CBSE Class 12 Geography Important Questions, Most Repeated Topics

Preparing for the board exams becomes much easier when you know exactly what to focus on. Solving CBSE Class 12 Geography important questions helps students revise smartly instead of studying everything randomly.

CBSE Class 12 Geography important questions identifies crucial question themes from the past five years of Class 12 Geography exams, focusing on both short (3 marks) and long (5 marks) answer types. 

It provides key concepts and strategies for effective answer writing, helping students prepare efficiently by highlighting essential topics and common examination patterns. Find out the list of CBSE Class 12 most asked questions here.

CBSE Class 12 Geography Important Questions 2026

Geography is a subject that requires clear concepts, map practice, case study understanding, and proper answer presentation. Many students feel confused about what type of questions can appear in the board exam, especially from Human Geography, India – People and Economy, and map-based sections.

That’s why practicing CBSE Class 12 Geography important questions is extremely helpful. These questions are usually based on previous year trends, important NCERT topics, frequently asked case studies, and map work. 

When you solve CBSE Class 12 Geography repeated questions, you not only improve your writing speed but also understand how to frame answers according to the CBSE Class 12 Humanities marking scheme.

Here, we have compiled chapter-wise CBSE Class 12 Geography Important Questions that will help you revise effectively, score better marks, and feel confident before the exam. 

Part 1: Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)

These questions, carrying 3 marks each, require precise and pointed answers.

1. Question: Differentiate between Growth and Development.

• Context: This is a repeatedly asked conceptual question from the Human Development chapter, focusing on the quantitative (growth) versus qualitative (development) aspects of change.

2. Question: Explain the concept of Neo-Determinism.

• Context: From "Human Geography: Nature and Scope," this concept, also known as Possibilism or Stop and Go Determinism, emphasizes a middle path between environmental determinism and possibilism. The broader theme of human-environment interaction is crucial. Related questions might cover Determinism, Humanization of Nature, or Naturalization of Human.

3. Question: What are the three components of population change?

• Context: This question from the Population chapter is frequently asked. The three components are Birth Rate, Death Rate, and Migration.

4. Question: Mention any three characteristics of Subsistence Agriculture.

• Context: From the "Primary Activities" chapter. Key features include production for self-consumption, small landholdings, and traditional methods. Students should also be prepared for questions on Commercial Agriculture, Slash-and-Burn (Shifting) Agriculture, and Intensive Subsistence Agriculture.

5. Question: Explain three push factors of migration.

• Context: From the Population chapter. Push factors compel people to leave their places of origin (e.g., unemployment, poor living conditions, political instability). Students should also be ready to differentiate between Push and Pull factors.

6. Question: Differentiate between Clustered and Dispersed settlements.

• Context: From the Human Settlements chapter. Clustered settlements have houses built close together, while Dispersed settlements feature isolated dwelling units. Other important patterns include Semi-Clustered / Hamleted and Isolated Settlements.

7a. Define Human Development.

7b: What is the Digital Divide? Give one reason for it.

• Context: These are two distinct but frequently asked questions. The question on the Digital Divide (the gap in access to information and communication technologies) is a repeatedly asked question over many years.

8. Describe any three features of Extensive Commercial Grain Cultivation.

• Context: From the "Primary Activities" chapter, focusing on large-scale mechanized farming for commercial purposes. Knowledge of Mediterranean agriculture and its characteristics is also valuable.

9. State three objectives of the National Water Policy, 2002.

• Context: This policy aims for efficient and equitable use of water resources. Case studies and policies are extremely important for both board exams and entrance tests.

10. Why is the Tertiary Sector growing fast in developing countries?

• Context: From the "Tertiary and Quaternary Activities" chapter. Reasons include increasing demand for services, globalization, and urbanization.

11. Name any three traditional rainwater harvesting methods in India.

• Context: From the "Water Resources" chapter. Examples include Tankas (Rajasthan), bamboo drip irrigation (Meghalaya), and Khadins (Rajasthan).

12. Describe the Golden Quadrilateral project.

• Context: From the Transportation chapter. This superhighway network connects India's four major metropolitan cities: Delhi-Kolkata-Chennai-Mumbai. Familiarity with the North-South and East-West Corridors is also crucial.

13. Explain the three stages of the Demographic Transition Theory.

• Context: This is a very, very, very important question. The theory describes population changes over time from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates. A related important topic is the four stages of India's population change over the last 100 years.

14. Discuss the impact of air pollution on human health.

• Context: From the "Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems" chapter. Impacts include respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy. Review the case studies in this chapter.

Also Check: CBSE Class 12 Geography Map Work Tips

Part 2: Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

These questions, carrying 5 marks each, demand a more comprehensive and detailed analysis.

1. Examine the factors influencing the distribution of population in the world.

• Context: A detailed answer should discuss all categories of factors, including Geographical (e.g., climate, terrain, water availability), Economic (e.g., urbanization, industrialization), Cultural (e.g., religious significance), and Political factors (e.g., government policies, conflicts).

2. Describe the main features of Plantation Agriculture.

• Context: From the "Primary Activities" chapter. Key features include its introduction by Europeans, focus on specific crops (e.g., tea, coffee, rubber), a primary commercial motive, crop specialization, and specific geographical locations, often in tropical regions.

3. Explain the four pillars of Human Development.

• Context: The four pillars are Equity (equal opportunities), Sustainability (continuity of resources), Productivity (human labor access), and Empowerment (making choices). Each must be explained in detail.

4. Discuss the geographical factors required for the cultivation of wheat in India.

• Context: From the "Land Resources and Agriculture" chapter (Book 2). An answer must cover optimal climatic conditions (moderate temperature, sunshine), rainfall requirements (50-75 cm), suitable soil type (loamy, well-drained), and major wheat-producing areas in India.

5. What are Quaternary activities, and how do they differ from Tertiary activities?

• Context: A frequently asked comparative question from the "Tertiary and Quaternary Activities" chapter. Quaternary activities involve specialized knowledge, information processing, and research (e.g., IT, R&D), while Tertiary activities focus on providing services (e.g., transport, trade, healthcare).

6. Analyze the problems of Indian Agriculture.

• Context: This topic from the "Land Resources and Agriculture" chapter includes issues like lack of commercialization, fragmented land holdings, heavy dependence on monsoon, a large portion of agricultural land being unirrigated (only about 30-35% is irrigated), and lack of modern technology.

7. Discuss the significance of the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.

• Context: From the "Transport and Communication" chapter (Book 1). Highlight how these canals reduce travel distances, save time and fuel, and boost global trade.

8. Case Studies: Discuss the environmental consequences of the Indira Gandhi Canal.

• Context: Case studies are very important and must not be skipped. The Indira Gandhi Canal has transformed desert areas but also led to concerns like waterlogging and soil salinity. Other critical case studies include the Bharmaur tribal region integrated development project, sustainable development in the Meerut region, and water-shed management programs.

9. Describe the changing pattern of India's foreign trade since 1991.

• Context: While the International Trade chapter might seem less important, questions about liberalization and globalization's impact on India's trade composition and direction are relevant.

10. Explain the factors responsible for the location of the Iron and Steel Industry in India.

• Context: From the "Manufacturing Industries" chapter. Factors include proximity to raw materials (iron ore, coal, limestone), water supply, labor, markets, and transport networks. This chapter is also important for map-based questions.

11. What is Sustainable Development? Suggest measures to promote it.

• Context: Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs. Measures include resource conservation, renewable energy use, and community participation.

12. Discuss the impact of the Information Technology (IT) sector on the Indian economy.

• Context: The IT sector is a significant component of the Tertiary sector. Its impact includes job creation, foreign exchange earnings, technological advancement, and improving connectivity.

13. Classify towns in India on the basis of their functions.

• Context: From the "Human Settlements" chapter (Book 2). Towns can be classified as administrative, industrial, commercial, cultural, defense, or transport towns. Review all town classifications.

14. Examine the composition of India's population by age and sex.

• Context: From the "Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition" chapter (Book 2). This involves discussing the age structure (young, adult, aged) and sex ratio, and their implications for development. Population composition can also be analyzed on linguistic and religious bases.

15. Discuss the role of roadways in the economic development of India.

• Context: From the "Transport and Communication" chapter (Book 2). Roadways play a crucial role by providing last-mile connectivity, facilitating trade, supporting agriculture, creating employment, and enabling tourism.

CBSE Class 12 Geography Answer Writing Guidelines

Effective answer writing is critical for scoring well as per Class 12 Geography Syllabus 2026:

1. Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)

• Word Limit: Adhere strictly to 80-100 words. Avoid excessive writing to manage time effectively.

• Format: Present answers using pointers (e.g., 1, 2, 3) instead of paragraphs. For a 3-mark question, aim for 4 clear, distinct points.

• Practice: Regular practice is essential to develop concise and accurate answer writing skills.

2. Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

• Word Limit: Aim for a detailed analysis within a 120-150 word limit.

• Approach: Always break down the question first to identify all its components. Then, structure your answer systematically to address each part comprehensively.

• Focus: Provide a detailed analysis of the topic, ensuring all aspects are covered.

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