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Topic Weathering
Asked 20 times across 5 UPSC exams over 47 years (1979–2026), peaking in 2021.
Key insights
- Most tested in CDS — 6 of 20 PYQs
- Most asked in 2021
- Recurs across 9 years (1979–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1979 → CDS 2014 → CAPF 2015 → NDA 2021 → GEO 2025
How the concept evolved
179
101
114
215
321
322
324
325
326
Rising — more than half its appearances (15 of 20) 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 about Mechanical Weathering
- More compact and highly consolidated rocks are least affected by freeze-thaw weathering
- Shattering of rocks is more common in hot deserts
- Crystalline rocks are often prone to exfoliation
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 1 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3 ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Geography › Geomorphology
CDS2026
During chemical weathering, when minerals in feldspar change to kaolinite clays, the process is termed as :
- A Carbonation
- B Chelation
- C Hydration ✓
- D Oxidation
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Geomorphology
GEO2026
Consider the following statements
Statement IWeathering results in mechanical disintegration and chemical decomposition of rocks
Statement IIWeathering is controlled by geologic and geomorphic processes but is independent of climatic factors
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- A Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
- B Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
- C Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is not correct
- D Statement-I is not correct but Statement-II is correct
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Geology & Earth Sciences › Geomorphology & Hydrology
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