UPSC Map Based PYQs (2004–2025) – Trends Analysis

UPSC Map Based PYQs have become one of the most scoring yet underestimated areas of the Civil Services Prelims Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Over the years, UPSC has consistently framed location-based and map-oriented questions from World Geography, Indian Geography, international corridors, straits, river basins, borders, and geopolitically sensitive regions.

Unlike static rote-learning topics, map-based questions test spatial awareness, conceptual clarity, and the ability to link geography with current affairs. A careful analysis ofUPSC Map Based PYQs reveals recurring themes such as mountain ranges, international transport corridors, strategic seas, environmental hotspots, and India’s neighborhood geography.

UPSC Map Based PYQs Analysis

Map-based questions are a recurring and scoring component of the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Over the years, UPSC has tested aspirants on:

• World Physical Geography

• International boundaries

• Strategic straits and channels

• Connectivity corridors

• River basins

• Protected areas

• Geopolitically sensitive regions

A close analysis of recent years’ questions (2014–2025) reveals clear patterns that every serious aspirant must understand.

Also Read: Download UPSC PYQs

UPSC 2025 Map Based Questions Analysis

Andes Mountains Passage

Q1. Andes mountains pass through how many of the following countries?

I. Bolivia

II. Brazil

III. Colombia

IV. Ecuador

V. Paraguay

VI. Venezuela

Options 

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) Only five

Answer: (c)

Analysis: The Andes Mountains traverse Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela from the given list. Brazil and Paraguay are excluded as they are predominantly plain areas. The range also extends through Argentina, Chile (parallel to the range), and Peru. Thus, the Andes pass through four of the listed countries.

Takeaway: Candidates must know which countries major world mountain ranges pass through, identifying important ranges, tracing them on a blank world map, and noting covered countries and the highest peaks.

Equator's Passage Through Water Bodies

Q2. Through how many of the following water bodies does the equator pass?

I. Lake Tanganyika

II. Lake Tonlé Sap

III. Patos Lagoon

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (d)

 Analysis: The Equator does not pass through any of the listed water bodies. Lake Tanganyika is south of the Equator in Africa. Tonlé Sap is in Cambodia, north of 10°N. Patos Lagoon is in Brazil, near 30°S.

Exam Insight: Know the exact path of:

• Equator

• Tropic of Cancer

• Tropic of Capricorn

• Prime Meridian

• Arctic Circle

Countries with More Than Four Time Zones

Q3. Consider the following pairs:

I. Mallorca: Italy

II. Normandy: Spain

III. Sardinia: France

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (d)

 Analysis: The UK, Denmark, New Zealand, and Australia each possess more than four time zones due to their overseas and colonial-era territories. Brazil has exactly four, thus excluded. The correct answer is Only Four.

Takeaway: Read overseas territories and historical colonial holdings when studying country data. Research maximum/minimum criteria for various topics (e.g., France has the most time zones globally).

International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

Q4: India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

1. India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran

2. India to Central Asia via China

3. India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar

4. India to Europe through Azerbaijan

Answer: (A) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran

Analysis: The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multimodal route connecting India to Europe via Iran, with crucial links through Azerbaijan and Central Asia. It includes Western (Azerbaijan), Central (Caspian Sea), and Eastern (Central Asia) routes. The question tests identifying the most comprehensive description of this network.

Also prepare:

• IMEC

• Trilateral Highway

• BCIM Corridor

International Date Line (IDL) Application

Q5. Consider the following statements:

I. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days.

II. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] I only

[B] II only

[C] Both I and II

[D] Neither I nor II

Answer: A

Analysis:

• Statement 1 is correct. The IDL runs through the Bering Strait, separating Anadyr (west) from Nome (east), causing a day change.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The IDL rule is: West to East (e.g., Siberia to Alaska) means you gain a day (go back one day). East to West (e.g., Alaska to Siberia) means you lose a day (jump forward one day). Thus, if Monday in Anadyr (West), it would be Sunday in Nome (East).

Takeaway: The IDL is a foundational concept. Master the West-to-East (day goes back) and East-to-West (day moves forward) rules for scenario-based questions.

21 Years UPSC Map Based PYQ Analysis

Over the last 21 years, UPSC Map Based PYQs have revealed a clear and consistent pattern in the UPSC CSE exam. From 2004 to 2025, location-based questions have evolved from simple factual mapping to analytical, statement-based, and current affairs–linked geography questions.

This 21-year analysis shows that UPSC repeatedly focuses on international borders, strategic straits, mountain ranges, river basins, connectivity corridors, environmental hotspots, and India’s neighborhood geography. 

The emphasis has shifted toward conceptual clarity, elimination techniques, and geopolitical relevance rather than rote memorization. By decoding two decades of trends, aspirants can identify high-frequency themes, predict probable areas, and develop a smarter map preparation strategy for Prelims.