ISC Class 12 Geography Sample Paper 2025 with Solutions

SECTION A - 14 MARKS

Question 1

A. Refer to the given outline Map of India and attempt subparts (i) and (ii) on map only.

(i) Mark and label the following on the outline Map of India. [3 Marks]
(a) The northern most Trans-Himalayan Mountain range
(b) The coastal plain, which runs from south of Goa to Kanyakumari
(c) The largest salt water lake on the eastern coast

Answer:
(a) Karakoram range marked in the northernmost Trans-Himalayan region.
(b) Kanara coastal plain marked between Goa and Kanyakumari.
(c) Chilika lake marked on the eastern coast.

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must mark these geographical features accurately on the provided outline map of India with clear labeling and index/legend.
b) A common mistake is confusing the Kanara coast with the Malabar or Konkan coastal plains.

(ii) Label the following on the outline Map of India. [3 Marks]
(a) The north terminal of the North-South Corridor marked S is ___________
(b) The river which originates near Mahabaleshwar marked W is _______
(c) The state in India with the highest literacy marked T is __________

Answer:
(a) Srinagar
(b) R. Krishna
(c) Kerala

Teacher's Note:
a) Ensure correct spelling of geographical names as required by the board marking scheme.
b) Students must carefully identify the marker symbols on the map before writing the final labels.

B. Refer to the given outline Map of India, identify the correct option and write it in the answer booklet provided to you. [1 Mark]

(i) The latitude of India marked R: [1 Mark]
(A) 68 7'E
(B) 82 30'E
(C) 8 4'N
(D) 37 6'N

Answer: (C) 8 4'N

This indicates the southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland.

Teacher's Note:
a) Latitudes are measured in North/South while longitudes are measured in East/West.
b) Students often confuse latitudes with longitudes, leading to incorrect choices.

(ii) The riverine sea-port marked V is: [1 Mark]
(A) Mumbai
(B) Haldia
(C) Paradwip
(D) Kolkata

Answer: (D) Kolkata

Kolkata is a major riverine port located on the Hooghly River.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kolkata port is situated on the banks of River Hooghly, making it a classic example of a riverine port.
b) Do not confuse it with coastal ports like Mumbai or Paradwip.

(iii) The nuclear power station marked with ♦ is: [1 Mark]
(A) Kalpakkam
(B) Kaiga
(C) Rawatbhata
(D) Narora

Answer: (A) Kalpakkam

Kalpakkam (Madras Atomic Power Station) is located on the eastern coast in Tamil Nadu.

Teacher's Note:
a) Memorize the exact locations of key nuclear power plants across India on the map.
b) Verify the map symbol carefully before selecting the option.

(iv) A centre of sugar industry marked with a Δ is: [1 Mark]
(A) Ahmednagar
(B) Pune
(C) Mumbai
(D) Ahmedabad

Answer: (A) Ahmednagar

Ahmednagar is a prominent center of the sugar industry in Maharashtra.

Teacher's Note:
a) Maharashtra has a concentration of cooperative sugar mills, particularly around Ahmednagar and Pune regions.
b) Pay close attention to map legends and symbols provided in practical geography.

Question 2

Given below are two statements marked Assertion and Reason. Read these statements carefully and choose the correct option.

(i) Assertion: The rivers on the western coast carry a lot of sediments but do not form a delta.
Reason: They have a large catchment area and form estuaries. [1 Mark]
(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(B) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(C) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Answer: (C) Assertion is true and Reason is false.

Western coast rivers have small catchment areas and flow swiftly through hard rocks, forming estuaries instead of deltas.

Teacher's Note:
a) West-flowing rivers like Narmada and Tapti form estuaries because they lack adequate sediment load and traverse rift valleys.
b) Always check the veracity of both assertion and reason statements independently before relating them.

(ii) Assertion: Mineral based industries contribute significantly to India's agrarian economy.
Reason: The industrial growth leads to an increase in the foreign exchange. [1 Mark]
(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(B) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(C) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(D) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Answer: (C) Assertion is true and Reason is false.

Mineral-based industries do not directly contribute to the agrarian economy; agro-based industries do.

Teacher's Note:
a) Distinguish clearly between agro-based industries and mineral-based industries regarding their linkages with agriculture.
b) Read the reason carefully to check if it forms a scientifically valid explanation for the assertion.

(iii) Observe the relation between the first two words and fill in the fourth word. [1 Mark]
Statutory town: Municipal Corporation :: Ribbon settlement: ________

Answer: Urban Sprawl

Ribbon development along transport arteries is a characteristic feature leading to urban sprawl.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analogies test conceptual understanding of settlement hierarchies and morphological patterns.
b) Ensure precise terminology is used for settlement patterns.

(iv) Annual range of temperature in Lucknow is high. Choose which of the following reasons explain this phenomenon. [1 Mark]
(P) Experiences high temperature throughout the year
(Q) Far from the sea
(R) Experiences extremes of temperature
(S) High altitude
(A) Only P and Q
(B) Only Q and R
(C) Only Q and S
(D) Only R and S

Answer: (B) Only Q and R

Continental location away from the moderating influence of the sea results in temperature extremes and high annual temperature range.

Teacher's Note:
a) Inland locations experience continental climates marked by extreme summer and winter temperatures.
b) Altitude affects absolute temperature rather than the annual range of temperature.

SECTION B - 28 MARKS

Question 3

(i) Indian Ocean is truly Indian. Explain this statement giving two reasons. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. India occupies a central and strategic location at the head of the Indian Ocean, commanding major international trade routes running in all directions.
2. India possesses a long coastline with numerous ports, giving it a pre-eminent position and command over the ocean compared to any other littoral country.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight India's geographical peninsular projection into the ocean.
b) Mention trade route centrality and coastline length for full credit.

(ii) There are great contrasts observed between the Himalayan and Peninsular rivers of India. How do these differences impact human settlements? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Himalayan rivers are perennial, supporting intensive agriculture, canal irrigation, and leading to the growth of dense, permanent human settlements.
2. Peninsular rivers are seasonal and rain-fed, limiting perennial irrigation and resulting in moderate or sparse settlements along their basins.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect the hydrological nature of rivers (perennial vs seasonal) directly to agricultural potential and population density.
b) Ensure both Himalayan and Peninsular river impacts are contrasted clearly.

Question 4

(i) Imagine you are cycling from Mumbai to Vishakhapatnam in the month of June. You will cross at least three main physical features of India. Draw a cross section or a schematic diagram to depict any two features. [2 Marks]

Answer:
[Figure: Schematic cross-section diagram showing a profile from the Arabian Sea (Mumbai), rising steeply across the Western Ghats, descending into the Deccan Plateau, crossing the Eastern Ghats, and ending at the Bay of Bengal (Vishakhapatnam), with labels for Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau.]

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must draw a clean schematic profile diagram labeling at least two major physical features crossed along the route.
b) Proper directional flow from west to east must be depicted in the cross-section.

(ii) Identify the image given below and explain the formation of this geological division in India. [2 Marks]
[Figure: Photograph showing a tableland/plateau landscape with flat-topped terrain.]
(Source: www.flickr.com)

Answer:
1. The image depicts a Plateau (specifically the Peninsular Plateau of India).
2. During the Precambrian era, a large depression was formed in which sediments accumulated, and a block of crystalline rocks emerged, behaving as a rigid, inflexible block throughout geological history.

Teacher's Note:
a) Correct identification of the plateau landform is essential before explaining its geological origin.
b) Mention the Precambrian era and stable crystalline block formation for complete credit.

Question 5

(i) Monuwara Begum's family house is submerged with floodwaters in Sandahkhaiti, a floating island village in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India.
(Source edited - https://apnews.com/article/river-islands-climate-change-brahmaputra-ind…)
What do you think could be the cause of floods in this region other than heavy rain? Suggest any one measure that can be undertaken to prevent such unfortunate situation in future. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Cause: Heavy deposition of silt by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries makes the river bed shallow, reducing its water-carrying capacity.
2. Preventive Measure: Construction of embankments, dams, or undertaking large-scale afforestation and river interlinking.

Teacher's Note:
a) Accept any valid physical cause like silting, earthquakes, or landslides acting as temporary natural dams.
b) Ensure the suggested remedial measure is practical and specifically addresses flood mitigation.

(ii) India's Southwest Monsoon ended on September 30, 2023 with below normal rainfall. The country recorded a cumulative rainfall deficiency of 5.6% and over 200 districts facing deficient rainfall.
(Source[edited]: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/article)
Explain the phenomena that could have been the reason for this deficit of rain in India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The primary phenomenon responsible is El Nino, characterized by the warming of surface ocean waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
2. El Nino disrupts global atmospheric pressure patterns and weakens the monsoon winds, leading to reduced rainfall and drought conditions in the Indian subcontinent.

Teacher's Note:
a) Clearly define El Nino as a periodic warming of the Pacific off the coast of Peru.
b) Link the warming mechanism directly to the weakening of Indian monsoon winds.

OR

(i) On January 17, 2023, the international news media agency Reuters reported that adverse weather has hit the Indian cane crop which will reduce the total sugar output this year. The news report mentioned excessive rainfall and cloudy weather in September and October as a reason for the expected drop in sugar output.
Based on this information, examine how such a climatic condition can adversely affect the sugarcane crop. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Excessive rainfall and cloudy weather caused waterlogging in sugarcane fields.
2. Waterlogging and lack of sunshine dilute the sucrose content in the cane stalks and damage the overall crop yield.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect excessive moisture and lack of sunlight to the reduction in sucrose accumulation.
b) Mention crop damage or waterlogging explicitly.

(ii) Tamil Nadu receives heavy rainfall during December - January when major areas of India experience dry conditions.
Discuss the reasons for the difference in the weather conditions of the regions mentioned above. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. During winter, most of India experiences cold, dry conditions due to high pressure and offshore north-west trade winds.
2. In contrast, Tamil Nadu receives rainfall from the North-East Monsoon winds as they pick up moisture while blowing over the Bay of Bengal.

Teacher's Note:
a) Emphasize the role of the North-East Monsoon and moisture pick-up over the Bay of Bengal.
b) Contrast it with the general continental winter conditions of northern/central India.

Question 6

Observe the image below and answer the questions that follow.
[Figure: Diagram illustrating migration from a congested urban skyline with multi-storeyed buildings towards a green rural landscape with trees and a small hut.]

(i) State two possible reasons for this type of movement. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Over-congestion, high cost of living, and heavy pressure on urban utility services drive people away from cities.
2. Search for a peaceful environment, lower cost of living, or rural employment opportunities.

push and pull factors of urban-to-rural migration.
b) Answers must be written in complete sentences, not mere phrases.

(ii) The city of Delhi has spread and coalesced with neighbouring towns like Gurugram and Noida. Cite the possible reasons responsible for this development. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Rapid population growth leading to space crunch within the core city, causing urban sprawl into suburban regions.
2. Infrastructural advancement, including improved transport connectivity, industrial growth, and the establishment of commercial hubs in neighboring towns.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify this phenomenon as urban conurbation.
b) Mention both demographic pressure and infrastructural/economic pull factors.

Question 7 [4 Marks]

Study the land use patterns shown below and answer the question that follows.
[Figure: Pie chart of Indian land use showing Net Sown Area and Forest Area as the largest segments.]
Which two land use patterns show a larger area of land cover? How are they important in a country like India?

Answer:
1. Identification: Net Sown Area and Forest Area.
2. Importance of Net Sown Area: It meets the growing food grain and agricultural raw material requirements of India's expanding population.
3. Importance of Forest Area: It maintains ecological balance, provides wildlife habitats, and fulfills the livelihood needs of tribal communities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must correctly identify both dominant land use sectors from the chart.
b) Significance must clearly cover both agricultural sustenance and ecological preservation.

Question 8

(i) Answer the following.

(a) Provide two differences between rural settlements of the Himalayas and the Coastal Plains of India on the basis of type and pattern of settlement. [2 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Differences must strictly be presented in tabular form as requested.
b) Highlight the dispersed nature in mountains versus clustered/linear patterns in coastal areas.

(b) Outline any one advantage and any one disadvantage of an urban centre where one mode of transport paves the way to another mode of transport. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Advantage: It acts as a major boost to business, commercial activities, and accelerates the economic growth of urban centers.
2. Disadvantage: Transshipment requires substantial labor and specialized commercial infrastructure (warehouses, banks), entailing high costs.

Teacher's Note:
a) This refers to a break-in-bulk or break-in-transport center.
b) Ensure clear distinction between economic stimulus and handling/storage costs.

OR

(ii) Answer the following.

(a) State the difference between compact and dispersed settlements on the basis of their location and morphology. [2 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Tabular presentation comparing location and morphology must be precise.
b) Contrast the clustered proximity of compact settlements with the isolated isolation of dispersed ones.

(b) State one advantage and one disadvantage of urban sprawl. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Advantage: It leads to the expansion of urban centers and promotes economic growth and industrialization.
2. Disadvantage: It results in the loss of rich agricultural land and green spaces around cities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Answers must be written in complete sentences as stipulated.
b) Balance the positive economic expansion aspect against environmental and agricultural losses.

Question 9

(i)
[Figure: Photograph of a large concrete hydroelectric dam with water reservoirs and spillways.]
(Source: https://www.bhaskar.com)

(a) State any two conditions that are favourable for generation of power from the energy source shown above. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Perennial and constant flow of water.
2. Large volume of water falling from a considerable height.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the energy source as hydroelectric power.
b) Mention both water volume/flow consistency and head (height) of fall.

(b) Briefly discuss the significance of this energy source in ensuring sustainable development. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It is an environment-friendly, pollution-free, and renewable source of energy.
2. It is cheaper in the long run and enables the utilization of natural water resources that would otherwise go waste.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on renewability and low carbon footprint.
b) Highlight economic viability over time.

OR

(ii)
[Figure: Photograph of a person holding chunks of black coal in their hands.]
(Source: https://theindonesian.id)

(a) The image given above shows a fossil fuel that has versatile uses. Mention any two of its uses. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It is used as a fuel to supply heat and light.
2. It serves as the mainstay for thermal power generation and as a raw material in the iron and steel industry.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the fuel correctly as coal before listing its uses.
b) Provide industrial and domestic utility examples.

(b) State any two disadvantages of this fossil fuel. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Its combustion causes heavy air and soil pollution through carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global warming.
2. It is a non-renewable, finite resource that is expensive to extract and exhaustible.

Teacher's Note:
a) Write disadvantages in complete sentences, avoiding single-word phrases.
b) Include both environmental impact and exhaustibility.

SECTION C - 28 MARKS

Question 10

Study the graph on water availability and answer the questions that follow.
[Figure: Bar graph showing declining per capita water availability in India from 2,210 cubic metres/year in 1991 to 1,486 cubic metres/year in 2021.]

(i) Mention three probable reasons responsible for the change in availability as shown above. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Rapid population growth leading to a severe shortage of water supply and falling water tables.
2. Widespread misuse, over-extraction, and wastage of water resources.
3. Increasing water pollution and erratic changes in regional rainfall patterns.

Teacher's Note:
a) Base the reasons strictly on demographic pressure and hydrological stress depicted in the graph.
b) List three distinct anthropogenic and environmental factors.

(ii) Suggest four ways to improve the average availability of water per person in India. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Construct reservoirs and dams to store excess rainwater during monsoons.
2. Implement rainwater harvesting systems extensively to recharge surface and groundwater tables.
3. Promote wastewater recycling and treatment for industrial and agricultural reuse.
4. Adopt efficient irrigation techniques (like drip and sprinkler systems) for proper water management.

Teacher's Note:
a) Suggest practical and actionable water conservation measures.
b) Ensure all four points cover distinct conservation strategies (storage, harvesting, recycling, efficiency).

Question 11

(i) Refer to the sketch map given below which shows two industrial regions of India marked A and B.
[Figure: Outline map of India showing region A in western India around Gujarat/Maharashtra and region B in eastern India around West Bengal/Chota Nagpur plateau.]

(a) Explain any four factors responsible for the growth of the industry in region A. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Abundant availability of raw materials like raw cotton or sugarcane locally.
2. Proximity to large domestic and port-connected international markets.
3. Availability of hydel and thermal power resources.
4. Plentiful supply of cheap, skilled labor along with well-developed transport and financial capital facilities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Region A corresponds to the Mumbai-Pune or Gujarat cotton textile/sugar industrial belt.
b) Explain each factor clearly rather than merely listing keywords.

(b) Explain any three factors that influenced the growth of industrial region marked B. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Early discovery of rich coal fields as a prime power source in the Damodar Valley region.
2. Abundant availability of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources supporting iron and steel industries.
3. Ready availability of port facilities, water supply, and well-connected transport networks centering around Kolkata.

Teacher's Note:
a) Region B corresponds to the Hooghly-Damodar industrial region (Kolkata-Howrah-Chota Nagpur belt).
b) Emphasize specific regional factors like coal, minerals, and port access.

OR

(ii) Between January and December, 2023, 9.5 million international tourists arrived in India. During the same period, In Thailand, 28.15 million international tourists arrived in the country.
(Edited Source: http://thehindustanbusinessonline.com)

(a) Elucidate four reasons for low international tourist arrivals in India during the given period. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Lack of world-class tourism infrastructure and tourist-friendly facilities.
2. Inaccessibility and poor connectivity to many remote heritage and natural tourist sites.
3. Inadequate global marketing, advertisement, and promotional campaigns.
4. Challenges related to tourist safety, unhygienic conditions, complex visa processing, and congested public spaces.

Teacher's Note:
a) Discuss infrastructural, administrative, and promotional bottlenecks.
b) Provide four distinct, well-elaborated points.

(b) Explain three advantages of eco-tourism. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. It actively contributes to environmental conservation and the protection of natural ecosystems.
2. It generates sustainable employment opportunities and supports local indigenous communities.
3. It promotes cultural understanding and conserves biodiversity without degrading natural resources.

Teacher's Note:
a) Elaborate on each advantage instead of writing single-phrase bullets.
b) Highlight environmental, economic, and socio-cultural benefits.

Question 12

Observe the image given below and answer the questions that follow.
[Figure: Photograph showing large-scale deforestation with stacked logs of freshly cut timber in a forest clearing.]
(Source: https://www.sussex.ac.uk)

(i) Explore the problems related to the situation depicted in the image. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. It accelerates soil erosion and degrades fertile topsoil.
2. It causes adverse meteorological changes leading to erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, or severe floods.
3. It increases atmospheric greenhouse gases, driving global warming and regional temperature rises.
4. It results in widespread wildlife habitat destruction and species extinction.

Teacher's Note:
a) Identify the situation correctly as deforestation from the image.
b) Detail environmental, climatic, and ecological consequences.

(ii) How can people's participation be effective in conserving forests? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Engaging actively in afforestation, reafforestation, and agro-forestry programs.
2. Protecting existing trees from illegal felling and maintaining green belts and urban parks.
3. Participating in community awareness social programs regarding the ecological significance of trees.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on community-based forest management and local grassroots action.
b) Explain how public involvement directly aids conservation.

OR

(i) Inputs of green revolution [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Introduction and widespread use of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds.
2. Increased application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
3. Development of reliable irrigation means (tube wells, canals).
4. Farm mechanization (tractors, threshers) and consolidation of agricultural holdings.

Teacher's Note:
a) Discuss the primary technological and infrastructural drivers of agricultural transformation.
b) Ensure four distinct inputs are elaborated.

(ii) Crop rotation is growing of leguminous crops in rotation with cereal crops.
Significance: [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. It maintains the soil tilth and replenishes soil nitrogen naturally, enhancing overall land productivity.
2. It helps in utilizing soil moisture judiciously under dry conditions.
3. It promotes crop diversification and provides additional economic income to farmers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Link crop rotation to soil fertility and sustainable agronomy.
b) Include both soil health and economic benefits.

Question 13

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
In the vast and diverse expanse that is India, the importance of a well-developed highway network cannot be overstated. India's geographical diversity, with its contrasting landscapes ranging from the towering Himalayan peaks in the north to the lush plains in the south, presents unique transportation challenges. Furthermore, India's burgeoning population and the rapid urbanisation of its cities have led to increased mobility demands, both for the movement of people and goods. In this context, the Golden Quadrilateral emerges as a monumental feat of engineering and planning.
(Source: https://timesproperty.com/news/post/all-about-golden-quadrilateral, 11 October, 2023)

(i) What is the Golden Quadrilateral Project? Discuss three economic benefits of this project. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Definition: The Golden Quadrilateral is a major highway network connecting India's four major metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata).
2. Economic Benefit 1: It significantly reduces travel time and distances between major port cities and their hinterlands.
3. Economic Benefit 2: It accelerates industrial and agricultural growth by facilitating faster movement of goods and raw materials.
4. Economic Benefit 3: It generates employment opportunities and boosts regional trade and commerce.

Teacher's Note:
a) Mention all four metropolitan nodes defining the quadrilateral.
b) Detail three clear economic advantages.

(ii) Do you think this mode of transport is the best means for India's infrastructural development? Justify. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. No, road transport alone cannot be considered universally ideal or sufficient for all parts of India's diverse terrain.
2. Justification 1: Highly undulating terrains, thick forests, and steep slopes in certain regions make extensive road construction extremely difficult and costly.
3. Justification 2: Many areas are prone to landslides, earthquakes, and heavy monsoon disruptions, making rail or multi-modal transport more reliable in specific zones.

Teacher's Note:
a) Students can take a balanced view, but validating the limitations of roads in difficult terrain demonstrates critical evaluation.
b) Support the argument with geographical constraints like topography and climate.