Southern and Central Hills
Q260. Which Western Ghats names and states are correctly paired:
1. Sahyadri–Maharashtra
2. Nilgiri–Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
3. Anaimalai–Kerala?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 15 June 2026, Shift 3 (2026)]
(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 1 only
(C) 1 and 2 only
(D) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Sahyadri is the name associated particularly with the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. The Nilgiris extend around Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while the Anaimalai uplands cross into Kerala. All three pairings identify recognised parts of the southern and western highlands.
Northern Mountains
Q259. The Atal highway tunnel near Rohtang is constructed through which Himalayan range?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 15 June 2026, Shift 3 (2026)]
(A) Karakoram
(B) Zanskar
(C) Pir Panjal
(D) Dhauladhar
Answer: (c) Pir Panjal
Explanation: The approximately nine-kilometre Atal Tunnel passes beneath Rohtang in the eastern Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh. It enables more dependable road access to the Lahaul region when heavy snowfall makes the higher Rohtang Pass difficult to cross.
Coastal Region
Q258. Which western coastal sector has irregular, indented shorelines and several natural harbours?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 18 June 2026, Shift 1 (2026)]
(A) Eastern Coastal Plain
(B) Kathiawar Plain
(C) Konkan Region
(D) Rann of Kachchh
Answer: (c) Konkan Region
Explanation: The Konkan is a relatively narrow, rocky and indented part of the Arabian Sea coast. Its drowned river mouths and creeks provide settings for sheltered harbours. This contrasts with broad delta-building stretches of India’s eastern coastal plain.
Mountain Peaks
Q257. In which Indian state do the Western Ghats reach their greatest elevation?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 13 June 2026, Shift 3 (2026)]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Goa
(D) Kerala
Answer: (d) Kerala
Explanation: Anamudi, the highest summit of the Western Ghats, rises to about 2,695 metres in Kerala near Munnar. The southern part of the range includes higher massifs than most northern sections, although elevations vary considerably from one local hill block to another.
Coastal Region
Q256. What is the name of the southern stretch of India’s western coastal plain?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 17 March 2026, Shift 1 (2026)]
(A) Konkan Coast
(B) Kannad Coast
(C) Coromandel Coast
(D) Malabar Coast
Answer: (d) Malabar Coast
Explanation: The Malabar sector lies at the southern end of the western coastal plain, mainly beside Kerala. It is distinguished by backwaters, coastal lagoons and short rivers crossing from the Western Ghats, whereas the Konkan and Karnataka stretches lie farther north.
Islands
Q255. Which passage separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 22 March 2026, Shift 3 (2026)]
(A) Palk Strait
(B) Nine Degree Channel
(C) Six Degree Channel
(D) Ten Degree Channel
Answer: (d) Ten Degree Channel
Explanation: The Ten Degree Channel separates Little Andaman on the north from Car Nicobar on the south. It is named for its approximate latitude near ten degrees north. The Nine Degree Channel belongs to the Lakshadweep region instead.
Coastal Region
Q254. Which western coastal section extends approximately between Mumbai and Goa?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 22 March 2026, Shift 2 (2026)]
(A) Konkan Coast
(B) Malabar Coast
(C) Karnataka Coast
(D) Coromandel Coast
Answer: (a) Konkan Coast
Explanation: The Konkan Coast includes the shoreline of Maharashtra and adjoining Goa, between the Arabian Sea and the steep Western Ghats. Creeks, estuaries and narrow coastal tracts are prominent, while the Malabar Coast is located much farther south.
Northern Mountains
Q253. Which part of the Himalayas exhibits greater variation in altitude over short distances?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 16 March 2026, Shift 3 (2026)]
(A) Southern Himalayan region
(B) Northern Himalayan region
(C) Western Himalayan region
(D) Eastern Himalayan region
Answer: (d) Eastern Himalayan region
Explanation: The Eastern Himalayas rise sharply from low and humid foothills toward high snowy mountain summits. This steep relief produces dramatic changes in climate and vegetation over short horizontal distances, helping explain the region’s marked altitudinal zonation.
Valleys
Q252. The Kashmir, Kangra and Kullu valleys are closely associated with which Himalayan division?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I, 17 March 2026, Shift 3 (2026)]
(A) Vindhya
(B) Greater Himalayas
(C) Aravalli
(D) Lesser Himalayas
Answer: (d) Lesser Himalayas
Explanation: The Lesser Himalayas, also called Himachal, include important ranges such as Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar and enclose well-known valleys including Kangra and Kullu. Kashmir Valley lies in a structural basin between Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan belt.
Valleys
Q251. Which is an example of a longitudinal valley between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I, 8 May 2026, Shift 1 (2026)]
(A) Kangra Valley
(B) Dehra Dun
(C) Patkai Hill Valley
(D) Kullu Valley
Answer: (b) Dehra Dun
Explanation: Duns are elongated valleys situated between the Lesser Himalayan ranges and the Outer Himalayas or Shiwaliks. Dehra Dun is a celebrated example in Uttarakhand. Such valleys include sediment-filled structural depressions developed along the Himalayan foothill belt.
