Topic Volcanism
Asked 13 times across 4 UPSC exams over 40 years (1986–2026), peaking in 2018.
Key insights
- Most tested in CDS — 6 of 13 PYQs
- Most asked in 2018
- Recurs across 9 years (1986–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1986 → CAPF 2015 → CDS 2017 → NDA 2026
How the concept evolved
186
115
217
218
122
123
224
125
226
Rising — more than half its appearances (11 of 13) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2026
Consider the following statements regarding Volcanic Cones
- During volcanic eruptions, acid lava cones are formed by highly viscous lavas
- Viscous lavas have high mobility and can travel for long distances
- Acid lavas result in the formation of high cones with steep slopes
- Composite cones are the highest volcanic cones
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2, 3 and 4 only
- C 1, 3 and 4 only ✓
- D 1, 2, 3 and 4
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Geomorphology
NDA2026
Which of the following are associated with composite volcanoes?
- They result in explosive eruptions
- They eject pyroclastic materials
- Pyroclastic materials and ashes accumulate near the vent, forming layers
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A I and II only
- B II and III only
- C I and III only
- D I, II and III ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Geography › Geomorphology
CAPF2025
Which of the following statements with reference to stratovolcanoes is/are correct?
- Stratovolcanoes are tall, steep cones built of layers of felsic lava and volcanic ash
- They can erupt explosively as felsic lavas from stratovolcanoes hold large amounts of gas under high pressure. Select the answer
using the code given below.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Geography › Geomorphology
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