ISC Class 12 Geography Sample Paper 2026 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 mountain range that lies between two west flowing rivers.
(b) The plateau which is the source of Damodar River.
(c) The narrow waterbody that separates India from Sr Lanka.

Answer:
(a) Satpura Range
(b) Chota Nagpur Plateau
(c) Palk Strait

Teacher's Note:
a) Students must correctly locate and label physical features on the provided outline map of India.
b) Spelling errors in geographical names may lead to deduction of marks in the board examination.

(ii) Label the following on the outline Map of India. [3 Marks]
(a) The oil refinery marked S is ___________
(b) The river marked W, that flows through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir is _______
(c) The most urbanised state of India marked T is __________

Answer:
(a) Barauni
(b) River Chenab
(c) Goa

Teacher's Note:
a) Identification questions based on maps require clear and precise labeling at the exact marked locations.
b) Ensure that state boundaries and river courses are properly revised before mapping tests.

B. Refer to the given outline Map of India, identify the correct option and label on the Map only.

(i) The longitude of India marked R: [1 Mark]
(a) 68 º7’E
(b) 78º30’E
(c) 23º30’N
(d) 97º25’E

Answer: (a) 68 º7’E

68 degrees 7 minutes East is the westernmost longitude of India.

Teacher's Note:
a) India extends from 68 degrees 7 minutes East to 97 degrees 25 minutes East longitudes.
b) Do not confuse longitudes with latitudes while locating the extreme points.

(ii) The port city marked V that has a sheltered backwater bay is: [1 Mark]
(a) Mumbai
(b) Haldia
(c) Kochi
(d) Marmagao

Answer: (c) Kochi

Kochi port is situated on a natural harbour with a sheltered backwater bay in Kerala.

Teacher's Note:
a) Kochi is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea due to its strategic natural harbour.
b) Memorize the key characteristics and locations of major Indian ports for map work.

(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) Kalpakkam is situated south of Chennai along the coast.
b) Practice locating all major nuclear and thermal power stations on the Indian map.

(iv) A centre of sugar industry marked with a Δ is: [1 Mark]
(a) Ahmednagar
(b) Meerut
(c) Mumbai
(d) Ahmedabad

Answer: (a) Ahmednagar

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

Teacher's Note:
a) Maharashtra has a high concentration of cooperative sugar mills in western Maharashtra, including Ahmednagar.
b) Pay close attention to symbol keys provided in map identification questions.

Question 2

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

(i) Assertion: The percentage of net sown area in Andhra Pradesh is high.
Reason: The area of barren land is low in Andhra Pradesh. [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: (d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.

Neither the percentage of net sown area nor the proportion of barren land follows this premise in Andhra Pradesh.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analyze land use statistics of southern states carefully before evaluating statements.
b) Both statements are factually incorrect regarding Andhra Pradesh's land use pattern.

(ii) Assertion: Rooftop rainwater harvesting is compulsory for all buildings in Tamil Nadu.
Reason: Lack of perennial water resources resulted in an acute shortage of water in Tamil Nadu. [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: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

Tamil Nadu mandated rooftop rainwater harvesting to combat acute water scarcity caused by a lack of perennial rivers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to make rooftop rainwater harvesting legally compulsory.
b) Understand the cause-and-effect relationship between water scarcity and conservation policies.

(iii) Observe the relation between the first two words and fill in the fourth word. [1 Mark]
Jowar: Maharashtra :: Bajra: ________

Answer: Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the leading producer of Bajra (pearl millet) in India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Associate major crops with their primary producing states in India.
b) Millets thrive in arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan.

(iv) The north western region of India experiences cold waves in winter.
Choose the correct reasons that justify the above statement. [1 Mark]
(P) Temperate cyclones form over Mediterranean Sea and move eastwards.
(Q) The westerly jet stream shifts and lies on 25ºN latitude.
(R) The northwestern region of the Ganga plains experiences continental climate.
(S) Southwesterlies collect moisture and cause rainfall.
(a) Only (P) and (Q)
(b) Only (P) and (R)
(c) Only (Q) and (S)
(d) Only (R) and (S)

Answer: (a) Only (P) and (Q)

Western disturbances (temperate cyclones from the Mediterranean) and the southward shift of the subtropical westerly jet stream bring cold waves and winter rain to northwest India.

Teacher's Note:
a) Winter climatic conditions in northern India are heavily influenced by Jet streams and Western Disturbances.
b) Eliminate incorrect options by analyzing the seasonal wind systems and pressure belts.

SECTION B - 28 MARKS

Question 3

(i) The locational extent of India is from 8°4´N to 37° 6´N.
How does this influence agriculture in India? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It results in growing a large number and variety of crops with diverse climatic conditions, diverse soil types, and diverse growing seasons.
2. Different agricultural practices with long agricultural seasons also lead to the growing of a large variety of tropical and temperate crops.

Teacher's Note:
a) Latitudinal extent determines the duration of daylight and receipt of solar radiation, directly affecting cropping patterns.
b) Mention both tropical and subtropical agricultural adaptability in your answer.

(ii) The Bhabar region plays a significant role in the area’s ecosystem; yet it is not considered suitable for agriculture.
Justify the statement by giving two reasons. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The extreme porosity of the Bhabar region makes all small streams disappear underground as rivers deposit heavy boulders and pebbles.
2. There is a lack of surface soil moisture and water, making the rocky and pebbly terrain completely unfit for cultivation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Bhabar is a narrow belt lying parallel to the Shiwalik foothills consisting of pebble-bed deposits.
b) Emphasize permeability and absence of surface water as the core reasons for agricultural unsuitability.

Question 4

(i) Peninsular Plateau is an old landmass of rocks whereas Himalayas is a young mountain of rocks.
Comment on the rock type in these two areas. Discuss how it has influenced the evolution of the river valleys in these areas. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Peninsular Plateau consists mostly of hard igneous and metamorphic rocks, whereas the Himalayas are composed mainly of soft sedimentary rocks.
2. Due to hard rocks, Peninsular river valleys are shallow with a low gradient, whereas soft Himalayan rocks allow rivers to erode rapidly and form deep gorges.

Teacher's Note:
a) Connect geological age and rock hardness directly to valley depth and river gradients.
b) Use geographical terms like igneous, sedimentary, gorges, and shallow valleys precisely.

(ii) India is known as the 'Mistress of the Eastern Seas'. Justify the statement by giving two reasons. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. India occupies a central and strategic position at the head of the Indian Ocean, bridging the gap between East and West Asia.
2. India possesses a very long coastline in the Indian Ocean, serving as a principal entrepot and controlling major trans-oceanic trade routes.

Teacher's Note:
a) This epithet highlights India's central maritime location and historical dominance in Indian Ocean trade.
b) State both geographical centrality and trade route significance to score full marks.

Question 5

(i) 'Indian monsoon has brought significant rainfall to various parts of the country with the Indian Meteorological Department issuing alerts for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lighting. Monsoons are India’s yearly bonus and the cost of losing it, again……….'
(Source: www.ndtvprofit.com dated 23/7/2025)
Suggest how monsoon rainfall in India can be transformed into a perennial asset. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. India can adopt rainwater harvesting at an extensive level and construct check dams to store excess runoff.
2. Micro-irrigation systems and interlinking of rivers can be adopted to divert surplus monsoon water to drought-prone areas.

Teacher's Note:
a) Focus on water management strategies such as rainwater harvesting and watershed development.
b) Answers must offer practical, sustainable solutions for agricultural water security.

(ii) Study the climate data given below for two cities and answer the question that follows:

T - Mean Monthly Temperature in Degree Celsius
R - Average Monthly Rainfall in Millimetres.

What type of clime is city B experiencing? Give a reason for your answer. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. City B experiences a maritime (or equable) climate.
2. The reason is that the annual range of temperature is low (below 10 degrees Celsius).

Teacher's Note:
a) Maritime climate is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year due to proximity to the sea.
b) Calculate the annual temperature range by subtracting the lowest mean monthly temperature from the highest.

OR

(iii) Observe the map given below and account for the difference in temperature. [2 Marks]

[Figure: Outline map of India and China showing temperature differences with Tibet at 10°C and India at 40°C]

Answer:
1. The west to east alignment of the Himalayas prevents cold polar winds from entering India, making it comparatively warmer than Tibet and China.
2. The altitude of the Indo-Gangetic plains is much lower than the high altitude of the Plateau of Tibet, leading to higher temperatures.

Teacher's Note:
a) Temperature decreases with an increase in altitude (normal lapse rate).
b) The barrier effect of the Himalayas plays a major role in regional temperature contrasts.

(iv) Coastal Odisha was battered by heavy winds and rain as Cyclone Dana, classified as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds reaching up to 110 kmph, made landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra shortly after midnight on Thursday, 24th October 2024, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
(Source: www.hindustantimes.com)
What climatic conditions in India and its surrounding water bodies led to the phenomenon described above? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. High sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal exceeding 27 degrees Celsius provide abundant moisture and energy for tropical cyclone formation.
2. The southward shift of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and changing pressure conditions over land and sea during the retreating monsoon season create favorable cyclogenesis conditions.

Teacher's Note:
a) Post-monsoon or retreating monsoon months (October-November) are peak periods for tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.
b) Mention warm sea temperature and pressure gradients as essential triggers.

Question 6

(i) Rural settlements in Rajasthan are large and inhabited by over ten thousand people.
Explain any two factors influencing location and size of rural settlements in Rajasthan. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Physical Factors: Scarcity of water sources like ponds and wells in arid regions forces people to cluster tightly around available water points, leading to nucleated settlements.
2. Historical or Defence Factors: Past frequent attacks by outsiders and internal conflicts among princely states made security a prime concern, favoring clustered settlements.

Teacher's Note:
a) Nucleated or clustered rural settlements are typical of arid regions where water sources are centralized.
b) Clearly state both physical (water) and historical (security) determinants.

(ii) Discuss any two factors which determine evolution of urban settlements. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Economic Activities: Availability of employment opportunities, trade, manufacturing, and commerce attract population concentration, driving urbanization.
2. Infrastructure Development: Improvement in transport networks, communication, electricity, and civic amenities transforms rural areas into thriving urban centers.

Teacher's Note:
a) Urban settlements evolve from rural nuclei due to functional shifts towards secondary and tertiary activities.
b) Mention economic drivers and infrastructure as core factors.

Question 7

(i) How has market gardening helped in agricultural diversification? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Growing a variety of high-value crops like vegetables, fruits, and flowers has reduced farmers' dependence on a single traditional cereal crop.
2. It has improved household income and food security, helping farmers adapt to market fluctuations and climate challenges.

Teacher's Note:
a) Market gardening (horticulture) promotes intensive, high-return farming near urban markets.
b) Emphasize income generation and crop variety as markers of agricultural diversification.

(ii) Today, market gardening has become a key attraction to young entrepreneurs.
Mention two ways that have made this form of farming commercially more profitable. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Direct selling to consumers or urban retail chains eliminates middlemen, allowing farmers to control their own prices and earn higher profits.
2. Adoption of modern sustainable techniques, greenhouse farming, and organic methods yields high-value produce using less land and water.

Teacher's Note:
a) Commercial viability of market gardening stems from short supply chains and high urban demand.
b) Highlight direct marketing and protected cultivation as modern commercial advantages.

Question 8

(i) Iron and steel industry is a basic industry in India. How does this mineral based industry contribute to the economic development of the country? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. It provides essential raw materials and machinery for all other manufacturing, construction, and engineering industries, forming the backbone of industrial infrastructure.
2. It generates extensive employment opportunities and supplies materials for defense, railways, and scientific equipment.

Teacher's Note:
a) Basic industries supply raw materials to other industries for manufacturing finished goods.
b) Use the term 'backbone of industrial infrastructure' as it is a key board keyword.

(ii) Read the given extract and answer the following question:
'Tourists arrival in India have delayed, though even after post pandemic way,
all neighbours wooing international tourists their way,
India lives in a non-competitive way,
if travelling is in a hygienic way, is this why our economy sways.'
In context of the above, suggest any two ways by which India can increase the inflow of international tourists. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Improve public hygiene, sanitation standards, and healthcare facilities across tourist destinations.
2. Upgrade transport connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and adopt aggressive international marketing strategies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Tourism is a major tertiary activity contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
b) Relate suggestions directly to the themes of hygiene, infrastructure, and marketing mentioned in the prompt.

OR

(iii) Read the given extract and answer the following question:
Let’s salute the industrial flight, the power that drives the country so right,
Industrialization changed the world, the greed of many made heads swirl,
For here lies the nation’s plight, the heart and soul of our country’s life.
Source (edited): Industrial revolution by Linda Winchell
What are the two major factors related to the growth of the above-mentioned sector? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Availability of raw materials and reliable sources of power near manufacturing centers.
2. Ready availability of cheap labor and well-developed transport networks for market distribution.

Teacher's Note:
a) Industrial growth depends heavily on location factors like raw material proximity and power.
b) State any two standard localization factors clearly.

(iv) Analyse the growth and challenge of the cotton textile industries in India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Growth: Post-independence increase in cotton cultivation, ease of importing advanced machinery, and dispersal of mills to low-labor-cost regions.
2. Challenge: Presence of numerous sick mills with old, obsolete machinery and stiff international competition.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cotton textile is India's largest traditional and decentralized industry.
b) Ensure both growth aspects and operational challenges are addressed in the answer.

Question 9

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India has rolled out the Nagar Van Yojana (urban forest scheme) in 2020. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the scheme resulted in an increase of 1445.81 km of tree and forest cover.
Source (edited): The Hindu, May 24, 2025

(i) State two objectives of the National Forest Policy based on the 'Yojana' mentioned above. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Controlling environmental pollution and improving urban air quality by creating green spaces.
2. Improving aesthetic values and introducing recreational activities for urban populations.

Teacher's Note:
a) Urban forestry aims to enhance green cover and ecological balance within concrete urban environments.
b) Focus on pollution control and aesthetic-recreational benefits.

(ii) What is the difference between forest cover and forest area? [2 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Differentiate clearly between satellite-assessed canopy cover and revenue-recorded legal forest boundaries.
b) Tabular presentation is best suited for comparison questions.

SECTION C - 28 MARKS

Question 10

(i) Chhattisgarh is predominantly an agricultural state. Give three reasons to support the statement. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. It possesses a vast expanse of fertile land suitable for intensive cultivation.
2. The region is extensively drained by the Mahanadi river basin, providing ample water resources for farming.
3. Around 70 percent of the population is directly employed in agriculture and allied activities, supported by government diversification initiatives.

Teacher's Note:
a) Chhattisgarh is known as the rice bowl of central India due to extensive paddy cultivation.
b) Provide three distinct points covering soil, river drainage, and workforce dependency.

(ii) Why is there a need to practise Block level planning? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Block level planning operates as a decentralized stage of planning targeting micro-level development.
2. It actively involves local people in decision making, formulation, and implementation of developmental plans, ensuring effective mobilization of local resources.

Teacher's Note:
a) Multilevel planning in India includes national, state, district, and block levels.
b) Emphasize grassroots participation and local resource utilization.

(iii) Evaluate the role of population growth in the formulation of developmental strategies. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Rapidly increasing population exerts immense pressure on physical resources, infrastructure, and public services.
2. It creates a growing demand for food, employment, and housing, necessitating developmental strategies focused on improving general living standards and resource sustainability.

Teacher's Note:
a) Population size and growth rate are crucial parameters in economic and social planning.
b) Address both the challenges of resource pressure and the policy responses required.

Question 11

Indian railways are one of the largest and most complex transport networks in the world. It is the Indian Government which has approved 4 railway projects to expand the track network in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

(i) Explain the absence of this means of transport in the Northeastern States of India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The presence of rugged, hilly topography makes engineering and laying railway tracks extremely difficult and expensive.
2. These regions are covered with dense forests, experience heavy rainfall, and have a relatively backward economic base.

Teacher's Note:
a) Physical barriers like mountains and heavy rainfall constrain railway expansion in Northeast India.
b) Mention both relief/topography and economic factors.

(ii) How does this means of transport bring economic prosperity to the areas through which it passes? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. It creates diverse employment opportunities in construction, operation, and allied sectors.
2. It expands trade prospects and improves seamless access to national and remote markets.
3. It enhances regional connectivity, reduces transport costs, and stimulates local economies.

Teacher's Note:
a) Railways are the economic lifeblood of India for mass movement of bulky goods and passengers.
b) List at least three distinct economic benefits for full marks in a 3-mark question.

(iii) Roads act as feeders to railways. Justify this statement [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Roads provide vital last-mile connectivity to remote and interior areas that railways cannot reach directly.
2. They aid in collecting goods from production sites and distributing them to railway terminals, offering door-to-door services.

Teacher's Note:
a) Road and rail transport are complementary rather than competing modes.
b) Emphasize collection, distribution, and last-mile connectivity.

OR

India’s water transport sector has shown significant growth and potential with the inland waterways Authority of India (IWAI) recording a high cargo movement. India has approximately 14500kms of navigable waterways comprising of rivers, canals, backwaters and creeks. 111 waterways are declared as National Waterways promoting IWT.

(iv) Name any two rivers which provide inland water transport in South India. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. River Godavari
2. River Krishna (or River Kaveri / River Periyar)

Teacher's Note:
a) South Indian rivers are mostly rain-fed, but deltaic canals provide navigable stretches.
b) Any two correctly named peninsular rivers will earn full marks.

(v) What are the physical, economic and environmental factors that influence the development and utilisation of Inland Waterways for transportation in India? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Physical factors: Rivers and canals must have sufficient, perennial water flow and smooth riverbeds free from cataracts and rapids.
2. Economic factors: The presence of a huge market and trade demand along the route makes inland water transport economically viable.
3. Environmental factors: Industrial and agricultural waste pollution can choke waterways, hindering smooth navigation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Inland water transport requires specific hydrological and economic conditions.
b) Structure your answer clearly under physical, economic, and environmental headings.

(vi) Why are Inland Waterways not a popular means of transport in India? [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. The presence of seasonal rivers with uneven water flow makes them unsuitable for year-round navigation.
2. Inland water transport is relatively slow compared to railways and roadways, leading to lower commercial demand.

Teacher's Note:
a) Unlike European rivers, many Indian rivers dry up in summer or face siltation problems.
b) Cite seasonality and slow speed as primary drawbacks.

Question 12

The graph given below represents demographic transition in India during the years 1901 - 2011. Study it carefully and answer the questions that follow:

[Figure: Line graph showing population growth in millions from 1901 to 2011, divided into Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV. Phase III spans from 1951 to 1981, showing rapid population surge.]

(i) Phase III indicates a significant change in the population of India. Give any three reasons to account for this change. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Rapid decline in death rates due to the control of epidemic and endemic diseases like malaria and cholera.
2. Significant improvement in medical facilities, healthcare access, and living conditions.
3. Accelerated socio-economic development leading to a population explosion (population boom).

Teacher's Note:
a) Phase III (1951-1981) is known as the period of population explosion in India.
b) Focus on falling mortality rates and improved healthcare as key drivers.

(ii) Why is the year 1921 called a year of demographic divide? Give any two reasons for your answer. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Prior to 1921, India's population growth was stagnant and erratic with alternating increases and decreases.
2. After 1921, there was a continuous and rapid, uninterrupted upward trend in India's population growth rate.

Teacher's Note:
a) 1921 is a landmark year in Indian demographic history.
b) Clearly explain the pre-1921 stagnant phase versus the post-1921 continuous growth phase.

(iii) Push factors are important indicators of Population growth in a given area. Explain how these factors have led to change in density of population in the plains of Rajasthan. [2 Marks]

Answer:
1. Severe lack of water resources and low precipitation in western Rajasthan act as strong push factors.
2. Sandy infertile soils and high temperatures make sustenance difficult, resulting in low population density in those plains.

Teacher's Note:
a) Push factors compel people to move away from an area, resulting in low population concentration.
b) Relate push factors specifically to arid climatic and soil conditions in Rajasthan.

Question 13

India’s breadbasket Punjab has been facing serious challenge of waterlogging due to its extensive canal irrigation system particularly in the southwestern district. This has resulted in a decline of agricultural production and land value.

(i) How do you think Punjab can balance its agricultural prosperity in spite of this pressing problem which threatens the fertility of land and sustainability of water resources? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Improved Drainage: Construct new drainage networks and rehabilitate existing ones to lower the shallow water table and remove excess surface water.
2. Water-Efficient Irrigation: Shift away from flood irrigation by adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation methods to conserve groundwater.
3. Crop Diversification: Promote alternative crops that require less water instead of intensive paddy cultivation in vulnerable waterlogged zones.
4. Scientific Water Management: Implement conjunctive use of surface and groundwater along with strict regulations on tubewell pumping.

Teacher's Note:
a) Waterlogging and soil salinity are major ecological threats in canal-irrigated command areas of Punjab.
b) A 4-mark answer requires four distinct, well-explained remedial measures.

(ii) Why is Punjab known as the 'breadbasket of India'? [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. It possesses highly fertile alluvial soil and experiences favorable temperatures (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) with moderate rainfall (50 to 100 cm).
2. It features an extensive and well-developed canal and tubewell irrigation network.
3. It achieves exceptionally high agricultural productivity, contributing a massive surplus of wheat and other cereal grains to the national food pool.

Teacher's Note:
a) Punjab played a pioneering role during the Green Revolution.
b) Mention soil fertility, irrigation infrastructure, and cereal surplus to justify the title.