CDS I General Knowledge 2020: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

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Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology3025.2%
History & Culture2319.3%
Geography2218.5%
Polity & Governance1916%
Economy1310.9%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge75.9%
International Relations & Global Affairs32.5%
Environment & Ecology21.7%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)26
GeographyWorld Physical Geography8
GeographyMaps & Locations6
History & CultureNational Movement (1857–1947)6
Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSports, Games & Awards5
EconomySchemes, Inclusion & Social Sector4
Polity & GovernanceLocal Government4
History & CultureCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy4
History & CultureModern India (Pre-1857)4
GeographyIndian Economic Geography4
Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Health3
EconomyMoney, Banking & Inflation3
EconomyBasic Concepts & National Income3
Polity & GovernanceFundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties3
History & CultureMedieval India3

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), remains one of the most prestigious gateways for those aspiring to don the uniform as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Among the three papers, the General Knowledge (GK) paper is often the "make or break" component. The CDS I 2020 GK paper, consisting of 119 questions (traditionally 120, but one often omitted or adjusted), serves as a classic case study in how the UPSC has transitioned from rote memorization to a conceptual, application-based approach. For an aspirant, analyzing this specific year is not just a history lesson; it is a strategic blueprint for future attempts.

The 2020 paper was characterized by a heavy tilt toward Science and a nuanced approach to Geography and History. With 100 marks at stake and a negative marking of 1/3rd for every wrong answer, the margin for error was razor-thin. If you are aiming for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), or Air Force Academy (AFA), a score of 45+ in GK is considered excellent. For OTA aspirants, the GK paper is even more critical. This analysis will deconstruct the DNA of the 2020 paper to help you calibrate your preparation for the upcoming cycles.

2. Subject-wise Deep Dive

Science & Technology (30 Questions | 25.2%)

In 2020, Science was the undisputed king. With 30 questions, nearly a quarter of the paper was dedicated to Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). The questions weren't merely factual; they tested the fundamental understanding of phenomena. For instance, questions on optics, electricity, and chemical reactions required a grasp of 9th and 10th-grade concepts applied to real-world scenarios.

  • Specific Topics: Light (Refraction/Reflection), Human Anatomy (Cell structure, Nervous system), Periodic Table trends, and Carbon compounds.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Science textbooks from Class 9 and 10 are your Bible. For advanced Biology and Physics, selective reading of Class 11 and 12 NCERTs (especially Ecology and Genetics units) is vital.
  • Reference Sources: Lucent’s General Science can be used for a quick factual brush-up, but it cannot replace NCERTs.
  • Common Mistakes: Ignoring the diagrams and "Boxed Information" in NCERTs. Many questions in 2020 were derived directly from the activities mentioned in NCERT chapters.

History & Culture (23 Questions | 19.3%)

History in 2020 followed the classic UPSC pattern of emphasizing the National Movement (1857–1947), but it also threw curveballs with Culture and Ancient philosophy. The focus was on the "Why" and "How" of events rather than just dates.

  • Specific Topics: The 1857 Revolt, Gandhian Era, Bhakti and Sufi movements, and Ancient Indian literature.
  • Recommended Books: 'Brief History of Modern India' by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) is essential. For Ancient and Medieval, the Old NCERTs by RS Sharma and Satish Chandra are unmatched.
  • Reference Sources: Tamil Nadu State Board History books (Class 11 and 12) provide an excellent narrative flow that is very helpful for CDS.
  • Common Mistakes: Spending too much time on obscure Medieval kings while ignoring the socio-economic impacts of the British Raj.

Geography (22 Questions | 18.5%)

Geography in 2020 was highly visual and conceptual. World Physical Geography and Map-based questions dominated the section. The examiner tested the aspirant's ability to locate places in the news and understand global climatic patterns.

  • Specific Topics: Ocean currents, Winds, Indian River systems, and Mapping of Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian regions.
  • Recommended Books: 'Certificate Physical and Human Geography' by Goh Cheng Leong is a must-read. NCERT Class 11 (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) and Class 12 (India: People and Economy) are non-negotiable.
  • Reference Sources: Oxford Student Atlas. Mapping cannot be learned through text; it must be visualized.
  • Common Mistakes: Memorizing list of peaks and rivers without understanding their drainage patterns or geological context.

Polity & Governance (19 Questions | 16%)

Polity was relatively straightforward but required a deep dive into Local Government (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities), which saw 4 dedicated questions. The emphasis was on the functioning of the Constitution rather than just Articles.

  • Specific Topics: Fundamental Rights, Local Self-Government, Preamble, and Constitutional Amendments.
  • Recommended Books: 'Indian Polity' by M. Laxmikanth. It is the gold standard.
  • Reference Sources: 'Our Constitution' by Subhash Kashyap is excellent for understanding the "spirit" of the law for statement-based questions.
  • Common Mistakes: Skipping the Appendices and Tables in Laxmikanth. Often, direct questions on 'Order of Precedence' or 'Constitutional Bodies' come from these tables.

Economy (13 Questions | 10.9%)

The Economy section in 2020 shifted toward social sector schemes and financial inclusion. It moved away from core theoretical macroeconomics to more applied aspects of the Indian economy.

  • Specific Topics: Government schemes (PMJDY, etc.), Banking terms (Repo rate, SLR), and Poverty/Unemployment metrics.
  • Recommended Books: 'Indian Economy' by Ramesh Singh (selective reading). For basics, NCERT Class 11 (Indian Economic Development).
  • Reference Sources: The Economic Survey (Summary) and Budget highlights from the current year.
  • Common Mistakes: Getting bogged down in complex mathematical formulas. CDS requires conceptual clarity, not an MBA-level understanding.

3. Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis

The CDS I 2020 paper revealed a significant shift in the examiner’s mindset. Firstly, the "Science Heavy" nature suggests that the UPSC wants officers with a strong scientific temper and analytical mind. The 25.2% weightage to Science is a clear signal that you cannot clear the GK paper by relying solely on Humanities subjects.

Secondly, the Geography section showed a trend toward Economic Geography and Maps. Instead of asking "Where is the highest peak?", the questions were more about "Which of these countries share a border with the Mediterranean Sea?". This aligns with the Civil Services Examination (CSE) pattern, where spatial awareness is prioritized.

Thirdly, History saw a resurgence of Culture and Philosophy. Four questions on literature and religion indicate that the UPSC is moving toward a more "Integrated History" approach. The National Movement remains the core, but the pre-1857 era and the socio-cultural reforms of the 19th century are gaining weight. This tells us that the examiner is looking for an aspirant who understands the cultural fabric of India, not just its political battles.

4. Preparation Strategy

To master the CDS GK paper, your strategy must be as disciplined as the life you aspire to lead. Here is a subject-wise breakdown of how to allocate your time over a 6-month period:

  • Science (30% of your time): Dedicate the first two months to NCERTs. Make short notes on formulas, chemical names, and biological classifications. Practice previous year questions (PYQs) to understand how a simple concept like "Refraction" is turned into a tricky MCQ.
  • Polity (20% of your time): Laxmikanth should be read cover-to-cover at least thrice. Focus on the first 25 chapters and the chapters on Local Government and Constitutional Bodies.
  • History (20% of your time): Focus on the 1857–1947 period. Use Spectrum for rapid revision. For Ancient and Medieval, focus on the 'Terms' (e.g., What did 'Vishti' mean in the Gupta period?).
  • Geography (15% of your time): Spend 30 minutes every day with an Atlas. Mark the major straits, canals, and mountain ranges. Read Goh Cheng Leong for climatic zones.
  • Current Affairs & Economy (15% of your time): Follow one reliable newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express) and a monthly magazine like Pratiyogita Darpan or a reputed coaching compilation.

Online Resources: Use the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website for authentic data on government schemes. For Geography, YouTube channels that explain "Physical Geography through Animations" can be incredibly helpful for visualizing atmospheric circulation or plate tectonics.

PYQ Practice: Do not just solve the 2020 paper. Analyze why the other three options were wrong. Often, an option in one year becomes the question for the next year.

5. Answer Elimination Techniques

In a paper with 120 questions and negative marking, your ability to eliminate wrong answers is just as important as your knowledge. Here are four techniques used by toppers:

  1. The Extreme Word Rule: In statement-based questions, words like "Only," "All," "Never," and "Always" are often red flags. In 2020, several Polity and Science questions could be solved by identifying these overly restrictive terms.
  2. The 'Match the Following' Hack: Usually, if you are 100% sure about even one pair in a matching question, you can eliminate at least two of the four options. Focus on finding that one anchor point.
  3. Contextual Guesswork: If you recognize a term but aren't sure of the answer, try to link it to its root. For example, in History, if a term sounds Persian, it likely belongs to the Medieval period. If it sounds Sanskrit-heavy, it’s likely Ancient/Gupta era.
  4. The 50-50 Rule: If you can eliminate two options, you must take the risk. Statistically, over 10 such questions, you are likely to net positive marks even if you get half of them wrong.

6. Current Affairs Integration

The 2020 paper demonstrated that Current Affairs (CA) is the "glue" that binds the static syllabus. For example, a question on a specific island might be asked because of a recent naval exercise or a natural disaster there. This is known as Static-linked-Current.

To build a daily CA habit, don't just read the news; categorize it. If you read about the 'GST Council', immediately open your Polity book and read about its constitutional status (Article 279A). If you read about a 'Cyclone in Odisha', go to your Geography notes and revise how tropical cyclones are formed.

Magazines: While monthly compilations are good, reading 'Yojana' (even just the summary) provides deep insights into the "Economy: Schemes and Social Sector" category, which saw 4 questions in 2020. This helps you tackle the "Statement-based" questions that are becoming common in CDS.

7. Smart Preparation Tips

Whether you have 180 days or 60 days, your preparation must be structured. Here is how to fine-tune your approach:

The Revision Cycle

Use the 1-3-7-30 rule. Revise what you learned today after 24 hours, then after 3 days, then after 7 days, and finally after a month. This moves information from short-term to long-term memory.

Mock Test Analysis

Don't just look at your score. Analyze your mistakes into three categories:

  • Silly Mistakes: Read the question wrong? (e.g., "Which of the following is NOT true").
  • Knowledge Gap: Never heard of the topic? (Go back to the source book).
  • Logical Error: Guessed wrong despite elimination? (Refine your logic).

Health and Mindset

The CDS exam also includes an SSB interview later. Start building the "Officer Like Qualities" (OLQs) now. Physical fitness and a calm mind during the GK paper are essential. If you encounter five difficult questions in a row, don't panic. The paper is designed to test your nerves.

8. Key Takeaways & Action Items

The CDS I 2020 GK paper was a balanced yet challenging exam that rewarded conceptual depth over rote learning. If you are starting your preparation today, here are your immediate action items:

  • Prioritize Science: Finish Class 9 and 10 NCERTs within the first 30 days. This secures nearly 25% of the paper.
  • Master Laxmikanth: Focus on the "Panchayati Raj" and "Fundamental Rights" chapters, as they are recurring favorites.
  • Mapping Drill: Spend 15 minutes every morning looking at the world map. Focus on the Middle East, Central Asia, and Indian coastal borders.
  • Modern History: Read Spectrum’s summary tables at the end of each chapter. They are goldmines for quick facts.
  • Solve the 2020 Paper: Sit for 2 hours, solve the paper in a simulated environment, and see where you stand without any preparation. This is your baseline.

Success in CDS is not about knowing everything; it is about knowing what the UPSC expects you to know. By analyzing the 2020 trends, you are already ahead of thousands of aspirants who are studying blindly. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and remember—the uniform is earned through sweat in the library before it is worn on the parade ground. Jai Hind!

Complete Question Index - CDS I General Knowledge 2020

Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1History & CultureSolve Question 1
1History & CultureSolve Question 1
2GeographySolve Question 2
2GeographySolve Question 2
3GeographySolve Question 3
3GeographySolve Question 3
4Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 4
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5Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 5
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6EconomySolve Question 6
6EconomySolve Question 6
7GeographySolve Question 7
7GeographySolve Question 7
8Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 8
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9Science & TechnologySolve Question 9
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10Science & TechnologySolve Question 10
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11History & CultureSolve Question 11
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12Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 12
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13History & CultureSolve Question 13
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14Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 14
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15Science & TechnologySolve Question 15
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17History & CultureSolve Question 17
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18GeographySolve Question 18
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19History & CultureSolve Question 19
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20Science & TechnologySolve Question 20
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21Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 21
22GeographySolve Question 22
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23History & CultureSolve Question 23
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24Science & TechnologySolve Question 24
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25EconomySolve Question 25
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26Science & TechnologySolve Question 26
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27Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 27
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28GeographySolve Question 28
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29EconomySolve Question 29
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30Science & TechnologySolve Question 30
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31Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 31
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32GeographySolve Question 32
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37EconomySolve Question 37
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38Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 38
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41GeographySolve Question 41
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44History & CultureSolve Question 44
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48Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 48
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49Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 49
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50EconomySolve Question 50
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51Science & TechnologySolve Question 51
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53History & CultureSolve Question 53
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54Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 54
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56Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 56
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57GeographySolve Question 57
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63EconomySolve Question 63
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64Science & TechnologySolve Question 64
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65GeographySolve Question 65
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66History & CultureSolve Question 66
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67Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 67
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70GeographySolve Question 70
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78GeographySolve Question 78
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79Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 79
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82EconomySolve Question 82
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84International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 84
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92EconomySolve Question 92
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94Environment & EcologySolve Question 94
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96Science & TechnologySolve Question 96
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99Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 99
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100EconomySolve Question 100
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101Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 101
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103History & CultureSolve Question 103
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106Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 106
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114EconomySolve Question 114
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115History & CultureSolve Question 115
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116GeographySolve Question 116
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117Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 117
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118GeographySolve Question 118
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119International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 119
119International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 119

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