Location, Extent, and Neighbours of India
Delhi Police Exams - GK Section
Introduction
India, officially known as the Republic of India, is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere.
It lies in South Asia, forming a distinct peninsular shape that tapers southwards into the Indian Ocean.
Historical Significance
Its strategic location has made India a bridge between the East and the West since ancient times — influencing trade, culture, and history.
South Asia Region
Peninsular Shape
Trade Bridge
Key Geographical Concepts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Latitudinal Extent | 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N |
| Longitudinal Extent | 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E |
| Total Area | 3.28 million sq. km (7th largest in the world) |
| Mainland Length (N–S) | 3214 km |
| Mainland Width (E–W) | 2933 km |
| Total Coastline | 7516.6 km (including islands) |
| Standard Meridian (IST) | 82°30′ E longitude |
| Indian Standard Time Difference from GMT | +5 hours 30 minutes |
| Tropic of Cancer | 23°30′ N passes almost through the center of India |
| Southernmost Point (Mainland) | Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) |
| Southernmost Point (Including Islands) | Indira Point (Great Nicobar, submerged in 2004 tsunami) |
Tip: Remember the Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ N) divides India into two halves — Tropical and Subtropical zones
Geographical Significance
The Tropic of Cancer divides India into two halves — Tropical and Subtropical zones.
The 82°30′E meridian passes near Mirzapur (UP) and is used for Indian Standard Time (IST) to maintain uniformity across the country.
India's peninsular shape provides extensive coastline access for trade and fisheries.
The Himalayas in the north form a strong natural barrier, influencing climate and protecting from cold winds.
India and Its Neighbours
| Direction | Neighbouring Country | Border Length (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| North-West | Pakistan | 3323 km |
| North | China | 3488 km |
| North-East | Nepal | 1751 km |
| North-East | Bhutan | 699 km |
| East | Bangladesh | 4096 km |
| East (Maritime) | Myanmar | 1643 km |
| South (Maritime) | Sri Lanka (via Palk Strait) | — |
Border Summary
Total Land Boundary: 15,200 km
Total Coastline: 7516.6 km (Mainland: 6100 km, Islands: 1197 km)
Regional Relations
SAARC Countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka,
Maldives, Afghanistan
India shares land borders with 7 countries, and maritime
boundaries with 2 (Sri Lanka and Maldives)
Practice Questions (Delhi Police PYQ-style)
The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?
Options: (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (d) 9
Category: Geographical Features
Show Answer
(c) 8 — Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram
What is the longitudinal extent of India?
Options: (a) 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N (b) 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E (c) 6° N to 36° N (d) 70° E to 90° E
Category: Geographical Extent
Show Answer
(b) 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E
The southernmost point of India is called:
Options: (a) Kanyakumari (b) Indira Point (c) Nicobar Peak (d) Lakshadweep
Category: Geographical Extremities
Show Answer
(b) Indira Point
The Indian Standard Time is based on which meridian?
Options: (a) 75° E (b) 80° E (c) 82°30′ E (d) 90° E
Category: Time Zones
Show Answer
(c) 82°30′ E
Which country shares the longest border with India?
Options: (a) China (b) Pakistan (c) Bangladesh (d) Nepal
Category: International Borders
Show Answer
(c) Bangladesh
Memory Tricks & Quick Recap
Memory Trick for Neighbours:
"PaC NeBh BaaMy SrMa"
Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives
Quick Recap:
India lies between 8°4′N–37°6′N and 68°7′E–97°25′E
IST = GMT +5:30 hours (based on 82°30′E)
7 land neighbours + 2 maritime neighbours
Exam Tip: Delhi Police often asks one-liner MCQs on India's geographical features. Remember key coordinates and border lengths to answer quickly.
Summary Points
Master Indian Geography for Delhi Police Exam!
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