Climate of India – NDA Geography PYQs

NDA 2022-I

Q. 1. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, which of the following is/are the feature/features of cloudburst?

1. Heavy precipitation in short period of time in a limited geographical area

2. It occurs generally during monsoon period and triggers flash flood and landslides

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: According to IMD, a cloudburst is defined as unexpected precipitation exceeding 100 mm per hour over a small area. Statement 1: Correct. Cloudbursts involve very heavy rainfall in a very short time and in a limited geographic area. Statement 2: Correct. Cloudbursts most commonly occur during the monsoon season (June–September) in hilly and mountainous areas. The extreme, localised rainfall triggers flash floods and landslides. Recent examples include cloudbursts in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Concept Tested: IMD definition and characteristics of cloudburst: intensity, duration, area, and associated hazards

NDA 2020-I

Q. 2. The duration of monsoon in India extends for an average period of:

(a) 80–140 days

(b) 100–120 days

(c) 90–130 days

(d) 100–140 days

Answer: (d) 100–140 days

Explanation: The SW monsoon arrives in Kerala around 1 June (the earliest arrival date in most years) and withdraws from northwest India (Rajasthan) around mid-September to October, with final withdrawal from the southern tip around mid-December. For most of India, the monsoon season spans approximately 100–140 days, depending on location. Kerala and the south experience a longer monsoon period; Rajasthan and the northwest experience it for a shorter time within this range. Concept Tested: Duration of monsoon season in India: approximately 100-140 days from onset to withdrawal

NDA 2017-II

Q. 3. The Kashmir region receives additional amount of precipitation during the winter brought by:

(a) South-west Monsoon

(b) Western Disturbances

(c) Retreating Monsoon

(d) Temperate Cyclone

Answer: (b) Western Disturbances

Explanation: Kashmir (and the broader north-western Himalayan region) receives winter precipitation from Western Disturbances. Western Disturbances are extra-tropical cyclones originating in the Mediterranean-Caspian Sea region. They travel eastward along the subtropical jet stream and bring rain and snowfall to northwestern India during winter (December–March). The SW monsoon does not reach Kashmir in any significant quantity. Retreating monsoon affects peninsular India and the eastern coast in the post-monsoon season. Concept Tested: Western Disturbances as the source of Kashmir’s winter precipitation

Q. 4. In India, maximum amount of rainfall is received from:

(a) Western Disturbances

(b) North-east Monsoon

(c) South-west Monsoon

(d) Retreating Monsoon

Answer: (c) South-west Monsoon

Explanation: The SW monsoon (June–September) accounts for approximately 75–80% of India’s total annual rainfall. It is by far the dominant source of precipitation for most of India. The NE monsoon (October–December) is important for Tamil Nadu and southeastern India but contributes a much smaller share nationally. Western Disturbances bring winter rain to northwest India but account for only a small percentage of total national rainfall. The retreating monsoon (October–November) brings rain to the southeastern coast and Tamil Nadu. Concept Tested: SW monsoon as India’s primary source of rainfall: approximately 75-80% of annual precipitation

★ JOVIK Exam Insight The SW monsoon question is one of the most fundamental NDA Geography facts. Remember: SW monsoon = ~75–80% of India’s annual rainfall; most critical for agriculture. NE monsoon = important for Tamil Nadu only. Western Disturbances = winter rainfall for J&K and HP. Retreating monsoon = rain for Tamil Nadu coast in Oct–Nov.

NDA 2017-I

Q. 5. Which of the following are correct with regard to Indian Monsoonal Rainfall?

1. Largely governed by the topographical features

2. Regional and seasonal variation in the distribution of rainfall

3. Heavy downpour resulting in considerable runoff

4. Beginning and end of rain is regular and on time

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Statement 1 (Governed by topography): Correct. The distribution of monsoon rainfall is heavily shaped by relief features: the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, and the Deccan plateau all create significant windward and leeward zones. Statement 2 (Regional and seasonal variation): Correct. Rainfall in India varies dramatically by region and season. The northeast gets heavy rain; Rajasthan gets little. Rainfall is concentrated in June–September. Statement 3 (Heavy downpour → considerable runoff): Correct. Indian monsoon rainfall is intense. Much of it exceeds the soil’s absorption capacity and becomes surface runoff, causing floods. Statement 4 (Regular onset and withdrawal): Incorrect. The onset and withdrawal of the Indian monsoon is famously irregular and unpredictable. It can arrive early or late, and its withdrawal can extend into November in some years. Concept Tested: Characteristics of Indian monsoonal rainfall: topography, variability, runoff, and unpredictable onset

Q. 6. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I (Type of Climate)	List II (State/Region)
A. Monsoon with Short Dry Season (Amw)	1. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
B. Cold Humid Winter with Shorter Summer (Dfc)	2. Tamil Nadu Coast
C. Monsoon with Dry Winter (Cwg)	3. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Monsoon with Dry Summer (As)	4. Kerala and Karnataka Coast

Codes:

(a) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

(b) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

(c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

(d) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

Answer: (a) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

Explanation: A. Monsoon with Short Dry Season (Amw): Kerala and Karnataka coast (4). This equatorial monsoon type has heavy rainfall with only a short dry period. B. Cold Humid Winter with Shorter Summer (Dfc): Arunachal Pradesh (3). High-altitude regions with cold, humid conditions and a short warm season. C. Monsoon with Dry Winter (Cwg): Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (1). This subtropical monsoon type has a distinct dry winter and wet summer monsoon season. The ‘g’ denotes the hottest month is before the summer solstice. D. Monsoon with Dry Summer (As): Tamil Nadu coast (2). The Tamil Nadu coast faces the Bay of Bengal and receives its main rainfall from the NE monsoon (October–December), making the SW monsoon months (June–September) relatively dry: giving it a “monsoon with dry summer” character. Concept Tested: Köppen climate classification matching for Indian states: Amw, Dfc, Cwg, As

NDA 2016-II

Q. 7. Statement I: Variability of annual rainfall is very high in western part of Rajasthan.

Statement II: Average annual rainfall is extremely low in western Rajasthan.

(a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

(b) Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer: (a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

Explanation: Statement I: Correct. Western Rajasthan is one of the regions with the highest variability (coefficient of variation) of annual rainfall in India. The actual rainfall received each year fluctuates dramatically. Statement II: Correct. Western Rajasthan receives extremely low average annual rainfall: often less than 100–150 mm per year. This is one of the driest regions in India. Statement II explains Statement I: when average rainfall is very low, any rain that does fall represents a large percentage variation. A small actual difference (say 50 mm more or less) is a huge relative change when the baseline is already very low. This is why areas with low total rainfall always show high variability. Concept Tested: Rainfall variability and low rainfall in western Rajasthan: inverse relationship between mean and variability

★ JOVIK Exam Insight This assertion-reason relationship is important for NDA: areas with low average rainfall (like western Rajasthan and Ladakh) always have high variability because any change represents a large percentage of the low baseline. Conversely, areas with high average rainfall (like Mawsynram or Mumbai) tend to have more consistent: though still variable: annual totals.

NDA 2014-I

Q. 8. Statement I: The Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh receives copious snowfall during winter.

Statement II: The Kullu Valley receives moisture-bearing wind of the Western Disturbances during winter.

(a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

(b) Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false

(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer: (a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

Explanation: Statement I: Correct. The Kullu Valley (and Himachal Pradesh generally) receives heavy snowfall during winter months. Statement II: Correct. Western Disturbances are extra-tropical cyclones that originate in the Mediterranean Sea region and travel eastward, picking up moisture from the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas. They bring winter precipitation (rain and snowfall) to northwestern India, including Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. Statement II correctly explains Statement I: the snowfall in Kullu Valley is caused by Western Disturbances. Concept Tested: Western Disturbances causing winter snowfall in Himalayan valleys like Kullu

Q. 9. Which of the following is/are the most likely cause/causes of sheet-flood found in western part of Rajasthan?

1. Scanty rainfall

2. Sudden high intensity rain

3. Loose sandy soil with scanty vegetation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Sheet floods in Rajasthan are caused by the combination of all three factors. Scanty rainfall (1): Because rainfall is rare and sparse, the soil becomes extremely dry, hard-crusted on the surface, and unable to absorb sudden rain. Sudden high intensity rain (2): When rainfall does occur, it is often intense and short-duration (convectional). The water cannot be absorbed quickly enough. Loose sandy soil with scanty vegetation (3): Sandy soil has low cohesion. Sparse vegetation means no root structure to hold soil or slow runoff. Water flows over the surface in wide, shallow sheets. All three conditions together create sheet flood conditions. Concept Tested: Causes of sheet floods in western Rajasthan: scanty rainfall, intense bursts, sandy unprotected soil

NDA 2012-II

Q. 10. Consider the following statements regarding El Niño effect on Indian Monsoon:

1. The surface temperature goes up in the Southern Pacific Ocean and there is deficient rainfall in India.

2. The Walker Circulation shifts eastward from its normal position and reduces monsoon rainfall in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: El Niño is a periodic warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Statement 1: Correct. During El Niño, sea surface temperatures in the southern Pacific rise. This warm Pacific draws moisture away from the Indian Ocean system, leading to weaker monsoon winds and deficient rainfall in India. Statement 2: Correct. The Walker Circulation is an east-west atmospheric circulation loop. During El Niño, the Walker Circulation shifts eastward, disrupting the low-pressure system over the Indian Ocean and weakening the Indian monsoon, resulting in reduced rainfall. Concept Tested: El Niño effect on Indian Monsoon: warming Pacific, Walker Circulation shift, deficient rainfall

Q. 11. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone is a low-pressure belt which forms an important zone of contact over Northern India and Pakistan.

2. Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone invites inflow of winds from different directions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a belt of low pressure that forms near the equator. During summer, it migrates northward and lies over northern India and Pakistan. Statement 1: Correct. In summer, the ITCZ shifts to about 25°N and creates a thermal low-pressure trough over northwest India and Pakistan. This is sometimes called the “monsoon trough”. Statement 2: Correct. The low pressure of the ITCZ draws in winds from different directions: including the SE trade winds from the southern hemisphere (which become SW monsoon winds after crossing the equator) and winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches. Concept Tested: ITCZ characteristics: low-pressure belt, migration over India in summer, convergence of winds

Q. 12. In India, the Tropical Savannah (Aw) type of climate prevails largely in:

(a) Rajasthan desert region

(b) Peninsular plateau region

(c) Jammu & Kashmir region

(d) North-Eastern region

Answer: (b) Peninsular plateau region

Explanation: The Tropical Savannah (Aw) climate is characterised by high temperatures throughout the year, a distinct dry winter season, and a rainy summer season. It is the transition climate between tropical rainforest and tropical desert. In India, this climate type is found over most of the Peninsular plateau: including parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra (interior), Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and interior Karnataka. Rajasthan has a Hot Desert (BWh) climate. J&K has highland and semi-arid/continental climates. The North-East has humid subtropical and tropical rainforest climates. Concept Tested: Tropical Savannah (Aw) climate in India: prevalence over the Peninsular plateau region

★ JOVIK Exam Insight India’s climate classification under the Köppen system is a recurring NDA topic. Key types: Hot Desert (BWh) → Rajasthan; Tropical Savannah (Aw) → Peninsular plateau; Tropical Rainforest (Af/Am) → Western Ghats and Northeast; Cold Humid (Dfc) → Arunachal Pradesh highlands; Monsoon with Dry Winter (Cwg) → UP, Bihar. NDA 2012-II and 2017-I both tested this classification.

NDA 2011-II

Q. 13. The western coasts of India receive very high rainfall in summer mainly due to:

(a) Tropical location

(b) Nearness to sea

(c) Western Ghats

(d) Himalayas

Answer: (c) Western Ghats

Explanation: The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India. When the moisture-laden SW monsoon winds strike the Western Ghats, they are forced to rise (orographic uplift). As the air rises, it cools and condenses, producing very heavy rainfall on the windward (western) side. This is why places like Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar, and the Kerala coast receive extremely heavy monsoon rainfall. Tropical location and nearness to the sea are contributing background factors, but the primary cause of the intense orographic rainfall on the western coast is the Western Ghats. Concept Tested: Orographic rainfall on the western coast of India caused by the Western Ghats

NDA 2011-I

Q. 14. Why do summer monsoon winds blow from south-western direction in the northern hemisphere?

(a) The general direction of wind from the Indian Ocean is south-western

(b) The presence of the doldrums around the equator

(c) The low pressure conditions in north-west India

(d) Due to the effect of Coriolis force

Answer: (d) Due to the effect of Coriolis force

Explanation: The original south-easterly trade winds of the southern hemisphere cross the equator into the northern hemisphere during summer. As they cross the equator, the Coriolis force (caused by Earth’s rotation) deflects them to the right in the northern hemisphere: turning them into south-westerly winds. This is why the monsoon blows from the south-west in the northern hemisphere during summer. Low pressure in north-west India (option c) pulls the moisture-laden winds into India, but it does not explain why they blow from the south-west: that is explained by the Coriolis force. Concept Tested: Coriolis force causing deflection of trade winds into south-westerly monsoon in the northern hemisphere

NDA 2010-II

Q. 15. Which of the following statements regarding south-west monsoon in India is/are correct?

I. Monsoon reaches the Malabar coast first.

II. Rajasthan does not get rainfall from south-west monsoon.

III. South-west monsoon retreats when the permanent wind belts start shifting to the south.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) I, II and III

(b) I and II only

(c) III only

(d) I and III only

Answer: (d) I and III only

Explanation: Statement I (Monsoon reaches the Malabar coast first): Correct. The Malabar coast (Kerala coast) is the first region on the Indian mainland to receive the SW monsoon, typically around 1 June. Statement II (Rajasthan does not get rainfall from SW monsoon): Debatable. The Arabian Sea branch of the SW monsoon does bring some rainfall to Rajasthan, especially its eastern parts. Rajasthan is not entirely excluded from the SW monsoon, though it receives far less than most states. The source records this statement as incorrect: the correct position is that Rajasthan does receive some SW monsoon rainfall, making Statement II incorrect as an absolute claim. Statement III (Retreat when wind belts shift south): Correct. The SW monsoon retreats as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the wind belts shift southward with the onset of northern hemisphere winter. Concept Tested: Characteristics of the SW monsoon: Malabar coast first, retreat mechanism, Rajasthan rainfall

Q. 16. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

I. Mumbai receives more rainfall than Pune because it is located at the windward side of Western Ghats.

II. Vidarbha region experiences semi-arid climate as it is located in a rain shadow region.

III. In India monsoon reaches Kashmir valley at the last.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) I, II and III

(b) I and II only

(c) II and III only

(d) I and III only

Answer: (d) I and III only

Explanation: Statement I (Mumbai windward, more rain than Pune): Correct. Mumbai lies on the windward (western) side of the Western Ghats and receives very heavy SW monsoon rainfall. Pune lies on the leeward (eastern/rain shadow) side and receives significantly less rainfall. Statement II (Vidarbha semi-arid, rain shadow): Incorrect. Vidarbha is not typically described as being in a rain shadow. It has a continental climate with hot summers and moderate rainfall. The rain shadow effect is more accurately associated with areas east of the Deccan plateau, not Vidarbha specifically. Statement III (Kashmir valley receives monsoon last): Correct. The SW monsoon reaches the Kashmir Valley last among major regions of India, usually in early July. The Himalayas restrict and delay the monsoon’s northward penetration. Concept Tested: Windward and leeward effects: Mumbai vs. Pune; monsoon reaching Kashmir valley last

★ JOVIK Exam Insight Mumbai vs. Pune is a classic NDA contrast. Mumbai (windward side of Western Ghats) receives about 2,200 mm of annual rainfall. Pune (leeward/rain shadow side) receives about 700 mm. This is one of the most dramatic rain shadow examples in India, tested repeatedly in NDA Geography.

NDA 2010-I

Q. 17. Arrange the following States on the basis of ascending dates of the onset of monsoon:

1. Uttar Pradesh

2. West Bengal

3. Kerala

4. Rajasthan

Code:

(a) 2, 3, 1, 4

(b) 3, 2, 1, 4

(c) 3, 1, 2, 4

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Answer: (b) 3, 2, 1, 4

Explanation: The SW monsoon enters India from Kerala first (around 1 June). It then progresses northward and eastward. Kerala (3): earliest onset, around 1 June. West Bengal (2): onset around 10–12 June. Uttar Pradesh (1): onset around 20–25 June. Rajasthan (4): latest onset, July (after the monsoon has crossed most of India). Ascending order of monsoon onset dates: Kerala → West Bengal → Uttar Pradesh → Rajasthan = 3, 2, 1, 4. Concept Tested: Sequential onset of SW monsoon: south-to-north progression across Indian states

★ JOVIK Exam Insight The SW monsoon’s south-to-north progression is a classic NDA sequencing topic. The standard onset dates: Kerala (1 June), West Bengal (~10–12 June), Uttar Pradesh (~20–25 June), Delhi (~29 June–1 July), Rajasthan (July). Rajasthan is consistently the last major state to receive the monsoon.

NDA 2009-I

Q. 18. Which one of the following sets of States does not receive most of its rainfall from the SW monsoon during the months of June to September?

(a) Arunachal Pradesh

(b) Assam and Karnataka

(c) Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan

(d) Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir

Answer: (d) Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir

Explanation: Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir are the correct answer. Tamil Nadu receives most of its rainfall from the north-east monsoon (October–December), not the SW monsoon. The eastern coast of Tamil Nadu faces away from the SW monsoon and is in the rain shadow during the June–September period. Jammu & Kashmir receives winter precipitation mainly from Western Disturbances (cyclonic storms from the Mediterranean). It does not receive significant SW monsoon rainfall. All other options: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan: do receive rainfall from the SW monsoon during June–September. Concept Tested: States that do not rely primarily on SW monsoon rainfall: Tamil Nadu (NE monsoon) and J&K (Western Disturbances)

---