Civil Services Prep

UPSC Prelims

Environment previous year questions

246 questions from 2012 to 2026, each with its answer.

UPSC Prelims 2026

  1. Consider the following statements with reference to India's response to climate change : I. India's Long-Term…
  2. With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary…
  3. Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of…
  4. Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each…
  5. With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It was declared…
  6. Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) : 1. It is an epiphytic orchid.…
  7. Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest…
  8. Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized…
  9. Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of…

UPSC Prelims 2025

  1. Consider the following: I. Cigarette butts II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres. How many of them contain…
  2. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove…
  3. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement…
  4. Consider the following statements: Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28),…
  5. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is…
  6. Which one of the following launched the 'Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific'?
  7. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements: I. It is an omnivorous…
  8. Consider the following statements: I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.…
  9. Consider the following pairs: Plant — Description. I. Cassava : Woody shrub. II. Ginger : Herb with…
  10. With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements: I. Rain forests produce more oxygen…
  11. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.…
  12. Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity…
  13. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil…
  14. The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely…

UPSC Prelims 2024

  1. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of…
  2. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act…
  3. The organisms "Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater" are:
  4. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source…
  5. Consider the following pairs: Country - Animal found in its natural habitat: 1. Brazil - Indri 2. Indonesia -…
  6. Consider the following statements: 1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 2. Unlike most other big…
  7. Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is…
  8. Consider the following: 1. Butterflies 2. Fish 3. Frogs. How many of the above have poisonous species among…
  9. Consider the following: 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders. How many of the above trees are actually native to…
  10. One of the following regions has the world's largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of…
  11. With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer…
  12. Consider the following: 1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes 3. Flies 4. Termites 5. Wasps. Parasitoid species are…
  13. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the "vermin" category in…
  14. Consider the following materials: 1. Agricultural residues 2. Corn grain 3. Wastewater treatment sludge 4.…

UPSC Prelims 2023

  1. Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve' — 1.…
  2. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Statement-II:…
  3. 'Invasive Species Specialist Group' (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of…
  4. Consider the following fauna: 1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer. How many of the above…
  5. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the…
  6. Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrap insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?
  7. Consider the following: 1. Aerosols 2. Foam agents 3. Fire retardants 4. Lubricants. In the making of how many…
  8. Consider the following trees: 1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) 2. Mahua (Madhuca indica) 3. Teak…
  9. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread…
  10. With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements: 1. None of them…
  11. Consider the following activities: 1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively 2.…
  12. Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution: 1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury…
  13. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: According to the United Nation's 'World Water Development…
  14. Consider the following statements: 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the…

UPSC Prelims 2022

  1. Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous…
  2. Consider the following pairs: Wetland/Lake - Location 1. Hokera Wetland - Punjab 2. Renuka Wetland - Himachal…
  3. "Climate Action Tracker", which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:
  4. Consider the following statements: 1. "The Climate Group" is an international non-profit organization that…
  5. "If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its…
  6. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: 1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5…
  7. With reference to "Gucchi" sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a…
  8. Which of the following is not a bird?
  9. Which of the following are nitrogen-fixing plants? 1. Alfalfa 2. Amaranth 3. Chickpea 4. Clover 5. Purslane…
  10. "Biorock technology" is talked about in which one of the following situations?
  11. The "Miyawaki method" is well known for the:
  12. Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
  13. Which one of the following statements best describes the 'Polar Code'?
  14. Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing"?
  15. Consider the following statements: 1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India. 2. Kerala has a fully solar…
  16. With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 1. Wild animals…
  17. Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi?
  18. Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide. Excess of which of…

UPSC Prelims 2021

  1. 'R2 Code of Practices' constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of
  2. Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? 1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide…
  3. With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2.…
  4. What is blue carbon?
  5. In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil? 1.…
  6. Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Copepods 2. Cyanobacteria 3. Diatoms 4. Foraminifera Which of…
  7. Consider the following animals: 1. Hedgehog 2. Marmot 3. Pangolin To reduce the chance of being captured by…
  8. With reference to the 'New York Declaration on Forests', which of the following statements are correct? 1. It…
  9. Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants…
  10. Which one of the following is a filter feeder?
  11. In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of…
  12. Which of the following are detritivores? 1. Earthworms 2. Jellyfish 3. Millipedes 4. Seahorses 5. Woodlice…
  13. The 'Common Carbon Metric', supported by UNEP, has been developed for
  14. Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? 1.…
  15. Consider the following statements: 1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and…
  16. In the context of India's preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: 1. The…
  17. Consider the following statements: 1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. 2. Tamarind…

UPSC Prelims 2020

  1. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? 1. Automobile exhaust 2.…
  2. With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It is spread…
  3. Consider the following statements: 1. 36% of India's districts are classified as "overexploited" or "critical"…
  4. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat"?
  5. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the…
  6. According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the…
  7. Which one of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? It is a measure, in…
  8. In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly…
  9. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: 1. The leader of an elephant group is a…
  10. With reference to India's biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and…
  11. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian…
  12. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following? 1. Construction of base road 2. Improvement of…
  13. Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat? 1. Askot…
  14. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental…
  15. Consider the following statements: 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. 2. Coal-fired power plants…
  16. What is the use of biochar in farming? 1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical…

UPSC Prelims 2019

  1. In India, 'extended producer responsibility' was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
  2. Consider the following statements: 1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning…
  3. Consider the following statements: 1. As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers…
  4. Consider the following statements: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to 1.…
  5. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
  6. Consider the following statements: 1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only. 2. Double-humped camel is…
  7. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique…
  8. In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?
  9. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
  10. Consider the following statements: 1. Some species of turtles are herbivores. 2. Some species of fish are…
  11. Consider the following pairs: | Wildlife | Naturally found in | |---|---| | 1. Blue-finned Mahseer | Cauvery…
  12. Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?
  13. Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?
  14. Consider the following statements: 1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment. 2. Cattle…
  15. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia…
  16. Consider the following states: 1. Chhattisgarh 2. Madhya Pradesh 3. Maharashtra 4. Odisha With reference to…
  17. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'? 1. Global warming might…
  18. Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are…
  19. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These…
  20. Consider the following statements: 1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government…

UPSC Prelims 2018

  1. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT…
  2. With reference to the 'Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)', which of the following…
  3. The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the…
  4. Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?
  5. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 1. India is the third…
  6. Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in river beds? 1. Decreased…
  7. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards…
  8. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?
  9. Consider the following statements: 1. Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters. 2. More than…
  10. "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by
  11. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?
  12. Consider the following statements: 1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the…
  13. Consider the following: 1. Birds 2. Dust blowing 3. Rain 4. Wind blowing Which of the above spread plant…

UPSC Prelims 2017

  1. With reference to 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is…
  2. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for
  3. Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate…
  4. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
  5. The term 'M-STrIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
  6. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act,…
  7. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their habitat in Gujarat to which one of…
  8. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any…
  9. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between…
  10. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce…
  11. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation…
  12. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its…
  13. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing…
  14. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide,…

UPSC Prelims 2016

  1. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric…
  2. Consider the following statements: 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations…
  3. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in…
  4. Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly…
  5. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements…
  6. Consider the following statements: 1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a…
  7. The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
  8. What is/are the importance/importances of the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification'? 1. It…
  9. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the 'Great Indian Hornbill' in…
  10. Which of the following are the key features of 'National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)'? 1. River basin…
  11. The FAO accords the status of 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)' to traditional…
  12. Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the Government of India? 1.…
  13. 'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
  14. What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three…
  15. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of…
  16. With reference to an initiative called 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the…
  17. With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a…
  18. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+…
  19. What is 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol'?
  20. With reference to 'Agenda 21', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: 1. It is a…
  21. 'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, are related to

UPSC Prelims 2015

  1. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich…
  2. What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? 1.…
  3. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the…
  4. With reference to 'fly ash' produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements…
  5. With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It…
  6. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
  7. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of…
  8. What is the Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
  9. Which of the following statements regarding 'Green Climate Fund' is/are correct? 1. It is intended to assist…
  10. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate…
  11. 'BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes' is managed by the
  12. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
  13. With reference to 'Forest Carbon Partnership Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1.…
  14. With reference to an organization known as 'BirdLife International', which of the following statements is/are…
  15. In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
  16. Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'ecosystem'?

UPSC Prelims 2014

  1. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic…
  2. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing…
  3. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? 1. Oxides of sulphur…
  4. Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain…
  5. With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Eco-Sensitive…
  6. Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment…
  7. With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements: 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to…
  8. Consider the following international agreements: 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for…
  9. Consider the following statements regarding 'Earth Hour': 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO. 2. It is…
  10. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
  11. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?
  12. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: 1. It is an…
  13. With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?
  14. With reference to a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following…
  15. Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms? 1. Continental drift 2.…
  16. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?…
  17. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there…
  18. Consider the following: 1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents. The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of…
  19. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? 1. Volcanic action 2.…
  20. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the…
  21. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the…
  22. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 degrees Celsius above…
  23. What are the benefits of implementing the 'Integrated Watershed Development Programme'? 1. Prevention of soil…

UPSC Prelims 2013

  1. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as…
  2. Consider the following fauna of India: 1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer Which of the above…
  3. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants…
  4. Consider the following: 1. Star tortoise 2. Monitor lizard 3. Pygmy hog 4. Spider monkey Which of the above…
  5. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? 1. Arsenic 2.…
  6. Consider the following animals: 1. Sea cow 2. Sea horse 3. Sea lion Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?
  7. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of
  8. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?
  9. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who…
  10. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are…
  11. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
  12. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements: 1. A food chain illustrates…
  13. Consider the following pairs: | National Park | River flowing through the Park | |---|---| | 1. Corbett…
  14. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil? 1. Excretion of urea by animals 2. Burning of coal by…
  15. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? 1. Tamil Nadu 2. Kerala…
  16. Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its…
  17. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

UPSC Prelims 2012

  1. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian Agriculture? 1. NBA checks the…
  2. If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? 1. Part of…
  3. Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Flowering plants Some species of which of…
  4. Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In…
  5. Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used 1. In…
  6. Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant? 1. It…
  7. With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements: 1. The country's total…
  8. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? 1. The growth and…
  9. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere,…
  10. Consider the following protected areas: 1. Bandipur 2. Bhitarkanika 3. Manas 4. Sunderbans Which of the above…
  11. In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to…
  12. Consider the following kinds of organisms: 1. Bat 2. Bee 3. Bird Which of the above is/are pollinating…
  13. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
  14. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services --…
  15. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
  16. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? 1. Global warming 2.…
  17. Consider the following: 1. Black-necked crane 2. Cheetah 3. Flying squirrel 4. Snow leopard Which of the above…
  18. Consider the following agricultural practices: 1. Contour bunding 2. Relay cropping 3. Zero tillage In the…
  19. What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason? 1. The ocean as a…
  20. Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is…