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India - Location, Physiography and Neighbours PYQs – Geography, SSC & Railway

298 India - Location, Physiography and Neighbours (Geography) questions asked in recent SSC and Railway exams, newest first, with exam, date & shift, answers and solutions.

📚 298 questionsSSC 87 · Railway 211
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SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 1 · Western and Eastern Ghats

Q1. The Eastern and Western Ghats influence India's topography and rainfall patterns. Which of the following is a key difference between the two ranges?

  1. (a) Eastern Ghats are continuous, Western Ghats are discontinuous
  2. (b) Eastern Ghats lie parallel to the Arabian Sea coast
  3. (c) Western Ghats are higher in elevation and more continuous than Eastern Ghats
  4. (d) Western Ghats have more mineral wealth
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Western Ghats are higher in elevation and more continuous than Eastern Ghats

Answer: Option 3 — Western Ghats are higher in elevation and more continuous than Eastern Ghats
The Western Ghats run as an almost unbroken wall along the Arabian Sea coast with an average height of 900–1,600 m, crossed only through passes.
The Eastern Ghats are low (about 600 m average) and discontinuous, cut into pieces by the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri as they flow to the Bay of Bengal.
Revision note — Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
• Western Ghats (Sahyadri): about 1,600 km from the Tapi valley to Kanyakumari; a block mountain formed by faulting; steep western face, gentle eastern slope.
• Highest peak Anaimudi (2,695 m) in Kerala, the highest in South India; Doddabetta (2,637 m) in the Nilgiris is the second.
• Passes through the Western Ghats: Thal Ghat (Mumbai–Nashik), Bhor Ghat (Mumbai–Pune) and Pal Ghat (Palakkad Gap) between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Eastern Ghats: run from the Mahanadi valley to the Nilgiris; local names Nallamala, Javadi, Palkonda, Shevaroy and Mahendragiri hills.
• Mahendragiri (1,501 m) in Odisha is the best-known Eastern Ghats peak; Arma Konda (Jindhagada, about 1,680 m) in Andhra Pradesh is the highest.
• The two ranges meet at the Nilgiri Hills; the Deccan plateau lies between them and tilts eastward, which is why most peninsular rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Western Ghats force the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon to rise, giving the west coast heavy orographic rain and leaving a rain-shadow over the interior Deccan.
• Local names of the Western Ghats: Sahyadri (Maharashtra), Nilgiri (Karnataka–Tamil Nadu), Anaimalai and Cardamom Hills (Kerala).
• The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012) and one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
Do not mix these up
• Mineral wealth — the option is the reverse of the fact: the Eastern Ghats and the Chotanagpur belt hold most of India's iron, manganese and bauxite; the Western Ghats are known for biodiversity and rainfall, not minerals.
Also asked from this topic: the other name of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri); a local name of the Eastern Ghats (Nallamala Hills); the state where the Western Ghats are highest (Kerala — Anaimudi).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 15 September 2026 Shift 2 · Northern Plains

Q2. The Indo-Gangetic Plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of three major river systems. Which of the following characteristics is NOT true for the Indo-Gangetic Plains?

  1. (a) High fertility due to alluvium
  2. (b) Subject to frequent floods
  3. (c) Uneven terrain with many hills
  4. (d) Dense population
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Uneven terrain with many hills

Answer: Option 3 — Uneven terrain with many hills
The plains are among the flattest stretches of land on Earth — the gradient is so gentle that the Ganga falls only a few centimetres per kilometre.
Fertile alluvium, frequent floods and dense population are all true of the region.
Revision note — The Northern (Indo-Gangetic) Plains
• Formed by alluvium of the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra and their tributaries, filling a foredeep between the Himalayas and the Peninsular plateau.
• About 7 lakh sq km in area, roughly 2,400 km long and 240–320 km wide; the alluvium is over 1,000 m deep in places.
• Four belts from north to south: Bhabar (pebbles, streams disappear), Terai (marshy, streams re-emerge), Bhangar (old alluvium, kankar) and Khadar (new alluvium, renewed by floods).
• Three sections: Punjab plains (doabs, Indus), Ganga plains (Delhi to Kolkata) and Brahmaputra plains (Assam).
• Most densely populated region of India and its main food-grain area; the rice–wheat cropping system is characteristic.
• Alluvial soil is India's most widespread soil; its unconsolidated formations hold the country's largest groundwater reserves.
Do not mix these up
• Bhangar vs Khadar — Bhangar is the older, higher, less fertile alluvium with kankar; Khadar is the newer, low-lying, most fertile floodplain.
• Bhabar vs Terai — in Bhabar the streams sink into pebbles; in Terai they re-emerge to make marshy land.
Also asked from this topic: the rivers that formed the Northern Plains (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra); India's most densely populated region (Indo-Gangetic Plain); the plains' cropping system (rice–wheat).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 11 September 2026 Shift 2 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q3. The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world. What is one major geological significance of this range in the Indian subcontinent?

  1. (a) It forms a major river basin
  2. (b) It acts as a climatic divide for monsoon winds
  3. (c) It contains rich mineral resources
  4. (d) It is a snow-fed mountain range
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) It contains rich mineral resources

Answer: Option 3 — It contains rich mineral resources
The Aravalli is a Precambrian fold mountain, worn down over hundreds of millions of years; its ancient rocks hold copper (Khetri), lead-zinc (Zawar, Rampura-Agucha), marble (Makrana) and other minerals.
It is not snow-fed (highest point only 1,722 m), and it lies parallel to the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon, so it does not act as a climatic divide.
Revision note — The Aravalli Range
• The oldest fold mountain range in India and one of the oldest in the world, formed in Precambrian (Proterozoic) times.
• Runs about 692 km from Delhi through Haryana and Rajasthan to Palanpur (Gujarat), in a north-east to south-west direction.
• Highest peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) on Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• Rivers rising in it: Banas, Luni, Sabarmati; the range also forms the eastern edge of the Thar Desert.
• Because the Aravalli runs parallel to the south-west monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea, they pass over Rajasthan without heavy rain — one reason the Thar Desert exists.
• The Aravalli Green Wall Project (2023) aims to restore a 5 km buffer around the range in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.
Do not mix these up
• Aravalli vs Himalaya — the Aravalli is an old, residual fold mountain; the Himalaya is a young fold mountain still rising.
• Aravalli vs Western Ghats — the Ghats are a block mountain (fault-scarp) that does block the monsoon; the Aravalli does not.
Also asked from this topic: the oldest mountain range in India (Aravalli); its alignment (north-east to south-west); the states under the Aravalli Green Wall Project (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 2 · Coastal plains

Q4. India's vast coastline stretches for over 7,500 kilometers, significantly impacting its climate, economy, and coastal lifestyles. Which among the following coastal plains is known for its lagoons, backwaters, and comparatively recent geological formation?

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

Answer: (c) Malabar Coast

Answer: Option 3 — Malabar Coast
The Malabar Coast of Kerala is the stretch famous for kayals — lagoons and backwaters such as Vembanad and Ashtamudi.
The Kerala coastal plain is also of comparatively recent geological origin, built up behind sand bars.
Revision note — India's coastal plains
• India's coastline was long quoted as about 7,517 km (mainland about 6,100 km, the rest island groups). Remeasured by the National Hydrographic Office (NHO) and the Survey of India in 2023-24 and officially adopted in 2025, it is now 11,098.81 km — so the stem's "over 7,500 km" still holds.
• Western Coastal Plain, north to south: Kachchh–Kathiawar, Konkan (Maharashtra–Goa), Kannad (Karnataka) and Malabar (Kerala).
• Eastern Coastal Plain, north to south: the Utkal Plain (Odisha), the Northern Circars (Andhra Pradesh) and the Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu).
• Vembanad is Kerala's largest kayal and a Ramsar site; the backwaters carry the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and inland navigation.
• The western plain is narrow and submerged, with an indented coast and natural harbours; the eastern plain is broad, emergent and deltaic (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri).
Do not mix these up
• Malabar vs Coromandel — Malabar is on the west coast in Kerala; Coromandel is the south-eastern coast in Tamil Nadu.
• Backwaters vs east-coast lagoons — Kerala's kayals are brackish backwaters behind sand bars; Chilika (Odisha) and Pulicat (Andhra–Tamil Nadu) are the east coast's great lagoons.
Also asked from this topic: the coast of lagoons and backwaters (Malabar); the west coast north to south (Konkan → Karnataka → Malabar); the state of the Konkan Coast (Maharashtra).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 2 · Coastal plains

Q5. Which of the following features is common to both the Eastern and Western Coastal Plains of India?

  1. (a) Presence of backwaters and estuaries
  2. (b) Steep cliffs and high wave energy coasts
  3. (c) Rich black soil supporting cotton cultivation
  4. (d) Strategic location for major ports
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Strategic location for major ports

Answer: Option 4 — Strategic location for major ports
Both plains carry major ports — Mumbai, JNPT, Deendayal (Kandla), Mormugao, New Mangalore and Kochi in the west.
In the east lie Kolkata–Haldia, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Kamarajar and V. O. Chidambaranar, so port location is the feature they share.
Revision note — Eastern and Western Coastal Plains compared
• The western plain is narrow (50–100 km) and submerged, with an indented coast that yields natural harbours such as Mumbai and Mormugao.
• The eastern plain is broad (100–130 km), emergent and deltaic, built by the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.
• Backwaters and estuaries belong to the west — the Malabar kayals and the estuaries of the Narmada, Tapi and Mahi; the east-flowing rivers make deltas instead.
• Black (regur) soil for cotton is a Deccan lava soil of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh — not a feature of both coasts.
• India has 12 major ports administered by the Centre under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021; Vadhavan (Maharashtra) was cleared in 2024 as the next one.
Do not mix these up
• Estuary vs delta — the west-flowing Narmada, Tapi and Mahi form estuaries; the east-flowing Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and Mahanadi form deltas.
• Major port vs minor port — a major port is notified and run by the Union government; non-major (minor) ports come under the state maritime boards.
Also asked from this topic: why the western plain is narrower (the Western Ghats border it); the river with a delta on the east coast (Godavari); the indented coast of natural harbours (Konkan).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 10 September 2026 Shift 3 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q6. What is the total length of the land border shared between India and Bangladesh?

  1. (a) 4,960 km
  2. (b) 4,096 km
  3. (c) 4,906 km
  4. (d) 4,609 km
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 4,096 km

Answer: Option 2 — 4,096 km
India and Bangladesh share a land boundary of about 4,096.7 km, the longest land border India has with any neighbour.
Revision note — India's land borders
• India's total land boundary is about 15,106.7 km; the coastline, including the islands, is 11,098.81 km as re-assessed by the National Hydrographic Office (NHO) with the Survey of India (as of 2025; the older figure was 7,516.6 km).
• Border lengths in order: Bangladesh 4,096.7 km, China 3,488 km, Pakistan 3,323 km, Nepal 1,751 km, Myanmar 1,643 km, Bhutan 699 km, Afghanistan 106 km.
• Five Indian states touch Bangladesh — West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram; West Bengal has the longest stretch, about 2,217 km.
• The line follows the Radcliffe Line of 1947; the Land Boundary Agreement exchanging enclaves was ratified in 2015 by the 100th Constitutional Amendment.
• Below Farakka the Ganga (Padma) runs along part of this border; the Border Security Force (BSF) guards it.
• India shares land borders with seven countries; Tripura is almost surrounded by Bangladesh.
• Other boundary lines: the McMahon Line with China, the Line of Control with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Durand Line between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Do not mix these up
• Radcliffe Line vs McMahon Line — Radcliffe (1947) separates India from Pakistan and Bangladesh; McMahon (1914) marks the India-China boundary in the east.
• Longest land border vs longest border state — India's longest land border is with Bangladesh; among states, Rajasthan has the longest border with Pakistan, about 1,070 km.
Also asked from this topic: the country with India's longest land border (Bangladesh, about 4,097 km); the state that does NOT border Bangladesh (Odisha).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q7. The Himalayas are a young fold mountain system which significantly influences the climate and physiography of India. Among the different ranges of the Himalayas, which range lies the furthest north and contains some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Godwin-Austen (K2)?

  1. (a) Shiwalik Range
  2. (b) Middle Himalayas
  3. (c) Trans-Himalayas
  4. (d) Greater Himalayas
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Trans-Himalayas

Answer: Option 3 — Trans-Himalayas
K2, or Mount Godwin-Austen, stands in the Karakoram, and the Karakoram belongs to the Trans-Himalaya — the division lying furthest north, beyond the Indus valley.
Revision note — Divisions of the Himalayan system
• The Trans-Himalaya, also called the Tibetan Himalaya, is made up of the Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar and Kailash ranges. It lies north of the Greater Himalaya, across the Indus.
• K2 — 8,611 m — is the world's second highest peak after Everest, standing on the Karakoram watershed in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
• The Siachen Glacier, about 76 km long, lies in the eastern Karakoram — the longest glacier in India and the second longest outside the polar regions, after the Fedchenko.
• The Greater Himalaya (Himadri) averages about 6,000 m and holds Everest, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, Makalu and Dhaulagiri.
• The Lesser or Himachal Himalaya rises to 3,700-4,500 m — the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar and Mussoorie ranges, carrying Shimla, Nainital and Mussoorie.
• The Shiwaliks are the outermost and lowest, 900-1,100 m, built of loose river deposits; the flat valleys between them and the Lesser Himalaya are the Duns.
• The Karakoram Highway through this belt links Pakistan with Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, and is the world's highest paved international road.
Do not mix these up
• Trans-Himalaya vs Greater Himalaya — K2 is in the Trans-Himalaya (Karakoram), while Everest and Kanchenjunga are in the Greater Himalaya.
• Northernmost of the three vs northernmost of all — among the three parallel Himalayan ranges the northernmost is the Himadri.
• Of the whole mountain system, the Trans-Himalaya lies further north still. Read which of the two is being asked.
• Young vs old fold mountains — the Himalaya and Karakoram are young fold mountains; the Aravalli is one of the oldest fold ranges in the world.
Also asked from this topic: the ranges of the Trans-Himalayan zone (Zanskar, Ladakh, Karakoram); the longest glacier in India (Siachen); the country the Karakoram Highway links Pakistan to (China).
SSC Stenographer 2026 – 9 September 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q8. Which among the following is the correct sequence of the Himalayan ranges from south to north?

  1. (a) Greater Himalayas → Lesser Himalayas → Shiwalik
  2. (b) Shiwalik → Lesser Himalayas → Greater Himalayas
  3. (c) Lesser Himalayas → Greater Himalayas → Shiwalik
  4. (d) Shiwalik → Greater Himalayas → Lesser Himalayas
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Shiwalik → Lesser Himalayas → Greater Himalayas

Answer: Option 2 — Shiwalik → Lesser Himalayas → Greater Himalayas
Moving south to north you cross the outermost range first: Shiwalik, then the Lesser (Himachal) Himalaya, then the Greater Himalaya (Himadri) — the height rising at every step.
Revision note — The three parallel Himalayan ranges
• Shiwalik (Outer Himalaya) — southernmost and lowest, 900-1,100 m, formed of unconsolidated river deposits brought down by Himalayan streams.
• Between the Shiwalik and the Lesser Himalaya lie the flat longitudinal valleys called Duns — Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, Patli Dun.
• Lesser / Himachal Himalaya — 3,700-4,500 m, about 50 km wide. Pir Panjal is the longest range here; also Dhauladhar and Mahabharat. The Kangra and Kullu valleys lie within it.
• Greater Himalaya (Himadri or Inner Himalaya) — northernmost of the three, average height 6,000 m, permanently snow-covered, carrying the loftiest peaks.
• North of all three lies the Trans-Himalaya — Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar, Kailash.
• South of the Shiwalik comes the Bhabar, a porous pebble belt 8-16 km wide where the streams sink underground, and then the marshy Terai where they re-emerge.
Do not mix these up
• South to north vs north to south — read the direction in the stem before you look at the options. Shiwalik → Lesser → Greater is south to north; the exact reverse is north to south.
• Shiwalik vs Bhabar — the Shiwalik is a hill range; the Bhabar is the pebble belt of the plain at its foot, counted with the Northern Plains.
Also asked from this topic: the valley between the Lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks (Duns); the northernmost of the three parallel ranges (Himadri); the range that is NOT a Himalayan division (Aravalli).
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 1 · Thar Desert

Q9. Which of the following regions in India is characterised by brackish lakes locally known as playas?

  1. (a) Western Ghats
  2. (b) Thar Desert
  3. (c) Deccan Plateau
  4. (d) Malabar Coast
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Thar Desert

Topic: Indian Geography - Desert Landforms
Playasare temporary salt lakes formed in desert regions.
In India, playas are found in theThar Desert(Rajasthan).
These are shallow, brackish water bodies that appear during monsoon.
Famous examples: Sambhar Lake, Didwana Lake.
Answer: Option 2 → Thar Desert
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 2 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q10. Which mountain range lies immediately to the south of the Vindhyan Range, separated by the Narmada Valley?

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

Answer: (c) Satpura Range

Topic: Indian Geography - Mountain Ranges
TheVindhyan Rangeruns east-west across central India.
TheNarmada Riverflows westward between Vindhyan and Satpura ranges.
TheSatpura Rangelies immediately south of Vindhyan Range, separated by Narmada Valley.
This forms a natural divide between North and South India.
Answer: Option 3 → Satpura Range
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 2 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q11. Which neighbouring country is separated from India by the Palk Strait?

  1. (a) Afghanistan
  2. (b) Myanmar
  3. (c) Sri Lanka
  4. (d) Maldives
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Sri Lanka

Topic: Indian Geography - Neighbouring Countries
Palk Straitis a narrow water body separating India and Sri Lanka.
It lies between Tamil Nadu (India) and northern Sri Lanka.
Width: approximately 53-82 km.
Answer: Option 3 → Sri Lanka
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 3 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q12. Which of the following rivers helps define a portion of the India–Bangladesh border?

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

Answer: (d) Ganga

India-Bangladesh Border Rivers
The Ganga River forms a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh in certain sections.
The river enters Bangladesh from West Bengal and continues as the Padma.
Other border rivers include Brahmaputra (enters as Jamuna) but Ganga is the primary answer.
Mahanadi flows in Odisha, Narmada in Central India - neither touch Bangladesh.
Answer: Option 4 → Ganga
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 June 2026 Shift 1 · Coastal plains

Q13. Which of the following coastal plains contains irregular, indented coastlines with natural harbours?

  1. (a) Konkan Region
  2. (b) Rann of Kutch
  3. (c) East Coastal Plain
  4. (d) Kathiawar Plain
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Konkan Region

Topic:Coastal Plains of India
Konkan Coastextends from Daman to Goa along Maharashtra.
Features irregular and indented coastline with rocky cliffs.
Contains excellent natural harbours like Mumbai, Ratnagiri.
East Coastal Plain has regular, smooth coastline.
Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh, not a coastal plain.
Kathiawar Plain has regular coastline.
Answer: Option 1 → Konkan Region
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 June 2026 Shift 2 · Coastal plains

Q14. Which Indian state has the Konkan Coast along its western shoreline?

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

Answer: (d) Maharashtra

Topic: Indian Geography - Coastal Regions
TheKonkan Coastis a rugged section of the western coastline of India.
It extends along the Arabian Sea from Damapur in Maharashtra to Karwar in Karnataka.
The Konkan region primarily covers the coastal districts ofMaharashtraincluding Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
Answer: Option 4 → Maharashtra
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 June 2026 Shift 2 · Northern Plains

Q15. The Terai belt is best described as:

  1. (a) A dry zone made of calcareous deposits
  2. (b) A high-altitude snow-covered plain
  3. (c) A marshy tract with a high water table and thick forests
  4. (d) A coastal plain formed by marine deposits
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) A marshy tract with a high water table and thick forests

Topic: Terai Belt Geography
Location:Foothills of Himalayas (Uttarakhand to Assam)
Key Features:
• Marshy and swampy terrain
• High water table due to Himalayan rivers
• Dense sal and bamboo forests
• Rich biodiversity and wildlife
Answer: Option 3 → A marshy tract with a high water table and thick forests
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 1 · Thar Desert

Q16. Which river forms a fertile region within parts of the Great Indian Desert?

  1. (a) Beas River
  2. (b) Narmada River
  3. (c) Sabarmati River
  4. (d) Ghaggar River
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Ghaggar River

Topic: Rivers of the Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
Ghaggar Riveris a seasonal river in Rajasthan and Haryana.
It flows through the northwestern part of the Thar Desert.
Creates fertile alluvial deposits in its basin during monsoon.
Also known asGhaggar-Hakra Riversystem.
Other options: Beas (Punjab), Narmada (Central India), Sabarmati (Gujarat).
Answer: Option 4 → Ghaggar River
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 1 · Northern Plains

Q17. In which of the following Indian states does the maximum portion of the Upper Ganga Plain extend?

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

Answer: (d) Uttar Pradesh

Upper Ganga Plain - Geographic Extent
The Upper Ganga Plain extends fromHaridwar to Prayagraj.
Major coverage:Uttar Pradesh(most extensive)
Also covers: Parts of Haryana, Delhi, and western UP.
Lower Ganga Plain: Bihar and West Bengal.
Answer: Option 4 → Uttar Pradesh
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 3 · Thar Desert

Q18. Which of the following provides evidence that the Great Indian Desert was once under the sea during the Mesozoic era?

  1. (a) Marine deposits and wood fossils
  2. (b) Glacial deposits
  3. (c) Presence of black soil
  4. (d) Volcanic ash layers
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Marine deposits and wood fossils

Topic: Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) - Geological History
The Thar Desert was submerged under theTethys Seaduring theMesozoic Era(252-66 million years ago).
Evidence found:
•Marine deposits- sedimentary rocks with marine fossils
•Wood fossils- petrified wood from ancient forests
• Limestone and sandstone formations with sea creature remains
These geological findings confirm the region's marine past before tectonic uplift transformed it into a desert.
Answer: Option 1 → Marine deposits and wood fossils
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 1 · Coastal plains

Q19. Which of the following sequences correctly matches the coastal sections from north to south on the western coast?

  1. (a) Konkan → Karnataka → Malabar
  2. (b) Kathiawar → Malabar → Konkan
  3. (c) Malabar → Konkan → Karnataka
  4. (d) Karnataka → Konkan → Malabar
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Konkan → Karnataka → Malabar

Western Coast of India (North to South)
Konkan Coast:Gujarat-Maharashtra (Mumbai region)
Karnataka Coast:Goa-Karnataka (Mangalore region)
Malabar Coast:Kerala (Kochi-Calicut region)
Correct sequence: Konkan → Karnataka → Malabar
Answer: Option 1 → Konkan → Karnataka → Malabar
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 1 · Coastal plains

Q20. Which of the following coastal regions of India is characterized by extensive lagoons and backwater systems along the western coastal plain?

  1. (a) The Andhra Coast
  2. (b) The Coromandel Coast
  3. (c) The Malabar Coast
  4. (d) The Northern Circars
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The Malabar Coast

Topic:Coastal Regions of India
Western Coastal Plain:Malabar Coast (Kerala)
Known for extensive lagoons and backwater systems
Famous examples: Vembanad Lake, Ashtamudi Lake
Eastern Coastal Plain:
Andhra Coast, Coromandel Coast, Northern Circars
These lack significant backwater systems
Answer: Option 3 → The Malabar Coast
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 2 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q21. Which mountain range in India is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world?

  1. (a) Eastern Ghats
  2. (b) Karakoram Range
  3. (c) Aravalli Range
  4. (d) Himalayas
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Aravalli Range

Topic: Mountain Ranges of India
Aravalli Rangeis one of the oldest fold mountains in the world, formed during the Proterozoic era (over 1.8 billion years ago).
Located in northwestern India, spanning Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.
Himalayas are young fold mountains (50-60 million years old).
Karakoram is also a young mountain range.
Eastern Ghats are older but not as ancient as Aravallis.
Answer: Option 3 → Aravalli Range
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 2 · Thar Desert

Q22. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Indian Desert (Thar Desert)?

  1. (a) It has an arid climate with low vegetation cover
  2. (b) This region receives low rainfall below 15 mm per year
  3. (c) To the northwest of the Aravali hills lies the Great Indian desert
  4. (d) During the Mesozoic era, this region is believed to have been under the sea.
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) This region receives low rainfall below 15 mm per year

Topic: Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
Analysis of statements:
Statement 1: Arid climate with low vegetation ✓ Correct
Statement 2: Rainfall below 15 mm per year ✗ INCORRECT
Thar Desert receives100-150 mmrainfall annually, not below 15 mm
Statement 3: Northwest of Aravali hills ✓ Correct
Statement 4: Under sea during Mesozoic era ✓ Correct
Fossil evidence supports this geological history
Answer: Option 2 → This region receives low rainfall below 15 mm per year
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 3 · Western and Eastern Ghats

Q23. Which of the following pairs of local names of Western Ghats and their respective states are correctly matched? Local Name of Western Ghats Known in State(1) Sahyadri Maharashtra(2) Nilgiri Hills Karnataka and Tamil Nadu(3) Anaimalai Hills Kerala

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

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Western Ghats - Local Names & States
(1) Sahyadri → Maharashtra
Correct. Western Ghats are called Sahyadri in Maharashtra.
(2) Nilgiri Hills → Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Correct. Nilgiri Hills are located at the junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
(3) Anaimalai Hills → Kerala
Correct. Anaimalai (Elephant Hills) are in Kerala and Tamil Nadu border region.
All three pairs are correctly matched.
Answer: Option 3 → 1, 2 and 3
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 2 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q24. Which of the following islands of India is closest to the Malabar Coast?

  1. (a) Nicobar Islands
  2. (b) Andaman Islands
  3. (c) Lakshadweep
  4. (d) Diu Island
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Lakshadweep

Topic: Indian Geography - Islands
Malabar Coast:Southwest coast of India (Kerala, Karnataka)
Location Analysis:
Lakshadweep: 200-400 km off Kerala coast in Arabian Sea
Andaman & Nicobar: Bay of Bengal, 1000+ km from mainland
Diu: Gujarat coast, Arabian Sea but far north
Conclusion:Lakshadweep is the closest island group to Malabar Coast
Answer: Option 3 → Lakshadweep
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 3 · Northern Plains

Q25. Which of the following physiographic regions of India is primarily formed by the extensive deposition of alluvium brought by the Himalayan river systems?

  1. (a) The Northern Plains
  2. (b) The Peninsular Plateau
  3. (c) The Meghalaya Plateau
  4. (d) The Western Coastal Plains
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) The Northern Plains

Topic: Physiographic Regions of India
The Northern Plainsare formed by extensive deposition of alluvium brought by three major Himalayan river systems: Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
These plains extend from Punjab to Assam, covering approximately 7 lakh sq km.
The alluvial deposits are highly fertile, making this region agriculturally productive.
Other options: Peninsular Plateau is ancient crystalline rock, Meghalaya Plateau is part of peninsular block, Western Coastal Plains formed by sea action.
Answer: Option 1 → The Northern Plains
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 13 June 2026 Shift 2 · Location, extent and Standard Meridian

Q26. Which of the following Indian states is NOT crossed by the Tropic of Cancer?

  1. (a) Gujarat
  2. (b) Odisha
  3. (c) Madhya Pradesh
  4. (d) West Bengal
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Odisha

Tropic of Cancer in India
The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) passes through8 Indian states:
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram
Odishalies south of the Tropic of Cancer
Answer: Option 2 → Odisha
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 13 June 2026 Shift 3 · Western and Eastern Ghats

Q27. The Western Ghats are highest in which region?

  1. (a) Tamil Nadu
  2. (b) Karnataka
  3. (c) Kerala
  4. (d) Goa
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Kerala

Topic: Western Ghats - Physical Geography
The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India.
Highest peaks are located in Kerala:
• Anamudi Peak (2,695 m) - highest in Western Ghats
• Located in Idukki district, Kerala
• Part of Eravikulam National Park
Other high peaks in Kerala include Meesapulimala (2,640 m).
Answer: Option 3 → Kerala
SSC GD 2026 – 29 May 2026 Shift 1 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q28. Which of the following is INCORRECT about the peninsular plateau of India?

  1. (a) It lies in the south of northern plains.
  2. (b) It is triangular in shape.
  3. (c) The relief is highly even.
  4. (d) Aravali hills, one of the oldest ranges of the world, border it on the north-west side.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The relief is highly even.

Correct Answer: The relief is highly even — Option (c)
The statement 'The relief is highly even' is INCORRECT about the Peninsular Plateau of India. About the Peninsular Plateau: The Peninsular Plateau is a massive tablelands south of the Indo-Gangetic plain; One of the oldest and most stable landmasses (formed from the Gondwana landmass); Area: About 16 lakh sq km; General shape: Roughly triangular; Evaluation of each statement: Option (a) — 'It lies in the south of northern plains' — TRUE: The Peninsular Plateau lies to the south of the Northern Plains (Indo-Gangetic Plain); it is separated from the northern plains by the Vindhya and Satpura ranges; Option (b) — 'It is triangular in shape' — TRUE: The peninsular plateau has a roughly triangular shape, with the apex pointing southward (Cape Comorin/Kanyakumari) and the base along the Vindhyas in the north; Option (c) — 'The relief is highly even' — FALSE/INCORRECT: The Peninsular Plateau does NOT have highly even relief; it has highly VARIED relief including: Western Ghats (reaching 2,695 m at Anamudi in Kerala), Eastern Ghats (lower and discontinuous), Deccan Plateau (varies from 500-900 m), Chota Nagpur Plateau (900+ m), Malwa Plateau, Marathwada Plateau, rivers cut deep valleys, rocky terrain; The relief is NOT at all 'highly even' — this is the INCORRECT statement; Option (d) — 'Aravali hills, one of the oldest ranges of the world, border it on the north-west side' — TRUE: The Aravallis are indeed one of the world's oldest fold mountains; they run NE-SW through Rajasthan and Delhi; they border the peninsular plateau on the north-west side.
Option (a) It lies in the south of northern plains — Incorrect as an answer (statement is TRUE): The Peninsular Plateau DOES lie to the south of the Northern Plains (Indo-Gangetic Plain); this is a geographically correct statement; the question asks for the INCORRECT statement, and this is NOT the incorrect one.
Option (b) It is triangular in shape — Incorrect as an answer (statement is TRUE): The Peninsular Plateau IS roughly triangular in shape — widest in the north (along the Vindhyas) and tapering to a point at Kanyakumari in the south; this is a geographically correct statement; the question asks for the INCORRECT statement, and this is NOT the incorrect one.
Option (d) Aravali hills, one of the oldest ranges of the world, border it on the north-west side — Incorrect as an answer (statement is TRUE): The Aravallis ARE one of the world's oldest fold mountains (Pre-Cambrian) and they DO border the Peninsular Plateau on its north-west side; this is a geographically correct statement; the candidate incorrectly selected this as the wrong answer; the actual INCORRECT statement is Option (c) about the relief being 'highly even.'
SSC GD 2026 – 22 May 2026 Shift 3 · Location, extent and Standard Meridian

Q29. The Tropic of Cancer passes through which of the following neighboring countries of India?

  1. (a) Bangladesh
  2. (b) Pakistan
  3. (c) Bhutan
  4. (d) Nepal
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bangladesh

Correct Answer: Bangladesh — Option (a)
The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N latitude) passes through Bangladesh — one of India's neighboring countries. Tropic of Cancer and India: The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram; It enters India from the west (Gujarat) and exits in the east (Mizoram); After leaving India eastward (through Mizoram), the Tropic of Cancer enters Bangladesh and Myanmar; Tropic of Cancer and Bangladesh: The Tropic of Cancer runs through the central part of Bangladesh; Bangladesh lies between approximately 20°34'N to 26°38'N latitude — hence the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) passes through it; About India's neighboring countries and the Tropic of Cancer: Bangladesh: YES — the Tropic of Cancer passes through it; Myanmar: YES — also passes through Myanmar (another neighbor); Pakistan: NO — Pakistan lies between 23°N to 37°N — some sources say the Tropic just barely touches Pakistan's extreme south, but it is generally NOT considered to pass through Pakistan; Bhutan: NO — Bhutan lies between approximately 26°N to 28°N — the Tropic (23.5°N) does NOT pass through Bhutan; Nepal: NO — Nepal lies between approximately 26°N to 30°N — the Tropic of Cancer does NOT pass through Nepal.
Option (b) Pakistan — Incorrect: The Tropic of Cancer does NOT significantly pass through Pakistan; Pakistan's southern tip is around 23°N but the Tropic (23.5°N) is generally considered to pass through India and then to the east (Bangladesh, Myanmar), not through Pakistan.
Option (c) Bhutan — Incorrect: Bhutan is located between approximately 26°N and 28°N latitude — well north of the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N); the Tropic does NOT pass through Bhutan. The candidate selected this incorrect option.
Option (d) Nepal — Incorrect: Nepal is situated between approximately 26°N and 30°N latitude — entirely north of the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N); the Tropic of Cancer does NOT pass through Nepal.
SSC GD 2026 – 21 May 2026 Shift 3 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q30. Which physical division of India is the oldest from a geological perspective?

  1. (a) Himalaya
  2. (b) Indo-Gangetic Plains
  3. (c) Coastal Plains
  4. (d) Peninsular Plateau
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Peninsular Plateau

Correct Answer: Peninsular Plateau — Option (d)
The Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau) is the oldest physical division of India from a geological perspective. Geological age: The Peninsular Plateau is composed of some of the oldest rocks on Earth — ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks (Archaean/Precambrian rocks, over 600 million years old); It is part of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent that existed before the breakup of landmasses; Gondwana connection: About 200 million years ago, India was part of the Gondwana landmass; as Gondwana broke up, the Indian Plate drifted northward, eventually colliding with the Eurasian plate to form the Himalayas; Rock types: The plateau consists of gneiss, granite, schist, and basalt (Deccan Traps — formed by massive volcanic eruptions 65-66 million years ago); Contrast with other divisions: Himalayas: Geologically youngest — formed about 40-50 million years ago due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates; Indo-Gangetic Plains: Even younger — formed by alluvial deposits from Himalayan rivers; Coastal Plains: Also relatively recent geological formations; The Peninsular Plateau, being of Precambrian origin, is the geologically oldest among all physical divisions of India.
Option (a) Himalaya — Incorrect: The Himalayas are geologically the YOUNGEST physical division of India — they were formed relatively recently (about 40-50 million years ago) due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate; the Peninsular Plateau is far older.
Option (b) Indo-Gangetic Plains — Incorrect: The Indo-Gangetic Plains (also called the Great Plain of India) are formed by alluvial deposits from rivers — this is a geologically recent formation; the Peninsular Plateau (Archaean rocks) is the oldest.
Option (c) Coastal Plains — Incorrect: India's coastal plains are geologically recent formations, created by marine deposits and river deltas; they are among the youngest landforms in India; the Peninsular Plateau is geologically the oldest division of India.
SSC GD 2026 – 20 May 2026 Shift 1 · Mountain passes

Q31. Which mountain pass connects Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley?

  1. (a) Nathu La
  2. (b) Rohtang Pass
  3. (c) Zoji La
  4. (d) Shipki La
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Zoji La

Correct Answer: Zoji La — Option (c)
Zoji La (elevation: 3,528 metres / 11,575 feet) is the crucial mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh. It lies on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway (NH-1) in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Zoji La is the only motorable link between Srinagar and Leh during summers; it remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall (typically from November to May). NHIDCL is constructing a tunnel ( Zoji La Tunnel) to provide year-round connectivity. The pass is strategically vital for the Indian Army's logistics to Ladakh. ' Zoji ' means 'blizzard pass' in the local language.
Option (a) Nathu La — Incorrect: Nathu La (4,310 m) is a mountain pass in Sikkim that connects Sikkim (India) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China; it does not connect Ladakh to Kashmir Valley.
Option (b) Rohtang Pass — Incorrect: Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) connects Manali in Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh; it does not connect Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley.
Option (d) Shipki La — Incorrect: Shipki La (5,669 m) is a pass on the India-China border in Himachal Pradesh where the Sutlej river enters India from Tibet; it does not connect Ladakh to Kashmir Valley.
SSC GD 2026 – 20 May 2026 Shift 2 · Northern Plains

Q32. Which geographical division of India is famous for its rich alluvial soil and high population density?

  1. (a) Peninsular Plateau
  2. (b) Northern Plains
  3. (c) Coastal Plains
  4. (d) Himalayas
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Northern Plains

Correct Answer: Northern Plains — Option (b)
The Northern Plains (also called the Indo-Gangetic Plains or Great Plains) are famous for their extremely fertile alluvial soil and very high population density. Key features of the Northern Plains: Formed by the alluvial deposits of three major river systems — the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra — along with their tributaries; The alluvial soil (both khadar/new alluvium and bhangar /old alluvium) is among the most fertile in the world, supporting intensive agriculture; The Northern Plains are one of the most densely populated regions in the world — states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal within the plains have population densities exceeding 800-1,000 persons per sq.km; The plains extend approximately 2,400 km from west to east and 240-320 km from north to south; They are the agricultural heartland of India, producing rice, wheat, sugarcane, and other crops.
Option (a) Peninsular Plateau — Incorrect: The Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau) is known for its black cotton soil (regur) and red laterite soils; while it supports agriculture, its population density is generally lower than the Northern Plains.
Option (c) Coastal Plains — Incorrect: India's coastal plains have fertile soils and support rice cultivation, but they are not as famous for alluvial soil and high population density as the Northern Plains.
Option (d) Himalayas — Incorrect: The Himalayas are mountain ranges with thin, rocky soils and harsh terrain; they are not known for rich alluvial soil or high population density — these characteristics define the Northern Plains.
SSC GD 2026 – 20 May 2026 Shift 3 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q33. Which two river systems does the Vindhya mountain range separate?

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

Answer: (b) Ganga and Narmada

Correct Answer: Ganga and Narmada — Option (b)
The Vindhya mountain range separates the Ganga river system (north) from the Narmada river system (south). The Vindhya Range: The Vindhya Range runs east-west across central India, forming a natural divide between the northern plains (Indo-Gangetic Plain) and the Deccan Plateau; It separates north-flowing rivers (draining into the Ganga system — flowing northward into the Bay of Bengal) from south/westward-flowing rivers (Narmada, Tapi — flowing westward into the Arabian Sea); The Ganga system drains the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain north of the Vindhyas; The Narmada river originates in the Amarkantak plateau (near the Vindhya- Satpura junction) and flows westward; The Satpura Range lies further south and separates the Narmada (north of Satpura ) from the Tapi (south of Satpura ); Historical significance: The Vindhyas formed a traditional boundary between ' Aryavarta ' (north) and ' Dakshinapatha ' (south) in ancient India.
Option (a) Ganga and Godavari — Incorrect: The Godavari river drains the Deccan Plateau in central/south India; it is not directly separated from the Ganga by the Vindhya range — the Vindhya primarily separates the Ganga and Narmada systems.
Option (c) Narmada and Tapi — Incorrect: The Narmada and Tapi (Tapti) rivers are separated from each other by the Satpura Range (not the Vindhya Range); both flow westward into the Arabian Sea.
Option (d) Godavari and Krishna — Incorrect: The Godavari and Krishna rivers both flow eastward through the Deccan Plateau and drain into the Bay of Bengal; they are not separated by the Vindhya range — the Vindhya range separates the Ganga and Narmada river systems.
SSC GD 2026 – 19 May 2026 Shift 2 · Western and Eastern Ghats

Q34. By which of the following names is the Eastern Ghats also known?

  1. (a) Nilgiri Hills
  2. (b) Rajmahal Hills
  3. (c) Maikal Hills
  4. (d) Nallamala Hills
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Nallamala Hills

Correct Answer: Nallamala Hills — Option (d)
The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of hills running along the eastern coast of India. They are known by different regional names in different states: Nallamala Hills — in Andhra Pradesh (part of Eastern Ghats); Erramala Hills, Lankamala Range, Velikonda Range — also in Andhra Pradesh; Javadi Hills, Shevaroy Hills — in Tamil Nadu; Mahendragiri Hills — in Odisha. The Nallamala Hills, located in the Kurnool and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh, are considered part of the Eastern Ghats and represent the southern section of this discontinuous range.
Option (a) Nilgiri Hills — Incorrect: The Nilgiri Hills are located at the meeting point of the Western and Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu/Kerala; they are generally considered part of the Western Ghats, not a name for the Eastern Ghats.
Option (b) Rajmahal Hills — Incorrect: The Rajmahal Hills are located in Jharkhand and are sometimes considered as an extension of the Deccan Plateau, not the Eastern Ghats proper.
Option (c) Maikal Hills — Incorrect: The Maikal Hills are located in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, near the origin of the Narmada river ; they are not part of the Eastern Ghats.
SSC GD 2026 – 9 May 2026 Shift 1 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q35. The Indian Peninsular Plateau is mainly composed of:

  1. (a) Sedimentary rocks
  2. (b) Limestone
  3. (c) Volcanic rocks
  4. (d) Igneous and metamorphic rocks
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Igneous and metamorphic rocks

Correct Answer: Igneous and metamorphic rocks — Option (d)
The Indian Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau) is mainly composed of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, making it one of the oldest landmasses in the world — part of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent. The plateau was formed by volcanic activity (Deccan Traps — basaltic lava flows from ~66 million years ago) and ancient crystalline rocks. The rocks here include granite, gneiss, schist (metamorphic), and basalt (igneous/volcanic). The Eastern and Western Ghats on its margins are formed of ancient crystalline metamorphic rocks. These hard, ancient rocks have resulted in a relatively flat and stable plateau.
Option (a) Sedimentary rocks — Incorrect: Sedimentary rocks are found mainly in river plains and coastal areas; the Peninsular Plateau is dominated by igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Option (b) Limestone — Incorrect: Limestone is a sedimentary rock found in some parts of India but is not the dominant rock type of the Peninsular Plateau.
Option (c) Volcanic rocks — Incorrect: While the Deccan Traps (basaltic volcanic rocks) are part of the Peninsular Plateau in Maharashtra and surrounding areas, the complete plateau is more broadly characterised by igneous AND metamorphic rocks, making option (d) more comprehensive and correct.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 9 May 2026 Shift 1 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q36. Which of the following islands/island groups of India is of coral origin?

  1. (a) Diu Island
  2. (b) Lakshadweep Islands
  3. (c) Nicobar Islands
  4. (d) Andaman Islands
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Lakshadweep Islands

Topic: Coral Islands of India
Coral Islands:Formed by accumulation of coral reefs
and skeletal remains of marine organisms.
Lakshadweep Islands:Entirely of coral origin,
located in Arabian Sea, formed from coral atolls.
Other Options:
Andaman & Nicobar → Volcanic origin
Diu → Continental island (sedimentary rocks)
Answer: Option 2 → Lakshadweep Islands
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q37. Which of the following is classified as a longitudinal valley located between the Lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks?

  1. (a) Kangra Valley
  2. (b) Patkai Hill Valley
  3. (c) Dehra Dun
  4. (d) Kullu Valley
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Dehra Dun

Longitudinal Valleys (Duns)
Valleys betweenLesser HimalayaandShiwaliksare calledDuns.
Examples: Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, Patli Dun.
Dehra Dunis the most famous longitudinal valley in this region.
Kangra and Kullu are in Himachal Pradesh between Greater and Lesser Himalaya.
Patkai Hills are in Northeast India (not a Himalayan dun).
Answer: Option 3 → Dehra Dun
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 1 · Coastal plains

Q38. Which of the following coastal plains is correctly matched with its state?

  1. (a) Coromandel Plain – Kerala
  2. (b) Utkal Plain – Odisha
  3. (c) Konkan Plain – Tamil Nadu
  4. (d) Malabar Plain – Gujarat
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Utkal Plain – Odisha

Coastal Plains of India:
Western Coast:
• Konkan Plain – Maharashtra, Goa
• Malabar Plain – Kerala, Karnataka
Eastern Coast:
• Utkal Plain – Odisha
• Coromandel Plain – Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
Analysis of Options:
Option 1: Coromandel is in Tamil Nadu/AP, not Kerala ✗
Option 2: Utkal Plain is in Odisha ✓
Option 3: Konkan is in Maharashtra/Goa, not Tamil Nadu ✗
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 1 · Northern Plains

Q39. Which of the following belts of the Northern Plains consists of porous rocky soil where stream water seeps underground?

  1. (a) Delta belt
  2. (b) Khadar belt
  3. (c) Terai belt
  4. (d) Bhabar belt
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bhabar belt

Northern Plains - Soil Belts
Bhabar Belt:Located at the foothills of Himalayas
Consists of pebbles and coarse sediments
Highly porous and rocky in nature
Rivers deposit debris and disappear underground
Stream water seeps through porous rocks
Other Belts:
Terai - Marshy, wet region south of Bhabar
Khadar - New alluvial deposits near rivers
Delta - Triangular landform at river mouth
Answer: Option 4 → Bhabar belt
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 2 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q40. Which of the following water bodies separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands?

  1. (a) Palk Strait
  2. (b) Ten Degree Channel
  3. (c) Duncan Passage
  4. (d) Nine Degree Channel
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ten Degree Channel

Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Geography
TheTen Degree Channelseparates Andaman Islands (north) from Nicobar Islands (south).
It is located at approximately 10°N latitude.
Other channels:
• Duncan Passage - separates Little Andaman from South Andaman
• Nine Degree Channel - separates Minicoy from Lakshadweep
• Palk Strait - separates India from Sri Lanka
Answer: Option 2 → Ten Degree Channel
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 3 · Thar Desert

Q41. Which type of climate characterises the Great Indian Desert?

  1. (a) Humid subtropical climate
  2. (b) Arid and semi arid climate
  3. (c) Equatorial climate
  4. (d) Tropical monsoon climate
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Arid and semi arid climate

Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
Location: Northwestern India (Rajasthan)
Climate Characteristics:
• Very low rainfall (<250 mm annually)
• High temperature variations
• Sparse vegetation
Classification:Arid and semi-arid climate
Answer: Option 2 → Arid and semi arid climate
SSC GD 2026 – 5 May 2026 Shift 2 · Western and Eastern Ghats

Q42. By which other name is the Western Ghats also known?

  1. (a) Sahyadri Hills
  2. (b) Vindhya Range
  3. (c) Aravalli Hills
  4. (d) Nilgiri Hills
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sahyadri Hills

Correct Answer: Sahyadri Hills — Option (a)
The Western Ghats are also known as the Sahyadri Hills (or Sahyadri Mountains). This mountain range runs parallel to the western coast of India for about 1,600 km through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's eight biodiversity hotspots, known for their exceptional plant and animal diversity.
Option (b) Vindhya Range — Incorrect: The Vindhya Range is a separate mountain range in central India running through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh; it is not another name for the Western Ghats.
Option (c) Aravalli Hills — Incorrect: The Aravalli Hills are a separate, ancient mountain range in Rajasthan; they have no connection to the Western Ghats.
Option (d) Nilgiri Hills — Incorrect: The Nilgiri Hills are a specific mountain range in Tamil Nadu and Kerala that are part of the Western Ghats system, but ' Nilgiri Hills' is not an alternate name for the entire Western Ghats.
SSC GD 2026 – 4 May 2026 Shift 2 · Northern Plains

Q43. Which geographical division of India has the most fertile soil?

  1. (a) Coastal plains
  2. (b) Northern plains
  3. (c) Peninsular plateau
  4. (d) Himalayan mountains
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Northern plains

Correct Answer: Northern plains — Option (b)
The Northern Plains (Indo-Gangetic Plains) have the most fertile soil in India. This vast alluvial plain, formed by the sediment deposited by rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, supports the most intensive agriculture in India. The deep alluvial soil is rich in nutrients and ideal for growing wheat, rice, sugarcane, and other crops.
Option (a) Coastal plains — Incorrect: Coastal plains have fertile soil in some areas, but overall they are narrower and less uniformly fertile than the Northern Plains.
Option (c) Peninsular plateau — Incorrect: The plateau has regur (black soil) and laterite soil, which are less fertile than the alluvial soil of the Northern Plains.
Option (d) Himalayan mountains — Incorrect: Himalayan soil is thin, rocky, and not suitable for large-scale agriculture.
SSC GD 2026 – 4 May 2026 Shift 3 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q44. Which is considered the oldest mountain range in India?

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

Answer: (b) Aravalli

Correct Answer: Aravalli — Option (b)
The Aravalli Range is the oldest mountain range in India and one of the oldest fold mountains in the world. It runs approximately 800 km from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Delhi and Haryana. Geologically, the Aravallis are Pre-Cambrian in origin, making them far older than the Himalayas (which are relatively young fold mountains formed about 50 million years ago).
Option (a) Himalayas — Incorrect: The Himalayas are among the youngest mountain ranges in the world, formed during the Cenozoic era due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Option (c) Western Ghats — Incorrect: The Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas but younger than the Aravallis .
Option (d) Eastern Ghats — Incorrect: The Eastern Ghats are ancient but not as old as the Aravallis .
SSC GD 2026 – 4 May 2026 Shift 3 · Extreme points and area facts

Q45. What is the southernmost point of the Indian mainland?

  1. (a) Indira Point
  2. (b) Rameswaram
  3. (c) Kanyakumari
  4. (d) Kovalam
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Kanyakumari

Correct Answer: Kanyakumari — Option (c)
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) is the southernmost point of the Indian mainland, located at the tip of the Indian Peninsula in Tamil Nadu. It is where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. It is famous for the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and is a major pilgrim and tourist destination.
Option (a) Indira Point — Incorrect: Indira Point (earlier known as Pygmalion Point) is the southernmost point of India's territory overall, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands — but it is NOT on the Indian mainland.
Option (b) Rameswaram — Incorrect: Rameswaram is an island in Tamil Nadu, known for the Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is not the southernmost point of the mainland.
Option (d) Kovalam — Incorrect: Kovalam is a beach town in Kerala, not the southernmost point of the Indian mainland.
SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 2 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q46. The 'Great Nicobar Islands' are closest to which neighbouring country?

  1. (a) Myanmar
  2. (b) Sri Lanka
  3. (c) Indonesia
  4. (d) Bangladesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Indonesia

Correct Answer: Indonesia — Option (c)
The Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost island of India, is geographically closest to Indonesia (specifically the island of Sumatra). The distance between Great Nicobar and Sumatra is approximately 150 km.
Option (a) Myanmar — Incorrect: Myanmar is closer to the northern Andaman Islands, not to Great Nicobar.
Option (b) Sri Lanka — Incorrect: Sri Lanka is closest to India's southeastern mainland (Tamil Nadu), not the Nicobar Islands.
Option (d) Bangladesh — Incorrect: Bangladesh has no geographic proximity to the Nicobar Islands.
SSC GD 2026 – 30 April 2026 Shift 3 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q47. The Aravalli Range extends from which direction?

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

Answer: (c) Northeast to Southwest

Correct Answer: Northeast to Southwest — Option (c)
The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, extends from the Northeast (near Delhi and Haryana) to the Southwest (into Gujarat). It passes through Rajasthan, covering a length of approximately 800 km. The direction of extension is broadly from Northeast to Southwest.
Option (a) North to South — Incorrect: The Aravallis do not run purely north-south; they have a clear northeast-to-southwest orientation.
Option (b) East to West — Incorrect: This is not the correct orientation of the Aravalli Range.
Option (d) Northwest to Southeast — Incorrect: This is the opposite of the actual direction; the range runs from northeast to southwest.
SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 1 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q48. The Satpura mountain range is located in which part of India?

  1. (a) Northern India
  2. (b) Southern India
  3. (c) Central India
  4. (d) Eastern India
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Central India

Correct Answer: Central India — Option (c)
The Satpura Range ( Satpura Parvatamaala ) is located in Central India. Key facts about the Satpura Range: It runs from east to west across central India, extending approximately 900 km; It passes through the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh; The range lies between the Narmada River (to the north) and the Tapti River (to the south); The highest peak is Dhupgarh (1,352 m) near Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh; Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, located in the Satpura range; The range is part of the Deccan Plateau complex; The Satpura ranges are rich in biodiversity — Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, and Kanha National Park are in this region; The Satpura ranges are composed mainly of sandstone, granite, and limestone.
Option (a) Northern India — Incorrect: The Satpura Range is not located in Northern India (which refers to the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Himalayan region); the Satpuras are in central India, running through Madhya Pradesh and surrounding states.
Option (b) Southern India — Incorrect: Southern India refers to the Deccan Plateau states (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala) and the Western and Eastern Ghats; the Satpura Range is in central India, not the south.
Option (d) Eastern India — Incorrect: Eastern India encompasses states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states; the Satpura Range is located in central India (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh), not eastern India.
SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q49. The Himalayas are wider in which sector of India?

  1. (a) Western Himalayas
  2. (b) Central Himalayas
  3. (c) Eastern Himalayas
  4. (d) Shiwalik Himalayas
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Western Himalayas

Correct Answer: Western Himalayas — Option (a)
The Himalayas are wider in the western sector compared to the eastern sector. Key geographic facts: Width comparison: The Western Himalayas (between the Indus and Kali rivers, covering Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh) are approximately 400 km wide; The Eastern Himalayas (between the Tista and Brahmaputra rivers, covering Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Assam and West Bengal) are approximately 150-200 km wide; The narrowing of the Himalayas from west to east is attributed to the geomorphological forces and geological formation history; Other features: The Western Himalayas contain the world's highest concentration of peaks above 7,000 m; The Karakoram Range (with K2, the world's second-highest peak) lies northwest of the main Himalayan range; The Zanskar, Ladakh, and Pir Panjal ranges are prominent in the western sector.
Option (b) Central Himalayas — Incorrect: The Central Himalayas (between Nepal and the Uttarakhand/UP region) are of intermediate width; the Himalayas are WIDEST in the western sector, not the central sector.
Option (c) Eastern Himalayas — Incorrect: The Eastern Himalayas are actually the NARROWEST section of the Himalayas (about 150 km wide); the widest section is the Western Himalayas (about 400 km wide). The candidate incorrectly selected this option.
Option (d) Shiwalik Himalayas — Incorrect: The Shiwalik (or Sub-Himalayan) range is the southernmost and lowest range of the Himalayas, running parallel to the main Himalayas; ' Shiwalik Himalayas' refers to a specific sub-range, not a geographic sector (west/central/east), making this not a valid answer to the question about wider sector.
SSC GD 2026 – 29 April 2026 Shift 3 · Mountain passes

Q50. Which of the following mountain passes connects India to Tibet through Sikkim?

  1. (a) Nathu La
  2. (b) Rohtang Pass
  3. (c) Shipki La
  4. (d) Zoji La
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Nathu La

Correct Answer: Nathu La — Option (a)
Nathu La is the mountain pass that connects India to Tibet (China) through the state of Sikkim. Key facts about Nathu La: Location: Situated in the Sikkim Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 4,310 metres (14,140 feet) above sea level; Name meaning: ' Nathu ' means 'listening ears' and 'La' means 'pass' in Tibetan/Sikkimese; History: It was part of the ancient Silk Road trade route between India and Tibet; Nathu La was closed in 1962 following the Sino-Indian War and was reopened for trade in July 2006; Strategic importance: It is one of the three open border posts between India and China (along with Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand); The Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (a military shrine) are nearby tourist attractions; Pilgrimage: Indian pilgrims use Nathu La en route to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Sikkim.
Option (b) Rohtang Pass — Incorrect: Rohtang Pass (4,111 m) is located in Himachal Pradesh in the Pir Panjal range; it connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys — it does NOT connect to Tibet through Sikkim.
Option (c) Shipki La — Incorrect: Shipki La is located in Himachal Pradesh and connects the Sutlej River valley (Kinnaur district) with Tibet; it does connect India to Tibet but through Himachal Pradesh, NOT through Sikkim.
Option (d) Zoji La — Incorrect: Zoji La (3,528 m) is located in Jammu & Kashmir, connecting Srinagar with Leh (Ladakh) along the Srinagar-Leh Highway; it does NOT connect to Tibet and is not in Sikkim.
SSC GD 2026 – 28 April 2026 Shift 1 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q51. Which of the following states does NOT share a border with Bangladesh?

  1. (a) Assam
  2. (b) Odisha
  3. (c) Tripura
  4. (d) West Bengal
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Odisha

Correct Answer: Odisha — Option (b)
Odisha does NOT share a border with Bangladesh. Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India (Bay of Bengal coastline) and borders Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal. It has no direct border with Bangladesh. The five Indian states that share a border with Bangladesh are: West Bengal (longest shared border, ~2,216 km); Assam (~263 km); Meghalaya (~443 km); Tripura (~856 km); Mizoram (~318 km). The total India-Bangladesh border is approximately 4,096 km (the 5th longest international border in the world). Odisha is separated from Bangladesh by West Bengal.
Option (a) Assam — Incorrect: Assam does share a border with Bangladesh (approximately 263 km); therefore Assam cannot be the correct answer to 'which state does NOT share a border with Bangladesh'.
Option (c) Tripura — Incorrect: Tripura shares an extensive border with Bangladesh (approximately 856 km) on three sides (north, west, and south); it cannot be the answer as it clearly borders Bangladesh.
Option (d) West Bengal — Incorrect: West Bengal shares the longest border with Bangladesh (approximately 2,216 km) among all Indian states; it is definitely not the state that does NOT share a border with Bangladesh.
SSC GD 2026 – 28 April 2026 Shift 3 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q52. The Malwa Plateau is mainly situated in which state?

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

Answer: (a) Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer: Madhya Pradesh — Option (a)
The Malwa Plateau is primarily located in Madhya Pradesh, covering a major portion of the western and central parts of the state. It is a geologically ancient plateau formed of volcanic lava (Deccan Trap) and is characterized by black cotton soil (regur), which is fertile and suitable for agriculture. Key features of the Malwa Plateau: It lies between the Vindhya Range in the south and the Aravalli Range in the northwest; Major rivers originating here include the Chambal, Betwa, and Kali Sindh; The plateau extends slightly into Rajasthan and Gujarat but is predominantly in Madhya Pradesh; Important cities on the plateau include Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Gwalior. The Malwa region has historical significance as the setting of many important events in Indian history, including the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods.
Option (b) Maharashtra — Incorrect: Maharashtra has its own plateau region (Deccan Plateau), but the Malwa Plateau is primarily in Madhya Pradesh, not Maharashtra.
Option (c) Rajasthan — Incorrect: While the Malwa Plateau extends slightly into southeastern Rajasthan, it is predominantly situated in Madhya Pradesh; Rajasthan is associated more with the Aravalli ranges and the Thar Desert.
Option (d) Gujarat — Incorrect: Gujarat borders the Malwa Plateau region but is not the state where the plateau is primarily located; the Malwa Plateau is mainly in Madhya Pradesh.
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 27 March 2026 Shift 3 · Thar Desert

Q53. The Thar Desert is also referred to as:

  1. (a) The Great White Desert
  2. (b) The Great Salt Desert
  3. (c) The Great Indian Desert
  4. (d) The Great Deccan Desert
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) The Great Indian Desert

Topic: Thar Desert
The Thar Desert is located in northwestern India and eastern Pakistan.
It is commonly known asThe Great Indian Desertdue to its vast expanse across the Indian subcontinent.
It covers parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana in India.
Answer: Option 3 → The Great Indian Desert
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 March 2026 Shift 2 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q54. Which of the following countries is India’s nearest neighbour in the northwest?

  1. (a) Pakistan
  2. (b) Nepal
  3. (c) China
  4. (d) Bhutan
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Pakistan

Topic: India's Neighboring Countries
India shares land borders with 7 countries.
Northwest Direction:
Pakistan lies to the northwest of India.
Nepal and Bhutan are in the north/northeast.
China is in the north and northeast.
Answer: Option 1 → Pakistan
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 March 2026 Shift 3 · Northern Plains

Q55. Which of the following three river systems are primarily responsible for the formation of the Northern Plains of India?

  1. (a) Krishna, Godavari, Yamuna
  2. (b) Narmada, Tapti, Kaveri
  3. (c) Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
  4. (d) Mahanadi, Ganga, Brahmaputra
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra

Topic: Formation of Northern Plains of India
The Northern Plains are formed by alluvial deposits brought by three major river systems over millions of years.
Key Facts:
1.Indus System- Forms Punjab-Haryana plains in the west
2.Ganga System- Forms the central Ganga plains (UP, Bihar)
3.Brahmaputra System- Forms Assam plains in the east
These rivers originate from the Himalayas and deposit sediments in the depression between Himalayas and Peninsular India.
Other options contain peninsular rivers (Krishna, Godavari, Narmada, Tapti, Kaveri, Mahanadi) which flow in Peninsular India, not Northern Plains.
Answer: Option 3 → Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 24 March 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q56. The cold and chilly winds that are blocked by the Himalayas originate from Central Asia and regions close to which of the following?

  1. (a) Pacific Ocean
  2. (b) Arctic Circle
  3. (c) Mediterranean Region
  4. (d) Central Africa
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Arctic Circle

Topic: Himalayas and Climate of India
The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier for India.
Cold winds originate fromCentral Asia and Arctic Circleregions.
These extremely cold winds blow southward during winter.
The Himalayas block these Arctic winds, preventing them from entering the Indian subcontinent.
This protection keeps India warmer than other regions at similar latitudes.
Answer: Option 2 → Arctic Circle
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q57. The Garo, Khasi, Jaintia, and Naga Hills, which run almost east–west, are connected to which hill chain that extends in a north–south direction?

  1. (a) Nilgiri and Rakhine Hills
  2. (b) Mizo and Rakhine Hills
  3. (c) Mizo and Vindhya Hills
  4. (d) Satpura and Mizo Hills
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Mizo and Rakhine Hills

Topic: Northeast India Hill Ranges
The Garo, Khasi, Jaintia, and Naga Hills run in aneast-west directionin the northeastern states (Meghalaya, Nagaland).
These hills are connected to theMizo Hills(Mizoram) andRakhine Hills(Myanmar border) which extend in anorth-south direction.
The Mizo-Rakhine chain forms the eastern boundary of India, running along the India-Myanmar border.
Answer: Option 2 → Mizo and Rakhine Hills
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 2 · Northern Plains

Q58. The Bhabar and Terai regions of the Great Indian Plains differ primarily in:

  1. (a) Rainfall and wind direction
  2. (b) Human settlement patterns
  3. (c) Permeability of soil and groundwater availability
  4. (d) Influenced by the Himalayan Rivers
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Permeability of soil and groundwater availability

Bhabar and Terai Regions
Bhabar:
• Located at foothills of Himalayas
• Composed of pebbles and coarse sediments
•Highly porous and permeable soil
• Rivers disappear underground
•Groundwater not available at surface
Terai:
• Located south of Bhabar belt
• Composed of fine alluvium and clay
•Less permeable soil
• Rivers re-emerge creating marshy land
Answer: Option 3 → Permeability of soil and groundwater availability
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 2 · Coastal plains

Q59. Which of the following sectors of the western coastal plain extends between Mumbai and Goa?

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

Answer: (d) Konkan Coast

Topic:Western Coastal Plain of India
The Western Coastal Plain is divided into three parts:
1. Konkan Coast→ Mumbai to Goa (Maharashtra-Goa)
2. Karnataka Coast→ Goa to Mangalore (Karnataka)
3. Malabar Coast→ Mangalore to Kanyakumari (Kerala)
Note: Coromandel Coast is on theEasternside (Tamil Nadu).
Answer: Option 4 → Konkan Coast
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 3 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q60. Which of the following separates the Andaman from Nicobar Islands?

  1. (a) Ten Degree Channel
  2. (b) Palk Strait
  3. (c) Nine Degree Channel
  4. (d) Six Degree Channel
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Ten Degree Channel

Topic:Indian Geography - Island Groups
Ten Degree Channelseparates Andaman Islands (north) from Nicobar Islands (south).
It is located at approximately 10°N latitude.
Other channels: Nine Degree Channel separates Minicoy from Lakshadweep.
Palk Strait separates India from Sri Lanka.
Answer: Option 1 → Ten Degree Channel
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 1 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q61. Which mountain ranges traverse the Trans-Himalayan zone in India?

  1. (a) Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Satpura
  2. (b) Zanskar, Ladakh, Karakoram
  3. (c) Himalayas, Aravalli, Vindhya
  4. (d) Himalayas, Satpura , Karakoram
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Zanskar, Ladakh, Karakoram

Located north of the Great Himalayas, between the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.
Major ranges:Karakoram, Ladakh, Zanskar
Characteristics: Cold desert, high altitude, sparse vegetation.
Answer: Option 2 → Zanskar, Ladakh, Karakoram
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 March 2026 Shift 1 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q62. Which of the following countries serves as India’s gateway to the ASEAN region by being the only ASEAN nation sharing a land boundary with India?

  1. (a) Bhutan
  2. (b) Myanmar
  3. (c) Bangladesh
  4. (d) Nepal
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Myanmar

Key Facts:
Myanmar is the only ASEAN member nation that shares a land border with India.
India-Myanmar border: ~1,643 km through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Myanmar serves as India's land bridge to Southeast Asia and ASEAN region.
Other options: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal are NOT ASEAN members.
Answer: Option 2 → Myanmar
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 18 March 2026 Shift 3 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q63. The total area covered by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is approximately:

  1. (a) 6,249 sq. kms
  2. (b) 8,249 sq. kms
  3. (c) 7,567sq. kms
  4. (d) 5,163 sq. kms
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 8,249 sq. kms

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal.
Total geographical area:8,249 sq. km
It comprises 572 islands, of which only 37 are inhabited.
Capital: Port Blair
Answer: Option 2 → 8,249 sq. kms
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 March 2026 Shift 1 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q64. Barren Island, which witnessed two eruptions in 2025, is situated in which Union Territory of India?

  1. (a) Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
  2. (b) Lakshadweep
  3. (c) Puducherry
  4. (d) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Location: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT)
Key Facts:
• Only confirmed active volcano in South Asia
• Located in Andaman Sea, ~135 km NE of Port Blair
• Part of volcanic island arc chain
• Recent eruptions: 1991, 1995, 2005-09, 2017-18, 2025
Answer: Option 4 → Andaman & Nicobar Islands
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 March 2026 Shift 1 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q65. Which of the following States/Union Territories shares a border with Afghanistan?

  1. (a) Rajasthan
  2. (b) Ladakh
  3. (c) Jammu and Kashmir
  4. (d) Punjab
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Ladakh

Afghanistan Border
India shares a 106 km border with Afghanistan through
theWakhan Corridorin Ladakh (UT).
This border exists in the eastern part of Ladakh,
touching Afghanistan's narrow Wakhan strip.
Answer: Option 2 → Ladakh
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 March 2026 Shift 1 · Coastal plains

Q66. Which name is given to the southern stretch of the western coastal plain of India?

  1. (a) Kannad Coast
  2. (b) Malabar coast
  3. (c) Coromandel Coast
  4. (d) Konkan Coast
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Malabar coast

Western Coastal Plain - Southern Stretch
The Western Coastal Plain is divided into three parts:
•Konkan Coast- Northern part (Goa to Daman)
•Kannad /Karnataka Coast- Middle part (Karnataka)
•Malabar Coast- Southern part (Kerala)
The Coromandel Coast lies on theEastern side(Tamil Nadu).
Answer: Option 2 → Malabar coast
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 March 2026 Shift 3 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q67. Which mountain range encompasses the Kashmir, Kangra, and Kullu valleys within the Himalayas?

  1. (a) Aravalli
  2. (b) Vindhya
  3. (c) Lesser Himalayas
  4. (d) Great Himalayas
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Lesser Himalayas

The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges:
1.Greater Himalayas (Himadri)- Highest peaks
2.Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)- Middle range
3.Outer Himalayas ( Shiwaliks )- Southernmost
Lesser Himalayas characteristics:
• Altitude: 3,700-4,500 m
• Contains famous valleys: Kashmir, Kangra, Kullu
• Popular hill stations: Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital
Answer: Option 3 → Lesser Himalayas
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 March 2026 Shift 2 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q68. Which of the following island groups in India is known to have an active volcano on Barren Island?

  1. (a) Minicoy Islands
  2. (b) Lakshadweep Islands
  3. (c) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  4. (d) Rameswaram Islands
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Barren Island is located in the Andaman Sea, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Union Territory).
Key Facts:
• Only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.
• Located about 135 km northeast of Port Blair.
• The volcano has had eruptions in 1991, 1994–95, 2005, 2017, 2018–19.
• Narcondam Island (also in A&N) has a dormant volcano.
• The island is uninhabited and is a protected area.
Difference: Lakshadweep / Minicoy → no volcanoes (coral atolls).
Answer: Option 3 → Andaman and Nicobar Islands
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 March 2026 Shift 3 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q69. Which island country, along with Sri Lanka, is identified as India’s southern neighbour across the Indian Ocean?

  1. (a) Indonesia
  2. (b) Maldives
  3. (c) Bhutan
  4. (d) Thailand
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Maldives

The two island nations identified as India's southern neighbours are:
Sri Lanka and MALDIVES.
Key Facts:
• Sri Lanka — separated from India by the Palk Strait.
• Maldives — located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India's tip.
• Maldives consists of ~1,200 coral islands; capital: Malé.
• Bhutan → landlocked, northern neighbour (NOT southern).
• Indonesia and Thailand → Southeast Asia, not southern neighbours .
Answer: Option 2 → Maldives
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 March 2026 Shift 3 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q70. In which region of the Himalayas is the variation in altitude the greatest?

  1. (a) Eastern Himalayan Region
  2. (b) Northern Himalayan Region
  3. (c) Western Himalayan Region
  4. (d) Southern Himalayan Region
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Eastern Himalayan Region

The Eastern Himalayan region has the greatest altitude variation.
Reason:
• In the eastern Himalayas (Arunachal, Sikkim, N-E region),
the mountains rise steeply from the plains (near sea level) to peaks
like Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) over very short horizontal distances.
• This creates extreme altitude variation within a small area.
Answer: Option 1 → Eastern Himalayan regio
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 10 March 2026 Shift 3 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q71. India shares a maritime boundary (sea boundary) with which one of the following countries across the Arabian Sea or the Indian Ocean?

  1. (a) Russia
  2. (b) Mongolia
  3. (c) Maldives
  4. (d) Afghanistan
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Maldives

India shares maritime boundaries with several countries across the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Russia and Mongolia are landlocked or located far from India, so no sea boundary exists with them.
Afghanistan is a landlocked country with no direct access to the sea, so it does not share a maritime boundary with India.
Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, south-west of India, sharing a maritime boundary with India.
Therefore, the correct answer is Maldives.
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 9 March 2026 Shift 3 · Western and Eastern Ghats

Q72. In which Indian state do the Western Ghats reach their maximum elevation, marked by the presence of Anaimudi, the highest peak of the range?

  1. (a) Kerala
  2. (b) Maharashtra
  3. (c) Karnataka
  4. (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Kerala

The Western Ghats mountain range runs along the western coast of India.
Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Western Ghats, is located in Kerala.
Therefore, Kerala is the state where the Western Ghats reach their maximum elevation.
Thus, the correct answer is Option 1.
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 9 March 2026 Shift 2 · Northern Plains

Q73. With reference to fluvial geomorphic processes in the Indian subcontinent, the Indo-Gangetic Plains have been formed predominantly due to the long-term accumulation of which specific type of deposits?

  1. (a) Aeolian sand deposits formed under arid climatic conditions
  2. (b) Marine sediments laid down by repeated sea transgressions
  3. (c) Alluvial sediments deposited by Himalayan river systems
  4. (d) Glacial till deposited directly by valley glaciers
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Alluvial sediments deposited by Himalayan river systems

The Indo-Gangetic Plains are primarily formed by river deposits called alluvium.
These alluvial sediments are brought and deposited by the Himalayan river systems like the Ganges, Yamuna, and their tributaries.
They consist of silt, sand, clay, and gravel gradually accumulated over time, creating fertile plains.
Other options like aeolian sand or marine sediments do not broadly cover the plains formation.
Glacial till is deposited in mountainous valleys, not in the plains.
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 6 March 2026 Shift 3 · Western and Eastern Ghats

Q74. Which of the following is the highest peak of the Western Ghats mountain range?

  1. (a) Doddabetta, Nilgiri Hills
  2. (b) Mullayanagiri, Baba Budan Hills
  3. (c) Mahabaleshwar, Sahyadri plateau region
  4. (d) Anaimudi, Anamalai Hills
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Anaimudi, Anamalai Hills

Option 2 is correct: Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.
It is located in the Baba Budan Hills in Karnataka.
Its height is approximately 1930 metres, making it taller than other peaks in the Western Ghats.
Doddabetta and Anaimudi are highest peaks in other hill ranges, not Western Ghats.
Hence, Mullayanagiri is the tallest peak of the Western Ghats range.
Final answer: Option 2
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 February 2026 · Northern Plains

Q75. Which rivers have contributed to the formation of the Northwestern Plains of India?

  1. (a) Satluj, Beas, and Ravi
  2. (b) Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri
  3. (c) Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra
  4. (d) Narmada, Tapti, and Mahanadi
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Satluj, Beas, and Ravi

Solution:
TheNorthwestern Plains of Indiaare mainly formed by rivers of theIndus river system
Major rivers includeSatluj, Beas, and Ravi
These rivers depositalluviumforming fertile plains in Punjab region
Answer: Satluj, Beas, and Ravi
SSC MTS 2025 – 20 February 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q76. Which among the following is the highest mountain peak?

  1. (a) Kamet
  2. (b) Namcha Barwa
  3. (c) Gurla Mandhata
  4. (d) Annapurna
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Annapurna

Correct Answer: Annapurna (Option 4)
Among the given options, Annapurna is the highest peak at 8,091 metres (26,545 ft), located in Nepal. It is the 10th highest mountain in the world and the first 8,000-metre peak to be climbed (in 1950).
Height comparison of the given peaks:
Annapurna: 8,091 m (Nepal)
Namcha Barwa: 7,782 m (Tibet/Arunachal Pradesh border)
Kamet: 7,756 m (Uttarakhand, India)
Gurla Mandhata: 7,728 m (Tibet)
Annapurna at 8,091 m is clearly the highest among the four options.
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 February 2026 · Extreme points and area facts

Q77. According to a circular issued by the Union Shipping Ministry in April 2025, what is the recalculated length of India’s coastline using the new methodology of calculation?

  1. (a) 15416.6 km
  2. (b) 9516.6 km
  3. (c) 11098.81 km
  4. (d) 12520.73 km
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 11098.81 km

The Union Shipping Ministry issued a circular in April 2025 regarding the calculation of India’s coastline length.
Using the new methodology, the coastline length was recalculated more accurately.
According to the updated calculation, the length of India’s coastline is 11098.81 km.
This is option 3 in the given choices.
Final answer: Option 3
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 February 2026 · Northern Plains

Q78. What is the origin of the material that makes up the Bhabar belt?

  1. (a) Aeolian deposits
  2. (b) Debris washed down from high ranges
  3. (c) Weathering of local rocks
  4. (d) Glacial deposits
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Debris washed down from high ranges

The Bhabar belt is located at the foothills of the Himalayas.
It is formed by material transported and deposited by streams flowing down from the higher mountain ranges.
This material mainly consists of coarse debris washed down from these high ranges.
Therefore, the origin of the Bhabar belt material is the debris washed down from high ranges.
Final answer: Option 2
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 February 2026 · Extreme points and area facts

Q79. Which of the following islands is the southernmost point of India?

  1. (a) Indira Point
  2. (b) Kavaratti
  3. (c) Car Nicobar
  4. (d) Little Andaman
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Indira Point

The southernmost point of India is Indira Point.
It is located on the Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Other options like Kavaratti, Car Nicobar, and Little Andaman are also islands but lie north of Indira Point.
Hence, Indira Point is the correct answer.
SSC MTS 2025 – 19 February 2026 Shift 3 · Location, extent and Standard Meridian

Q80. The main land of India extends between latitudes _____.

  1. (a) 6°4'N and 30°6'N
  2. (b) 8°4'N and 37°6'N
  3. (c) 18°4'N and 47°6'N
  4. (d) 18°4'N and 27°8'N
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 8°4'N and 37°6'N

Correct Answer: 8°4'N and 37°6'N (Option 2)
The mainland of India extends from 8°4'N (Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu — the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland) to 37°6'N (in the Ladakh/Kashmir region — the northernmost point of the mainland).
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 – 6°4'N is the latitude of Indira Point (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), India's southernmost geographical point — not the mainland.
Options 3 and 4 – 18°4'N and 47°6'N / 27°8'N are entirely incorrect coordinates for India.
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 February 2026 · Coastal plains

Q81. Which of the following coastal features in India is believed to have submerged due to tectonic or sea-level changes, as referenced in Indian mythology and archaeology?

  1. (a) Kavaratti in Lakshadweep
  2. (b) Dwaraka near Gujarat
  3. (c) Rameshwaram near Tamil Nadu
  4. (d) Sunderbans in West Bengal
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Dwaraka near Gujarat

Option 2 is correct: Dwaraka near Gujarat.
Dwaraka is historically and mythologically cited as the submerged city of Lord Krishna.
Archaeological findings off the coast of Gujarat support the existence of an ancient submerged settlement.
Tectonic activities and sea-level rise are believed to have caused its submergence.
No other options listed have strong claims of submergence linked with mythology and archaeology.
Hence, the answer is Dwaraka near Gujarat.
Final answer: Option 2
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 February 2026 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q82. Which of the following features distinguishes the Purvanchal hills from the rest of the Himalayan mountain system?

  1. (a) They include the Aravalli and Satpura hill groups
  2. (b) They form the highest peaks of the Zanskar range
  3. (c) They stretch in a convex arc along the eastern frontier
  4. (d) They are snow-covered throughout the year
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) They stretch in a convex arc along the eastern frontier

The Purvanchal hills are located in the eastern part of the Himalayan mountain system.
They are characterised by stretching in a convex arc along the eastern frontier of India.
Other options are incorrect:
1. Aravalli and Satpura hills are separate hill systems, not part of Purvanchal.
2. The highest peaks of the Zanskar range are in the western Himalayas.
4. Purvanchal hills are not snow-covered throughout the year, unlike the higher Himalayas.
Hence, option 3 correctly distinguishes the Purvanchal hills from the rest of the Himalayas.
Final answer: Option 3
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 February 2026 · Northern Plains

Q83. Which of the following is the main reason for the flatness of the Great Indian Plains?

  1. (a) Tectonic uplift
  2. (b) River deposition
  3. (c) Glacial erosion
  4. (d) Wind erosion
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) River deposition

The Great Indian Plains are formed mainly by the sediments brought by the rivers.
These rivers flow from the Himalayas and surrounding highlands, depositing alluvial soil over a large area.
This river deposition results in the flat and fertile plains found in Northern India.
Other causes like tectonic uplift or erosion play a lesser role in shaping the plains' flatness.
Hence, the primary reason for the flatness of the Great Indian Plains is river deposition.
Final answer: Option 2
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 February 2026 · Coastal plains

Q84. Which of the following options correctly explains why the eastern coastal plains of India are wider and more deltaic than the western coastal plains?

  1. (a) Eastern rivers flow over steep gradients
  2. (b) Eastern plains have more tectonic uplift
  3. (c) Eastern plains receive less tidal influence
  4. (d) Eastern rivers form large deltas due to gentle slopes
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Eastern rivers form large deltas due to gentle slopes

The eastern coastal plains are wider and more deltaic because the rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal have gentle slopes.
These gentle slopes cause the rivers to deposit more sediments at their mouths, forming large deltas.
In contrast, western coastal plains are narrow because rivers there flow through steep gradients directly into the Arabian Sea, resulting in less sediment deposition.
Hence, the main reason is the gentle slope of the eastern rivers leading to large delta formation.
Final answer: Option 4
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 February 2026 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q85. Which peak marks the north-western end of the Great Himalaya?

  1. (a) Namcha Barwa
  2. (b) Kanchenjunga
  3. (c) Mount Everest
  4. (d) Nanga Parbat
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Nanga Parbat

The north-western end of the Great Himalaya is marked by Nanga Parbat.
Nanga Parbat is a famous peak located in the western Himalayas in Pakistan.
It stands as the western anchor of the Himalayan range.
Other peaks like Everest and Kanchenjunga are located more towards the central and eastern parts of the Himalayas respectively.
Namcha Barwa marks the eastern end, not the north-western end.
Hence, the correct answer is Nanga Parbat.
SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 3 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q86. Sri Lanka is separated from India by the _____.

  1. (a) Palk Strait
  2. (b) Malacca Strait
  3. (c) Hormuz Strait
  4. (d) Cook Strait
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Palk Strait

The correct answer is Palk Strait (Option 1). The Palk Strait separates the southeastern tip of India (Tamil Nadu) from the northern part of Sri Lanka. It is approximately 53–80 km wide. Option 2 is incorrect as Malacca Strait separates the Malay Peninsula from Sumatra (Indonesia). Option 3 is incorrect as Hormuz Strait is between Oman and Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Option 4 is incorrect as Cook Strait separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 3 · Extreme points and area facts

Q87. The land mass of India has an area of _____ million square km.

  1. (a) 1.28
  2. (b) 2.28
  3. (c) 3.28
  4. (d) 4.38
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 3.28

The correct answer is 3.28 million square km (Option 3). India covers a total geographical area of approximately 3.28 million square kilometres, making it the 7th largest country in the world by area. Option 1 (1.28) is too small. Option 2 (2.28) is also incorrect. Option 4 (4.38) is an overestimate.
SSC MTS 2025 – 9 February 2026 Shift 3 · Location, extent and Standard Meridian

Q88. Tropic of Cancer passes through which of the following state of India?

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

Answer: (b) Mizoram

Correct Answer: 2 – Mizoram.
The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N latitude) passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.
Maharashtra (Option 1) lies south of the Tropic of Cancer – it does not pass through it.
Andhra Pradesh (Option 3) is further south and is not crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.
Goa (Option 4) is in the western coastal region south of the Tropic of Cancer.
SSC MTS 2025 – 6 February 2026 Shift 1 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q89. Lakshadweep Islands are located in the _____.

  1. (a) Arabian Sea
  2. (b) Bay of Bengal
  3. (c) Red Sea
  4. (d) Pacific Ocean
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Arabian Sea

Correct Answer: 1 (Arabian Sea)
Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India (Kerala coast). It is India's smallest Union Territory.
Option 2 (Bay of Bengal) is incorrect - Andaman & Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal.
Option 3 (Red Sea) is incorrect - Lakshadweep is not located in the Red Sea.
Option 4 (Pacific Ocean) is incorrect - Lakshadweep is in the Indian Ocean region.
SSC MTS 2025 – 6 February 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q90. Which of the following is NOT the division of the Himalaya?

  1. (a) Himadri
  2. (b) Himachal
  3. (c) Shiwalik
  4. (d) Aravali
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Aravali

Correct Answer: 4 (Aravali)
The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges from north to south:
1. Himadri (Great Himalayas / Inner Himalayas) - the northernmost and highest range
2. Himachal (Middle Himalayas / Lesser Himalayas) - the middle range
3. Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas) - the southernmost foothills
The Aravali range is a completely separate, ancient mountain range located in Rajasthan and is NOT a division of the Himalayas.
SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 2 · Location, extent and Standard Meridian

Q91. The sun rises about _____ hour earlier in the east (Arunachal Pradesh) than in the west (Gujarat).

  1. (a) one
  2. (b) two
  3. (c) three
  4. (d) four
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) two

Correct Answer: two
India spans approximately 30 degrees of longitude from east (Arunachal Pradesh, ~97 degrees E) to west (Gujarat, ~68 degrees E). Since Earth rotates 15 degrees per hour, this difference means the sun rises approximately 2 hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh than in Gujarat. This is why India follows a single standard time (IST) to avoid confusion.
Why other options are wrong:
one - Incorrect; the time difference is approximately 2 hours.
three - Exceeds the actual longitudinal time difference.
four - Significantly overstates the difference.
SSC MTS 2025 – 5 February 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q92. The longitudinal valley lying between lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks is known as _____.

  1. (a) duns
  2. (b) doabs
  3. (c) Jabs
  4. (d) Ranns
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) duns

Correct Answer: duns
Duns (also written as Doons) are longitudinal valleys formed between the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal) and the Shiwaliks (outer Himalayas). Famous examples include Dehradun and Patlidun. They are fertile valleys used for agriculture and settlements.
Why other options are wrong:
doabs - Refers to the land between two rivers (do = two, ab = water).
Jabs - Not a standard geographical term for Himalayan valleys.
Ranns - Refers to seasonal salt marshes, like the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 2 · Location, extent and Standard Meridian

Q93. What is the standard meridian of India, used to determine Indian Standard Time (IST)?

  1. (a) 82°30' E
  2. (b) 80°30' E
  3. (c) 78°30' E
  4. (d) 84°30' E
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 82°30' E

The correct answer is (a) 82°30' E.
The standard meridian of India is 82°30' East longitude, which passes through Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh). Indian Standard Time (IST) is UTC+5:30, which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The meridian 82°30'E was chosen as it passes approximately through the center of India.
(b) 80°30' E: This is not the standard meridian of India; 80°E roughly passes through Chennai.
(c) 78°30' E: Not the standard meridian; this roughly passes through areas west of Chennai.
(d) 84°30' E: Not the standard meridian; this passes through parts of Odisha and Jharkhand.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · Islands (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep)

Q94. Which island group is located in the Bay of Bengal?

  1. (a) Lakshadweep
  2. (b) Andaman and Nicobar
  3. (c) Malabar
  4. (d) Minicoy Island
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Andaman and Nicobar

The correct answer is (b) Andaman and Nicobar.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of over 572 islands located in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of the Indian mainland. They form a Union Territory of India. Port Blair is the capital. The islands are strategically important for their location near the Strait of Malacca.
(a) Lakshadweep: A Union Territory consisting of coral islands located in the Arabian Sea (not the Bay of Bengal), about 200-440 km west of the Kerala coast.
(c) Malabar: Refers to the Malabar Coast on the southwestern coast of India (Kerala); not an island group in the Bay of Bengal.
(d) Minicoy Island: The southernmost island of the Lakshadweep group; located in the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · Coastal plains

Q95. What is the southern part of the Western Coastal Plain known as?

  1. (a) Konkan Coast
  2. (b) Kanara Coast
  3. (c) Coromandel Coast
  4. (d) Malabar Coast
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Malabar Coast

The correct answer is (d) Malabar Coast.
The Western Coastal Plain of India is divided into three sections from north to south: (1) Konkan Coast (northern part — Maharashtra and Goa), (2) Kanara/Karnataka Coast (middle part — Karnataka), and (3) Malabar Coast (southern part — Kerala). The Malabar Coast stretches from Mangalore to Kanyakumari.
(a) Konkan Coast: The northern section of the Western Coastal Plain (Maharashtra and Goa); not the southern part.
(b) Kanara Coast: The middle section of the Western Coastal Plain (Karnataka); not the southern part.
(c) Coromandel Coast: The southern part of the Eastern Coastal Plain (Tamil Nadu); belongs to the east coast, not the west coast.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 3 · Northern Plains

Q96. What is the main feature of the Northern Plain?

  1. (a) Formed by volcanic activity
  2. (b) Formed by rivers and alluvium
  3. (c) Mountain ranges
  4. (d) Desert landforms
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Formed by rivers and alluvium

The correct answer is (b) Formed by rivers and alluvium.
The Great Northern Plain (Indo-Gangetic Plain) was formed by the deposition of alluvial soil carried by rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, and Brahmaputra over millions of years. It is one of the most fertile plains in the world, formed by fluvial (river) activity.
(a) Formed by volcanic activity: Volcanic plains are formed by lava flows; the Northern Plain was formed by river deposition, not volcanic activity.
(c) Mountain ranges: Mountain ranges are formed by tectonic activity; the Northern Plain is a flat alluvial plain, not mountain ranges.
(d) Desert landforms: The Thar Desert in Rajasthan has desert landforms; the Northern Plain is primarily fertile alluvial land.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 3 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q97. Which country is the closest to India by sea, representing the shortest maritime distance and strategic proximity in the Indian Ocean region?

  1. (a) Sri Lanka
  2. (b) Maldives
  3. (c) Myanmar
  4. (d) Thailand
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sri Lanka

The correct answer is (a) Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is the closest country to India by sea. The Palk Strait, which separates India (Tamil Nadu) from Sri Lanka, is only about 30-60 km wide at its narrowest point (between Rameswaram and Talaimannar ). This makes Sri Lanka India's nearest maritime neighbor.
(b) Maldives: Located approximately 700 km from India's southwestern coast (Kerala); much farther than Sri Lanka.
(c) Myanmar: India shares a land border with Myanmar in the northeast; by sea, it is significantly farther than Sri Lanka.
(d) Thailand: Located much farther from India than Sri Lanka; not India's closest maritime neighbor.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 4 January 2026 Shift 2 · Peninsular plateau and hills

Q98. The Vindhya Range acts as a natural geographical divide between:

  1. (a) North and South India
  2. (b) East and West India
  3. (c) Central and Eastern India
  4. (d) Coastal and Interior India
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) North and South India

The Vindhya Range runs in an east-west direction and serves as a major natural boundary separating North India from South India (the Deccan Plateau). It has historically been a cultural and geographical divide as well.
(b) Incorrect: The Vindhyas run east-west, so they divide North and South India, not East and West.
(c) Incorrect: The Vindhyas do not primarily separate Central and Eastern India.
(d) Incorrect: The separation of Coastal and Interior India is not the role of the Vindhya Range.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 4 January 2026 Shift 2 · Himalayas - ranges and peaks

Q99. Which is the northernmost of the three main Himalayan ranges?

  1. (a) Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas)
  2. (b) Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)
  3. (c) Himadri (Greater Himalayas)
  4. (d) Purvanchal
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Himadri (Greater Himalayas)

Himadri, also known as the Greater Himalayas or Inner Himalayas, is the northernmost and highest of the three main Himalayan ranges. It contains the world's highest peaks including Mount Everest, K2, and Kanchenjunga.
(a) Incorrect: The Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) are the southernmost range of the Himalayas, closest to the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
(b) Incorrect: The Lesser Himalayas lie between the Shiwaliks in the south and Himadri in the north.
(d) Incorrect: Purvanchal is the northeastern extension of the Himalayas into Northeast India, not one of the three classic Himalayan ranges.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 2 January 2026 Shift 3 · Neighbouring countries and border states

Q100. The Doklam plateau, a region of past standoff, is located near the tri-junction of:

  1. (a) India-Nepal-China
  2. (b) India-Bhutan-China
  3. (c) India-Myanmar-China
  4. (d) India-Pakistan-China
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) India-Bhutan-China

The Doklam plateau is situated near the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China. In 2017, a 73-day standoff occurred between Indian and Chinese forces here, as India objected to China constructing a road in this disputed territory near Bhutan's border.
(a) Incorrect: Nepal is not part of the Doklam tri-junction; the correct countries are India, Bhutan, and China.
(b) Incorrect: Myanmar shares its border with India in the northeast but is not part of the Doklam plateau tri-junction.
(c) Incorrect: Pakistan shares its border with India in the northwest; it has no connection to the Doklam tri-junction.
123

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