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Topic Soil properties
Asked 2 times across 2 UPSC exams over 45 years (1979–2024), peaking in 1979.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 2 PYQs
- Most asked in 1979
- Recurs across 2 years (1979–2024)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1979 → NDA 2024
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (1 of 2) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
NDA2024
Which one among the following statements with reference to the black cotton soils of India is NOT correct ?
- A The black cotton soils are also called 'Regur'
- B They are highly moisture retentive
- C They are rich in lime
- D These soils have less clay factor and hence can support a wide variety of crops and vegetables ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Geography › Physical Geography of India
CSE1979
When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this color?
- A Abundance of magnesium
- B Accumulated humus
- C Presence of ferric oxides ✓
- D Abundance of phosphates
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Agriculture › Soils & Inputs
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