Map-based questions have been repeatedly asked every year in UPSC Prelims Examination, thus becoming an integral part of Prelims preparation. Contrary to the general view that Map-based questions consist of a few Geography questions only, UPSC Prelims exam has tested aspirants’ knowledge of geography, environmental studies, History, and important places across India and the world. Given the vast extent of preparation in this area, students often are confused and remain unguided in a highly scoring area.
To prepare Map-based questions for UPSC Prelims Exam 2025, one must be very aware of the trends of previous Map-based questions asked in UPSC Prelims and must consistently keep revising and practicing important places and areas on a blank map.
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How many Map-based Questions are asked in UPSC Prelims?
Over the years, the number of map-based questions has remained fairly consistent, and understanding their frequency is crucial for aspirants. On an average, around 4-5 Map-based questions have been asked in UPSC Prelims every year, having a value of 8-10 marks. These questions test your knowledge of both India-specific and world geography—ranging from physical features, rivers, mountains, and deserts to cities, countries, and political boundaries.
Even though the number of map-based questions may seem small, their accuracy can significantly impact your overall score. Hence, it is vital to dedicate consistent time for map practice during your UPSC preparation.
Important Topics for Map-based Questions for Prelims 2025
India
- States and Important Cities – their relative directions (East, West, North, South) + relative latitudinal & longitudinal locations (PYQ – Which of the following cities lie on the same longitude as Delhi? – Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pune)
- Rivers, their tributaries, and associated Dams
- Important Lakes
- Important Waterfalls
- Important Protected Areas (National Park, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Elephant Reserves, Ramsar Wetlands, etc.) – and their surrounding geographical features.
- Neighbouring countries – relative directions
- Important Mountain Peaks
- Important Mountain Passes
- Important Infrastructure in India – Dams, Nuclear Power Plants, etc.
- Thematic Maps – Resources based (Coal, Copper, Iron, etc. producing places)
- History based – Important Ports, Buddhist/Jain sites
- World Heritage Sites
- Other Areas in Current Affairs
World
- Countries and their capitals – relative directions
- Important Oceans, seas and their surrounding countries
- Important Rivers of the World
- Important Straits, Ports and surrounding countries
- Important Mountain Peaks of the World
- Areas in News due to war, conflict, regime change, civil war, etc. (PYQ – Afghanistan in 2021, Ukraine in 2023, etc.)
- Other Places in News
Tips to Prepare Map-based Questions for UPSC Prelims 2025
- Familiarize Yourself with Key Maps of India and the World
Focus on physical, political, and thematic maps of both India and the World. These maps will help you understand the geographical locations, terrains, and political boundaries of countries, states, cities, rivers, mountain ranges, and other features. Use mnemonics to learn certain countries and areas. - Keep referring to Maps while reading static subjects
Especially while studying topics of Map-prone areas like Drainage system of Geography or Important Ports in Medieval India, you should keep coming back to Maps and try to locate them repeatedly. This will help in better retention. - Use Atlas and Online Resources + Blank Maps to Practice
Sticking Maps to the wall is a showpiece. To effectively prepare Map-based questions, you need to have a good atlas and other resources. You also need to have a bundle of Physical and Political Maps of India and the World to practice endlessly. - Incorporate Mapping into Your Daily Revision Routine
As map-based questions test your ability to quickly identify and locate geographical features, regular practice is key. Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to revising and practicing map questions. Use blank maps to locate and label different regions, countries, and cities based on their importance in the exam. - Focus on Map-worthy Current Affairs
The UPSC Prelims Examination has been repeatedly asking Map-based questions on conflict-prone areas, or areas that are in the news. Keep an eye on such current affairs and prepare accordingly. For example, if Israel is in the news, you must be familiar with its bordering countries, important rivers and hills in the region, lakes in the region, etc. - Solve past year UPSC Prelims map-based questions
This will not only help in revision and practice but also familiarize you with the type of questions asked in the actual exam. Solve map-based questions asked at least in the last 8-10 years and notice the kind of questions asked. Focus on those areas when studying a map.
By following the strategies mentioned above, such as regular practice with atlases, solving PYQs, and keeping updated with current affairs, you can significantly enhance your preparation for these questions. Remember, consistency and regular revision are key to mastering map-based questions.
With these techniques, you will be well on your way to acing the map-based questions in UPSC Prelims 2025!
