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

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

Posted at 09 Sep 2026 in UPSC by
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The questions below are from Geology Optional Paper II 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) Describe the classification of crystals into crystal systems, and add a note on the types of symmetry shown by crystals. (b) Discuss the classification of silicate mineral structures. (c) What is granitization ? Explain with reference to the rock forming process. (d) Based on texture, how is it possible to identify granulites ? Which are the granulite-associated metamorphic terrains of India ? (e) Outline the petrographic features used to identify and classify sedimentary rocks in thin-section analysis.
  2. Describe common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and the diagnostic features of these minerals. (b) Give an account of the optical properties of common rock-forming minerals. How can these properties be used to identify minerals under the microscope ? (c) What is twinning ? Discuss the different types of twinning found in the feldspar group of minerals.
  3. Discuss the petrogenesis of carbonatite rocks. (b) What is metasomatic replacement ? What is the role of the chemical composition of host rocks in this process ? (c) Discuss the evolution of the Deccan Volcanic Province of India.
  4. Discuss the primary processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks, emphasizing the role of diagenesis and lithification. (b) Explain how primary sedimentary processes influence the mineralogical composition and porosity of the resultant rocks. (c) What are the major depositional environments of sedimentary rocks ? Discuss the characteristic features of rocks formed in different depositional environments.
  5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each. 10×5=50 (a) How is the 'Law of the Sea' relevant to the management of marine mineral resources ? (b) Explain the causes and impacts of sea-level rise. (c) Discuss the different types of prospecting methods used for locating metallic mineral deposits. (d) What are the causes of groundwater and surface water pollution ? Explain. (e) Discuss the environmental cost of growing urbanization. How can sustainability be ensured ?
  6. Explain the differences between ore, ore minerals and gangue, and discuss their significance in mineral processing. 20 (b) How does the tenor of an ore influence its economic viability ? What methods are used to determine it ? 15 (c) A mineral deposit has an estimated volume of 2 million cubic metres. The average density of the ore is 2.5 tonnes per cubic metre. The average grade of the mineral is 3% Cu. Calculate the proven reserves in tonnes and the amount of copper in these reserves. 15
  7. Describe Sampling. Add a note on common geological sampling methods. 15 (b) Explain the ore reserve estimation procedure. How are the tonnage and grade of an ore deposit calculated ? 15 (c) Explain the mineral beneficiation processes used in the enrichment of sulphide ore minerals. 20
  8. What are the causes of earthquakes and volcanic activities ? Discuss their mitigation possibilities. (b) What is the status of legislative measures for environmental protection in India ? Discuss. (c) Explain the use of primary thermodynamics in understanding geological processes.

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

Related — other papers of this exam

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