India – Size and Location – MCQs with Answers and Explanations
Class 9 • CBSE
Geography: Contemporary India – I — Chapter 1
India: Size and Location — Location | Size | India and the world | India’s neighbours
CBSE Board Examinations — Study Order
- Absolute & relative location
- Latitudinal & longitudinal extent
- Size, neighbours & map skills
30 MCQs — Topic-wise (with answers & explanations)
1. India lies in which hemispheres?
- A. Northern and Western
- B. Southern and Eastern
- C. Northern and Eastern
- D. Southern and Western
Answer: C. India is located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, as its latitudes are north of the Equator and longitudes east of the Prime Meridian.
2. What is the latitudinal extent of India?
- A. 8°4'N to 37°6'N
- B. 6°4'N to 35°6'N
- C. 10°4'N to 40°6'N
- D. 5°4'N to 30°6'N
Answer: A. India extends roughly from 8°4'N in the south to 37°6'N in the north; this span influences climate variation from tropical to temperate zones.
3. Which longitude range correctly represents India’s extent?
- A. 68°7'E to 97°25'E
- B. 60°7'E to 90°25'E
- C. 70°7'E to 100°25'E
- D. 65°7'E to 95°25'E
Answer: A. India’s longitudinal extent spans approximately 68°7'E to 97°25'E; this determines time differences across the country.
4. Which important latitude passes through India?
- A. Equator
- B. Tropic of Capricorn
- C. Tropic of Cancer
- D. Arctic Circle
Answer: C. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) passes through India, separating tropical and subtropical climatic zones.
5. What is the Standard Meridian of India used to calculate IST?
- A. 75°E
- B. 82°30'E
- C. 90°E
- D. 80°E
Answer: B. The Standard Meridian of India is 82°30'E; Indian Standard Time (IST) = UTC +5:30 based on this meridian to provide a uniform time across India.
6. Which seas surround India?
- A. Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea
- B. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
- C. Baltic Sea and North Sea
- D. Caribbean Sea and South China Sea
Answer: B. India is flanked by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east, both part of the larger Indian Ocean which borders the south.
7. Approximate area of India is:
- A. 1.5 million km²
- B. 2.5 million km²
- C. 3.28 million km²
- D. 4.5 million km²
Answer: C. India’s area is about 3.28 million square kilometres, making it one of the world’s largest countries and contributing to regional diversity.
8. Why are India’s latitudinal and longitudinal extents important to study?
- A. They determine only political boundaries.
- B. They help understand climate, time differences and mapping.
- C. They have no practical use.
- D. They define language zones.
Answer: B. Latitudinal and longitudinal extents explain climatic zones, time differences across east-west India and are fundamental to accurate mapping and navigation.
9. Which island group lies closest to Southeast Asia?
- A. Lakshadweep
- B. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- C. Maldives
- D. Sri Lanka
Answer: B. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal and are geographically closest to Southeast Asia, enhancing India’s strategic maritime reach.
10. Which of the following cities is near the Tropic of Cancer?
- A. Mumbai
- B. Kolkata
- C. Chennai
- D. Jaipur
Answer: B. Kolkata lies near the Tropic of Cancer; several states along eastern India are crossed by this latitude.
11. What causes about two hours difference in solar time across India?
- A. Difference in altitude
- B. India’s longitudinal extent (~29°)
- C. Ocean currents
- D. Population density
Answer: B. Because India spans about 29° of longitude, local solar time at the easternmost point is nearly two hours ahead of the westernmost point; IST standardises national time.
12. Which statement about the Standard Meridian is true?
- A. It is the same as the Prime Meridian.
- B. It passes through Mirzapur region near 82°30'E.
- C. It divides India into two time zones.
- D. It is at 90°E.
Answer: B. The Standard Meridian for India (82°30'E) passes near Mirzapur and is used to calculate IST; it is not the Prime Meridian (0°) and does not create multiple time zones in India.
13. Which of the following is NOT an island territory of India?
- A. Andaman & Nicobar
- B. Lakshadweep
- C. Maldives
- D. Both A & B
Answer: C. Maldives is an independent island nation southwest of India; Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep are Indian territories.
14. Which body of water separates India from Sri Lanka?
- A. Palk Strait
- B. Strait of Malacca
- C. English Channel
- D. Gulf of Aden
Answer: A. The Palk Strait (and Gulf of Mannar) separate India from Sri Lanka, important for maritime routes and fisheries.
15. The north–south approximate distance of India is about:
- A. 1000 km
- B. 2000 km
- C. 3200 km
- D. 5000 km
Answer: C. The approximate north–south distance is around 3200 km (derived from latitudinal span × ~111 km per degree).
16. Which neighbouring country lies to India’s northwest?
- A. Bangladesh
- B. Pakistan
- C. Myanmar
- D. Sri Lanka
Answer: B. Pakistan lies to the west and northwest of India; it is a major land neighbour with strategic importance.
17. Which country shares the longest land border with India?
- A. Pakistan
- B. China
- C. Bangladesh
- D. Nepal
Answer: C. Bangladesh shares one of the longest and complex borders with India, though figures vary; Bangladesh-India border is extensive and densely populated influencing diplomatic and cross-border issues.
18. Which Indian state does the Standard Meridian pass near?
- A. Gujarat
- B. Uttar Pradesh
- C. Assam
- D. Kerala
Answer: B. The Standard Meridian (82°30'E) passes near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, used as reference for IST.
19. Which of these is a direct result of India’s large size?
- A. Uniform climate across the country
- B. Wide range of climates and biodiversity
- C. No need for transport networks
- D. Single culture throughout
Answer: B. India’s large area results in diverse climates, vegetation and wildlife, leading to varied regional cultures and economies.
20. Which feature best explains India’s monsoon rainfall?
- A. India’s longitude
- B. Position between Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
- C. Presence of deserts only
- D. Island territories
Answer: B. India’s position between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal influences monsoon circulation; moisture-laden winds from these seas bring seasonal rains.
21. Which river system is transboundary and affects India’s relations with neighbours?
- A. Amazon
- B. Indus
- C. Nile
- D. Mississippi
Answer: B. The Indus river system flows through India and Pakistan; transboundary rivers like Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra require cooperative water-sharing arrangements.
22. Which port city is on India’s western coast and is a major trade hub?
- A. Chennai
- B. Kolkata
- C. Mumbai
- D. Guwahati
Answer: C. Mumbai is a major western port and commercial centre, strategically placed on the Arabian Sea facilitating trade and shipping.
23. The Andaman & Nicobar islands increase India’s:
- A. Landlocked area
- B. Continental area only
- C. Maritime jurisdiction and EEZ
- D. Mountainous terrain
Answer: C. Island territories extend India’s maritime jurisdiction, enlarging its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for resources and strategic presence.
24. Why are coastal areas important for India’s economy?
- A. Only for agriculture
- B. For ports, fisheries, shipping and tourism
- C. They have no economic role
- D. For mining diamonds only
Answer: B. Coasts support ports, fisheries, shipping, tourism and related industries, contributing significantly to India’s trade and employment.
25. Which geographic factor makes northeastern India climatically distinct?
- A. Proximity to the Thar Desert
- B. Proximity to Bay of Bengal and orography of hills
- C. Being near the equator
- D. Presence of ice caps
Answer: B. Northeastern India receives heavy rainfall due to moisture from the Bay of Bengal and uplift by hills (orographic rainfall), creating lush vegetation.
26. Which country lies to India’s east and encloses its northeastern states on the southeast side?
- A. Pakistan
- B. Bangladesh
- C. China
- D. Nepal
Answer: B. Bangladesh lies to the east of India’s main landmass and wraps around a large part of India’s eastern border, affecting connectivity with the northeast.
27. Which of these explains why some areas of India are sparsely populated?
- A. Harsh climatic conditions and difficult terrain
- B. Proximity to major ports
- C. Availability of many schools
- D. Urbanisation
Answer: A. Areas like high Himalayas, deserts and dense forests are sparsely populated due to harsh climate and difficult terrain limiting agriculture and infrastructure.
28. What is one effect of India’s position on global trade routes?
- A. Isolation from trade
- B. Strategic advantage for maritime trade across Indian Ocean
- C. No ports required
- D. Dependence on overland Silk Road only
Answer: B. India’s central position along Indian Ocean sea lanes gives it strategic advantage in maritime trade linking West Asia, Africa and East/Southeast Asia.
29. Why is it important to memorise India’s latitudinal and longitudinal extents for exams?
- A. They are never asked
- B. They help answer map and short-definition questions accurately
- C. They replace need for map practice
- D. They predict weather daily
Answer: B. Lat/long extents are frequently tested; knowing them aids map questions and explanations on climate and distances in exams.
30. Which single statement best summarises India’s geographic significance?
- A. Small island nation with no neighbours
- B. A landlocked country
- C. A large South Asian country with strategic maritime location and diverse climates
- D. A polar country
Answer: C. India is large, located in South Asia with extensive coastlines that provide strategic maritime links, and displays wide climatic and ecological diversity due to its size and location.