UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 — Geology Optional Paper I: Question Paper | Plutus IAS

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21 Sep UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 — Geology Optional Paper I: Question Paper | Plutus IAS

Posted at 21 Sep 2026 in UPSC by
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The questions below are from Geology Optional Paper I of UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 (held 2026-08-30) — the actual paper, which is public government content. This page carries the questions for reference and revision; model answers for this paper are not published here.

Official paper (PDF): upsc.gov.in.

  1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) What are transform and transcurrent faults? Illustrate them using neat sketches. (b) Discuss the different types of plate boundaries with suitable sketches. Add a note on mid-oceanic ridges. (c) Describe the types of unconformities with neat sketches. Add a note on their significance. (d) Describe the major geomorphic provinces of Indian subcontinent. Add a note on their geological significance. (e) What are the different resolutions used in remote sensing? Explain their significance.
  2. (a) Describe the principles of geological mapping. Using sketches, describe the different types of symbols used in geological mapping. (b) Discuss the relationship between drainage systems and underlying lithology and structure. Explain the concept of antecedent and superimposed drainage with examples. (c) Discuss the merits and limitations of aerial photos vs. satellite imagery. How do multispectral data help in lithological and structural identification?
  3. (a) Discuss the importance of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in geological mapping. Elucidate the role of RS and GIS in mineral exploration. (b) Discuss the types of folds. Add a note on the classification of folds based on the mechanism of folds. (c) Describe the homogeneous and heterogeneous deformation of rocks. Add a note on progressive deformation.
  4. (a) What is earthquake? How is the epicenter of an earthquake determined? Discuss on the disaster risk associated with earthquakes of different magnitudes. (b) Discuss the most accepted hypothesis regarding the origin of the earth. Add a note on the interior of the earth with sketch. (c) What are foliations? Discuss the various types and processes of formation of foliations.
  5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) Discuss the conditions required for the preservation of soft parts of fossils. (b) Discuss the principles of magnetostratigraphy. (c) Draw the cratons and mobile belts of India on the given map. Enlist the major economic minerals associated with each craton and mobile belt. (d) What is hydrologic cycle? Explain the importance of rainwater harvesting in groundwater management. (e) Explain the morphometry of a drainage basin and its significance in groundwater studies.
  6. (a) Compare the major morphological characters which differentiate Hominidae from ape-like primates. Discuss the evolutionary trend of Hominidae with example from Indian occurrence. 20 (b) What is Continental Flood Basalt (CFB)? Discuss the stratigraphic classification of Deccan Trap. Comment on the importance of inter-trappean beds. 15 (c) Discuss the hydrogeological properties of different rock types and their role in groundwater studies. 15
  7. (a) Discuss the stratigraphic classification and depositional environment of Cuddapah Supergroup. Add a note on the tectonic evolution of the Cuddapah Basin with suitable sketch. 20 (b) Classify the important groups of microfossils based on their composition. Discuss the application of microfossils in hydrocarbon exploration. 15 (c) Discuss the geological challenges encountered in limestone terrains while building a tunnel. What specific remedial measures would you propose? 15
  8. (a) What are landslides and avalanches? Discuss the causes and effects of landslides. Enumerate the remedial measures to prevent landslides. 20 (b) Explain the various methods used in paleogeographic reconstructions with suitable example. 15 (c) Discuss the stratigraphic classification of Siwalik Group. Comment on the paleogeographic setup and fossil assemblage of Siwalik Group. 15 SB27—450

Questions reproduced from the official paper for study purposes; verify on the exam-conducting body’s official website.

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