India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Geography
- PYQs11
- Articles3
Background
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875, making it one of the oldest national meteorological services in the world. It functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. IMD is the principal government agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology in India, providing crucial services for public safety and various economic sectors.
IMD is a vital national institution for public safety, disaster management, agriculture, and various economic sectors dependent on weather and climate information. Understanding its structure, functions, and modernization efforts is crucial for governance and policy analysis.
- Establishment Year
- 1875
- Parent Ministry
- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
- Headquarters
- Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi
- International Affiliation
- Permanent Representative of India with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Facts & tables
IMD's core function is to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts for various time scales: short-range (up to 3 days), medium-range (4-10 days), and long-range (seasonal forecasts, especially for monsoon). These forecasts are critical for agriculture, aviation, shipping, and general public awareness.
A primary responsibility of IMD is to issue warnings for extreme weather events. This includes tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, heatwaves, cold waves, dust storms, and fog. These warnings are crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts by national and state disaster management authorities.
- Nodal Agency
- Primary agency for weather, climate, and seismological services in India.
- Observation Network
- Operates a vast network of surface observatories, upper air stations, Doppler Weather Radars, and uses satellite data.
- Technological Advancement
- Utilizes Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models and supercomputing facilities for forecasting.
- Disaster Management Role
- Crucial for early warnings of cyclones, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, directly aiding disaster risk reduction.
- Agromet Services
- Provides district-level Agromet Advisory Services to farmers, enhancing agricultural resilience.
- Seismology
- Monitors seismic activity and provides earthquake information across India.
- Parent Ministry
- Operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Infrastructure
- Maintains a network of S-Band Doppler Weather Radars, manned observatories, Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG).
| Service Type | Description | Primary Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Forecasting | Short, medium, and long-range forecasts for various weather parameters. | General public, agriculture, aviation, shipping, tourism |
| Disaster Warnings | Alerts for cyclones, heavy rain, heatwaves, cold waves, thunderstorms. | Disaster management agencies, public, coastal communities |
| Agromet Advisory | Weather-based advisories for crop planning, pest management, irrigation. | Farmers, agricultural sector |
| Aviation Meteorology | Weather information for safe aircraft operations. | Airlines, air traffic control, airports |
| Seismological Services | Monitoring earthquakes and seismic activity. | Public, disaster management, urban planners |
| Climate Services | Climate data, monitoring, and research on climate change. | Researchers, policymakers, various economic sectors |
| Colour Code | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Green | No warning, no action needed. | No specific action required. |
| Yellow | Be aware, conditions could worsen. | Keep a watch, stay updated, be prepared for potential disruption. |
| Orange | Be prepared, severe weather likely. | Take necessary precautions, be ready for significant disruption, follow official advice. |
| Red | Take action, extremely severe weather. | Immediate action required, evacuate if advised, protect life and property. |
| RMC | States/UTs Covered |
|---|---|
| RMC New Delhi | Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana |
| RMC Jammu | J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh |
| RMC Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand |
| RMC Guwahati | Assam and other NE Region |
| RMC Mumbai | Parts of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat |
| RMC Kolkata | West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, A&N Islands |
| RMC Chennai | TN, AP, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep |
| RMC Nagpur | MP, Chhattisgarh, Parts of Maharashtra |
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Public Administration |
| Conceptual area | Disaster Management |
| Conceptual area | Science & Technology |
| Conceptual area | Government Agencies |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) | Administrative control |
| India Meteorological Department (IMD) | Responsible |
| Ministry of Earth Sciences | Governs |
Prelims angle
For UPSC Prelims, questions related to IMD often focus on its establishment year, parent ministry (MoES), key functions, major initiatives (e.g., Monsoon Mission, Agromet Advisory Services), and the types of warnings it issues (e.g., cyclone warnings, heatwave alerts). Knowledge of its technological infrastructure like Doppler Weather Radars and supercomputers for forecasting is also relevant. Understanding the colour codes for warnings (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) is a common factual query.
For UPSC Mains, IMD's role is critical in various General Studies papers. In GS-I (Geography), its contribution to understanding monsoon patterns, climate change impacts, and natural hazards is important. In GS-III (Disaster Management, Economy, Environment), IMD is central to disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, climate change adaptation, and ensuring food security through agricultural advisories. Its effectiveness, challenges in forecasting, modernization efforts, and inter-agency coordination (e.g., with NDMA, CWC) are key areas for analytical questions on governance, public service delivery, and environmental policy.
- Established in 1875, it is the national meteorological service of India.
- Functions include weather forecasting, seismology, climate services, and astronomical data.
- Crucial for issuing warnings for extreme weather events (heatwaves, cyclones, heavy rainfall).
- Operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Plays a vital role in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies.
Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.
Ministry sets policy; regulator often has quasi-judicial powers.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Policy measures, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2025 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Purpose or function of a policy tool |
| 2024 | Definition-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions |
| 2020 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2017 | Statement-based questions, Purpose or function of a policy tool |
| 2016 | Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions |
Current affairs
IMD continuously upgrades its forecasting capabilities and warning systems, particularly in response to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like severe heatwaves and tropical cyclones, leveraging advanced technology and international collaboration.
Recent developments at IMD include the expansion of its Doppler Weather Radar network to improve localized forecasting and nowcasting capabilities, especially for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall events. This enhances the accuracy and lead time of warnings.
Timeline
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Public Administration
Conceptual area
-
Disaster Management
Conceptual area
-
Science & Technology
Conceptual area
-
Government Agencies
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2016
Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2017
Statement-based questions, Purpose or function of a policy tool
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2020
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2024
Definition-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2025
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Purpose or function of a policy tool
-
Prelims 2026
Policy measures, Multi-statement analysis
-
Severe heatwave conditions likely to prevail over parts of India: IMD
The principal agency of the Government of India under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. It provides critical warnings for extreme weather events like heatwaves, cyclones, and heavy rainfall.
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PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPLEMENTATION OF MISSION MAUSAM
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under MoES, is India's primary agency for weather forecasting and climate services, playing a critical role in disaster preparedness through its extensive observational network and early warning systems.
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WhatsApp weather alerts for people in Telangana villages under IMD’s Mission Mausam
IMD, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is India's primary weather agency, providing forecasts and advisories using advanced infrastructure like radars and AWS, crucial for agriculture and disaster management.
See also
Dashed boxes: related topics without a notes page yet. Tap a solid box to open notes.
Past papers
2016–2026 · 11 questions
In the news
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPLEMENTATION OF MISSION MAUSAM
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under MoES, is India's primary agency for weather forecasting and climate services, playing a critical role in disaster preparedness through its extensive observational network and early warning systems.
WhatsApp weather alerts for people in Telangana villages under IMD’s Mission Mausam
IMD, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is India's primary weather agency, providing forecasts and advisories using advanced infrastructure like radars and AWS, crucial for agriculture and disaster management.
Severe heatwave conditions likely to prevail over parts of India: IMD
The principal agency of the Government of India under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. It provides critical warnings for extreme weather events like heatwaves, cyclones, and heavy rainfall.
Try these PYQs
Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?
1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management.
2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
3. One of the Chief Ministers of the State through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on a rotation basis.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is correct. National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) is the financing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and coordinating authority for the Ganges River, functioning under the Jal Shakti Ministry. Statement 2 is correct. The mission of the organisation is to safeguard the drainage basin which feeds water into the Ganges by protecting it from pollution or overuse. In July 2014, the NGRBA has been transferred from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority.
Other members include the cabinet ministers of ministries that include the Ganges among their direct concerns and the chief ministers of states through which the Ganges River flows.
What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ (NAM) scheme?
1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
2. It provides the farmers access to the nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
E-NAM (National Agriculture Market) is an online trading platform for agriculture produce aiming to help farmers, traders, and buyers with online trading and getting a better price through smooth marketing. Statement 1 is Correct: Pan-India electronic trading portal (Correct) This is a core feature of NAM. It creates a unified online platform where farmers can connect with buyers from across the country, eliminating geographical restrictions and potentially increasing market access. Statement 2 is Correct: Access to nationwide markets and better prices (Correct) NAM allows farmers to see prices prevailing in various mandis (wholesale markets) across the country. This transparency empowers them to choose the market offering the best price for their produce, potentially fetching them higher returns compared to traditional, localised markets. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 2 both are correct.Hence, option C is the correct answer.
Consider the following pairs:
State – Description
I. Arunachal Pradesh : The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks.
II. Nagaland : The State came into existence on the basis of a Constitutional Amendment Act.
III. Tripura : Initially a Part 'C' State, it became a centrally administered territory with the reorganization of States in 1956 and later attained the status of a full-fledged State.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
This question tests knowledge of historical and administrative facts about northeastern Indian states. ✅ Pair I: Arunachal Pradesh – Correct
* Itanagar, the capital, is named after Ita Fort.
* The state has two National Parks: Namdapha and Mouling. ✅ Pair II: Nagaland – Correct
* Nagaland attained statehood via a constitutional amendment and came into being on 1 December 1963 through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. ✅ Pair III: Tripura – Correct
* Tripura was a Part 'C' state, became a Union Territory in 1956, and was granted statehood in 1972.
With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board's Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: The Tea Board of India is a statutory body created under the Tea Act, 1953 and it was established to regulate the Indian tea industry and protect the interests of tea producers in India. Statement 2 is incorrect: It is functioning as a statutory body of the Central Government under the Ministry of Commerce. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Tea Board of India's Head Office is situated in Kolkata. Statement 4 is correct: The Tea Board of India has overseas offices in Moscow, Dubai, Hamburg, London, and New York.
Consider the following statements:
1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization.
2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government
of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. The India Sanitation Coalition was launched on June 25, 2015, at FICCI, New Delhi. ISC is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together the private sector, government, financial institutions, civil society groups, media, donors/bilateral/multilateral, experts, etc., to work in the sanitation space to drive sustainable sanitation through a partnership model. It is not funded by WHO. Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is India’s premier urban think tank, shaping the urban narrative since its establishment in 1976, it not an apex body. It is an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act.
Show 6 more PYQs
“The crop is subtropical in nature, A hard frost in injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?
The description provided matches the requirements for cotton cultivation. - Subtropical nature and frost sensitivity: Cotton is a subtropical crop and is sensitive to frost. A hard frost can damage the cotton plants, making them unsuitable for cold regions.
- Frost-free days: Cotton requires at least 210 frost-free days, which is typical for its growth cycle. It thrives in regions with a long growing season, free from frost.
- Rainfall requirement: Cotton needs 50 to 100 cm of rainfall. The crop is drought-tolerant, but it still requires moderate rainfall for optimal growth.
- Soil type: Cotton grows best in light, well-drained soil that can retain moisture, providing the right balance for its deep root system. Cotton is the right answer. Hence, option A is the correct answer.
With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
1. The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
2. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority' (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), not the Ministry of Rural Development. Statement 2 is Correct: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) does function as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. APEDA plays a crucial role in promoting and certifying organic products in India. Statement 3 is Correct: Sikkim has indeed become India's first fully organic State. This achievement signifies India's efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✅ Statement I: Correct
*RGM aims to conserve indigenous breeds, benefiting small farmers and landless labourers by improving animal productivity.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*Launched in December 2014, the mission promotes scientific breeding, genetic upgradation, and conservation of indigenous breeds.* Correct Answer: (C) Both Statements I and II are correct.
Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?
1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas
2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions
3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)
Select the answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme explicitly promotes Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) rather than monoculture. It integrates multi-cropping and rotational cropping with allied activities like horticulture, livestock, fishery, and agro-forestry to diversify income and build resilience. Official guidelines actively discourage single-cropping (monoculture) systems. Statement 2 is Incorrect: As the name implies, RAD targets rainfed areas (regions lacking assured irrigation) to build resilience against climate variability. It does not focus on expanding water-intensive crops like rice in already irrigated regions. Statement 3 is Correct: The core objective of RAD is to make rainfed agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate-resilient. By diversifying income sources through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), RAD aims to minimize the risks associated with climatic variability (such as droughts, heat stress, or floods) and crop failure, ensuring stable livelihoods for farmers. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
2. OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is incorrect. OMT is measured up to the depth of the 26°C isotherm, but the 129-meter depth mentioned in the southwestern Indian Ocean during January-March is incorrect. The depth of the 26°C isotherm can vary depending on the region and season. Statement 2 is correct. OMT collected during January-March helps in predicting the amount of rainfall during the monsoon. It is used to assess whether rainfall will be more or less than the long-term average, as variations in OMT influence monsoon behaviour. Hence, option B is the correct answer.
Which one of the following is the correct description of "100 Million Farmers"?
100 Million Farmers: The 100 Million Farmers initiative, launched by The World Economic Forum (WEF), seeks to drive a global movement focused on accelerating the adoption of regenerative agriculture and climate adaptation practices at the farm level. This initiative aims to transition towards sustainable food and water systems. It focuses on achieving net-zero carbon emissions, enhancing nature positivity, and improving farmers' resilience to climate change and market fluctuations. _Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:_ * Option B: This describes organizations promoting organic animal husbandry, not the '100 Million Farmers' initiative. * Option C: This refers to a blockchain-based platform for fertilizer trading, which is not the core focus of '100 Million Farmers.' * Option D: While farmer collectives are important, '100 Million Farmers has a broader scope encompassing sustainable practices and climate resilience.