Introduction and Syllabus Scope

Exam Importance

Topic 74 is the most persistently tested landform topic in Paper II Geography. It appeared in all five exam years (2013, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023) with a cumulative 22 marks at 4.4 marks/year average.

The topic covers four major landform types — mountains, plateaus, plains, and deserts — focusing on types, formation mechanisms, and global distribution.

PYQ Pattern

RPSC has favoured two specific sub-areas:

• Specific mountain ranges with geographic features (Rocky Mountains, 2021, 5 marks)
• Specific distribution questions (six deserts of Australia, 2023, 2 marks)

The 2026 pattern eliminates 2-mark questions, so expect 5-mark and 10-mark questions requiring descriptions with examples and distributions.

Exam Strategy

• 5-mark answers: Define the landform type → state formation mechanism → give 3–4 specific examples with locations and measurements
• 10-mark answers: Cover all sub-types with classification, formation process, distribution pattern, and economic significance

---