MPSC Combined Group B Prelims Geography Paper Analysis 2026

MPSC Combined Group B Prelims 2026 Geography paper, conducted on June 14, 2026, was moderately difficult with a strong emphasis on Maharashtra-specific physical geography. The section included the majority of questions covering district-wise facts, rivers and tributaries, mountain ranges, coastal geography, census data, and infrastructure projects like thermal power stations. Aspirants needed factual knowledge and map-based awareness rather than deep conceptual understanding, with topics heavily skewed toward Maharashtra’s physical features and district-level details. Indian geography appeared minimally, focusing mainly on rivers and mineral resources. This paper analysis highlights the importance of mastering state geography for future MPSC Combined attempts.

MPSC Combined Group B Prelims Geography Analysis 

Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) conducted the Combined Group B Preliminary Examination 2026 on June 14, 2026, for various Group B posts across the state. According to the initial feedback from candidates, the overall difficulty level of the exam was Moderate, with questions ranging from easy to moderately challenging across sections.

 Here we offer a detailed analysis of Geography questions from the MPSC Combined Group B Preliminary Examination 2026. It presents key concepts and explanations essential for competitive exam preparation. Understanding topics like urban geography, regional specificities, and agricultural developments is crucial for MPSC aspirants to succeed in the examination.

MPSC Combined Group B Prelims Geography Key Topics Asked

Candidates who appeared for the exam can use the paper to evaluate their performance, while future aspirants can utilise it as a valuable preparation tool. Here are some key topics asked in the paper - 

Urban Agglomeration (शहरी एकत्रीकरण)

Urban Agglomeration refers to a continuous urban spread comprising a main city, its surrounding cities or suburbs, and other associated settlements. This entire area forms a continuous urban unit without rural or artificial breaks.

The Mumbai and Navi Mumbai region exemplifies India's largest urban agglomeration. It includes Mumbai city, its suburbs, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar, all continuously connected municipal areas.

150 MW Solar Energy Project in North Maharashtra

The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MahaGenco) established a 150 MW solar project in the Nizampur-Chhatrapati Shivaji Nagar area of Sakri taluka in Dhule district.

Dhule district was chosen due to its location near the Tropic of Cancer and its dry climate, which results in over 300 bright sunny days annually and high solar radiation. High solar radiation is vital for efficient solar energy generation, similar to conditions in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Glaciers and the Shyok River in Ladakh

The Shyok River originates in the eastern part of the Karakoram Mountain Range from the Rimo Glacier. The Rimo Glacier is a branch of the Siachen Glacier system, and its meltwater forms the Shyok River's main current.

Other glaciers include:

• Hispar Glacier: Located in the western Karakoram Mountain Range.

• Zemu Glacier: Found in the Eastern Himalayas, near Kanchenjunga in Sikkim.

• Drang Drung Glacier: Located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, near Pensi La Pass.

Maharashtra Census Data 2011

According to the 2011 census:

• Decadal Population Growth Rate: Maharashtra's decadal population growth rate for 2001-2011 was 15.99%.

• Muslim Population: The Muslim population constituted 11.54% of Maharashtra's total population, not 10.6% as sometimes mistakenly stated.

• Agricultural Dependency: Kerala state showed the highest number of farmers and agricultural laborers dependent on agricultural land per hectare of cultivated area.

• Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Age Group): States with good performance were Arunachal Pradesh (972), Mizoram (970), and Meghalaya (970). States like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh had among the lowest child sex ratios.

Konkan Coast Topography: Khalaṭī vs. Walaṭī

The Konkan coast is topographically divided into two distinct regions: Khalaṭī and Walaṭī.

Mango Varieties Developed by Dr Balasaheb Sawant, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth

Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth has developed several significant mango varieties:

• Ratna (Developed: 1981): A hybrid of Alphonso (Hapus) and Neelam. It is notable for not developing spongy tissue (साका), a common issue in Alphonso.

• Sindhu (Developed: 1992): A hybrid of Ratna and Alphonso (Hapus). It is recognised as the world's first seedless mango (कोय).

• Konkan Ruchi (Developed: 1999): Primarily developed for pickling (लोणचे) and making raw mango products (पणे).

• Konkan Samrat (Developed: 2014): A hybrid of Alphonso (Hapus) and Tommy Atkins.

Administrative Divisions: Districts and Lakes/Reservoirs

It is crucial to correctly associate districts with their respective lakes and reservoirs. An incorrect pair is Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and Tawarja.

• Tawarja: This medium irrigation project, also known as Tawarja Sagar, is located in Latur district, specifically in Latur taluka, on the Tawarja River. It is not in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

• Umarjhiri: A famous lake and water conservation project in Sakoli taluka of Bhandara district.

• Chikhali: A small to medium irrigation project in Washim district.

• Shivdav: A small to medium irrigation project in Kankavli taluka of Sindhudurg district.

Identifying a Taluka by its Characteristics (Thane)

Based on the following characteristics, the identified taluka is Thane (or Thane city):

• City of Lakes: Thane is known as the "City of Lakes" due to approximately 30 small and large lakes within its vicinity.

• Ordnance Factory: An Ordnance Factory under the Ministry of Defence is located in Ambernath within Thane district.

• Metal and Carving Work: The Kalyan-Bhiwandi region (near Shahapur in Thane district) is historically known for intricate metalwork and carvings on copper and brass.

• Mushi Grass: Mushi grass, a high-quality fodder for animals and roofing material for houses in high-rainfall areas, is found in the hilly areas of Thane and Palghar districts.

Hill Ranges in North-East Maharashtra

The Darkesa Hills are located in the North-Eastern part of Maharashtra, specifically near Gondia district. This region corresponds to the state's North-Eastern corner.

Other notable hill ranges include:

• Satmal Hills: Located in the Nashik district.

• Galna Hills: Located in the Nashik and Dhule districts (North Maharashtra).

• Akrani Hills: Located in the extreme north of Maharashtra, near Nandurbar district.