Which of the following is the correct coastal length of India including the islands?

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer-2024

Explanation

The total length of India's coastline, including the mainland and island territories, is approximately 7516.6 kilometers.
This figure is commonly rounded off to 7517 km in official records and general knowledge questions.
This total length is a combination of the mainland coastline (around 5422.6 km) and the coastline of the island territories (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep), which together account for about 2094 km.

Option A: This value (5000 km) is an underestimation. It is even less than the length of India's mainland coastline alone.
Option B: This value (5631 km) is close to the length of India's mainland coastline (~5422.6 km) but it incorrectly excludes the extensive coastline of the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
Option D: This value (8216 km) is a significant overestimation of India's total coastal length.

Visual 1: Map of India - A map highlighting the entire coastline of the Indian mainland, along with the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep island groups, to visually represent the total length.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Total coastal length of India including its island territories as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general knowledge, which is a common component of the 'General Intelligence' or 'General Awareness' section in many nursing and other professional entrance examinations.
A broad general knowledge base demonstrates a candidate's awareness of the world around them, which is a desirable trait for well-rounded professionals.
What if the question asked for the mainland coastline only? In that case, the answer would be closer to 5423 km, making the option '5631 km' a plausible (though still inexact) choice, and '7517 km' would be incorrect.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is Indian Geography (a part of General Knowledge).
Next, parse the specific details asked. The keywords are 'coastal length', 'India', and the crucial qualifier 'including the islands'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question requiring a specific number.
Differentiate between the two main figures related to India's coastline: the mainland length (5,400 km) and the total length including islands (7,500 km).
Since the question explicitly includes islands, select the option closest to 7,500 km.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full JIPMER Nursing Officer-2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.