Geology Optional Paper 1 Question Paper 2025 with Detailed Solution; Download PDF

UPSC Mains 2025 Question Paper for Geology Optional Paper 1 is available here to download in PDF Format. The exam has been conducted on August 31, 2025, in Afternoon Session (09:00 PM to 12:00 Noon). This Paper comprises 8 questions which are of 250 marks. The duration of the exam is 3 hours.

UPSC Mains Geology Optional Paper 1 Question Paper 2025 with Detailed Solution; Download PDF (August 31, 2025)

Q1 (A) Discuss the position of Astroid belt within the solar system and comment on the composition of meteorites.

Q1 (B) What are sheath folds? Discuss the deformational conditions of their formation.

Q1 (C) What is Global Positioning System (GPS)? Explain its geological applications.

Q1 (D) Discuss the statement giving suitable examples. "Physical weathering adds to the effectiveness of Chemical weathering".

Q1 (E) Discuss the types of Penetrative and Non-penetrative lineations with the help of suitable diagrams and throw light on their genesis.

Q2 (A) What do you understand by continental drift? Discuss various geological evidences in favour of continental drift.

Q2 (B) Geomorphic diversity is controlled by a number of endogenic and exogenic processes. Discuss this statement.

Q2 (C) Describe morphotectonic features characteristic of rejuvenation in a mountaineous terrain.

Q3 (A) Waves are responsible for modifying the coastal geomorphology. Justify the statement giving suitable examples and neat diagrams.

Q3 (B) Explain how the Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) may help in delineation of Groundwater potential zone?

Q3 (C) Using neat sketches describe various types of Thrust geometries formed in a compressional regime.

Q4 (A) On the basis of dip isogons describe the classification of folds with neat diagrams.

Q4 (B) What are volcanoes? Describe various causes and products of volcanism.

Q4 (C) How does strain analysis help in understanding the nature of rock deformation. Discuss centre to centre method of estimation of two dimensional strain.

Q5 (A) Discuss favourable conditions for fossilization.

Q5 (B) Discuss different concepts of biozonation with neat diagrams.

Q5 (C) Describe the lithology, type locality, age and depositional environment of Blaini Boulder Bed.

Q5 (D) What engineering properties make Marble, Sandstone and Granite useful as building stone?

Q5 (E) Explain different generic type of water and their significance in water supply.

Q6 (A) Discuss the evolutionary lineage of Equidae and comment on its migration

Q6 (B) Give the lithostratigraphic classification and distribution of Delhi Supergroup. Also comment on the economic significance of this supergroup.

Q6 (C) What are different type of wells used for the extraction of groundwater? How and why the well field should be protected?

Q7 (A) What do you understand by boundary problems in stratigraphy? Discuss Cretaceous/Palaeogene (Cretaceous/Tertiary) boundary problem giving Indian examples.

Q7 (B) What are the important groups of microfossils? Add notes on their composition and significance.

Q7 (C) Why Earthquake resistant structures are needed? Discuss the geological considerations required for developing the Earthquake resistant structures.

Q8 (A) Discuss the interrelationship amongst Porosity, Permeability and Hydraulic conductivity. How they are important in groundwater movement? A sediment sample with a cross section area of 0-02 m2 is tested in a permeameter with a length of 30 cm. Water flows through the sample at a rate of 0-08 m³/sec with a head difference (h₁ - h₂) 20 cm. Calculate the Hydraulic conductivity.

Q8 (B) Describe important Lower Gondwana plant fossils with the help of neat diagrams and comment on their palaeobiogeographic significance.

Q8 (C) Discuss the lithology, fossil content and age of palaeozoic sequence of Spiti Basin of Himachal Pradesh.

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