Analysis and Reflections on UPSC Mains 2025 Geography Optional Paper 2

04 Sep 2025

Table of Contents

The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination for Optional Papers has concluded, with the UPSC Geography Optional Paper 2 testing aspirants on the Geography of India. The optional subject is crucial for success in UPSC Mains, as it contributes a notable 500 marks to the final score.

Analysis of Geography Optional Paper 2

The 2025 Geography Optional Paper-2 reflected a balanced mix of static and dynamic themes. While physical setting and political aspects leaned on traditional knowledge; agriculture, industry, and contemporary issues demanded applied, policy-linked, and case study-oriented answers, rewarding updated preparation. Download Link Geography Optional Paper 2

Geography of India

Physical Setting: Questions based on this topic were straightforward requiring geographical explanation with examples (karewa formation and coral reef as dynamic ecosystem).	Population & Cultural Settings: Questions from this topic were moderately difficult, and required critical understanding (population distribution of SC/STs and spatial distribution of religious groups).
Resources: Question with a mix of both policy and analytical aspects asked this year by UPSC (Blue Economy).	Settlements: Mix of conceptual and applied (rural-urban fringe) and static questions (rural morphology) were asked from this part.
Agriculture: A strong mix of traditional themes (Himalayan ecosystem & cropping pattern, livestock) with contemporary changes in the agriculture sector were asked this year.	Regional Development and Planning: Questions focus was on policy-oriented and analytical aspects (watershed-based planning, island planning).
Industry: UPSC asked more applied but approachable questions from this part (Pharmaceutical industry, cottage industry, nautical tourism).	Political Aspects: Questions on traditional themes were seen from this part of the syllabus (Regional consciousness, international boundary issues, north-east region).

The questions were mixed and analytical which require a holistic preparation that goes beyond rote memorization, demanding critical application of knowledge.

Success in Mains 2025 with UPSC Styled Optional Questions

Our analysis of the Geography Optional Paper 2 shows how the mix of static and contemporary issues this year required aspirants to integrate conceptual clarity with policy awareness and case study-based application.

The Mains-centric initiatives of Vision IAS, particularly the UPSC Test Series for Geography Optional and UPSC Geography Value Added Material (VAM), are specifically designed to build these capabilities. The Geography Optional Test Series featured 4 Sectional Tests, 4 Full Length Tests, and 2 Abhyaas Tests.

Further, the Value Added Material offered comprehensive coverage of the syllabus enriched with contemporary examples, policy references and case studies. The Value Added Material covered 18 out of 27 questions.
The trust students placed in us is reflected in our Test Series, which comprehensively covered 14 out of 27 questions, indicating a testament to the direct relevance and effectiveness of writing tests for UPSC Mains.

This high impact in UPSC Mains Paper is a testament to the direct relevance and effectiveness of combining Test Series and VAM for success in UPSC Mains.

Reflections in Geography Paper 2 from Vision IAS Geography Optional Test Series

UPSC Geography Optional 8(b). With reference to typical examples, assess why regional planning in India is important for island territories for their sustainable development.

Vision IAS Geography Optional Test Series (Test Code-3321), Q: 5(c). Examine the role of regional planning in addressing the vulnerabilities of India's island territories.

The Geography Optional Paper 2 Test question is a direct reflection of the question asked in the UPSC exam and the test answer provided all the essential components required for a comprehensive and concise response for the UPSC Mains question. It included:

Context of Challenges faced by India’s Islands: India’s islands face ecological fragility, limited resources, and socio-economic challenges, necessitating regional planning.
Analytical Depth: Planning fosters eco-tourism, connectivity, renewable energy, fisheries, MSMEs, and disaster resilience, balancing growth with sustainability.
Way Ahead: Regional planning ensures islands achieve sustainable development by aligning economic growth with ecological security and social equity.

UPSC Geography Optional 7(c). Examine the validity of Blue Economy initiatives of India. Elaborate the impacts of this economy on country’s development.

Vision IAS Geography Optional Test Series (code - 3323) Q 3(b): Explain the significance of blue economy in achieving sustainable economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems in India.

Definition of Blue Economy: India’s Blue Economy harnesses vast coastal and EEZ resources through fisheries, ports, tourism, energy, and conservation policies like Sagarmala and Deep Ocean Mission.
Analytical Depth:
- It drives livelihoods, trade, renewable energy, eco-tourism, and climate resilience via fisheries, ports, mangroves, and seagrasses.
- Integrated policy and cooperation make it vital for sustainable growth and maritime leadership.

UPSC Geography Optional 5(a). How can rural-urban fringe be delineated? Explain with suitable examples from India.

Vision IAS Geography Optional Abhyaas (Test Code-4520), Q 8c - Examine the challenges in defining the urban-rural continuum in India. How does this ambiguity affect governance and service delivery in fringe areas?

Defining Rural Urban Fringe: The rural-urban fringe is a transitional zone marked by mixed land use, population shifts, and blurred rural-urban categories due to rapid urbanization.
Analytical Depth:
- It can be identified through land use, commuting, services, density, occupational change, and governance gaps. Examples include Delhi NCR villages, Kerala’s census towns, and Bengaluru’s peri-urban stress.
- Delineating fringes needs dynamic criteria and integrated planning for inclusive, sustainable growth and service delivery in India’s peripheries.

UPSC Geography Optional 4(c). "The rural settlements in India are highly diversified due to both physical and cultural factors." Justify the statement with examples.

Vision IAS Geography Optional Test Series (code - 3325) Q 5(c): Explain how geography influences the distribution of rural settlements in peninsular India. And Test (code - 3321) Q. Discuss the pattern of rural settlements in different regions of India. Also highlight the factors leading to recent morphological changes in the rural settlements.

Data and Diversity of Rural Settlements: Rural settlements, housing 65% of India’s population, show diversity shaped by geography, culture, economy, and history, making them region-specific and adaptive.
Analytical Depth:
- Settlement forms vary across India — they are compact in fertile plains of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, dispersed in arid Rajasthan, semi-compact around tanks in Tamil Nadu, and tribal clusters in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. This occurs due to different environments and traditions.
- This diversity also arises from ecological and cultural factors but is rapidly transforming under modernization and policies.

Other UPSC Geography Optional Mains 2025 Questions answerable from our Geography Optional Test Series include:

UPSC Mains 2025 Question

Q. 6(c) What are the key features of sex-ratio of population in India? Evaluate the impacts of child sex-ratio or general sex-ratio in the country.

Reflections from Geography Optional Test Series

Abhyaas Test Code 4520- Q. Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to regional variations in India’s sex ratio. How do these variations affect long-term demographic outcomes?

UPSC Mains 2025 Question

Q. 3(c) What are the challenges of dairy sector in India? Describe the contribution of bovine population.

Reflections from Geography Optional Test SeriesTest code 3325- Q. Discuss the evolution of India's dairy sector post-Operation Flood. Examine how White Revolution 2.0 aims to transform the dairy sector in India.

UPSC Mains 2025 Question

Q. 5(b) "Spatial distribution of religious groups in India does not show any specific pattern." Illustrate with arguments.

Reflections from Geography Optional Test SeriesAbhyaas Test Code 4520- Q.Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to regional variations in India’s sex ratio. How do these variations affect long-term demographic outcomes?

UPSC Mains 2025 Question

Q. 3(b) Highlight the characteristics of land utilisation in Eastern Ghats region of India. What are the recent threats to land utilisation method in the region?

Reflections from Geography Optional Test Series

Abhyaas Test Code 4520- Q. Analyze the relationship between land use intensification and ecological sustainability across India.

UPSC Mains 2025 Question

Q. 3(a)Why is the pattern of population distribution of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes different in India? Compare their socio-economic problems with examples.

Reflections from Geography Optional Test Series

Test code 3323- Q. Analyze the link between the geographical distribution of tribes and their specific socio-economic challenges.

Mastering Contemporary and Dynamic Themes with Case Studies: Geography Paper 2 Value Added Material

The Vision IAS UPSC VAM for Geography Optional Subject has been consistently trusted by toppers for UPSC Mains preparation. Designed carefully in line with the evolving UPSC trends, this UPSC VAM provides aspirants with suitable value-added content along with the case studies that provides aspirant analytical understanding expected in the UPSC Optional papers.

This year, our Geography Optional Paper 2 VAM comprehensively covered 18 out of 27 questions indicating a testament to their direct relevance and effectiveness for UPSC Mains.

Reflections in Geography Paper 2 from Vision IAS Value Added Material

UPSC Geography Optional

Q1(b) Referring to the location and physical formation of karewas, highlight their economic significance.

The above question asked in UPSC Geography Mains 2025 is directly answerable from the Geography VAM. The VAM included important information like:

Definition & Causes: Using the VAM, karewas can be defined as lacustrine deposits in the Kashmir Valley, formed during the Pleistocene due to tectonic uplift and glacial activities. Their elevated flat terraces make them distinctive to this region.
Analytical Depth: The VAM highlights their economic importance:
- Karewas support saffron and almond cultivation, horticulture, and palaeoclimatic studies.
- They also aid tourism, though quarrying poses sustainability concerns. Regional references include Pampore, renowned as the saffron bowl of Kashmir.
Way Ahead: The VAM emphasizes sustainable management through regulated quarrying and conservation measures, ensuring that karewas continue to provide ecological, cultural, and economic benefits.

UPSC Geography Optional

Q2(a): Explain the factors which contribute to the growth of India's pharmaceutical industry with specific reference to its concentration in the western region of India.

The above question asked in UPSC Geography Mains 2025 is directly answerable from the Geography VAM. The VAM included important information like:

Definition of Pharma Industry: Using the VAM, an aspirant can define India’s pharmaceutical industry as a key component of its industrial landscape, growing due to availability of skilled manpower, low-cost production, policy support, and rising global demand for generics.
Analytical Depth: The VAM highlights growth factors:
- Chemical and Petrochemical base in Gujarat and Maharashtra, ports facilitating exports, presence of research institutions, SEZs, and supportive state policies.
- Western states host clusters like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Mumbai–Pune belt, creating economies of scale and strong backward–forward linkages.
Way Ahead: The VAM suggests balanced regional dispersal through R&D incentives, infrastructure support, and sustainable practices while consolidating the western region’s role as India’s pharmaceutical hub.

UPSC Geography Optional

Q3(a). Why is the pattern of population distribution of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes different in India? Compare their socio-economic problems with examples.

The above question asked in UPSC Geography Mains 2025 is directly answerable from the Geography VAM. The VAM included important information like:

Distribution Data on SCs and STs: Using the VAM, an aspirant can note that Scheduled Castes (SCs) are concentrated in the Indo-Gangetic plains and coastal regions due to their traditional association with agrarian economies, while Scheduled Tribes (STs) dominate central, north-eastern, and hilly regions, reflecting historical isolation, forest-based livelihoods, and ecological settings.
Analytical Depth: The VAM highlights socio-economic problems:
- SCs face caste-based discrimination, landlessness, and limited occupational mobility, with examples from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- STs suffer from displacement due to mining, poor infrastructure, low literacy, and health challenges, evident in Jharkhand and North-East. Both groups share poverty and marginalisation, but STs’ issues are more geographical and developmental, while SCs’ are social and structural.
Way Ahead: The VAM suggests targeted interventions—land reforms, anti-discrimination measures, educational empowerment for SCs; and infrastructure development, healthcare, and protection of land rights for STs—ensuring inclusive growth and social justice.

Some other UPSC Geography Paper 2 Mains 2025 Questions reflected in our Geography Optional VAM include:

UPSC Mains 2025 Question

Q 2(c): How does the agricultural sector of India confront with the contemporary physical and politico-economic changes in the different regions of the country? Elucidate.