Consider the following statements regarding the onset of the Southwest Monsoon: 1. It sets in over the Kerala coast typically by the end of July. 2. It reaches Mumbai and Kolkata between 10th and 13th June. 3. By mid-July, it engulfs the entire subcontinent. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only . Explanation The onset of the Southwest Monsoon is a dynamic meteorological event where moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean strike the Indian landmass. This process follows a specific chronological progression, starting from the southern tip of the peninsula and advancing northwards and westwards across the subcontinent. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Southwest Monsoon typically sets in over the Kerala coast on 1st June, not by the end of July. The onset over Kerala marks the beginning of the rainy season for the Indian mainland. - Statement 2 is Correct. After hitting Kerala, the monsoon advances rapidly. The Arabian Sea branch usually reaches Mumbai approximately by 10th June. Simultaneously, the Bay of Bengal branch advances rapidly and reaches Kolkata between 10th and 13th June. - Statement 3 is Correct. The monsoon continues its advance towards the remaining parts of the country. By mid-July (typically around 15th July), it covers the entire Indian subcontinent, including the northwestern regions. Key Takeaway: The standard timeline for the Southwest Monsoon involves onset over Kerala on 1st June, arrival in Mumbai and Kolkata by 10th-13th June, and coverage of the entire country by mid-July.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 3: Climate

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Consider the following statements regarding the onset of the Southwest Monsoon:

It sets in over the Kerala coast typically by the end of July.
It reaches Mumbai and Kolkata between 10th and 13th June.
By mid-July, it engulfs the entire subcontinent.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

The onset of the Southwest Monsoon is a dynamic meteorological event where moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean strike the Indian landmass. This process follows a specific chronological progression, starting from the southern tip of the peninsula and advancing northwards and westwards across the subcontinent.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Southwest Monsoon typically sets in over the Kerala coast on 1st June, not by the end of July. The onset over Kerala marks the beginning of the rainy season for the Indian mainland.
Statement 2 is Correct. After hitting Kerala, the monsoon advances rapidly. The Arabian Sea branch usually reaches Mumbai approximately by 10th June. Simultaneously, the Bay of Bengal branch advances rapidly and reaches Kolkata between 10th and 13th June.
Statement 3 is Correct. The monsoon continues its advance towards the remaining parts of the country. By mid-July (typically around 15th July), it covers the entire Indian subcontinent, including the northwestern regions.

Key Takeaway:
The standard timeline for the Southwest Monsoon involves onset over Kerala on 1st June, arrival in Mumbai and Kolkata by 10th-13th June, and coverage of the entire country by mid-July.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Climate

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Consider the following statements regarding the factors determining the climate of India: 1. Places south of the Tropic of Cancer experience a tropical climate with small daily and annual ranges of temperature. 2. The Himalayas facilitate the entry of cold northern winds originating near the Arctic Circle into the subcontinent. 3. The differential heating of land and sea creates different air pressure zones causing the reversal of monsoon winds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the difference between weather and climate: 1. Weather changes quickly within a day, whereas climate refers to conditions over a period of five to ten years. 2. Weather refers to the momentary state of the atmosphere, while climate refers to average weather conditions over a long period. 3. The elements of weather and climate are different and unrelated to each other. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following factors is responsible for the decrease in temperature with an increase in altitude?

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Keep practising Chapter 3: Climate

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The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Southwest Monsoon typically sets in over the Kerala coast on 1st June, not by the end of July. The onset over Kerala marks the beginning of the rainy season for the Indian mainland.
Statement 2 is Correct. After hitting Kerala, the monsoon advances rapidly. The Arabian Sea branch usually reaches Mumbai approximately by 10th June. Simultaneously, the Bay of Bengal branch advances rapidly and reaches Kolkata between 10th and 13th June.
Statement 3 is Correct. The monsoon continues its advance towards the remaining parts of the country. By mid-July (typically around 15th July), it covers the entire Indian subcontinent, including the northwestern regions.