Every year, the UPSC Prelims includes 4–6 map-based questions (8–12 marks total). These are high-yield: a single mistake can cost you critical cutoff points. Unlike pure geography, these questions span:
- Physical features (rivers, mountains, deserts)
- Thematic maps (minerals, climate)
- Historical sites (Buddhist ports, forts)
- Current-affairs hotspots
By mastering map practice, you turn this “small section” into a scoring asset.
Average Number & Weightage
- Questions per year: ~ 4–6
- Total marks: 8–12
- Coverage:
- India (60–70 %)
- World (30–40 %)
- India (60–70 %)
Quick tip: Track past 10 years’ papers to confirm this trend and adjust your daily revision time accordingly.
Topic Checklist for 2025
India
| Topic | What to Practice |
| States & Cities | Relative directions & lat/long (e.g., same longitude as Delhi?) |
| Rivers & Tributaries | Dams, confluences, origin & mouth |
| Lakes & Waterfalls | Location + surrounding features |
| Protected Areas | National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, Ramsar sites |
| Borders & Neighbors | Directional adjacency |
| Mountain Ranges, Peaks & Passes | Elevation, significance |
| Infrastructure | Major dams, power plants, ports |
| Thematic Zones | Mineral belts, coal fields |
| History-Based Sites | Ancient ports, Buddhist/Jain pilgrimage centers |
World
| Topic | What to Practice |
| Countries & Capitals | Relative positions, neighbouring states |
| Oceans, Seas & Straits | Adjacent countries, strategic importance |
| Major Rivers & Deltas | Courses, mouth locations |
| Ports & Shipping Lanes | Global trade routes |
| Mountain Peaks & Ranges | Altitudes, country location |
| Conflict Zones in News | Borders, key cities (e.g., Ukraine – 2023, Afghanistan – 2021) |
| Other Current Affairs Hotspots | Geopolitical flashpoints |
6 Proven Preparation Tips
- Daily Blank-Map Drills
- Dedicate 15 minutes each day to label 5–10 features on a blank map (both India & world).
- Use colour-coded pins/stickers in your atlas for visual memory.
- Dedicate 15 minutes each day to label 5–10 features on a blank map (both India & world).
- Integrate Maps into Static Study
- When reading about India’s drainage system or medieval ports, pause and locate them on your map.
- Repetition cements spatial recall.
- When reading about India’s drainage system or medieval ports, pause and locate them on your map.
- Leverage Quality Atlases & Online Tools
- Opt for the latest Survey of India maps or interactive apps (e.g., Maps of India).
- Print or download high-resolution political & physical maps for offline practice.
- Opt for the latest Survey of India maps or interactive apps (e.g., Maps of India).
- Stay Current with News-Driven Maps
- Follow breaking-news maps (e.g., conflict zones, climate events).
- Follow breaking-news maps (e.g., conflict zones, climate events).
- Solve Past Year Map-Based Questions
- Compile map questions from the last 8–10 years.
- Time yourself and review explanations to identify recurring themes.
- Compile map questions from the last 8–10 years.
- Use Mnemonics & Storytelling
- Create mental stories (e.g., “The Himalayan range is a lion’s mane—peaks roaring to the sky”) to anchor facts.
- Share or quiz friends—teaching is the best test.
- Create mental stories (e.g., “The Himalayan range is a lion’s mane—peaks roaring to the sky”) to anchor facts.