or watershed. The Vindhya Range is the watershed between the Ganga and the Narmada systems.
• Tributary: a smaller stream that joins a main river. Distributary: a channel that leaves the main river near its mouth — distributaries build a delta.
• The Ganga has the largest river basin in India, about 8.6 lakh sq km inside the country, roughly a quarter of India's area.
• The Ganga–Brahmaputra (Sundarban) delta is the largest delta in the world, shared by West Bengal and Bangladesh.
• A river ends in a delta where it drops its silt in many channels, and in an estuary where the mouth is a single funnel-shaped inlet — the Narmada and the Tapi form estuaries.
Do not mix these up
• Tributary vs distributary — a tributary adds water to the river; a distributary takes water away from it.
• Delta vs estuary — a delta is built of deposited silt in a branching mouth; an estuary is a drowned single mouth where fresh and salt water mix.
• Catchment vs water divide — the catchment is the area; the water divide is the ridge line that bounds it.
Also asked from this topic: the area from which all precipitation flows into one river system (drainage basin, SSC Selection Post 2025); what 'watershed' means (river catchment area, RRB NTPC UG 2025).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 2 · River disputes and river facts

Q12. Which of the following statements best describes the Indian drainage system?

  1. (a) It is entirely man-made, developed post-independence.
  2. (b) It includes only perennial Himalayan rivers.
  3. (c) It includes rivers shaped by terrain and rainfall
  4. (d) It is based on political boundaries and canal networks.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It includes rivers shaped by terrain and rainfall

Answer: Option 3 — It includes rivers shaped by terrain and rainfall
A drainage system is a natural network, and its pattern is decided by relief, slope, rock structure and rainfall — not by canals or state borders.
India's rivers include both snow-fed Himalayan rivers and rain-fed peninsular rivers, so “only perennial Himalayan rivers” is far too narrow.
Revision note — The Indian drainage system
• Indian rivers fall into Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers. The three great Himalayan systems are the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.
• Himalayan rivers are perennial, fed by snowmelt and monsoon rain; they are antecedent (older than the mountains), cut deep gorges and build wide flood plains and deltas.
• Peninsular rivers are mostly seasonal (rain-fed), flow in shallow, broad valleys and have almost fixed courses.
• East-flowing peninsular rivers — Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri — reach the Bay of Bengal and form deltas. The Godavari is the longest, called the Dakshina Ganga.
• West-flowing Narmada and Tapi run in rift valleys to the Arabian Sea and form estuaries.
• By outflow, about 77 per cent of India's drainage area goes to the Bay of Bengal and about 23 per cent to the Arabian Sea; by size, basins are major (over 20,000 sq km), medium and minor.
• Common drainage patterns: dendritic (tree-like, on uniform rock), trellis, radial (from a dome such as Amarkantak) and centripetal.
Do not mix these up
• Himalayan vs peninsular rivers — Himalayan rivers are perennial and youthful with V-shaped valleys; peninsular rivers are seasonal and have reached a graded, mature stage.
• Antecedent vs consequent river — an antecedent river (Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra) existed before the uplift and cut through it; a consequent river only follows the existing slope.
Also asked from this topic: the peninsular rivers that fall into the Arabian Sea (Narmada and Tapi, SSC GD 2026); the river of which the Lohit is a tributary (Brahmaputra, SSC CGL 2025).
RRB Group D 2025-26 – 17 August 2026 Shift 3 · River disputes and river facts

Q13. In April 2026, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was associated with a dispute involving which pair of states?

  1. (a) Gujarat and Maharashtra irrigation planning
  2. (b) Odisha and Chhattisgarh water sharing
  3. (c) Telangana and Karnataka reservoir usage
  4. (d) Punjab and Haryana canal allocation
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Odisha and Chhattisgarh water sharing

Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal
In April 2026, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal was associated with the ongoing water-sharing dispute betweenOdisha and Chhattisgarh, with the tribunal issuing a deadline for the states to settle the matter.
Confirmed by Odisha.plus and Easemyprep coverage of the Mahanadi tribunal proceedings in April 2026.
Correct Answer: Odisha and Chhattisgarh water sharing
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q14. The Sardar Sarovar Project is built on which river?

  1. (a) Sabarmati
  2. (b) Narmada
  3. (c) Mahi
  4. (d) Tapi
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Narmada

Sardar Sarovar Project
Location: Gujarat (near Navagam)
Built on:Narmada River
One of the largest dam projects in India
Part of the Narmada Valley Project
Answer: Option 2 → Narmada
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 June 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q15. Which of the following is the largest multipurpose river valley project in India?

  1. (a) Bhakra Nangal
  2. (b) Sardar Sarovar
  3. (c) Hirakud
  4. (d) Damodar Valley
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bhakra Nangal

Topic: Multipurpose River Valley Projects in India
Bhakra Nangal Project:
• Located on Sutlej River (Punjab-Himachal Pradesh)
• Bhakra Dam height: 226m (2nd highest in Asia)
• Reservoir: Gobind Sagar Lake
• Largest multipurpose project in India
Other Major Projects:
• Hirakud: Longest dam (Mahanadi, Odisha)
• Sardar Sarovar: On Narmada River (Gujarat)
• Damodar Valley: Called 'Sorrow of Bengal'
Answer: Option 1 → Bhakra Nangal
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q16. Which of the following is a hydroelectric power plant located on a Himalayan river?

  1. (a) Krishnarajasagar Hydroelectric Power Plant
  2. (b) Tehri Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant
  3. (c) Mettur Hydroelectric Power Plant
  4. (d) Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Plant
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Tehri Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant

Himalayan Rivers and Hydroelectric Plants
Tehri Dam- Located onBhagirathi River(tributary of Ganga) in Uttarakhand
One of the highest dams in India (260.5 m)
Major hydroelectric project in the Himalayas
Other Options:
Krishnarajasagar - On Kaveri River (Karnataka)
Mettur - On Kaveri River (Tamil Nadu)
Srisailam - On Krishna River (Andhra Pradesh)
Answer: Option 2 → Tehri Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q17. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is constructed across which of the following rivers?

  1. (a) Godavari
  2. (b) Krishna
  3. (c) Tungabhadra
  4. (d) Bhima
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Krishna

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Location: Telangana-Andhra Pradesh border
River:Krishna River
One of the largest masonry dams in the world
Answer: Option 2 → Krishna
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 2 · Tributaries and confluences

Q18. The Pin River constitutes the most important right bank tributary of __________.

  1. (a) Bhaga River
  2. (b) Chandra River
  3. (c) Tsarab River
  4. (d) Spiti River
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Spiti River

Topic: Rivers of Himachal Pradesh
The Pin River is a major tributary in the Spiti Valley region.
It originates from the Pin Parvati Pass and flows through the Pin Valley National Park.
The Pin River joins theSpiti Riverfrom the right bank near the village of Attargo.
The Spiti River itself is a tributary of the Sutlej River.
Answer: Option 4 → Spiti River
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q19. The largest freshwater lake in India is:

  1. (a) Wular Lake
  2. (b) Loktak Lake
  3. (c) Dal Lake
  4. (d) Chilika Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Wular Lake

Topic: Largest Freshwater Lake in India
Wular Lake- Located in Jammu & Kashmir (Bandipora district)
Area: 30-260 sq km (varies seasonally)
Largest freshwater lake in India
Other lakes:
Loktak Lake - Manipur (freshwater, floating phumdis)
Dal Lake - J&K (smaller freshwater lake)
Chilika Lake - Odisha (largest brackish water lagoon, not freshwater)
Answer: Option 1 → Wular Lake
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 13 June 2026 Shift 2 · River disputes and river facts

Q20. The river Kosi frequently shifts its channel in the plains mainly because:

  1. (a) Large upstream dams constantly modify their natural flow
  2. (b) It traverses a long stretch of tectonic rifted lowland
  3. (c) Its flow is sustained only by seasonal monsoon rain
  4. (d) It carries huge quantities of sediment from the Himalayas
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) It carries huge quantities of sediment from the Himalayas

Topic: River Kosi - Channel Shifting
Kosi is called'Sorrow of Bihar'due to frequent floods and channel shifts.
Key Reason:Kosi originates in the Himalayas and carries massive sediment load.
Heavy sediment deposition raises the riverbed, causing the river to change course frequently.
This process is calledaggradation- typical of Himalayan rivers in plains.
Answer: Option 4 → It carries huge quantities of sediment from the Himalayas
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 13 June 2026 Shift 3 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q21. Which river system supports Bangladesh’s extreme population density?

  1. (a) Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
  2. (b) Mississippi River Plain
  3. (c) Nile River Valley
  4. (d) Amazon River Basin
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta

Topic: Geography - River Systems
Bangladesh Geography:
Bangladesh is located in South Asia, formed by the delta of Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers.
Key Facts:
Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta is the world's largest river delta.
Extremely fertile alluvial soil supports intensive agriculture.
High agricultural productivity sustains dense population (1000+ people/km²).
Answer: Option 1 → Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
SSC GD 2026 – 31 May 2026 Shift 3 · Dams and river valley projects

Q22. On which river is the Tehri Dam located?

  1. (a) Bhagirathi
  2. (b) Yamuna
  3. (c) Ganga
  4. (d) Godavari
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bhagirathi

Correct Answer: Bhagirathi (Option 1)
Tehri Dam is built on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the tallest dams in the world (height: 260.5 m) and is a multipurpose project providing hydroelectric power, irrigation, and drinking water. The Bhagirathi River later merges with the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the River Ganga.
Why others are wrong:
- Yamuna: Flows through Delhi and Agra; Tehri Dam is not on this river.
- Ganga: The Ganga is formed downstream after the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda; not the site of Tehri Dam.
- Godavari: A peninsular river flowing through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh; unrelated to Tehri Dam.
SSC GD 2026 – 30 May 2026 Shift 3 · Dams and river valley projects

Q23. Where is the Bhakra-Nangal Project located?

  1. (a) Gujarat and Maharashtra
  2. (b) Himachal Pradesh and Punjab
  3. (c) Assam and West Bengal
  4. (d) Odisha and Bihar
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Himachal Pradesh and Punjab

Correct Answer: Himachal Pradesh and Punjab (Option 2)
The Bhakra-Nangal Project is a multi-purpose river valley project on the Sutlej River. The Bhakra Dam is located in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, while the Nangal Dam (a smaller diversion dam) is in Rupnagar district of Punjab. It is one of India's largest multipurpose dams and was called the 'Temple of Resurgent India' by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Why others are wrong:
- Gujarat and Maharashtra: These states are not associated with the Bhakra-Nangal Project.
- Assam and West Bengal: Located in Eastern India; unrelated to this project.
- Odisha and Bihar: Also in Eastern India; not related to the Bhakra-Nangal Project.
SSC GD 2026 – 27 May 2026 Shift 1 · Dams and river valley projects

Q24. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was
established for _____.

  1. (a) Trade promotion
  2. (b) Steel production
  3. (c) Multi-purpose river valley development
  4. (d) Rural credit
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Multi-purpose river valley development

Correct Answer: Multi-purpose river valley development — Option (c)
The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established for multi-purpose river valley development. About the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC): Established: July 7, 1948 (under the Damodar Valley Corporation Act, 1948); Modeled on: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) of the USA; Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal; Coverage: The Damodar river valley spanning Jharkhand (then Bihar) and West Bengal; Purposes of DVC (Multi-purpose): Flood Control: The Damodar was known as 'Sorrow of Bengal' due to recurrent devastating floods; DVC was primarily set up to control these floods; Irrigation: Provide irrigation to agricultural areas; Hydroelectric Power Generation: Generate electricity for industrial and domestic use; Navigation: Improve navigability of the Damodar river; Afforestation: Control soil erosion in the valley; Industrial Development: Support coal mining and industries in the Damodar coal belt; Dams built by DVC: Tilaiya Dam, Konar Dam, Maithon Dam, Panchet Dam; These create reservoirs for multi-purpose use; Why 'Sorrow of Bengal': Damodar river used to overflow during monsoon, causing massive floods; DVC's dams brought flood control; Significance: DVC was India's first multi-purpose river valley project in independent India; It became a model for subsequent river valley projects.
Option (a) Trade promotion — Incorrect: The DVC was NOT established for trade promotion; it was set up to control floods, generate power, provide irrigation, and ensure multi-purpose river valley development in the Damodar Valley region spanning Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Option (b) Steel production — Incorrect: While steel plants are located near the Damodar Valley region (Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, SAIL plants in Bokaro etc.) due to proximity to coal and power from DVC, the DVC itself was NOT established specifically for steel production; its mandate is multi-purpose river valley development.
Option (d) Rural credit — Incorrect: Rural credit is the domain of financial institutions like NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) — NOT the DVC; the Damodar Valley Corporation was established for multi-purpose river valley development including flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
SSC GD 2026 – 21 May 2026 Shift 2 · West-flowing rivers

Q25. _____ are peninsular rivers that fall into the Arabian Sea.

  1. (a) Krishna, Godavari
  2. (b) Narmada, Tapi
  3. (c) Mahanadi, Subarnarekha
  4. (d) Kaveri, Periyar
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Narmada, Tapi

Correct Answer: Narmada, Tapi — Option (b)
Narmada and Tapi (Tapti) are the major peninsular rivers of India that flow westward and drain into the Arabian Sea. Narmada: The fifth-longest river in India (about 1,312 km); originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh; flows westward through the Narmada-Son Rift Valley (a structural valley, unlike most Indian rivers that flow in alluvial plains); drains into the Gulf of Khambhat (Gulf of Cambay) in the Arabian Sea; forms the traditional boundary between North India and South India (Deccan/peninsular); Tapi (Tapti): About 724 km long; originates from Satpura Range in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh; flows parallel to and south of the Narmada through Maharashtra and Gujarat; also drains into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea) near Surat; Both rivers flow through rift valleys (grabens) formed by faulting — they are fault-guided rivers flowing westward, unlike most peninsular rivers (Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri, Mahanadi) which flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
Option (a) Krishna, Godavari — Incorrect: Krishna and Godavari are major peninsular rivers that flow EASTWARD and drain into the Bay of Bengal (not the Arabian Sea); Godavari (the 'Dakshin Ganga') originates in Nashik, Maharashtra and flows east through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh; Krishna originates near Mahabaleshwar and flows east through Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (c) Mahanadi, Subarnarekha — Incorrect: Mahanadi and Subarnarekha both flow EASTWARD and drain into the Bay of Bengal — Mahanadi through Odisha (Paradip) and Subarnarekha through Jharkhand/Odisha; they are NOT Arabian Sea-draining rivers.
Option (d) Kaveri, Periyar — Incorrect: Kaveri (Cauvery) flows eastward from the Western Ghats through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu into the Bay of Bengal; while Periyar is a river of Kerala that drains into the Arabian Sea (at Kochi), Kaveri does not; Narmada and Tapi are the correct pair of peninsular rivers draining into the Arabian Sea.
SSC GD 2026 – 19 May 2026 Shift 1 · Lakes of India

Q26. Which Indian lake is of volcanic/meteoric origin?

  1. (a) Sambhar Lake
  2. (b) Loktak Lake
  3. (c) Lonar Lake
  4. (d) Chilika Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Lonar Lake

Correct Answer: Lonar Lake — Option (c)
Lonar Lake (also called Lonar Crater Lake) in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, is a saline soda lake formed by a meteorite impact approximately 50,000 years ago, making it the only known hyper-velocity meteoric impact crater in basaltic rock in the world (often described in textbooks as volcanic origin due to the basaltic surroundings). It is located in the Deccan Plateau (trap basalt) region. The lake has both saline and alkaline properties and is designated as a National Geo-heritage Monument. It is also a Ramsar Wetland site. Lonar Lake supports unique microbial communities that are being studied for their potential applications in biotechnology and space science.
Option (a) Sambhar Lake — Incorrect: Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan) is India's largest inland saltwater lake, formed through tectonic activity and evaporation; it is not of volcanic or meteoric origin.
Option (b) Loktak Lake — Incorrect: Loktak Lake (Manipur) is the largest freshwater lake in northeast India, famous for its phumdis (floating islands); it has a natural origin but not volcanic or meteoric.
Option (d) Chilika Lake — Incorrect: Chilika Lake (Odisha) is Asia's largest coastal lagoon, formed through a combination of sedimentation and sea changes; it is not of volcanic or meteoric origin.
SSC GD 2026 – 18 May 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q27. The Kosi Mechi Intra-state river link project is associated with which of the following states?

  1. (a) Bihar
  2. (b) Madhya Pradesh
  3. (c) Kerala
  4. (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bihar

Correct Answer: Bihar — Option (a)
The Kosi- Mechi Intra-state river link project is associated with Bihar. It is a major water resources project aimed at linking the Kosi river (which flows through north Bihar and is prone to flooding) with the Mechi river (on Bihar's eastern border with Nepal) through a canal. The project's primary objectives are: flood control in the Kosi basin (the Kosi river is known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar' due to its devastating floods); irrigation of agricultural land in north Bihar; and improving water management in the region. The project is part of India's National River Linking Project (NRLP) and is one of the prioritised intra-state river link projects under the National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
Option (b) Madhya Pradesh — Incorrect: Madhya Pradesh has its own river linking projects (like Ken-Betwa), but the Kosi- Mechi project specifically pertains to rivers in Bihar.
Option (c) Kerala — Incorrect: Kerala's rivers are short and flow westward; the Kosi and Mechi rivers are located in north Bihar/eastern Nepal region.
Option (d) Tamil Nadu — Incorrect: Tamil Nadu's major river link projects involve Cauvery, Palar, and Vaigai rivers; the Kosi- Mechi project is in Bihar.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 9 May 2026 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q28. Which river rises west of the Rohtang pass in the Kullu hills of Himachal Pradesh and flows through the Chamba valley of the state?

  1. (a) Jhelam river
  2. (b) Chenab river
  3. (c) Ravi river
  4. (d) Beas river
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ravi river

Topic: Rivers of Himachal Pradesh
TheRavi Riveroriginates west of Rohtang Pass in the Kullu hills.
It flows through the Chamba valley of Himachal Pradesh.
The Ravi is one of the five rivers of Punjab and a tributary of the Indus.
Answer: Option 3 → Ravi river
SSC GD 2026 – 8 May 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q29. Which is the tallest dam in India?

  1. (a) Bhakra Nangal Dam
  2. (b) Hirakud Dam
  3. (c) Tehri Dam
  4. (d) Sardar Sarovar Dam
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Tehri Dam

Correct Answer: Tehri Dam — Option (c)
Tehri Dam, built on the Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand, is the tallest dam in India and one of the tallest dams in the world, standing at a height of 260.5 metres (855 feet). It is also the largest hydropower project in India. The dam forms the Tehri reservoir (Tehri Lake) which is the largest reservoir in India by capacity. The project serves purposes of irrigation, municipal water supply, and electricity generation.
Option (a) Bhakra Nangal Dam — Incorrect: Bhakra Dam (on the Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh) is 226 metres tall — significant, but shorter than Tehri Dam.
Option (b) Hirakud Dam — Incorrect: Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi river in Odisha is one of the longest dams in the world but not the tallest in India.
Option (d) Sardar Sarovar Dam — Incorrect: Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river in Gujarat is 163 metres tall — shorter than Tehri Dam.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 2 · East-flowing peninsular rivers

Q30. Krishna Basin mainly extends over which of the following groups of states?

  1. (a) Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
  2. (b) Maharashtra, Odisha and Karnataka
  3. (c) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
  4. (d) Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Krishna River Basin
Origin: Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Major states covered:
•Maharashtra(origin state)
•Karnataka(major portion)
•Andhra Pradesh(lower basin, delta)
Flows eastward and empties into Bay of Bengal
Total basin area: ~2,58,948 km²
Answer: Option 4 → Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
SSC GD 2026 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Water resources and water-body census

Q31. Rainwater harvesting is mainly helpful in:

  1. (a) Reducing air pollution
  2. (b) Soil erosion
  3. (c) Groundwater recharge
  4. (d) Increasing global temperature
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Groundwater recharge

Correct Answer: Groundwater recharge — Option (c)
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. Its primary benefit is groundwater recharge — collected rainwater is directed into the ground through percolation pits, recharge wells, or infiltration trenches, replenishing depleted aquifers. As groundwater levels have been falling alarmingly in many parts of India due to over-extraction, rainwater harvesting is crucial for sustainable water management. It also reduces surface runoff, flooding, and soil erosion.
Option (a) Reducing air pollution — Incorrect: Rainwater harvesting has no direct connection to reducing air pollution; it deals with water conservation.
Option (b) Soil erosion — Incorrect: Rainwater harvesting actually helps REDUCE soil erosion (by preventing runoff), but the primary benefit is groundwater recharge, not controlling soil erosion per se.
Option (d) Increasing global temperature — Incorrect: Rainwater harvesting does not increase global temperature; if anything, it can help moderate local temperatures through increased moisture.
SSC GD 2026 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Dams and river valley projects

Q32. Which dam is built on the Sutlej river ?

  1. (a) Bhakra Dam
  2. (b) Nagarjuna Sagar
  3. (c) Hirakud Dam
  4. (d) Tehri Dam
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bhakra Dam

Correct Answer: Bhakra Dam — Option (a)
Bhakra Dam is built on the Sutlej river in Himachal Pradesh (at the border of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh), near Bilaspur. It is one of India's highest gravity dams (226 metres high) and is part of the Bhakra-Nangal project — a joint project of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The reservoir created by Bhakra Dam is called Gobind Sagar Lake. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru called these dams the 'temples of modern India'.
Option (b) Nagarjuna Sagar — Incorrect: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built on the Krishna river in Telangana/Andhra Pradesh, not the Sutlej.
Option (c) Hirakud Dam — Incorrect: Hirakud Dam is built on the Mahanadi river in Odisha; it is one of the longest dams in the world but not on the Sutlej.
Option (d) Tehri Dam — Incorrect: Tehri Dam is built on the Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand; it is India's tallest dam but not on the Sutlej.
SSC GD 2026 – 7 May 2026 Shift 3 · West-flowing rivers

Q33. Which of the following rivers is the main river flowing through the desert region of Rajasthan?

  1. (a) Chambal
  2. (b) Banas
  3. (c) Luni
  4. (d) Sabarmati
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Luni

Correct Answer: Luni — Option (c)
The Luni river is the main river that flows through the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. It originates from the Pushkar Lake near Ajmer (from the Aravalli Hills) and flows southwest through the desert districts of Barmer and Jalor before draining into the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The Luni is a saline river — its water is fresh in the upper reaches but becomes increasingly brackish downstream (its name comes from 'Lavani', meaning salt). It is the only significant river that flows through the Thar Desert.
Option (a) Chambal — Incorrect: The Chambal flows through eastern Rajasthan (Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur ) and then into Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh; it does not flow through the Thar Desert.
Option (b) Banas — Incorrect: The Banas river flows through eastern Rajasthan ( Rajsamand , Chittorgarh, Bhilwara) and joins the Chambal; it does not flow through the desert.
Option (d) Sabarmati — Incorrect: The Sabarmati river flows through Gujarat (Ahmedabad), not through the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
SSC GD 2026 – 7 May 2026 Shift 3 · Lakes of India

Q34. Loktak Lake is situated in which state?

  1. (a) Tripura
  2. (b) Nagaland
  3. (c) Assam
  4. (d) Manipur
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Manipur

Correct Answer: Manipur — Option (d)
Loktak Lake is located in Manipur and is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is famous for its unique floating islands called ' phumdis ' — heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter of varying sizes and thickness. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park, is situated on Loktak Lake and is the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai (brow-antlered deer), the state animal of Manipur. The lake is also designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Option (a) Tripura — Incorrect: Tripura's major lakes include Rudrasagar Lake (where Neermahal palace is situated); Loktak is in Manipur.
Option (b) Nagaland — Incorrect: Nagaland does not have a lake named Loktak ; the lake is in neighbouring Manipur.
Option (c) Assam — Incorrect: Assam has the Deepor Beel wetland and several other lakes, but Loktak Lake is in Manipur, not Assam.
SSC GD 2026 – 5 May 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q35. Which river system forms the world's largest delta?

  1. (a) Indus
  2. (b) Ganga-Brahmaputra
  3. (c) Godavari
  4. (d) Krishna
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ganga-Brahmaputra

Correct Answer: Ganga-Brahmaputra — Option (b)
The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta (also known as the Sundarbans Delta or Bengal Delta) is the world's largest river delta, covering approximately 105,000 sq. km across Bangladesh and West Bengal (India). It is formed by the combined sediment deposits of the Ganga (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna rivers. The Sundarbans — the world's largest mangrove forest — lies in this delta.
Option (a) Indus — Incorrect: The Indus delta is in Pakistan (Sindh province) along the Arabian Sea; while significant, it is not the world's largest delta.
Option (c) Godavari — Incorrect: The Godavari delta in Andhra Pradesh is the largest delta in India among peninsular rivers but not the world's largest.
Option (d) Krishna — Incorrect: The Krishna delta is smaller than the Godavari delta and is not the world's largest.
SSC GD 2026 – 5 May 2026 Shift 3 · Waterfalls of India

Q36. Dhuandhar Waterfall is formed by which of the following rivers?

  1. (a) Tapti
  2. (b) Kaveri
  3. (c) Narmada
  4. (d) Godavari
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Narmada

Correct Answer: Narmada — Option (c)
Dhuandhar Waterfall (meaning 'stream of smoke' in Hindi) is formed by the Narmada River near Bhedaghat in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh. As the Narmada River flows over marble rocks and falls into a narrow gorge, the water creates a thick mist resembling smoke, giving the waterfall its name. The area around Dhuandhar is famous for the Marble Rocks ( Bhedaghat ) — beautiful white marble canyon walls rising about 100 feet on both sides of the river.
Option (a) Tapti — Incorrect: The Tapti (Tapi) river flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat into the Arabian Sea; it does not form the Dhuandhar waterfall.
Option (b) Kaveri — Incorrect: The Kaveri river flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu; it forms Shivanasamudra Falls, not Dhuandhar .
Option (d) Godavari — Incorrect: The Godavari is the 'Dakshin Ganga' flowing through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh; it does not form Dhuandhar Falls.
SSC GD 2026 – 4 May 2026 Shift 1 · Drainage patterns, basins and river terminology

Q37. Which river of India has the largest catchment area?

  1. (a) Godavari
  2. (b) Ganga
  3. (c) Narmada
  4. (d) Brahmaputra
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ganga

Correct Answer: Ganga — Option (b)
The Ganga (Ganges) river has the largest catchment (drainage basin) area in India, covering approximately 8.6 lakh sq. km — about 26% of India's total land area. The Ganga basin covers states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
Option (a) Godavari — Incorrect: Godavari is the largest river in peninsular India but has a smaller catchment area than Ganga.
Option (c) Narmada — Incorrect: Narmada's catchment area is significantly smaller than that of the Ganga.
Option (d) Brahmaputra — Incorrect: The Brahmaputra has a large total basin area, but its basin within India is smaller than the Ganga's.
SSC GD 2026 – 4 May 2026 Shift 2 · West-flowing rivers

Q38. In which direction does the Narmada river flow?

  1. (a) East to West
  2. (b) West to East
  3. (c) North to South
  4. (d) South to North
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) East to West

Correct Answer: East to West — Option (a)
The Narmada river originates at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay). It is unique among major Indian rivers in that it flows from east to west through a rift valley rather than toward the Bay of Bengal.
Option (b) West to East — Incorrect: Most major peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery) flow west to east, but Narmada is an exception — it flows east to west.
Option (c) North to South — Incorrect: The Narmada does not flow north to south; it flows along an east-west axis.
Option (d) South to North — Incorrect: No major Indian river flows from south to north except the Chambal and Betwa (tributaries).
SSC GD 2026 – 4 May 2026 Shift 3 · River disputes and river facts

Q39. Which river forms the largest river island Majuli?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Brahmaputra
  3. (c) Godavari
  4. (d) Yamuna
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Brahmaputra

Correct Answer: Brahmaputra — Option (b)
Majuli is the world's largest river island, formed by the Brahmaputra river in Assam, India. Located in the middle of the Brahmaputra, Majuli has an area of approximately 875 sq. km and is known for its unique Neo-Vaishnavite culture and Satras (monasteries). In 2016, it became India's first island district.
Option (a) Ganga — Incorrect: The Ganga does not form Majuli. Ganga forms islands like Sagar Island in West Bengal, not Majuli.
Option (c) Godavari — Incorrect: The Godavari flows through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh; it does not form Majuli.
Option (d) Yamuna — Incorrect: The Yamuna flows through North India and does not form Majuli island.
SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 1 · River disputes and river facts

Q40. Which river forms Majuli, the world's largest river island?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Brahmaputra
  3. (c) Yamuna
  4. (d) Godavari
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Brahmaputra

Correct Answer: Brahmaputra — Option (b)
Majuli is the world's largest river island, formed by the Brahmaputra river in Assam. Key facts about Majuli: Location: Majuli island is situated in the Brahmaputra river in Assam, India; Size: Once the world's largest river island at approximately 1,250 sq. km, it has since shrunk due to erosion (currently about 352 sq. km); It was officially recognized as the world's largest river island by the Guinness Book of World Records; District status: In 2016, Majuli became India's first river island district when it was carved out as a separate district from Jorhat district in Assam; Cultural significance: Majuli is known as the cultural capital of Assam; it is home to numerous Vaishnavite monasteries ( Satras ) established by the 15th-century saint-reformer Srimanta Shankaradeva; these Satras are centres of neo-Vaishnavite culture, art, music, and dance ( Sattriya — one of India's eight classical dance forms); Erosion concern: Majuli faces a serious threat from erosion and flooding of the Brahmaputra; UNESCO has been involved in heritage preservation efforts.
Option (a) Ganga — Incorrect: The Ganga does not form Majuli island; while the Ganga forms several islands, Majuli — the world's largest river island — is specifically formed by the Brahmaputra in Assam.
Option (c) Yamuna — Incorrect: The Yamuna does not form Majuli island; the Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga and flows through Delhi and Uttar Pradesh; Majuli is formed by the Brahmaputra in Assam.
Option (d) Godavari — Incorrect: The Godavari flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before draining into the Bay of Bengal; it does not form Majuli island — that is formed by the Brahmaputra in Assam.
SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q41. Which river forms the world's largest delta along with the Brahmaputra?

  1. (a) Godavari
  2. (b) Ganga
  3. (c) Krishna
  4. (d) Yamuna
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ganga

Correct Answer: Ganga — Option (b)
The Ganga and the Brahmaputra together form the Sundarbans Delta (Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta), the world's largest river delta, spanning parts of West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh.
Option (a) Godavari — Incorrect: Godavari forms its own smaller delta on the eastern coast of India (Andhra Pradesh).
Option (c) Krishna — Incorrect: Krishna has a separate delta in Andhra Pradesh, unrelated to the Brahmaputra.
Option (d) Yamuna — Incorrect: Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga and does not form any independent delta.
SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q42. The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is primarily located in which state of India?

  1. (a) West Bengal
  2. (b) Uttar Pradesh
  3. (c) Bihar
  4. (d) Assam
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) West Bengal

Correct Answer: West Bengal — Option (a)
The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is primarily located in West Bengal. The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta (commonly called the Sundarbans Delta) is the world's largest delta and is shared between India and Bangladesh. Key facts: The delta is formed by the convergence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers; The Indian portion of the delta is located primarily in West Bengal, while the larger portion lies in Bangladesh; The Sundarbans (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — the largest mangrove forest in the world — is situated in this delta region spanning West Bengal and Bangladesh; The delta is renowned for the Royal Bengal Tiger, Irrawaddy dolphins, and other biodiversity; Major distributaries in West Bengal include the Hooghly, Bhagirathi, and other rivers; Kolkata (the major city of West Bengal) is situated on the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganga in the delta region.
Option (b) Uttar Pradesh — Incorrect: Uttar Pradesh is in the upper Gangetic plain where the Ganga flows as a main river; the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is not in UP — the delta forms in West Bengal before the river enters the Bay of Bengal.
Option (c) Bihar — Incorrect: Bihar is in the middle Gangetic plain; while the Ganga flows through Bihar, the delta of the Ganga-Brahmaputra system is much further downstream in West Bengal (and Bangladesh).
Option (d) Assam — Incorrect: Assam is where the Brahmaputra flows through a valley (the Brahmaputra valley); while the Brahmaputra is a major component of this delta system, the actual delta is not in Assam — it forms in West Bengal and Bangladesh where the rivers converge near the Bay of Bengal.
SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 1 · Lakes of India

Q43. Which is the largest saltwater lake in India?

  1. (a) Vembanad Lake
  2. (b) Pulicat Lake
  3. (c) Chilika Lake
  4. (d) Sambhar Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Chilika Lake

Correct Answer: Chilika Lake — Option (c)
Chilika Lake is the largest saltwater (brackish water) lake in India and the largest coastal lagoon in Asia. Key facts about Chilika Lake: Location: Located in Odisha on the eastern coast of India, spread across the districts of Puri, Khurda , and Ganjam; Area: Approximately 1,100 sq km in winter and up to 1,165 sq km in monsoon season; It is a brackish water lagoon separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandy ridge; It was the first Ramsar site in India (designated in 1981) — a wetland of international importance; Famous for the Irrawaddy dolphins (one of the few places in the world where they can be found); A major bird sanctuary with over 160 species of migratory birds (including flamingos, pelicans, white-bellied sea eagles) visiting in winter; The famous Kalijai Temple is located on an island in the lake; It supports the livelihood of over 200,000 fisherfolk.
Option (a) Vembanad Lake — Incorrect: Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in Kerala, but it is a freshwater/brackish water backwater lake — not specifically known as the largest saltwater lake; Chilika is larger in terms of being the largest saltwater/brackish water lake.
Option (b) Pulicat Lake — Incorrect: Pulicat Lake (located on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) is the second largest saltwater lagoon/lake in India after Chilika; it is NOT the largest saltwater lake.
Option (d) Sambhar Lake — Incorrect: Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is the largest inland saltwater lake in India (i.e., not coastal/lagoon), but the largest saltwater lake overall in India is Chilika Lake; moreover, Sambhar is a salt lake (hypersaline), while Chilika is a brackish water lagoon.
SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q44. The Sundarbans Delta is formed by the confluence of which rivers?

  1. (a) Ganga and Yamuna
  2. (b) Ganga and Brahmaputra
  3. (c) Godavari and Krishna
  4. (d) Mahanadi and Godavari
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ganga and Brahmaputra

Correct Answer: Ganga and Brahmaputra — Option (b)
The Sundarbans Delta is formed by the confluence of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers (along with the Meghna river ) as they flow into the Bay of Bengal. Key facts about the Sundarbans Delta: It is the world's largest river delta (and mangrove delta), spanning approximately 10,000 sq km between India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh; The Sundarbans literally means 'beautiful forest' and is named after the Sundari tree ( Heritiera fomes) found in the mangrove forests; It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (both the Indian and Bangladeshi portions are separately listed); It is the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger, Irrawaddy dolphins, saltwater crocodiles, and numerous migratory birds; The Indian portion (Sundarbans National Park) is a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Wetland; The delta's formation: The Ganga (known as Padma in Bangladesh) and Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna in Bangladesh) converge to form the Meghna, which then empties into the Bay of Bengal.
Option (a) Ganga and Yamuna — Incorrect: The Ganga and Yamuna merge at Prayagraj (the Triveni Sangam); this confluence is in the Gangetic plains and does not form the Sundarbans Delta, which is located where the Ganga and Brahmaputra systems reach the Bay of Bengal.
Option (c) Godavari and Krishna — Incorrect: The Godavari and Krishna are rivers of peninsular India (Deccan), flowing through Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; they form their own deltas on the eastern coast of India, not the Sundarbans Delta.
Option (d) Mahanadi and Godavari — Incorrect: The Mahanadi and Godavari are separate peninsular rivers forming their own deltas in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh respectively; they have no connection to the Sundarbans Delta, which is formed by the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system.
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 27 March 2026 Shift 1 · River origins and lengths

Q45. Which of the following is NOT a peninsular river?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Krishna
  3. (c) Godavari
  4. (d) Narmada
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Ganga

Peninsular Rivers:Rivers that originate in the peninsular plateau and flow into the Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea.
Krishna:Originates in Western Ghats (Maharashtra), flows through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Godavari:Originates in Western Ghats (Maharashtra), largest peninsular river.
Narmada:Originates in Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh), flows westward into Arabian Sea.
Ganga:Originates in Himalayas (Gangotri glacier), flows through northern plains. It is aHimalayan river, NOT peninsular.
Answer: Option 1 → Ganga
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 27 March 2026 Shift 2 · East-flowing peninsular rivers

Q46. Which of the following rivers of India forms a delta on the eastern coastal plains?

  1. (a) Narmada
  2. (b) Tapi
  3. (c) Mahi
  4. (d) Godavari
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Godavari

Topic: River Deltas of India
Eastern Coast Deltas:
Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Cauvery form deltas on eastern coast (Bay of Bengal).
Western Coast:
Narmada, Tapi, Mahi form estuaries on western coast (Arabian Sea).
Reason:Eastern coast has gentle slope and low wave action → delta formation.
Western coast has steep slope and high tidal activity → estuary formation.
Answer: Option 4 → Godavari
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 27 March 2026 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q47. Which coastal region of India is associated with the Vembanad Lagoon being separated from the Arabian Sea by narrow barrier islands?

  1. (a) Northern Circar
  2. (b) Konkan Coast
  3. (c) Malabar Coast
  4. (d) Coromandal Coast
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Malabar Coast

Topic: Vembanad Lagoon - Coastal Geography
Location:Vembanad is India's longest lake, located in Kerala.
Key Facts:
• Separated from Arabian Sea by narrow barrier islands
• Part of the Malabar Coast (Kerala coastal region)
• Largest wetland system in India
Coastal Regions:
Malabar Coast → Kerala & Karnataka (West)
Konkan Coast → Maharashtra & Goa (West)
Coromandel Coast → Tamil Nadu & Andhra (East)
Answer: Option 3 → Malabar Coast
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 24 March 2026 Shift 3 · Tributaries and confluences

Q48. The Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum merge into which river system near Mithankot?

  1. (a) Indus
  2. (b) Godavari
  3. (c) Ganga
  4. (d) Brahmaputra
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Indus

Topic: Indian River Systems - Indus Basin
Five Rivers of Punjab:
Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum are the five major tributaries of the Indus River.
Confluence Point:
All five rivers merge into theIndus RivernearMithankotin Pakistan (Punjab province).
Key Fact:
The word 'Punjab' means 'Land of Five Rivers', referring to these tributaries of the Indus system.
Answer: Option 1 → Indus
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 24 March 2026 Shift 3 · West-flowing rivers

Q49. The statement "Most of the major Peninsular rivers flow from west to east" is an EXCEPTION for:

  1. (a) Godavari and Krishna
  2. (b) Mahanadi and Kaveri
  3. (c) Narmada and Tapi
  4. (d) Kaveri and Krishna
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Narmada and Tapi

Topic: Peninsular Rivers of India
West to East flowing rivers:
Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Kaveri flow from west to east into Bay of Bengal.
Exception (East to West):
Narmada and Tapi are the only major peninsular rivers that flow from east to west.
They drain into the Arabian Sea through rift valleys.
Answer: Option 3 → Narmada and Tapi
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q50. Chilika Lake spans across which three districts of Odisha?

  1. (a) Khurda , Balasore and Ganjam
  2. (b) Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Khurda
  3. (c) Cuttack, Puri and Kendrapara
  4. (d) Puri, Khurda and Ganjam
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Puri, Khurda and Ganjam

Chilika Lake - Geographical Location
Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon.
It is spread acrossthree districts of Odisha:
1.Puri(major portion)
2.Khurda
3.Ganjam
It is a Ramsar site and important bird sanctuary.
Answer: Option 4 → Puri, Khurda and Ganjam
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 March 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q51. The splitting of the ancient Indo–Brahma river into the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra drainage systems is believed to have been primarily caused by which geological event?

  1. (a) Volcanic eruptions
  2. (b) Pleistocene upheaval
  3. (c) Glacial melting
  4. (d) River capture by erosion
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Pleistocene upheaval

The Indo-Brahma was a unified ancient river system that drained the northern plains.
Pleistocene upheaval (tectonic uplift) in the Himalayas caused differential elevation changes.
This uplift divided the river into three separate drainage systems: Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
Note: Volcanic eruptions, glacial melting, and river capture had minor roles compared to tectonic movement.
Answer: Option 2 → Pleistocene upheaval
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 6 March 2026 Shift 1 · West-flowing rivers

Q52. Which distinctive drainage characteristic best describes the river Luni of north-western India?

  1. (a) It terminates in an inland salt marsh in the Rann region without reaching the sea.
  2. (b) It forms a large, well-developed delta at its mouth.
  3. (c) It flows directly into the Arabian Sea.
  4. (d) It is the only glacier-fed perennial Himalayan river.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) It terminates in an inland salt marsh in the Rann region without reaching the sea.

The river Luni is a prominent river of north-western India.
It is known for its unique drainage characteristic of terminating in an inland salt marsh.
Specifically, it ends in the marshy Rann of Kutch region, not flowing into any sea or ocean.
This inland drainage basin leads to high salinity, making Luni a salt river.
Thus, it does not form a delta or flow into the Arabian Sea.
Luni is also not glacier-fed and not perennial like Himalayan rivers.
Therefore, the best description is that Luni terminates in an inland salt marsh in the Rann region without reaching the sea.
Final answer: Option 1
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 February 2026 · River origins and lengths

Q53. Which of the following rivers originates from the Amarkantak Plateau?

  1. (a) Godavari
  2. (b) Krishna
  3. (c) Narmada
  4. (d) Mahanadi
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Narmada

The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh.
Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi originate from other locations: Godavari from Nashik, Krishna from Mahabaleshwar, and Mahanadi from Odisha.
Hence, the correct answer is Narmada.
SSC MTS 2025 – 16 February 2026 Shift 1 · Water resources and water-body census

Q54. Which of the following is the constraint in available surface water utilisation in India?
I. Topographical challenge
II. Hydrological challenge

  1. (a) Only I
  2. (b) Only II
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Both topographical and hydrological challenges constrain surface water utilisation in India:
I. Topographical challenge: Many rivers flow through difficult terrain (mountains, gorges, remote areas), making it expensive and technically difficult to build dams or divert water.
II. Hydrological challenge: India's rivers exhibit extreme seasonal variation — floods in monsoon and near-dryness in summer — making year-round reliable utilisation difficult.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Only I: The hydrological challenge is equally significant and cannot be ignored.
- Only II: Topographical constraints are a well-documented issue in Indian water management.
- Neither I nor II: Both challenges are widely recognised in Indian water resource literature.
SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 3 · Tributaries and confluences

Q55. The Gandak is the tributary of ____ river.

  1. (a) Ravi
  2. (b) Indus
  3. (c) Ganga
  4. (d) Mahi
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ganga

The Gandak River (also known as Narayani or Gandaki) originates in Nepal and flows through Bihar in India before joining the Ganga near Hajipur in Bihar. It is a major right-bank tributary of the Ganga.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ravi: The Ravi is a tributary of the Indus; Gandak does not join it.
- Indus: Gandak flows eastward and does not join the Indus system.
- Mahi: The Mahi is a west-flowing river in Gujarat; Gandak is entirely in eastern India.
SSC MTS 2025 – 12 February 2026 Shift 1 · River origins and lengths

Q56. Which of the following is an example of peninsular river?

  1. (a) Mahanadi
  2. (b) Brahmaputra
  3. (c) Ganga
  4. (d) Indus
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Mahanadi

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Mahanadi
Peninsular rivers are those that originate from the peninsular plateau of India. The Mahanadi originates in Chhattisgarh and flows eastward through Odisha to drain into the Bay of Bengal — it is a classic peninsular river.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Brahmaputra): A Himalayan river originating in Tibet; it is a trans-boundary river, not peninsular.
Option 3 (Ganga): A Himalayan river originating from Gangotri glacier; it belongs to the Himalayan river system.
Option 4 (Indus): A Himalayan river originating in Tibet near Lake Mansarovar ; not a peninsular river.
SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 1 · Lakes of India

Q57. The Sambhar Lake is in _____.

  1. (a) Rajasthan
  2. (b) Punjab
  3. (c) Gujarat
  4. (d) Haryana
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Rajasthan

Correct Answer: 1 – Rajasthan.
Sambhar Lake is India's largest inland saltwater lake, located in Rajasthan near Jaipur. It is a Ramsar wetland site and is an important source of salt production in India. The lake lies between Jaipur and Nagaur districts.
Punjab (Option 2), Gujarat (Option 3), and Haryana (Option 4) do not have Sambhar Lake.
SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 3 · Tributaries and confluences

Q58. Which of the following river is NOT the tributary of Ganga?

  1. (a) Ghaghara
  2. (b) Kosi
  3. (c) Mahadayi
  4. (d) Gandak
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Mahadayi

Correct Answer: 3 – Mahadayi .
Mahadayi (also known as Mandovi ) is a west-flowing river that originates in Karnataka and flows through Goa before draining into the Arabian Sea. It is NOT a tributary of the Ganga.
Ghaghara (Option 1) is a major right-bank tributary of the Ganga, originating in Tibet.
Kosi (Option 2) is a major tributary joining the Ganga in Bihar, known as the "Sorrow of Bihar".
Gandak (Option 4) is a left-bank tributary of the Ganga, originating in Nepal.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · Water resources and water-body census

Q59. As per the first Water Body Census, what is the most common type of water body in India?

  1. (a) Tanks
  2. (b) Lakes
  3. (c) Ponds
  4. (d) Reservoirs
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Ponds

The correct answer is (c) Ponds.
As per India's first Water Body Census (2018-19), released in 2020, ponds are the most common type of water body in India, accounting for approximately 59.5% (about 24.24 lakh out of 24.24 lakh total water bodies surveyed). West Bengal had the largest number of water bodies.
(a) Tanks: Tanks (man-made water storage) are significant but far fewer in number than ponds.
(b) Lakes: Lakes are natural water bodies but far fewer in number than ponds across India.
(d) Reservoirs: Reservoirs are large artificial water bodies; while important for water storage and power, they are far fewer in number than ponds.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q60. Which state in India is the primary source of the Godavari River?

  1. (a) Madhya Pradesh
  2. (b) Maharashtra
  3. (c) Karnataka
  4. (d) Telangana
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Maharashtra

The correct answer is (b) Maharashtra.
The Godavari River originates at Trimbakeshwar near Nashik in Maharashtra. It is the second-longest river in India after the Ganga, flowing eastward across the Deccan Plateau through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before meeting the Bay of Bengal.
(a) Madhya Pradesh: The Narmada and Tapi rivers originate in Madhya Pradesh; not the Godavari.
(c) Karnataka: The Krishna River has significant origin points in Karnataka ( Mahabaleswar , Maharashtra also); Godavari does not originate here.
(d) Telangana: The Godavari flows through Telangana but does not originate there.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · Tributaries and confluences

Q61. The Teesta River, which saw a major flash flood in 2023, primarily flows through which two Indian states?

  1. (a) Sikkim and West Bengal
  2. (b) Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
  3. (c) Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh
  4. (d) Bihar and West Bengal
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sikkim and West Bengal

The correct answer is (a) Sikkim and West Bengal.
The Teesta River originates in Sikkim (from the Tso Lhamo Lake near the Sikkim-Tibet border) and flows through Sikkim before entering West Bengal, ultimately joining the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh. In October 2023, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Sikkim caused devastating flooding along the Teesta.
(b) Assam and Arunachal Pradesh: The Brahmaputra and Subansiri flow through these states; not the Teesta.
(c) Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh: The Ganga and Yamuna flow through these states; not the Teesta.
(d) Bihar and West Bengal: The Ganga flows through Bihar and West Bengal; the Teesta flows through Sikkim and West Bengal, not Bihar.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 4 January 2026 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q62. Which is India's largest freshwater lake?

  1. (a) Chilika Lake
  2. (b) Wular Lake
  3. (c) Dal Lake
  4. (d) Loktak Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Wular Lake

Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is India's largest freshwater lake. It is also one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
(a) Incorrect: Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest brackish water coastal lagoon in Asia, not a freshwater lake.
(c) Incorrect: Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir is a well-known lake but is not the largest freshwater lake in India.
(d) Incorrect: Loktak Lake in Manipur is a freshwater lake but is considerably smaller than Wular Lake.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 2 · Cities on river banks

Q63. The city of Ahmedabad is situated on the banks of which river?

  1. (a) Narmada
  2. (b) Tapi
  3. (c) Mahi
  4. (d) Sabarmati
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Sabarmati

Ahmedabad, the largest city of Gujarat and a UNESCO World Heritage City, is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River. The Sabarmati Ashram (Mahatma Gandhi's residence) is also located here on the banks of the Sabarmati.
(a) Incorrect: Narmada flows further south in Gujarat; Ahmedabad is not on the Narmada. Vadodara (Baroda) is near the Vishwamitri River.
(b) Incorrect: Tapi River flows through Surat; Ahmedabad is on the Sabarmati, not the Tapi.
(c) Incorrect: Mahi River flows through central Gujarat; Ahmedabad is not situated on the Mahi.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 2 · Cities on river banks

Q64. The city of Guwahati is situated on the banks of which river?

  1. (a) Teesta
  2. (b) Ganga
  3. (c) Brahmaputra
  4. (d) Manas
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Brahmaputra

Guwahati, the largest city of Assam and a major urban centre of Northeast India, is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The Kamakhya Temple, one of the most important Shakti shrines in India, overlooks the Brahmaputra from the Nilachal Hill.
(a) Incorrect: Teesta River flows through Sikkim and West Bengal; Guwahati is on the Brahmaputra.
(b) Incorrect: Ganga does not flow through Assam; Guwahati is situated on the Brahmaputra.
(c) Incorrect: Manas River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra flowing through Assam and Bhutan; Guwahati itself sits on the Brahmaputra.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 3 January 2026 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q65. The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project, is located in which state?

  1. (a) Karnataka
  2. (b) Telangana
  3. (c) Andhra Pradesh
  4. (d) Maharashtra
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Telangana

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) in Telangana is the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project. It pumps water from the Godavari River at Medigadda barrage and lifts it through multiple stages to irrigate 18.25 lakh acres of agricultural land across 13 districts of Telangana.
(a) Incorrect: Karnataka has its own major irrigation projects like Krishna-Bhagya Jala Nigam schemes; KLIS is in Telangana.
(b) Incorrect: Andhra Pradesh's major irrigation projects include the Polavaram project on the Godavari; KLIS is specifically in Telangana.
(c) Incorrect: Maharashtra has major irrigation projects like Gosikhurd and Ujjani Dam; KLIS is in Telangana, not Maharashtra.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q66. 'Lonar Lake', a crater lake created by a meteorite impact, is located in which state?

  1. (a) Maharashtra
  2. (b) Rajasthan
  3. (c) Madhya Pradesh
  4. (d) Gujarat
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Maharashtra

Lonar Lake is a saline, soda lake in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. It was formed approximately 50,000 years ago due to a meteorite impact and is one of only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock in the world.
(b) Incorrect: Rajasthan is known for desert lakes like Sambhar Lake, not a meteorite-impact crater lake.
(c) Incorrect: Madhya Pradesh has other notable lakes like Upper Lake in Bhopal, but not the Lonar crater lake.
(d) Incorrect: Gujarat is known for coastal features and the Rann of Kutch, not the Lonar crater lake.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 30 December 2025 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q67. The River Ganga, in its origin state, is known by what name when it emerges from the Gangotri glacier?

  1. (a) Alaknanda
  2. (b) Mandakini
  3. (c) Bhagirathi
  4. (d) Ganga
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Bhagirathi

When the Ganga emerges from the Gangotri glacier at Gomukh in Uttarakhand, it is called the Bhagirathi. The river later merges with the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the main Ganga.
(a) Incorrect: Alaknanda is a tributary originating from Satopanth glacier, not from Gangotri.
(b) Incorrect: Mandakini is a river that flows through Kedarnath and Rudraprayag; it is not associated with Gangotri glacier.
(d) Incorrect: The name 'Ganga' applies only after the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda at Devprayag.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 1 · Dams and river valley projects

Q68. Where is the 'Sardar Sarovar Dam', a major hydroelectric project, located?

  1. (a) Madhya Pradesh
  2. (b) Gujarat
  3. (c) Rajasthan
  4. (d) Maharashtra
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Gujarat

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the Narmada River and is located in the state of Gujarat. It is one of India's largest dams, providing irrigation water and hydroelectric power to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
(a) Incorrect: While Madhya Pradesh also has Narmada dams (e.g., Indira Sagar Dam), the Sardar Sarovar Dam is in Gujarat.
(c) Incorrect: Rajasthan is a beneficiary of the project, not the location.
(d) Incorrect: Maharashtra is not the location of this dam.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q69. The 'Godavari' river, also known as the Dakshin Ganga, originates from which Indian state?

  1. (a) Karnataka
  2. (b) Andhra Pradesh
  3. (c) Odisha
  4. (d) Maharashtra
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Maharashtra

The Godavari river originates from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, near the Western Ghats. It is the second largest river in India after the Ganga and the longest peninsular river. It flows eastward across the Deccan Plateau and drains into the Bay of Bengal.
(a) Incorrect: Karnataka has rivers like Kaveri and Tungabhadra but not the origin of Godavari.
(b) Incorrect: Andhra Pradesh is where Godavari forms a delta and drains into the sea, not its origin.
(c) Incorrect: Odisha has rivers like Mahanadi; Godavari does not originate there.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 2 · Waterfalls of India

Q70. The spectacular 'Jog Falls' ( Gersoppa Falls), one of India's highest waterfalls, is formed by which river?

  1. (a) Kaveri
  2. (b) Sharavathi
  3. (c) Krishna
  4. (d) Tungabhadra
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Sharavathi

Jog Falls (also called Gersoppa Falls) is formed by the Sharavathi river in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India, with a drop of about 253 metres (830 feet). The falls consist of four cascades: Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket.
(a) Incorrect: Kaveri river does not form Jog Falls; it flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
(c) Incorrect: Krishna river flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh but does not form Jog Falls.
(d) Incorrect: Tungabhadra is a tributary of Krishna; it does not form Jog Falls.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 2 · Cities on river banks

Q71. The city of Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is situated on the banks of which river?

  1. (a) Godavari
  2. (b) Krishna
  3. (c) Musi
  4. (d) Tungabhadra
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Musi

Hyderabad is situated on the banks of the Musi river, a tributary of the Krishna river. The historic Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, and several heritage structures are located near the Musi riverbank. The Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad is also fed by the Musi river system.
(a) Incorrect: Godavari flows through northern Telangana but does not flow through Hyderabad city.
(b) Incorrect: Krishna flows south of Hyderabad; the Musi is a tributary of Krishna.
(d) Incorrect: Tungabhadra flows through Karnataka and is not associated with Hyderabad.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 2 · River disputes and river facts

Q72. The state of Assam experiences severe annual floods primarily due to which major river system?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Godavari
  3. (c) Brahmaputra
  4. (d) Narmada
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Brahmaputra

Assam is one of India's most flood-prone states, primarily due to the Brahmaputra river. The Brahmaputra, one of the world's largest rivers by volume, carries massive sediment loads from the Himalayas and frequently overflows during monsoon season. The river's braided channels, combined with high rainfall, cause annual devastating floods in Assam.
(a) Incorrect: The Ganga flows through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal etc., not Assam.
(b) Incorrect: Godavari flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh; it does not flow through Assam.
(d) Incorrect: Narmada flows westward through Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat; it does not cause Assam's floods.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 29 December 2025 Shift 3 · Dams and river valley projects

Q73. The Bhakra-Nangal Dam, a major hydroelectric project, is built on which river?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Yamuna
  3. (c) Sutlej
  4. (d) Brahmaputra
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Sutlej

The Bhakra-Nangal Dam is built on the Sutlej river — Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh and Nangal Dam in Punjab. It is one of the highest straight gravity dams in India at 226 metres. The dam creates the Gobind Sagar reservoir. PM Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated it in 1963 and called it a 'Temple of Modern India'.
(a) Incorrect: Ganga flows through Uttarakhand, UP, and Bihar; the Bhakra-Nangal is on Sutlej.
(b) Incorrect: Yamuna flows from Uttarakhand through Delhi and Agra; not the river of Bhakra-Nangal.
(d) Incorrect: Brahmaputra flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam; it is not the river of Bhakra-Nangal.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 23 December 2025 Shift 3 · Dams and river valley projects

Q74. India's highest dam, the Tehri Dam, is located in which state?

  1. (a) Himachal Pradesh
  2. (b) Uttarakhand
  3. (c) Jammu and Kashmir
  4. (d) Sikkim
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Uttarakhand

The correct answer is Uttarakhand (Option 2).
The Tehri Dam is located on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is India's highest dam at about 261 metres and one of the tallest dams in the world. It was formerly part of Uttar Pradesh before Uttarakhand was created in 2000.
Option 1 - Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh has the Bhakra Nangal dam on the Sutlej River, not the Tehri Dam.
Option 3 - Jammu and Kashmir: J&K has several dams but not the Tehri Dam.
Option 4 - Sikkim: Sikkim has the Teesta hydroelectric projects but not the Tehri Dam.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 20 December 2025 Shift 3 · Cities on river banks

Q75. Which Indian city is located on the banks of the Musi River?

  1. (a) Hyderabad
  2. (b) Bengaluru
  3. (c) Bhopal
  4. (d) Lucknow
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is located on the banks of the Musi River (a tributary of the Krishna River). The historic Charminar and Golconda Fort are situated near the Musi River. Option 1 is correct.
Option 2 is wrong: Bengaluru (Bangalore), the capital of Karnataka, is not situated on the banks of the Musi River; it lies on the Deccan Plateau and has several lakes but no major river flowing through it.
Option 3 is wrong: Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is situated on the banks of Upper Lake ( Bhojtal ) and near the Betwa River — not the Musi River.
Option 4 is wrong: Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is situated on the banks of the Gomti River — not the Musi River.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 19 December 2025 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q76. Name the largest freshwater lake in the country.

  1. (a) Chilika Lake
  2. (b) Wular Lake
  3. (c) Dal Lake
  4. (d) Pulicat Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Wular Lake

Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir (Bandipora district) is the largest freshwater lake in India and one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, covering an area of approximately 189 sq km (though it varies seasonally). It is formed by the Jhelum River and is an important wetland (Ramsar Site since 1990) providing habitat for migratory birds and supporting the local fishing economy.
Option 1 is incorrect: Chilika Lake in Odisha is India's largest coastal lagoon and the largest brackish water lake in Asia, but it is a saltwater/brackish lake — not a freshwater lake.
Option 3 is incorrect: Dal Lake in Srinagar, J&K is famous for its houseboats and shikaras and is an important wetland, but it is much smaller than Wular Lake.
Option 4 is incorrect: Pulicat Lake in Tamil Nadu/Andhra Pradesh is a brackish water lagoon (like Chilika); it is not a freshwater lake.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 19 December 2025 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q77. Which is the longest river in India?

  1. (a) Yamuna
  2. (b) Ganga
  3. (c) Godavari
  4. (d) Brahmaputra
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ganga

The Ganga (Ganges) river, approximately 2,525 km long, is the longest river that flows entirely within India. It originates at the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand (as the Bhagirathi) and flows through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal before draining into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga basin is the most heavily populated river basin in the world and is considered sacred in Hinduism.
Option 1 is incorrect: The Yamuna is approximately 1,376 km long — a major tributary of the Ganga, it is not the longest Indian river.
Option 3 is incorrect: The Godavari (approximately 1,465 km) is the longest river in peninsular India and often called the 'Dakshin Ganga,' but it is shorter than the Ganga.
Option 4 is incorrect: The Brahmaputra is one of the longest rivers in Asia (about 2,900 km total), but only about 916 km of it flows through India (Arunachal Pradesh and Assam), making it shorter than the Ganga within Indian territory.
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 12 December 2025 Shift 1 · River origins and lengths

Q78. The Tapi River originates from which of the following ranges?

  1. (a) Aravalli
  2. (b) Vindhya
  3. (c) Satpura
  4. (d) Western Ghats
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Satpura

Correct Answer: Satpura (Option 3)
The Tapi (or Tapti) River originates from the Satpura Range in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh (near Multai). It is one of India's major westward-flowing rivers, flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before draining into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea). Along with the Narmada, the Tapi is one of only two major rivers in India that flow from east to west.
Aravalli Range is in Rajasthan — rivers originating here flow into the Arabian Sea or inland basins.
Vindhya Range is associated with north-central India — rivers like Chambal originate here.
Western Ghats is associated with rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri that flow eastward (except for those that flow directly west into the Arabian Sea).
SSC CPO Paper-1 2025 – 9 December 2025 Shift 1 · Lakes of India

Q79. Which of the following is the largest freshwater lake in India by surface area?

  1. (a) Dal Lake
  2. (b) Wular Lake
  3. (c) Loktak Lake
  4. (d) Nainital Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Wular Lake

Wular Lake, located in Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir, is the largest freshwater lake in India by surface area.
Its surface area varies seasonally between approximately 30 to 260 square kilometres depending on rainfall and water levels.
Dal Lake: Located in Srinagar, J&K; famous as a tourist destination and for houseboats, but much smaller than Wular.
Loktak Lake: The largest freshwater lake in northeastern India (Manipur); famous for phumdis (floating biomass islands), but smaller than Wular.
Nainital Lake: A small, picturesque hill-station lake in Uttarakhand; not among the largest in India.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 1 · Himalayan river systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)

Q80. Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of India’s major drainage systems:
1. The ancient Indo-Brahma river is believed to have split into three major drainage systems over time.
2. The Ganga and its Himalayan tributaries represent the central drainage system.
3. The western drainage system consists of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. (a) All 1, 2 and 3 are correct
  2. (b) Only 2 and 3
  3. (c) Only 1 and 2
  4. (d) Only 1 and 3
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Only 1 and 2

Statement 1 is correct because geologists believe that the ancient Indo-Brahma river system gradually split into three parts: the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra drainage systems. Statement 2 is also correct, as the Ganga and its Himalayan tributaries form the central drainage system of India, draining a vast region of the north and central plains. Statement 3 is incorrect because the western drainage system does not consist of the Brahmaputra; rather, it consists of rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea, such as the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Mandovi . The Brahmaputra belongs to the eastern drainage system . Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 8 December 2025 Shift 3 · Waterfalls of India

Q81. The Jog Falls in Karnataka is formed from which river?

  1. (a) Kaveri
  2. (b) Godavari
  3. (c) Sharavathi
  4. (d) Krishna
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Sharavathi

The Jog Falls, also known as Gerosoppa Falls , is one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India, located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. It is formed by the Sharavathi River , which drops from a height of about 830 feet (253 metres ). Jog Falls is unique because the Sharavathi River splits into four distinct cascades – Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. It is an important hydroelectric power site as well, with the Linganamakki Dam constructed upstream. The other rivers mentioned (Kaveri, Godavari, Krishna) form different famous waterfalls but not Jog Falls.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 6 December 2025 Shift 1 · River origins and lengths

Q82. Which of these rivers does not originate in the Peninsular Plateau of India?

  1. (a) Cauvery
  2. (b) Godavari
  3. (c) Krishna
  4. (d) Ganga
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Ganga

The correct answer is Ganga River . The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas (Uttarakhand) and not from the Peninsular Plateau. In contrast, the Cauvery, Godavari, and Krishna rivers all originate from the Peninsular Plateau. Cauvery originates from the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Godavari from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, and Krishna from Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. The Peninsular rivers are rain-fed and seasonal, while the Ganga is a Himalayan river that is perennial, fed by both rainfall and melting glaciers. Thus, the Ganga stands out as the only river among the options that does not belong to the Peninsular Plateau river system .
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 6 December 2025 Shift 1 · East-flowing peninsular rivers

Q83. Which of the following rivers forms a delta along the Eastern Coastal Plains?

  1. (a) Mahi
  2. (b) Tapi
  3. (c) Narmada
  4. (d) Godavari
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Godavari

The correct answer is Godavari River . The Godavari, also called the "Dakshin Ganga" or "Ganga of the South," is the largest river of peninsular India and flows eastwards into the Bay of Bengal. As it slows down near its mouth, it deposits huge amounts of alluvium, thereby forming an extensive delta in the Eastern Coastal Plains, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. In contrast, rivers like the Narmada, Tapi, and Mahi flow westwards into the Arabian Sea and form estuaries rather than deltas because of their narrow and submerged coastal plains. Deltas are typically formed by large rivers with broad floodplains, slow gradient near the mouth, and heavy silt load—conditions that the Godavari fulfills. The fertile Godavari delta is also famous for intensive agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, and supports dense settlements.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 6 December 2025 Shift 2 · Tributaries and confluences

Q84. Consider the following statements regarding the Ghaghara River system:
1. The Ghaghara originates from the Mapchachungo glacier in the Himalayas.
2. It forms a deep gorge at Shishapani before entering the plains.
3. It merges with the Ganga at Allahabad after receiving the Sarda River.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. (a) Only 1 and 3
  2. (b) Only 1 and 2
  3. (c) Only 2 and 3
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Only 1 and 2

The correct answer is Only 1 and 2 . The Ghaghara River, also known as Karnali in Nepal, originates from the Mapchachungo Glacier in the Tibet Himalayas . As it flows down from the mountains, it forms a deep gorge at Shishapani before entering the plains of India. However, the third statement is incorrect because the Ghaghara River does not meet the Ganga at Allahabad (Prayagraj). Instead, it joins the Ganga at Chhapra in Bihar after flowing through Uttar Pradesh. The confusion often arises as many Himalayan rivers merge into the Ganga system, but Ghaghara’s confluence is specifically at Chhapra . Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while 3 is wrong.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 6 December 2025 Shift 3 · River origins and lengths

Q85. The Alaknanda River originates from which of the following?

  1. (a) Satopanth Glacier
  2. (b) Zemu Glacier
  3. (c) Milam Glacier
  4. (d) Gangotri Glacier
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Satopanth Glacier

The Alaknanda River , a major tributary of the Ganga, originates from the Satopanth Glacier located near Badrinath in Uttarakhand at an altitude of around 3,800 metres . It flows through several pilgrimage sites including Badrinath, Joshimath, and Rudraprayag . At Devprayag , it merges with the Bhagirathi River, and from this confluence the river is known as the Ganga . The Satopanth Glacier is not only the source of Alaknanda but also has mythological importance as it is linked to the Pandavas’ journey to heaven in the Mahabharata.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 30 November 2025 Shift 3 · West-flowing rivers

Q86. The endangered black collared yellow catfish found in Chalakudy river. This river is in _____.

  1. (a) Kerala
  2. (b) Gujarat
  3. (c) Maharashtra
  4. (d) Haryana
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Kerala

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Kerala
The Chalakudy River is located in Kerala. It is one of the most biodiverse rivers in peninsular India and flows through the Thrissur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala before joining the Arabian Sea. The endangered black collared yellow catfish ( Horabagrus nigricollaris ) is endemic to this river.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Gujarat): Chalakudy river is not in Gujarat; it is in Kerala.
Option 3 (Maharashtra): Incorrect; the Chalakudy river flows through the Western Ghats of Kerala.
Option 4 (Haryana): Haryana is a landlocked state in North India; the Chalakudy river is in South India.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 22 November 2025 Shift 1 · Dams and river valley projects

Q87. The Hirakud Dam project is a multipurpose scheme intended for flood control, irrigation and power generation. It is built across _____ river.

  1. (a) Periyar
  2. (b) Krishna
  3. (c) Mahanadi
  4. (d) Indus
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Mahanadi

Correct Answer: Mahanadi (Option 3)
The Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi river near Sambalpur in Odisha. It was one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects undertaken after India's independence. Completed in 1957, it is one of the longest dams in the world. The dam serves the purposes of flood control in the Mahanadi delta, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 - Periyar: The Periyar Dam/Idukki Dam is built on the Periyar river in Kerala.
Option 2 - Krishna: The Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam dams are built on the Krishna river .
Option 4 - Indus: The Indus river flows through Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan; Hirakud is in Odisha.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 22 September 2025 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q88. Choose the CORRECT statements about the Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project.
1. This project was inaugurated recently in Telangana.
2. It is the world's largest multi-stage, multi-purpose lift irrigation.
3. It is being built across the Krishna River.
Which of the statements given above is/are CORRECT?

  1. (a) 1 and 3 only
  2. (b) 1 only
  3. (c) 1 and 2 only
  4. (d) 3 only
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only

Statement 1 is correct: the project is in Telangana.
Statement 2 is correct: it is the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project.
Statement 3 is wrong: it is built on the Godavari River, not the Krishna.
Hence 1 and 2 only are correct.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 21 September 2025 Shift 3 · Water resources and water-body census

Q89. In India, which of these geological formations hosts the most significant groundwater reservoirs for large-scale and extensive development?

  1. (a) Unconsolidated Formation
  2. (b) Semi-Consolidated Formation
  3. (c) Fissured Formations
  4. (d) Consolidated Formations
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Unconsolidated Formation

Unconsolidated formations (alluvial deposits of the Indo-Gangetic and coastal plains) hold the most significant and extensive groundwater reservoirs in India due to their high porosity and permeability.
Semi-consolidated, fissured and consolidated formations have limited and localised groundwater potential.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 19 September 2025 Shift 2 · Drainage patterns, basins and river terminology

Q90. Which of the given pairs is NOT matched correctly?

  1. (a) Bari Doab – between Beas and Ravi
  2. (b) Bisht Doab – between Beas and Chenab
  3. (c) Rachna Doab – between Ravi and Chenab
  4. (d) Jech Doab – between Chenab and Jhelum
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Bisht Doab – between Beas and Chenab

Bist (Bisht) Doab actually lies between the Beas and the Sutlej rivers,
not between Beas and Chenab.
The other three pairs are correctly matched.
Hence Bisht Doab – between Beas and Chenab is NOT matched correctly.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 15 September 2025 Shift 2 · Tributaries and confluences

Q91. The Lohit River is a tributary of which of the following major Himalayan rivers?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Brahmaputra
  3. (c) Indus
  4. (d) Yamuna
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Brahmaputra

The Lohit River rises in eastern Tibet, enters Arunachal Pradesh and joins the Brahmaputra near Sadiya in Assam.
It is one of the three major tributaries (Lohit, Dibang, Siang) that form the Brahmaputra in Assam.
SSC CGL Tier-1 2025 – 14 September 2025 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q92. Which of the following statements about dams is/are correct?
1. A dam always refers to a concrete or structural wall built to block water.
2. Spillways in dams help in regulating water flow, either intermittently or continuously.
3. Dams can be classified based on structure, purpose, and height.

  1. (a) Both 1 and 2
  2. (b) Both 2 and 3
  3. (c) Both 1 and 3
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3 all are correct
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Both 2 and 3

Statement 1 — wrong: a dam is not always concrete; it can be earthen, rock-fill, masonry, or composite. The 'always concrete' generalization is incorrect.
Statement 2 — correct: spillways are the structures that release surplus water in a regulated manner.
Statement 3 — correct: dams are commonly classified by structure (gravity, arch, buttress, embankment), purpose (storage, diversion, detention), and height (low, medium, high, major).
Hence only 2 and 3 are correct.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 8 September 2025 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q93. Which lake is an important geographical feature along the eastern coast of India?

  1. (a) Vembanad Lake
  2. (b) Wular Lake
  3. (c) Chilika Lake
  4. (d) Dal Lake
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Chilika Lake

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 4 September 2025 Shift 1 · Tributaries and confluences

Q94. Select the right bank tributary of the Indus River system.

  1. (a) Ravi River
  2. (b) Jhelum River
  3. (c) Chenab River
  4. (d) Kabul River
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Kabul River

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 3 September 2025 Shift 1 · River origins and lengths

Q95. Which river from the following originates from the Amarkantak Plateau?

  1. (a) Ganga
  2. (b) Mahanadi
  3. (c) Tapti
  4. (d) Narmada
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Narmada

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 3 September 2025 Shift 3 · Dams and river valley projects

Q96. Lakhwar Multipurpose Project belongs to which state?

  1. (a) Uttarakhand
  2. (b) Uttar Pradesh
  3. (c) Rajasthan
  4. (d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Uttarakhand

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 2 September 2025 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q97. Which river originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward?

  1. (a) Son
  2. (b) Narmada
  3. (c) Godavari
  4. (d) Tapi
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Narmada

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 2 · Lakes of India

Q98. Vembanad Lake, India’s longest lake facing severe degradation, is located in which state?

  1. (a) Odisha, famous for Chilika Lake ecosystem
  2. (b) Kerala, known for its backwaters and lagoons
  3. (c) Assam, home to the Brahmaputra river basin
  4. (d) West Bengal, near the Sundarban mangrove forests
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Kerala, known for its backwaters and lagoons

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 2 · Dams and river valley projects

Q99. On which river is the Bhakra Nangal Dam constructed?

  1. (a) Yamuna
  2. (b) Ravi
  3. (c) Satluj
  4. (d) Ganga
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Satluj

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 1 September 2025 Shift 2 · River origins and lengths

Q100. Which river rises in the Gangotri glacier near Gaumukh (3,900 m) in the Uttarkashi district?

  1. (a) Bhagirathi river
  2. (b) Chenab river
  3. (c) Yamuna river
  4. (d) Son river
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bhagirathi river

12

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