CDS MCQs Geography – (with Solutions & Detailed Explanations)
Geography is a high-scoring and concept-based section in the CDS examination, where questions are frequently asked from Indian physical features, rivers, mountains, climate, and vegetation. A clear understanding of fundamental geographical concepts, along with regular MCQ practice, plays a crucial role in achieving a good score. This blog has been curated to help defence aspirants strengthen their basics and improve exam accuracy. The questions included here are based on previous exam trends and are supported with clear explanations to ensure better retention and conceptual clarity for effective CDS preparation.
Q1. Which peak represents the highest elevation in the Nilgiri Hills?
a) Kalsubai
b) Sale
c) Doda Betta
d) Pushpagiri
Answer: c) Doda Betta
Doda Betta, reaching an elevation of 2,637 meters, stands as the highest summit in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills.
Q2. Which geographical feature creates a significant gap in the Western Ghats?
a) Doda Betta
b) Anamudi Peak
c) Anaimalai Hills
d) Palghat Gap
Answer: d) Palghat Gap
The Palghat Gap forms a crucial mountain pass in the Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Q3. Among the Indus tributaries, which is the longest?
a) Ravi
b) Beas
c) Chenab
d) Jhelum
Answer: c) Chenab
Stretching approximately 960 kilometers, the Chenab River is the Indus system’s longest tributary.
Q4. After the Ganga, which river system ranks second largest in India?
a) Godavari
b) Krishna
c) Brahmani
d) Baitarni
Answer: a) Godavari
The Godavari, often called the “Dakshin Ganga,” represents peninsular India’s largest river system.
Q5. How does the Tropic of Cancer traverse India relative to the Equator?
a) at right angles
b) to the North
c) to the South
d) 90° to the South
Answer: b) to the North
Located at 23.5°N, the Tropic of Cancer splits India into two nearly equal portions.
Q6. The Himalayas are classified as:
a) Relief mountains
b) Submarine mountains
c) Volcanic mountains
d) Tectonic mountains
Answer: d) Tectonic mountains
The Himalayas emerged as young fold mountains through tectonic plate interactions.
Q7. Where is the renowned Naki (Nakki) Lake situated?
a) Nainital
b) Mussorie
c) Rishikesh
d) Pushkar
Answer: a) Nainital
The scenic Nakki Lake is located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
Q8. Where did the gypsies originate from?
a) Egypt
b) Russia
c) India
d) Persia
Answer: c) India
Language studies have established that gypsies (Roma people) originated from India.
Q9. The Himalayan forests contain:
a) European Oak forests
b) Coniferous forests
c) Alpine vegetation
d) All the three
Answer: d) All the three
The Himalayas exhibit diverse vegetation patterns ranging from subtropical forests at lower elevations to alpine meadows at higher altitudes.
Q10. Which river, originating in the Kamarpet hills of the Chhotanagpur Plateau, is known as the “River of Sorrow”?
a) Mahanadi
b) Damodar
c) Krishna
d) Godavari
Answer: b) Damodar
The Damodar River earned its moniker “Sorrow of Bengal” due to its devastating seasonal floods that affect the region.
Q11. Which city is renowned as the Queen of the Arabian Sea?
a) Cochin
b) Mumbai
c) Mangalore
d) Surat
Answer: a) Cochin
Kochi (Cochin) earned this title due to its historic significance as a major trading port along the Arabian Sea coast.
Q12. Which coastal state experiences minimal sea erosion?
a) Kerala
b) Odisha
c) Gujarat
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: a) Kerala
Kerala’s coastline benefits from natural protective features that minimize erosion compared to other coastal states.
Q13. Which is India’s smallest Union Territory by area?
a) Lakshadweep
b) Puducherry
c) Daman and Diu
d) Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Answer: a) Lakshadweep
With just 32 square kilometers, Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory.
Q14. What is India’s total geographical area?
a) 2.3 million sq km
b) 3.3 million sq km
c) 4.3 million sq km
d) 5.3 million sq km
Answer: b) 3.3 million sq km
India encompasses approximately 3.287 million square kilometers of total area.
Q15. Where is the Blue Mountain peak situated?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Mizoram
d) Karnataka
Answer: c) Mizoram
Phawngpui, commonly known as Blue Mountain, is Mizoram’s highest peak.
Q16. In which state are the Khasi and Jaintia Hills located?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Meghalaya
c) Manipur
d) Nagaland
Answer: b) Meghalaya
These prominent hills constitute an essential part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
Q17. Near which mountain peak does the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra River form its distinctive hairpin bend?
a) Saramati
b) Shillong
c) Namcha Barwa
d) Karbi
Answer: c) Namcha Barwa
The impressive Namcha Barwa peak (7,782 m) marks the location of the Great Bend of the Brahmaputra River in Tibet.
Q18. Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, is situated in:
a) Assam
b) Arunachal Pradesh
c) Manipur
d) Tripura
Answer: c) Manipur
This remarkable lake is distinguished by its unique floating “phumdis.”
Q19. Which range forms the Outer Himalayas?
a) Karakoram range
b) Shiwalik range
c) Kailas range
d) Hindukush range
Answer: b) Shiwalik range
The Shiwalik range constitutes the southernmost and outermost range of the Himalayan mountain system.
Q20. Where can you find mangrove forests in India?
a) Eastern Ghats
b) Sunderbans
c) Western Ghats
d) Aravallis
Answer: b) Sunderbans
The Sunderbans in West Bengal hosts the planet’s most extensive mangrove forest ecosystem.
These questions has been carefully designed for aspirants preparing for CDS and other defence examinations. It covers important questions from Indian Physical and Human Geography with accurate answers and clear, exam-oriented explanations. The focus is not just on memorising facts, but on building strong conceptual understanding, which is essential for success in competitive defence exams. At Doon Defence Dreamers the best NDA Coaching in Dehradun, we aim to provide reliable, updated, and concept-driven study material, and this revised blog is a valuable resource to strengthen your Geography preparation effectively.
