Meghalaya Geography MCQs: Location, Boundaries and Districts
Meghalaya’s location, state and district boundaries, district headquarters and physical features are important topics for the MCS Prelims and other Meghalaya recruitment examinations. This practice set contains 30 multiple-choice questions on these areas. Each answer includes a simple explanation to help you revise the facts and understand their geographical context.
Overview
Meghalaya is a north-eastern Indian state bordered by Assam to the north and east and Bangladesh to the south and west. The state has 12 districts, including five Garo-named districts and four Khasi-named districts. Its terrain includes a central plateau, northern and southern slopes, deep gorges and river valleys. Shillong is the state capital and is identified as the state’s highest point; Nokrek Peak is the highest peak in western Meghalaya.
One-Line Points for Quick Revision
- Meghalaya is in north-eastern India.
- Assam lies to the north and east; Bangladesh lies to the south and west.
- The state’s area is listed as 22,429 sq km.
- Meghalaya has 12 districts in the current official district list.
- Shillong is the capital and the headquarters of East Khasi Hills.
- Meghalaya’s terrain is broadly divided into the Central Plateau, Southern slopes and Northern slopes.
- Shillong Peak is identified as the highest point in the state.
- Nokrek Peak is identified as the highest peak in western Meghalaya.
- Mairang is the headquarters of Eastern West Khasi Hills.
- South West Khasi Hills district is headquartered at Mawkyrwat.
Meghalaya Geography MCQs
MCQ 1: Meghalaya’s Neighbouring Areas
Question
Which option correctly describes Meghalaya’s broad land boundaries?
(a) Assam lies to the north and east; Bangladesh lies to the south and west
(b) Assam lies to the south and west; Bangladesh lies to the north and east
(c) Arunachal Pradesh lies to the north; Bangladesh lies to the east
(d) Nagaland lies to the east; Bhutan lies to the west
Correct Answer: (a) Assam lies to the north and east; Bangladesh lies to the south and west
Detailed Explanation
Meghalaya is bordered by Assam to the north and east, and by Bangladesh to the south and west. This gives the state both an interstate boundary and an international boundary. Remember the direction of each neighbour for map-based questions.
MCQ 2: Indian State Bordering Meghalaya
Question
Which Indian state shares a land boundary with Meghalaya?
(a) Mizoram
(b) Tripura
(c) Assam
(d) Manipur
Correct Answer: (c) Assam
Detailed Explanation
Meghalaya shares its Indian land boundary with Assam. Bangladesh is also a neighbour, but it is a country, not an Indian state. This distinction is useful for questions about state and international boundaries.
MCQ 3: Location of Meghalaya
Question
Meghalaya is located in which part of India?
(a) North-western India
(b) North-eastern India
(c) South-eastern India
(d) Central India
Correct Answer: (b) North-eastern India
Detailed Explanation
Meghalaya is one of the states of north-eastern India. It lies beside Assam and Bangladesh. Its location is a basic fact that can also help with regional map questions.
MCQ 4: Geographical Area of Meghalaya
Question
What is the geographical area of Meghalaya listed in the state profile?
(a) 18,429 sq km
(b) 20,429 sq km
(c) 22,429 sq km
(d) 24,429 sq km
Correct Answer: (c) 22,429 sq km
Detailed Explanation
Meghalaya’s geographical area is listed as 22,429 square kilometres. This is the total area of the state, not the area of any one district. State-area figures are often tested as direct general knowledge.
MCQ 5: Number of Districts in Meghalaya
Question
How many districts are included in Meghalaya’s current official district list?
(a) 10
(b) 11
(c) 12
(d) 13
Correct Answer: (c) 12
Detailed Explanation
The current official district list contains 12 districts. It includes Eastern West Khasi Hills, with its headquarters at Mairang. Use the current district list when studying administrative geography, as older materials may show a different number.
MCQ 6: Headquarters of South West Garo Hills
Question
Which town is the headquarters of South West Garo Hills district?
(a) Tura
(b) Ampati
(c) Baghmara
(d) Williamnagar
Correct Answer: (b) Ampati
Detailed Explanation
Ampati is the headquarters of South West Garo Hills district. The district was formed by upgrading the Ampati Civil Sub-Division. The other options are headquarters of East, West and South Garo Hills.
MCQ 7: Garo Hills District Headquarters
Question
Which set correctly matches the four districts with their headquarters?
(a) East Garo Hills—Tura; North Garo Hills—Baghmara; South Garo Hills—Williamnagar; West Garo Hills—Resubelpara
(b) East Garo Hills—Williamnagar; North Garo Hills—Resubelpara; South Garo Hills—Baghmara; West Garo Hills—Tura
(c) East Garo Hills—Resubelpara; North Garo Hills—Williamnagar; South Garo Hills—Tura; West Garo Hills—Baghmara
(d) East Garo Hills—Baghmara; North Garo Hills—Tura; South Garo Hills—Resubelpara; West Garo Hills—Williamnagar
Correct Answer: (b) East Garo Hills—Williamnagar; North Garo Hills—Resubelpara; South Garo Hills—Baghmara; West Garo Hills—Tura
Detailed Explanation
The headquarters of East, North, South and West Garo Hills are Williamnagar, Resubelpara, Baghmara and Tura, respectively. South West Garo Hills is a separate district, headquartered at Ampati. Matching each district with its headquarters is a common recruitment-exam question.
MCQ 8: Jaintia Hills District Headquarters
Question
Which option correctly matches the two Jaintia Hills districts with their headquarters?
(a) East Jaintia Hills—Jowai; West Jaintia Hills—Khliehriat
(b) East Jaintia Hills—Shillong; West Jaintia Hills—Mairang
(c) East Jaintia Hills—Khliehriat; West Jaintia Hills—Jowai
(d) East Jaintia Hills—Nongpoh; West Jaintia Hills—Nongstoin
Correct Answer: (c) East Jaintia Hills—Khliehriat; West Jaintia Hills—Jowai
Detailed Explanation
Khliehriat is the headquarters of East Jaintia Hills, while Jowai is the headquarters of West Jaintia Hills. The similar district names can make the headquarters easy to mix up. Remember the two pairs together.
MCQ 9: Eastern West Khasi Hills Headquarters
Question
What is the headquarters of Eastern West Khasi Hills district?
(a) Nongstoin
(b) Mawkyrwat
(c) Nongpoh
(d) Mairang
Correct Answer: (d) Mairang
Detailed Explanation
Mairang is the headquarters of Eastern West Khasi Hills. Nongstoin is the headquarters of West Khasi Hills, Mawkyrwat of South West Khasi Hills and Nongpoh of Ri Bhoi. The directional words in these district names make it important to learn each pair accurately.
MCQ 10: Southern Boundary of South West Garo Hills
Question
According to the district boundary description, which area lies to the south of South West Garo Hills?
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Ri Bhoi district
(c) East Jaintia Hills district
(d) West Khasi Hills district
Correct Answer: (a) Bangladesh
Detailed Explanation
Bangladesh lies to the south of South West Garo Hills district. The district’s northern boundary includes Assam and West Garo Hills, while West Garo Hills lies to its east. This is a district-level boundary fact, separate from the broad boundaries of Meghalaya as a whole.
MCQ 11: Latitude of Meghalaya
Question
Between which latitudes does Meghalaya lie, according to the state profile?
(a) 20°02′ and 21°07′ N
(b) 22°02′ and 23°07′ N
(c) 25°02′ and 26°07′ N
(d) 27°02′ and 28°07′ N
Correct Answer: (c) 25°02′ and 26°07′ N
Detailed Explanation
Meghalaya lies between 25°02′ and 26°07′ north latitude. Latitude shows how far a place is north or south of the Equator. These coordinates help locate the state on a map.
MCQ 12: Longitude of Meghalaya
Question
Which is the stated longitudinal range of Meghalaya?
(a) 79°49′–82°50′ E
(b) 89°49′–92°50′ E
(c) 95°49′–98°50′ E
(d) 84°49′–87°50′ E
Correct Answer: (b) 89°49′–92°50′ E
Detailed Explanation
Meghalaya lies between 89°49′ and 92°50′ east longitude. Longitude shows a place’s position east or west of the Prime Meridian. A higher east longitude generally indicates a position farther east.
MCQ 13: Natural Sectors of Meghalaya
Question
Which three natural sectors are used to describe Meghalaya’s terrain?
(a) The Central Plateau, the Southern slopes and the Northern slopes
(b) The Coastal Plain, the Central Desert and the Eastern Ghats
(c) The Western Plateau, the Northern desert and the Southern delta
(d) The Brahmaputra Plain, the Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats
Correct Answer: (a) The Central Plateau, the Southern slopes and the Northern slopes
Detailed Explanation
Meghalaya’s terrain is broadly described as the Central Plateau, the Southern slopes and the Northern slopes. The Southern slopes face Bangladesh, while the Northern slopes face Assam. This classification helps explain the state’s relief and location.
MCQ 14: Highest Point in Meghalaya
Question
Which peak is identified as the highest point in Meghalaya?
(a) Nokrek Peak
(b) Shillong Peak
(c) Siju Peak
(d) Tura Peak
Correct Answer: (b) Shillong Peak
Detailed Explanation
Shillong Peak is identified as the highest point in the state. It is near Shillong and offers views of the surrounding area. Nokrek Peak is an important peak in western Meghalaya, but it is not the state’s highest point.
MCQ 15: Shillong’s Altitude
Question
According to the Meghalaya Government state profile, at approximately what altitude is Shillong located?
(a) 496 metres above sea level
(b) 996 metres above sea level
(c) 1,496 metres above sea level
(d) 1,996 metres above sea level
Correct Answer: (c) 1,496 metres above sea level
Detailed Explanation
The state profile gives Shillong’s altitude as about 1,496 metres above sea level. Shillong is both the capital of Meghalaya and the headquarters of East Khasi Hills district. The altitude is useful as a state-profile fact.
MCQ 16: Headquarters of South West Khasi Hills
Question
Which town is the headquarters of South West Khasi Hills district?
(a) Mawkyrwat
(b) Mairang
(c) Nongstoin
(d) Nongpoh
Correct Answer: (a) Mawkyrwat
Detailed Explanation
Mawkyrwat is the headquarters of South West Khasi Hills district. The district was formed by upgrading the Mawkyrwat Civil Sub-Division. The other towns listed are headquarters of Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi.
MCQ 17: Headquarters of Ri Bhoi
Question
What is the headquarters of Ri Bhoi district?
(a) Jowai
(b) Nongpoh
(c) Williamnagar
(d) Ampati
Correct Answer: (b) Nongpoh
Detailed Explanation
Nongpoh is the headquarters of Ri Bhoi district. Jowai, Williamnagar and Ampati are headquarters of West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills, respectively. This is a direct district–headquarters fact.
MCQ 18: Shillong and East Khasi Hills
Question
Which statement correctly identifies Shillong’s administrative location?
(a) Shillong is the headquarters of West Khasi Hills district.
(b) Shillong is the headquarters of South West Khasi Hills district.
(c) Shillong is the headquarters of East Khasi Hills district and the state capital.
(d) Shillong is the headquarters of Ri Bhoi district.
Correct Answer: (c) Shillong is the headquarters of East Khasi Hills district and the state capital.
Detailed Explanation
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and the headquarters of East Khasi Hills district. West Khasi Hills is headquartered at Nongstoin, South West Khasi Hills at Mawkyrwat and Ri Bhoi at Nongpoh. In this case, the state capital is also a district headquarters.
MCQ 19: Khasi-Named Districts
Question
Which option contains all four districts in the current official list whose names include “Khasi”?
(a) East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills
(b) East Khasi Hills, North Khasi Hills, South Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills
(c) East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi
(d) West Khasi Hills, South West Garo Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi
Correct Answer: (a) East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills
Detailed Explanation
The current official list includes four districts with “Khasi” in their names: East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Eastern West Khasi Hills. The list separately includes Jaintia, Garo and Ri Bhoi districts. Take care not to confuse “South West Khasi Hills” with “South West Garo Hills.”
MCQ 20: Garo-Named Districts
Question
Which set contains all five districts in the current official list whose names include “Garo”?
(a) East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills
(b) East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, Central Garo Hills, South Garo Hills
(c) East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills
(d) East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, Ri Bhoi
Correct Answer: (a) East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills
Detailed Explanation
The current official list includes East, West, North, South and South West Garo Hills. “Central Garo Hills” is not included in that list. This question tests current district names rather than a division of the state into physical regions.
MCQ 21: Division of the Khasi Hills District
Question
On which date was the Khasi Hills District divided into East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills districts?
(a) 2 April 1970
(b) 28 October 1976
(c) 4 June 1992
(d) 21 January 1972
Correct Answer: (b) 28 October 1976
Detailed Explanation
The Khasi Hills District was divided into East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills on 28 October 1976. This was an important step in Meghalaya’s district administration. It is separate from the dates associated with Meghalaya becoming an autonomous state or a full state.
MCQ 22: Formation of Ri Bhoi District
Question
When was East Khasi Hills further divided to form Ri Bhoi district?
(a) 28 October 1976
(b) 10 November 2021
(c) 4 June 1992
(d) 7 August 2012
Correct Answer: (c) 4 June 1992
Detailed Explanation
East Khasi Hills was further divided on 4 June 1992 to form Ri Bhoi district. The earlier division of Khasi Hills into East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills took place in 1976. Remember which administrative change is linked to each date.
MCQ 23: Formation of Eastern West Khasi Hills
Question
Eastern West Khasi Hills district was carved out of which district?
(a) East Khasi Hills
(b) West Khasi Hills
(c) South West Khasi Hills
(d) Ri Bhoi
Correct Answer: (b) West Khasi Hills
Detailed Explanation
Eastern West Khasi Hills was carved out of the erstwhile West Khasi Hills on 10 November 2021. Mairang is its headquarters. This is a more recent change than the district divisions of 1976 and 1992.
MCQ 24: Boundaries of South West Khasi Hills
Question
Which district lies to the east of South West Khasi Hills district?
(a) East Khasi Hills
(b) West Khasi Hills
(c) South Garo Hills
(d) Ri Bhoi
Correct Answer: (a) East Khasi Hills
Detailed Explanation
East Khasi Hills lies to the east of South West Khasi Hills. West Khasi Hills is to its north and west, while South Garo Hills also forms part of its western boundary. Bangladesh lies to the south.
MCQ 25: Karbi Hills and Meghalaya’s Plateau
Question
Which feature is identified as bounding the eastern part of Meghalaya?
(a) Garo Hills
(b) Karbi Hills
(c) Khasi Hills
(d) Brahmaputra Valley
Correct Answer: (b) Karbi Hills
Detailed Explanation
The Karbi Hills are identified along the eastern part of Meghalaya and are described as part of the Meghalaya Plateau. Garo Hills lie in western Meghalaya. This question links a landform with its position in the state.
MCQ 26: Position of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills
Question
Which option best describes the position of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya?
(a) They form the western part of the state.
(b) They form the central and eastern part of the state.
(c) They lie entirely in the northern plains.
(d) They form the southern plains along Bangladesh.
Correct Answer: (b) They form the central and eastern part of the state.
Detailed Explanation
The Khasi and Jaintia Hills form the central and eastern parts of Meghalaya. This area includes a plateau, hills and river valleys. The Garo Hills form the western part of the state.
MCQ 27: Southern Face of the Plateau
Question
Consider the following statements about Meghalaya’s plateau:
- Its southern face is marked by deep gorges and abrupt slopes.
- Rivers descend through valleys towards the plains.
- Its northern section slopes gradually and merges with the plains of Assam.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Detailed Explanation
The southern face of Meghalaya’s plateau has deep gorges and steep slopes, and rivers descend through valleys to the plains. The northern part has an undulating surface that gradually merges into Assam’s plains. All three statements describe the state’s broad physical features.
MCQ 28: Elevation of the Garo Hills
Question
According to the state’s geographical profile, much of the Garo Hills range in height from approximately:
(a) 50 to 100 metres
(b) 450 to 600 metres
(c) 1,500 to 2,000 metres
(d) 2,500 to 3,000 metres
Correct Answer: (b) 450 to 600 metres
Detailed Explanation
Much of the Garo Hills is described as ranging from about 450 to 600 metres in height. The Garo Hills are generally lower than the central plateau and drop steeply towards the Brahmaputra Valley in the north and the plains of Bangladesh in the south. This helps distinguish the western hills from the higher central plateau.
MCQ 29: Drainage Around Meghalaya
Question
Which rivers drain the plains adjoining Meghalaya to the north and south, respectively?
(a) Surma to the north; Brahmaputra to the south
(b) Brahmaputra to the north; Surma and its tributaries to the south
(c) Barak to the north; Teesta to the south
(d) Ganga to the north; Brahmaputra to the south
Correct Answer: (b) Brahmaputra to the north; Surma and its tributaries to the south
Detailed Explanation
The plains to the north and west are drained by the Brahmaputra, while the southern plains are drained by the Surma and its tributaries. This describes the broad drainage pattern around Meghalaya. It does not mean that these rivers all flow through every district in the state.
MCQ 30: Nokrek Peak and Western Meghalaya
Question
Which peak is identified as the highest peak in western Meghalaya?
(a) Laitkor Peak
(b) Shillong Peak
(c) Nokrek Peak
(d) Siju Peak
Correct Answer: (c) Nokrek Peak
Detailed Explanation
Nokrek Peak, east of Tura, is identified as the highest peak in western Meghalaya. It is distinct from Shillong Peak, which is identified as the highest point in the state. Remember the difference between the highest point in a region and the highest point in the whole state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many districts does Meghalaya have?
Meghalaya has 12 districts in the current official district list.
Which state borders Meghalaya?
Assam is the Indian state that borders Meghalaya. Bangladesh also borders the state.
What are Meghalaya’s broad boundaries?
Assam lies to the north and east of Meghalaya. Bangladesh lies to the south and west.
What is the capital of Meghalaya?
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It is also the headquarters of East Khasi Hills district.
Which peak is the highest point in Meghalaya?
Shillong Peak is identified as the highest point in the state. Nokrek Peak is identified as the highest peak in western Meghalaya.
What are the three broad natural sectors of Meghalaya?
They are the Central Plateau, the Southern slopes and the Northern slopes.
Meghalaya’s geography combines a clear regional location with varied hill and plateau terrain. For exam preparation, learn the state’s boundaries, current district names, district headquarters and important relief features. Practise the questions again without looking at the answers to check your recall.