GK Questions with Answers - Geography

Geography is one of the most important subjects in the general studies section of almost every competitive exam, including UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSCs. It helps students understand the physical and political features of the Earth, including landforms, climate, natural resources, population, and various geographical phenomena. A strong foundation in geography not only improves your general knowledge but also enhances your ability to interpret maps, analyze environmental issues, and understand global patterns and developments.

In this article, we have compiled a collection of Geography GK Questions with Answers to help students preparing for competitive exams. Each multiple-choice question (MCQ) is followed by a brief explanation to help you understand the concept and logic behind the correct answer. These questions cover important topics such as physical geography, Indian geography, world geography, environment, and resources. Practicing these MCQs will help you build a clear conceptual understanding and improve your accuracy in the general knowledge section of your exams.

GK Questions with Answers - Geography

1. Which is the longest river in India?

1. Yamuna river
2. Godavari river
3. Ganga river
4. Brahmaputra river

Answer: C) Ganga river

Explanation: The Ganga is the longest river in India, flowing for about 2,525 kilometers from its source to its mouth. It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarakhand state, where it is initially known as the Bhagirathi. The Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda at Devprayag in Uttarakhand, and from there, the river is officially called the Ganga. The Ganga flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It empties into the Bay of Bengal, forming the world's largest delta — the Sundarbans Delta.

2. Which is the highest mountain peak in India?

1. Kanchenjunga
2. Mount Everest
3. Nanda Devi
4. Annapurna

Answer: A) Kanchenjunga

Explanation: Kanchenjunga is the highest mountain peak in India and the second highest in Nepal, after Mount Everest. It is the third highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) above sea level. Kanchenjunga is located on the India-Nepal border, in the eastern Himalayas. On the Indian side, it lies in the state of Sikkim, and it is the pride of the state.

3. Which is the largest fresh water lake in India?

1. Dal Lake
2. Wular Lake
3. Chilika Lake
4. Loktak Lake

Answer: B) Wular Lake

Explanation: Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India, located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is situated near the town of Bandipora, in the northern part of the Kashmir Valley. Wular Lake is formed as a result of tectonic activity, and it is fed primarily by the Jhelum River, which both enters and exits the lake. Wular Lake is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland Site of international importance.

4. Which is the largest brackish water lake in India?

1. Wular Lake
2. Dal Lake
3. Chilika Lake
4. Sambhar Lake

Answer: C) Chilika Lake

Explanation: Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world. It is located in the state of Odisha, along the eastern coast of India, bordering the Bay of Bengal. It is famous for its rich biodiversity, including over 160 species of birds, many of which are migratory and come from Siberia, Iran, and Central Asia. The lake is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, which attract eco-tourists from across the country and the world. Chilika Lake was declared a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance in 1981.

5. Which is the highest waterfall in India?

1. Jog Falls
2. Kunchikal Falls
3. Nohkalikai Falls
4. Dudhsagar Falls

Answer: B) Kunchikal Falls

Explanation: Kunchikal Falls is the highest waterfall in India, with a total height of approximately 455 meters (1,493 feet). The waterfall is located near Agumbe in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Kunchikal Falls is formed by the Varahi River, a tributary of the west-flowing Sharavathi River. The falls are situated in the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity.

6. Which is the largest desert in India?

1. Rann of Kutch
2. Ladakh Desert
3. Thar Desert
4. Sahara Desert

Answer: C) Thar Desert

Explanation: The Thar Desert is the largest desert in India. It is also known as the Great Indian Desert. The Thar Desert is located in the northwestern part of India, mainly in the state of Rajasthan. About 85% of the Thar Desert lies in India, while the remaining 15% extends into Pakistan. The Thar Desert is bounded by the Aravalli Hills on the east, the Rann of Kutch on the south, the Punjab plains on the north, and the Indus River plain on the west.

7. Which is the most fertile soil found in the northern plains of India?

1. Black Soil
2. Red Soil
3. Laterite Soil
4. Alluvial Soil

Answer: D) Alluvial Soil

Explanation: Alluvial soil is the most fertile soil found in the northern plains of India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra plains. It is formed by the deposition of silt, sand, and clay carried by rivers such as the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra and their tributaries. Alluvial soils are rich in essential minerals like potash, lime, and phosphoric acid, which make them highly fertile and suitable for agriculture. They are especially good for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, pulses, and oilseeds.

8. Which soil is rich in iron but poor in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus?

1. Black Soil
2. Red Soil
3. Alluvial Soil
4. Laterite Soil

Answer: B) Red Soil

Explanation: Red soil is rich in iron oxide, which gives it a reddish color. It is generally poor in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus, making it less fertile compared to alluvial soil. Red soil develops from the weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks, particularly granite and gneiss. Its color varies: it is red when well-drained and may appear yellowish when it contains more hydrated ferric oxides. It is generally found in southern and eastern India, including states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

9. The Gandak river is a tributary of which river?

1. Yamuna river
2. Brahmaputra river
3. Ganga river
4. Son river

Answer: C) Ganga river

Explanation: The Gandak River is an important tributary of the Ganga River. It originates from the Nepal Himalayas, specifically near the Tibetan plateau between Dhaulagiri and Everest ranges. In Nepal, the river is also known as the Kali Gandaki, famous for its deep gorge called the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest in the world. The Gandak enters India in Bihar, and it flows through the northern plains before joining the Ganga River near Patna.

10. Tsang Po and Jamuna are other names of which river?

1. Brahmaputra river
2. Ganga river
3. Yamuna river
4. Indus river

Answer: A) Brahmaputra river

Explanation: The Brahmaputra River is known by different names in different regions: In Tibet, it is called the Tsangpo (or Yarlung Tsangpo). In Bangladesh, it is known as the Jamuna. The river originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier in the Kailash Range, Tibet, near Lake Mansarovar. It flows eastward through Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, carving one of the world’s deepest gorges — the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. The river enters India through Arunachal Pradesh, where it is called the Siang (or Dihang). In Assam, it is widely known as the Brahmaputra, flowing through the fertile Brahmaputra valley. After entering Bangladesh, the river splits and is called the Jamuna, before finally merging with the Ganga (Padma) and Meghna rivers to form the world’s largest delta — the Sundarbans Delta.

11. As of 2025, which state in India has the highest number of districts?

1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Rajasthan
4. Bihar

Answer: A) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of districts in India, with 75 districts as of early 2025. Uttar Pradesh is followed by Madhya Pradesh, which has 55 districts. Bihar has 38 districts, which is significantly lower than Uttar Pradesh’s count. The high number of districts in Uttar Pradesh reflects its large population, vast geographic area, and administrative complexity, necessitating finer administrative divisions for effective governance.