Map based questions have always been an integral part of the UPSC exam. In fact, they have gained more importance in the recent years as the commission wants to test the candidates’ geographical knowledge and analytical skills. In this article, we will discuss some of the tips and tricks to tackle these questions in a better way.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Map based questions have always been an integral part of the UPSC exam. In fact, they have gained more importance in the recent years as the commission wants to test the candidates’ geographical knowledge and analytical skills. In this article, we will discuss some of the tips and tricks to tackle these questions in a better way.
What are Map Based Questions?
As the name suggests, these questions are based on maps, maps of India, maps of the world, or any other region. The questions can be of different types like locating a place on the map, identifying a river or a mountain range, or analyzing a map to answer a question.
Why are they Important?
Map based questions not only test the candidates’ geographical knowledge but also their analytical skills. These questions can be tricky and require a good understanding of the map and the ability to interpret it. Moreover, these questions can be scoring if attempted correctly.
Tips to Ace Them
1. Practice from Atlas
Atlas should be your best friend when it comes to map-based questions. Practice locating different places on the map, identifying rivers, mountains, and other geographical features. This will help you in understanding the map and improve your analytical skills.
2. Analyze the Map Carefully
Before attempting the question, analyze the map carefully. Look for the important features, like rivers, mountain ranges, and boundaries. Try to understand the direction and distance between different places.
3. Read the Question Carefully
Read the question carefully and try to understand what is required. Sometimes, the question may ask you to identify a place or a feature, while at other times, it may ask you to analyze the map to answer a question.
4. Eliminate the Options
If you are not sure about the answer, try to eliminate the options that are clearly wrong. This will increase your chances of getting the answer right.
5. Use the Scale and Legend
Don't forget to use the scale and legend on the map. The scale will help you in understanding the distance between different places, while the legend will give you information about the symbols on the map.
6. Use Common Sense
Use your common sense while attempting the question. For example, if the question is asking you to identify a river in the northern part of India, then look for the rivers that flow in that direction.
7. Practice Mock Tests
Practice as many mock tests as possible. This will help you in understanding the pattern of the questions and the time management. Moreover, it will boost your confidence and reduce the chances of making silly mistakes.
Question and Answer
Question:
Identify the river which originates in the Western Ghats and flows into the Arabian Sea.
Answer:
The river is the Narmada. It originates in the Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh and flows into the Arabian Sea in Gujarat.
Question:
What is the latitude and longitude of the Tropic of Cancer?
Answer:
The latitude of the Tropic of Cancer is 23.5° North and the longitude is 0° (Prime Meridian).
Conclusion
Map based questions are an important part of the UPSC exam and require a good understanding of the map and analytical skills. However, with practice and the right approach, one can ace these questions. So, practice regularly, analyze the map carefully, and use common sense to tackle these questions. All the best!
