Indian Geography – Complete Concept Guide for CGL 2026

Master Indian Geography with this comprehensive study guide designed specifically for CGL aspirants. This guide covers key concepts, shortcuts, and includes 10 practice MCQs to test your understanding.

Physical Geography of India

India is the 7th largest country in the world by area (3.29 million sq km) and 2nd most populous. It is located in South Asia, between 8°4'N and 37°6'N latitude and 68°7'E and 97°25'E longitude.

Major Physiographic Divisions

  • The Himalayas: Three parallel ranges – Greater Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), Outer Himalayas (Siwaliks). Highest peak in India: Kangchenjunga (8,586 m).
  • The Northern Plains: Formed by alluvial deposits of Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra. Most fertile and densely populated region.
  • The Peninsular Plateau: Oldest landmass; Deccan Plateau, Chota Nagpur Plateau. Rich in minerals.
  • The Coastal Plains: Western Ghats → Konkan coast (north), Malabar coast (south). Eastern Ghats → Coromandel coast.
  • The Islands: Andaman & Nicobar (Bay of Bengal) – 572 islands. Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea) – 36 islands.

Major Rivers

RiverOriginEmpties into
GangaGangotri GlacierBay of Bengal
BrahmaputraAngsi Glacier (Tibet)Bay of Bengal
YamunaYamunotri GlacierGanga at Prayagraj
GodavariTrimbakeshwar, MaharashtraBay of Bengal
KrishnaMahabaleshwar, MaharashtraBay of Bengal

Memory Shortcuts

  • HNPCI: Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, Islands (5 physiographic divisions)
  • Highest peak in India = Kangchenjunga (K2 is in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, not India proper)
  • Andaman & Nicobar = Bay of Bengal; Lakshadweep = Arabian Sea (A before L alphabetically = Atlantic → Bay side first)

Practice MCQs: Indian Geography

Test your understanding with these 10 targeted MCQs based on the concepts above.

Q1. Which is the highest peak in India?

  • A. Mt. Everest
  • B. K2
  • C. Kangchenjunga
  • D. Nanda Devi

Correct Answer: C

Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) is the highest peak in India, located on the border of Sikkim and Nepal. K2 is in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Q2. The Brahmaputra river originates from:

  • A. Gangotri Glacier
  • B. Siachen Glacier
  • C. Angsi Glacier in Tibet
  • D. Yamunotri Glacier

Correct Answer: C

The Brahmaputra river originates from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet (China). It is known as Tsangpo in Tibet and enters India through Arunachal Pradesh.

Q3. Lakshadweep Islands are located in:

  • A. Bay of Bengal
  • B. Arabian Sea
  • C. Indian Ocean
  • D. Pacific Ocean

Correct Answer: B

Lakshadweep is a union territory of India comprising 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, about 200–440 km off the Kerala coast.

Q4. The Western Ghats are also known as:

  • A. Vindhya Range
  • B. Satpura Range
  • C. Sahyadri
  • D. Aravalli

Correct Answer: C

The Western Ghats are also known as Sahyadri. They run parallel to the western coast of India for about 1,600 km.

Q5. Which river is known as the 'Dakshin Ganga' (Ganga of the South)?

  • A. Krishna
  • B. Kaveri
  • C. Godavari
  • D. Mahanadi

Correct Answer: C

The Godavari river is known as 'Dakshin Ganga' or the Ganga of the South. It is the longest river in Peninsular India, originating from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra.

Q6. The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?

  • A. 6
  • B. 7
  • C. 8
  • D. 9

Correct Answer: C

The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Q7. Which is the largest state of India by area?

  • A. Maharashtra
  • B. Madhya Pradesh
  • C. Rajasthan
  • D. Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer: C

Rajasthan is the largest state of India by area, covering approximately 342,239 sq km. It accounts for about 10.4% of India's total area.

Q8. The Deccan Plateau is bounded by which two mountain ranges?

  • A. Himalayas and Vindhyas
  • B. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
  • C. Aravalli and Vindhyas
  • D. Satpura and Eastern Ghats

Correct Answer: B

The Deccan Plateau is bounded by the Western Ghats on the west and the Eastern Ghats on the east. It slopes generally eastward.

Q9. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in:

  • A. Arabian Sea
  • B. Bay of Bengal
  • C. Lakshadweep Sea
  • D. Indian Ocean

Correct Answer: B

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal. The island chain consists of 572 islands, out of which only 37 are inhabited.

Q10. Which state has the longest coastline in India?

  • A. Maharashtra
  • B. Andhra Pradesh
  • C. Tamil Nadu
  • D. Gujarat

Correct Answer: D

Gujarat has the longest coastline in India at approximately 1,600 km, due to the presence of the Kathiawar Peninsula and the Rann of Kutch.

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