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NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements

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Stepwise Answers & PDF Download: Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 2: Human Settlements are now easier to learn with clear, stepwise explanations. These exam-oriented answers strengthen your fundamentals and help you score well in the 2025–26 CBSE exams.


Get exercise-wise solutions, key definitions, and free PDF download for quick and effective revision. Our human settlements class 12 ncert solutions include answers matched to the CBSE marking scheme and convenient diagrams to sharpen your understanding.


Whether you need back exercise questions, in-depth explanations, or important question answers, this resource is designed to boost your confidence and exam performance. Download the Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 PDF and start revising smarter today!


Stepwise Answers & PDF Download: Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements

1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options.


i. Which one of the following towns is NOT located on a river bank?


  • (a) Agra
  • (b) Bhopal
  • (c) Patna
  • (d) Kolkata

Answer: (b) Bhopal


ii. Which one of the following is NOT the part of the definition of a town as per the census of India?


  • (a) Population density of 400 persons per sq km.
  • (b) Presence of municipality, corporation, etc.
  • (c) More than 75% of the population engaged in primary sector.
  • (d) Population size of more than 5,000 persons.

Answer: (c) More than 75% of the population engaged in primary sector.


iii. In which one of the following environments does one expect the presence of dispersed rural settlements?


  • (a) Alluvial plains of Ganga
  • (b) Arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan
  • (c) Lower valleys of Himalayas
  • (d) Forests and hills in north-east

Answer: (d) Forests and hills in north-east


2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.


i. What are garrisson towns? What is their function?


Answer: Garrisson towns are towns that have emerged and developed primarily to serve as military bases. Their main function is to station and support armed forces, provide defense, and serve as cantonment areas for military personnel.


ii. What are the main factors for the location of villages in desert regions?


Answer: The main factors for the location of villages in desert regions are availability of water, presence of oasis or wells, protection from sandstorms, proximity to trade routes, and natural protection provided by terrain such as sand dunes.


3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.


i. Discuss the features of different types of rural settlements. What are the factors responsible for the settlement patterns in different physical environments?


Answer: There are four major types of rural settlements: clustered, semi-clustered, hamleted, and dispersed.

A. Clustered settlements have closely built homes, distinct from the surrounding farmlands, and are found in fertile plains such as the northern plains and northeast India, often formed for security or water availability.

B. Semi-clustered settlements result from the segregation or fragmentation of larger villages—dominant communities live centrally while marginalized groups are found on the outskirts, as seen in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

C. Hamleted settlements are physically separated units with a common village name, motivated by social or ethnic factors; these are common in the Ganga plains, Chhattisgarh, and the Himalayan valleys.

D. Dispersed settlements feature isolated huts or small clusters scattered across remote or hilly terrain, caused by highly fragmented lands, as seen in Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala.

Settlement patterns are influenced by physical features (terrain, water, altitude, climate), cultural factors (social structure), and security considerations.


ii. Can one imagine the presence of only one-function town? Why do the cities become multi-functional?


Answer: It is difficult to find a town functioning solely with one function. Initially, towns may specialize in a single activity, like mining or administration, but with time and growth, people are drawn for various job opportunities, services, and businesses.

As population increases, additional functions such as commerce, education, administration, transportation, and industry develop to serve the growing needs of the inhabitants. This dynamic process ensures that larger towns and cities inevitably become multi-functional, with several activities interlinked and overlapping, leaving behind a purely one-function character.


NCERT Solutions Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements (2025-26)

The chapter on Human Settlements helps students understand rural and urban settlement types, evolution of Indian towns, and functional classification. Grasping these NCERT solutions is crucial for building a strong foundation in Geography, improving analysis and scoring high in the board exam.


Focusing on the main characteristics of settlements and their factors is a smart way to master this chapter. Use structured answers and short notes to clarify concepts and enhance your answer writing for the NCERT Class 12 Geography 2025-26 exam.


Practice mapping and remember key features of rural and urban settlements. Reviewing these solutions often will boost your confidence and help you tackle both short and long answer questions in exams effectively.


FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements

1. What are human settlements as per Class 12 Geography Chapter 2?

Human settlements, according to Class 12 Geography Chapter 2, are communities where people live, interact, and organize their daily lives. They can be classified into rural and urban settlements and differ in size, structure, and function. Key points:

  • Rural settlements: Mainly agricultural, dispersed or clustered.
  • Urban settlements: More developed, dense population, and diverse non-farming activities.
  • Human settlements reflect cultural, social, and economic patterns.

2. How to write stepwise NCERT answers for Human Settlements to score full marks?

To score full marks in Geography's Human Settlements chapter, follow a stepwise answer structure using key concepts and definitions.

  • Start with a clear, direct introduction using textbook language.
  • Break the answer into logical steps or points.
  • Include diagrams or maps if the question asks for them.
  • Highlight important keywords and definitions.
  • Conclude with a summary statement or relevance.

3. What are the main types of human settlements according to NCERT?

The main types of human settlements in the NCERT syllabus are:

  • Rural settlements: Clustered, semi-clustered, hamleted, and dispersed.
  • Urban settlements: Towns, cities, metropolitan, and mega cities.

Each settlement type has unique features based on size, economic activities, and spatial organization.

4. Which questions from Human Settlements are likely to be asked in CBSE exams?

CBSE exams often ask:

  • Definitions (e.g., rural vs. urban settlements).
  • Classification and features of settlement types.
  • Differences between clustered and dispersed rural settlements.
  • Factors influencing location and growth of settlements.
  • Importance of urbanization and problems faced by urban centers.
  • Map/diagram-based questions on settlement distribution.

5. How can I download the NCERT Solutions PDF for Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements?

You can download NCERT Solutions PDF for Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements from trusted educational platforms providing CBSE resources. Steps include:

  • Visit the official CBSE or reputed educational website.
  • Navigate to Class 12 Geography > Chapter 2.
  • Click on the download PDF option for offline access.

6. Are diagrams or definitions mandatory in Human Settlements exam answers?

Yes, diagrams and definitions are often required as per CBSE marking scheme:

  • Diagrams/maps: Draw when asked, especially for types of settlements or distribution patterns.
  • Definitions: Always provide concise, textbook-based definitions for key terms.
  • Including these increases clarity and scores in Geography answers.

7. What are common mistakes students make when answering Human Settlements questions?

Common mistakes to avoid in Class 12 Geography Human Settlements answers:

  • Missing key definitions or steps in the answer.
  • Not labelling diagrams/maps clearly.
  • Writing generic or irrelevant information.
  • Ignoring CBSE command words like 'explain', 'differentiate', 'describe'.

8. How to structure long answers on Human Settlements for maximum CBSE marks?

For long answers, use the following structure to align with the CBSE marking scheme:

  • Introduction: Define the main concept.
  • Body: Divide into clear subpoints or steps, each with a relevant heading.
  • Include examples, case studies, or diagrams when possible.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the significance or main idea.

9. What are the most important topics to revise in Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Human Settlements?

Key topics to revise in this chapter include:

  • Definitions: Rural & urban settlements.
  • Settlement types and their features.
  • Factors influencing settlement locations and growth.
  • Urbanization: causes, effects, and issues.
  • Settlement patterns: linear, clustered, dispersed, etc.
  • Problems of urban settlements in India.

10. Do examiners award partial marks for correct steps even if the final answer is wrong in CBSE Geography Human Settlements questions?

Yes, CBSE examiners award step marks. If your method and explanations are correct but the final answer is wrong, you can still earn marks for each correct step:

  • Highlight working steps, diagrams, and keywords.
  • Marks are split as per the marking scheme for each answer component.
  • Show all relevant processes even if unsure about the final solution.

11. Where can I find chapterwise solutions for all Class 12 Geography chapters, including Human Settlements?

Chapterwise NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography, including Human Settlements, are available on several educational websites. Look for resources that provide:

  • CBSE-aligned, stepwise solutions for each chapter.
  • Downloadable PDFs and revision notes.
  • Answers matching 2025–26 CBSE marking schemes.

12. How do I practice map and diagram labelling for Human Settlements in Class 12 Geography?

Practicing map and diagram labelling helps you score in map-based questions. Tips:

  • Follow textbook conventions for symbols and colours.
  • Label all features clearly and accurately.
  • Use a scale where required.
  • Revise common diagrams for settlement types and patterns.