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Topic

Volcanism

Asked 13 times across 4 UPSC exams over 40 years (1986–2026), peaking in 2018.
13
PYQs
4
Exams
9
Years active
1986–2026
Span
2018
Peak
12/13
Answers
📅 Full chronological timeline →

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

  1. During volcanic eruptions, acid lava cones are formed by highly viscous lavas
  2. Viscous lavas have high mobility and can travel for long distances
  3. Acid lavas result in the formation of high cones with steep slopes
  4. Composite cones are the highest volcanic cones

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. A 1 and 2 only
  2. B 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. C 1, 3 and 4 only ✓
  4. D 1, 2, 3 and 4
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Geomorphology
NDA2026

Which of the following are associated with composite volcanoes?

  1. They result in explosive eruptions
  2. They eject pyroclastic materials
  3. Pyroclastic materials and ashes accumulate near the vent, forming layers

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A I and II only
  2. B II and III only
  3. C I and III only
  4. D I, II and III ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Geography › Geomorphology
CAPF2025

Which of the following statements with reference to stratovolcanoes is/are correct?

  1. Stratovolcanoes are tall, steep cones built of layers of felsic lava and volcanic ash
  2. 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.

  1. A 1 only
  2. B 2 only
  3. C Both 1 and 2
  4. D Neither 1 nor 2
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Geography › Geomorphology

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