Geography · 2 Oct 2026

Long Period Average monsoon

With reference to the 2026 southwest monsoon season in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Long Period Average (LPA) currently used for the season's rainfall is based on data for the period 1971-2020.
  2. The India Meteorological Department functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  3. East and northeast India recorded its lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901, even though the all-India deficit was about 12.6%.
  4. The all-India seasonal rainfall fell outside the range given in the IMD's May forecast.
AOnly one
BOnly two
COnly three
DAll four
This question is based on: Same Deficit as 2015, a Different Map: How El Niño Redrew India's 2026 Monsoon
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 2 Oct 2026
About this question

Why in news

The IMD's end-of-season assessment, released on September 30, 2026, confirmed a 12.6% all-India deficit (87% of LPA), the weakest season since 2015. It also recorded the lowest rainfall since 1901 for east and northeast India.

Why for UPSC

UPSC regularly tests institutional facts (which ministry a body falls under) together with conceptual benchmarks like the LPA. The forecast-range statement checks whether the aspirant can apply an error margin rather than just recall a headline number.

Prelims summary

The LPA (1971-2020 base, 868.6 mm) is the benchmark for India's monsoon. The IMD works under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
In 2026 the season ended at 87% of LPA, within the IMD's May forecast of 90% ±4%. East and northeast India still had its driest monsoon since 1901.
National averages can hide regional records.

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