Score:
6/10
Analyze what earned this score 🔥
Topper’s Copy
GS1
Indian Geography
10 marks
Discuss the factors responsible for the simultaneous withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and the onset of the northeast monsoon over southern India in recent years.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Discuss factors responsible for simultaneous withdrawal of southwest monsoon and onset of northeast monsoon
- Focus on southern India context
- Explain recent years' trend (temporal aspect)
- Address both meteorological and climatic causes
What you wrote:
India experiences two monsoon system the Southwest Monsoon & the Northeast Monsoon. Normally, the southwest monsoon retreats by late September before the onset of the northeast monsoon in October. However, in recent years, there has been a growing overlap between the two system, particularly "over Southern Peninsular India".
India experiences two monsoon system the Southwest Monsoon & the Northeast Monsoon. Normally, the southwest monsoon retreats by late September before the onset of the northeast monsoon in October. However, in recent years, there has been a growing overlap between the two system, particularly "over Southern Peninsular India".
Suggestions to improve:
- Can add specific recent example (e.g., "as observed in October 2025 when IMD announced simultaneous withdrawal and onset on October 16th") to make the introduction more current and impactful.
What you wrote:
Factors responsible
1. Delayed retreat of the Southwest Monsoon;
- Persistence of low-pressure systems over the "Bay of Bengal & the Arabian Sea" delays monsoon withdrawal.
- Warmer sea surface temperatures maintain convective activity longer into October.
Factors responsible
1. Delayed retreat of the Southwest Monsoon;
- Persistence of low-pressure systems over the "Bay of Bengal & the Arabian Sea" delays monsoon withdrawal.
- Warmer sea surface temperatures maintain convective activity longer into October.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can include upper air cyclonic circulation over Comorin area (as seen in recent patterns) that influences withdrawal timing
- Can mention the role of thermal contrast weakening between land and sea during October, slowing the retreat process
What you wrote:
2. Early onset of the Northeast Monsoon;
- Strengthening of easterly winds over the Bay of Bengal due to pressure differences between land & sea accelerates the onset.
- Enhanced "cyclonic circulation" during October facilitates rainfall even beyond full withdrawal of the southwest monsoon.
2. Early onset of the Northeast Monsoon;
- Strengthening of easterly winds over the Bay of Bengal due to pressure differences between land & sea accelerates the onset.
- Enhanced "cyclonic circulation" during October facilitates rainfall even beyond full withdrawal of the southwest monsoon.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can specify northeasterly trade winds establishment as a key trigger for northeast monsoon onset
- Can add role of retreating Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) southward, creating favorable conditions for northeast monsoon
What you wrote:
3. Climatic & oceanic influences;
- Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) & "La Niña" phases intensify convection, sustaining overlapping systems.
- Climate change has altered thermal gradients, leading to delayed withdrawal & erratic onset patterns.
3. Climatic & oceanic influences;
- Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) & "La Niña" phases intensify convection, sustaining overlapping systems.
- Climate change has altered thermal gradients, leading to delayed withdrawal & erratic onset patterns.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can mention El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability affecting monsoon transition timing
- Can add Arabian Sea warming trends contributing to delayed southwest monsoon withdrawal
What you wrote:
Recent trend & Implications;
- Since 2020, IMD has reported overlapping monsoon activity.
- Causing "simultaneous rainfall" in Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh.
- This trend affects agricultural planning, water management & increases urban flooding risks.
Recent trend & Implications;
- Since 2020, IMD has reported overlapping monsoon activity.
- Causing "simultaneous rainfall" in Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh.
- This trend affects agricultural planning, water management & increases urban flooding risks.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can add enhanced rainfall activity prediction for next 7 days over Kerala and Tamil Nadu (as per recent IMD forecasts) to show ongoing relevance
- Can mention Puducherry and Karaikal along with the mentioned states for complete regional coverage
What you wrote:
The growing overlap between the two monsoons reflect changing monsoon dynamics and the overwhelming climate, demanding better seasonal forecasting & adaptive agricultural strategies.
The growing overlap between the two monsoons reflect changing monsoon dynamics and the overwhelming climate, demanding better seasonal forecasting & adaptive agricultural strategies.
Suggestions to improve:
- Can strengthen by mentioning SDG 13 (Climate Action) alignment for climate adaptation measures
- Can add reference to IMD's enhanced monitoring systems for better prediction of such overlapping patterns
Your answer demonstrates strong understanding of monsoon dynamics with good scientific depth and practical implications. The structure is logical and you've addressed all major demands effectively. Consider adding more specific recent examples and meteorological details to enhance the technical accuracy and current relevance.
Demand of the Question
- Discuss factors responsible for simultaneous withdrawal of southwest monsoon and onset of northeast monsoon
- Focus on southern India context
- Explain recent years' trend (temporal aspect)
- Address both meteorological and climatic causes
What you wrote:
India experiences two monsoon system the Southwest Monsoon & the Northeast Monsoon. Normally, the southwest monsoon retreats by late September before the onset of the northeast monsoon in October. However, in recent years, there has been a growing overlap between the two system, particularly "over Southern Peninsular India".
India experiences two monsoon system the Southwest Monsoon & the Northeast Monsoon. Normally, the southwest monsoon retreats by late September before the onset of the northeast monsoon in October. However, in recent years, there has been a growing overlap between the two system, particularly "over Southern Peninsular India".
Suggestions to improve:
- Can add specific recent example (e.g., "as observed in October 2025 when IMD announced simultaneous withdrawal and onset on October 16th") to make the introduction more current and impactful.
More Challenges
View All- View Challenge
GS3
Environment & Ecology
17 May, 2026
How do wetlands contribute to ecological balance and sustainable development? Discuss the major threats faced by wetland ecosystems in India and suggest measures for their conservation.
- View Challenge
GS2
Indian Polity
Yesterday
Discuss the constitutional and ethical dimensions of the Sabarimala case. How can a balance be maintained between religious freedom under Article 25 and the principles of equality and constitutional morality?
- View Challenge
GS3
Science & Technology
15 May, 2026
The recent global move to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) reflects a broader understanding of women’s metabolic and hormonal health. Discuss the significance of this change. How can greater awareness and public health interventions help address lifestyle-related hormonal disorders in India?
SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.
Download the App
STUDY RESOURCES
CONTACT US
ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited