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Geography

PYQ Pattern Analysis

UNESCO Geo-parks and Geo-heritage Sites: Potential of Rajasthan

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 9 of 14 0 PYQs 38 min
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PYQ Pattern Analysis

Questions Asked

No verbatim PYQ question text from RPSC's published papers is available in the grounding data beyond the metadata notation. Based on the topic metadata confirming a single 10-mark appearance in 2021, the question addressed the UNESCO geopark concept and Rajasthan's fossil heritage sites. The 2021 appearance was confirmed in the RPSC Mains 2021 Paper II.

The topic has not appeared in RPSC Mains 2013, 2016, 2018, 2023, or 2024 based on available PYQ records.

What RPSC Tests

The 2021 10-mark question on this topic followed a hybrid analytical-factual pattern:

  • Conceptual component: Define UNESCO Global Geopark; explain designation criteria.
  • Rajasthan-specific component: Name Rajasthan's geo-heritage sites with geological significance; discuss conservation status.
  • Policy component: What gaps exist in India/Rajasthan's geo-heritage protection?

RPSC rarely asks purely definitional questions at the 10-mark level in Paper II sciences — they typically combine definition + Rajasthan application + policy/current affairs angle. The examiner values:

  1. Specific site names with their geological period (not just "fossil sites in Jaisalmer").
  2. Awareness of the UNESCO programme's 2015 establishment and global status.
  3. Differentiation between a UNESCO Geopark and other designations (World Heritage, National Park).
  4. Acknowledgement of India's gap (no designated geopark) and Rajasthan's potential.

If a 5-mark question appears, it is likely to be: "What is Akal Wood Fossil Park? State its significance." or "What are UNESCO Global Geoparks? Name two potential Rajasthan sites."

Frequency and Trend

  • Appearances: 1 out of 5 recent exams (2013, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023/2024)
  • Trend: Rising — the 2026 revised syllabus places greater emphasis on environmental and UNESCO frameworks across Paper II; geo-heritage is a natural candidate for increased testing.
  • Marks range: 10 marks (only appearance in 2021); could appear as 5 marks in 2026.

2026 Prediction

The 2026 RPSC Mains is the first exam under the revised syllabus. Three factors make this topic more likely to appear in 2026 than the historical base rate suggests:

  1. India's active UNESCO Geopark bid (Lamheta Ghat) makes geo-heritage a current affairs topic, which RPSC often tests.
  2. Revised syllabus emphasis on international science bodies and environmental frameworks in Paper II Earth Sciences.
  3. Five-year gap since the last appearance (2021) — with PYQ gaps of 3+ years, topics often return.

Most likely 2026 format: either a 10-mark question (analytical: "Evaluate Rajasthan's potential for UNESCO Global Geopark designation") or a 5-mark question (factual: "Write a note on Akal Wood Fossil Park"). Prepare both.