CDS I General Knowledge 2024: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | 30 | 25% |
| History & Culture | 22 | 18.3% |
| Economy | 15 | 12.5% |
| Geography | 14 | 11.7% |
| Polity & Governance | 13 | 10.8% |
| International Relations & Global Affairs | 11 | 9.2% |
| Environment & Ecology | 8 | 6.7% |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | 5 | 4.2% |
| NA | 2 | 1.7% |
Topic-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 21 |
| International Relations & Global Affairs | International Organisations & Groupings | 9 |
| Geography | World Physical Geography | 9 |
| History & Culture | Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy | 7 |
| Economy | Basic Concepts & National Income | 5 |
| Polity & Governance | Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties | 5 |
| Science & Technology | Space & Defence Technology | 5 |
| Economy | Money, Banking & Inflation | 5 |
| Environment & Ecology | Climate Change & Global Initiatives | 4 |
| Polity & Governance | Governance, Policies & Social Justice | 4 |
| History & Culture | Medieval India | 4 |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Sports, Games & Awards | 3 |
| History & Culture | Modern India (Pre-1857) | 3 |
| History & Culture | National Movement (1857â1947) | 3 |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity & Protected Areas | 3 |
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 serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Among the three papersâEnglish, Elementary Mathematics, and General Knowledgeâit is the General Knowledge (GK) paper that often acts as the "Great Decider." The CDS I 2024 General Knowledge paper was no exception. It was a sophisticated blend of traditional static knowledge and dynamic current applications, demanding not just rote memorization but a deep, conceptual understanding of the world around us.
1. Introduction & Exam Overview
The CDS I 2024 General Knowledge paper consisted of 120 questions, each carrying equal weightage, to be completed within a duration of two hours. With a total of 100 marks on the line and a negative marking penalty of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to each question, the stakes were incredibly high. This paper is notorious for its breadth; it covers everything from the microscopic details of a cell to the macroscopic complexities of international geopolitics.
Why does an in-depth analysis of this specific paper matter? For an aspirant, the 2024 paper serves as a compass. It reveals the shifting priorities of the UPSC. Analyzing this paper allows us to see how the examiner is moving away from direct, fact-based questions toward "statement-based" and "application-oriented" queries. This analysis isn't just about looking back at what was asked; it is about looking forward to predict the preparation trajectory for the upcoming CDS II 2024 and CDS I 2025 cycles.
2. Subject-wise Deep Dive
To master the CDS GK paper, one must dissect it subject by subject. In 2024, the distribution showed a clear tilt toward Science and History, while maintaining a significant presence in Economy and Geography.
Science & Technology (30 Questions - 25%)
Science remains the undisputed king of the CDS GK paper. With 25% of the total questions, it is the highest-scoring section if approached correctly. In 2024, the focus was heavily on Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), which accounted for 21 questions. Additionally, 5 questions were dedicated to Space & Defence Technology.
- Specific Topics: Optics (refraction/reflection), Newtonâs laws, Chemical reactions, Periodic table trends, and Cell biology (mitochondria, plastids). In Technology, the focus was on indigenous missile systems and recent ISRO missions.
- Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science textbooks are your Bible. For advanced concepts, refer to selective chapters of Class 11 and 12 Biology (last four chapters for Environment).
- Common Mistakes: Ignoring the "Application" part. UPSC no longer asks "What is a lens?" but rather "Why does a pool appear shallower than it is?" Donât skip the diagrams in NCERTs.
History & Culture (22 Questions - 18.3%)
History in 2024 was challenging. The paper moved beyond just dates and battles. A significant 7 questions came from Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy.
- Specific Topics: Bhakti and Sufi movements, Ancient Indian philosophy, Temple architecture (Dravida vs. Nagara), and the socio-economic policies of the Mughal and British eras.
- Recommended Books: "Themes in Indian History" (NCERT Parts I, II, and III). For Modern History, "A Brief History of Modern India" by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) is essential. For Culture, Nitin Singhaniaâs "Indian Art and Culture" (selected chapters) or the Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 History book.
- Common Mistakes: Over-focusing on the Freedom Struggle while ignoring Ancient and Medieval social structures. UPSC is increasingly interested in "Subaltern History"âthe lives of common people and artisans.
Economy (15 Questions - 12.5%)
The Economy section was surprisingly robust this year. Basic Concepts & National Income (5 questions) and Money, Banking & Inflation (5 questions) were the pillars.
- Specific Topics: GDP/GNP calculations, Repo Rate/Reverse Repo Rate, Inflation indices (CPI vs. WPI), and Five-Year Plans (historical perspective).
- Recommended Books: "Indian Economic Development" (Class 11 NCERT) and "Macroeconomics" (Class 12 NCERT). For reference, Ramesh Singhâs "Indian Economy" or Mrunal Patelâs handouts.
- Common Mistakes: Memorizing data instead of understanding concepts. If the RBI raises the CRR, what happens to liquidity? You must understand the "Why" behind the "What."
Geography (14 Questions - 11.7%)
Geography in 2024 focused heavily on World Physical Geography (9 questions), which is a departure from the usual heavy focus on Indian Geography.
- Specific Topics: Plate tectonics, Ocean currents, Wind systems (Cyclones/Anticyclones), and Map-based questions involving Mediterranean regions and Eastern Europe.
- Recommended Books: "Fundamentals of Physical Geography" (Class 11 NCERT) and "India: Physical Environment" (Class 11 NCERT). G.C. Leongâs "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" is vital for climate regions.
- Common Mistakes: Neglecting Map work. You should be able to visualize the states bordering the Red Sea or the arrangement of Himalayan peaks from West to East.
Polity & Governance (13 Questions - 10.8%)
Polity was relatively straightforward but required precision. Fundamental Rights, DPSP, and Fundamental Duties accounted for 5 questions, while 4 focused on Governance and Social Justice.
- Specific Topics: Writ jurisdiction, Constitutional Amendments (specifically the 42nd and 44th), the powers of the President vs. Governor, and Local Self-Government (Panchayati Raj).
- Recommended Books: "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth. It is the gold standard. For conceptual depth, Subhash Kashyapâs "Our Constitution" is excellent for beginners.
- Common Mistakes: Mixing up Articles and Parts. Precision is key. Knowing that "Right to Property" is a legal right under Article 300A and not a Fundamental Right is basic but often missed under pressure.
International Relations (11 Questions - 9.2%)
This section was dominated by International Organisations & Groupings (9 questions). This reflects the global volatility seen in 2023-24.
- Specific Topics: G20 (India's Presidency), BRICS expansion, NATO, and UN agencies.
- Reference: "The Hindu" or "Indian Express" editorials and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) website.
3. Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis
The CDS I 2024 paper revealed several emerging trends that every aspirant must note. Firstly, the **interdisciplinary nature** of questions is increasing. A question on a river (Geography) might be linked to a recent dam project (Current Affairs) or a historical treaty (History).
Secondly, the **"Statement-Based" format** is becoming the norm. Instead of asking "Where is the headquarters of UNESCO?", the paper now provides three statements about UNESCO and asks you to identify which are correct. This tests the depth of your knowledge rather than your ability to recall a single fact.
Thirdly, there is a clear **UPSC-ification** of the CDS paper. The gap between the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims and the CDS GK paper is narrowing. The 2024 paper demanded the same level of analytical thinking as the CSE. This tells us that the examiner's mindset is to recruit officers who are not just physically fit but intellectually sharp and globally aware.
4. Preparation Strategy
To tackle a paper of this magnitude, your strategy must be bifurcated into "Static" and "Dynamic" preparation.
Subject-wise Time Allocation
- Science: 25% of your time. Focus on NCERT back-exercises and "Points to Ponder."
- History: 20% of your time. Focus on timelines and mapping movements.
- Polity & Geography: 30% of your time. These are high-yield subjects where accuracy can be 100%.
- Current Affairs & Economy: 25% of your time. Daily reading is mandatory.
The Resource List
- Polity: M. Laxmikanth. Supplement with the PRS Legislative Research website for new bills.
- History: New NCERTs are a priority. For Modern, Spectrum is non-negotiable.
- Geography: NCERTs (Class 11 & 12). Use an Atlas (Oxford or Orient Blackswan) daily for 15 minutes.
- Economy: Mrunal.org or Ramesh Singh. Read the "Economic Survey" summary (specifically the Preface and the first chapter).
- Environment: Shankar IAS Academyâs book is the standard. Focus on "Climate Change" and "Protected Areas."
- Science: Class 9 & 10 NCERT. For Tech, follow the "Science & Tech" page of The Hindu on Sundays.
How to Use PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
Don't just solve PYQs to check your score. Use them to identify "Hot Zones." If you see that questions on "Buddhism" appear every year, that is a Hot Zone. Analyze why a certain option was wrong. Often, a wrong option in one year becomes the subject of a question the following year.
5. Answer Elimination Techniques
In a 120-question paper, you will likely know the "perfect" answer to only 40-50 questions. The rest must be navigated using logic and elimination.
- Extreme Keywords: In statement-based questions, words like "Only," "All," "Never," and "Always" are often (though not always) red flags. In 2024, several Economy and Polity questions could be solved by identifying these "extreme" statements as false.
- The 50:50 Rule: If you can eliminate two options, you *must* take the risk. Mathematically, over 10 such questions, you are likely to end up with a positive score.
- Match the Following: Often, knowing just one pair can lead you to the correct answer. Look for the most certain pair first.
- Contextual Guessing: If a question is about a missile and the options include names like "Prithvi" (Earth) and "Akash" (Sky), use the literal meaning to guess its function (Surface-to-Surface vs. Surface-to-Air).
6. Current Affairs Integration
The 2024 paper proved that Current Affairs is no longer a separate silo. It is the "lens" through which static subjects are viewed. For example, questions on the "Governor's Powers" were asked because of ongoing constitutional debates in various Indian states.
- Daily Habit: Spend 45 minutes on "The Hindu" or "Indian Express." Focus on the Explained section.
- Monthly Magazines: Don't rely solely on "One-liner" PDF capsules. Read "Yojana" for government schemes and a standard monthly compilation (like Rau's IAS or Vision IAS) for depth.
- PIB (Press Information Bureau): Check the "Year End Review" of various ministries. This is where UPSC picks its "Governance & Policy" questions from.
7. Smart Preparation Tips
Preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Here is how to manage your journey:
The 6-Month Plan
- Months 1-3: Foundation building. Finish all NCERTs and Laxmikanth. Make short, one-page notes for each chapter.
- Month 4: Standard reference books and first round of PYQs.
- Month 5: Intensive Current Affairs and Subject-wise Mock Tests.
- Month 6: Full-length Mock Tests and Revision.
Revision Techniques
Use the **Active Recall** method. Instead of re-reading a chapter, close the book and try to write down everything you remember about "Fundamental Rights." Then, open the book and see what you missed. This strengthens neural pathways.
Analyzing Mock Tests
After a mock test, categorize your mistakes: 1. **Silly Mistake:** You knew it but marked it wrong (Needs more focus). 2. **Conceptual Gap:** You didn't understand the topic (Needs re-reading). 3. **Unknown Fact:** Youâve never heard of it (Add to notes).
8. Key Takeaways & Action Items
The CDS I 2024 GK paper was a balanced yet demanding paper. To succeed in the next attempt, keep these five pillars in mind:
- Prioritize Science: It is 25% of the paper. You cannot clear the cutoff without it.
- Master the NCERTs: They are the source of at least 60% of the questions, either directly or indirectly.
- Read the Newspaper: Connect current events to your static syllabus.
- Practice Elimination: Use PYQs to hone your "educated guessing" skills.
- Focus on International Groupings: Given the current global climate, this is a rising trend.
Immediate Next Steps: 1. Buy/Download the NCERTs for Science (9-10) and Geography (11-12). 2. Get a copy of M. Laxmikanth (7th Edition). 3. Print the last 5 years of CDS GK papers. 4. Start reading a national daily today.
The path to the Academy is paved with discipline and smart work. The 2024 paper has shown us the map; now, it is up to you to walk the distance. Stay focused, stay curious, and keep pushing the boundaries of your knowledge.
Complete Question Index - CDS I General Knowledge 2024
Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:
| Q# | Subject | Practice Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Economy | Solve Question 1 |
| 2 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 2 |
| 3 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 3 |
| 4 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 4 |
| 5 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 5 |
| 6 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 6 |
| 7 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 7 |
| 8 | History & Culture | Solve Question 8 |
| 9 | Geography | Solve Question 9 |
| 10 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 10 |
| 11 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 11 |
| 12 | History & Culture | Solve Question 12 |
| 13 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 13 |
| 14 | History & Culture | Solve Question 14 |
| 15 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 15 |
| 16 | Geography | Solve Question 16 |
| 17 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 17 |
| 18 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 18 |
| 19 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 19 |
| 20 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 20 |
| 21 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 21 |
| 22 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 22 |
| 23 | History & Culture | Solve Question 23 |
| 24 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 24 |
| 25 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 25 |
| 26 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 26 |
| 27 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 27 |
| 28 | History & Culture | Solve Question 28 |
| 29 | Economy | Solve Question 29 |
| 30 | Economy | Solve Question 30 |
| 31 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 31 |
| 32 | History & Culture | Solve Question 32 |
| 33 | History & Culture | Solve Question 33 |
| 34 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 34 |
| 35 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 35 |
| 36 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 36 |
| 37 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 37 |
| 38 | History & Culture | Solve Question 38 |
| 39 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 39 |
| 40 | History & Culture | Solve Question 40 |
| 41 | History & Culture | Solve Question 41 |
| 42 | Economy | Solve Question 42 |
| 43 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 43 |
| 44 | Geography | Solve Question 44 |
| 45 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 45 |
| 46 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 46 |
| 47 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 47 |
| 48 | Geography | Solve Question 48 |
| 49 | History & Culture | Solve Question 49 |
| 50 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 50 |
| 51 | NA | Solve Question 51 |
| 52 | Geography | Solve Question 52 |
| 53 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 53 |
| 54 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 54 |
| 55 | Geography | Solve Question 55 |
| 56 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 56 |
| 57 | Economy | Solve Question 57 |
| 58 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 58 |
| 59 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 59 |
| 60 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 60 |
| 61 | Economy | Solve Question 61 |
| 62 | Economy | Solve Question 62 |
| 63 | History & Culture | Solve Question 63 |
| 64 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 64 |
| 65 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 65 |
| 66 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 66 |
| 67 | History & Culture | Solve Question 67 |
| 68 | History & Culture | Solve Question 68 |
| 69 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 69 |
| 70 | Geography | Solve Question 70 |
| 71 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 71 |
| 72 | Economy | Solve Question 72 |
| 73 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 73 |
| 74 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 74 |
| 75 | Geography | Solve Question 75 |
| 76 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 76 |
| 77 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 77 |
| 78 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 78 |
| 79 | Geography | Solve Question 79 |
| 80 | Economy | Solve Question 80 |
| 81 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 81 |
| 82 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 82 |
| 83 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 83 |
| 84 | History & Culture | Solve Question 84 |
| 85 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 85 |
| 86 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 86 |
| 87 | Geography | Solve Question 87 |
| 88 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 88 |
| 89 | History & Culture | Solve Question 89 |
| 90 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 90 |
| 91 | Geography | Solve Question 91 |
| 92 | Economy | Solve Question 92 |
| 93 | History & Culture | Solve Question 93 |
| 94 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 94 |
| 95 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 95 |
| 96 | History & Culture | Solve Question 96 |
| 97 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 97 |
| 98 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 98 |
| 99 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 99 |
| 100 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 100 |
| 101 | Geography | Solve Question 101 |
| 102 | Economy | Solve Question 102 |
| 103 | History & Culture | Solve Question 103 |
| 104 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 104 |
| 105 | Economy | Solve Question 105 |
| 106 | Economy | Solve Question 106 |
| 107 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 107 |
| 108 | History & Culture | Solve Question 108 |
| 109 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 109 |
| 110 | Geography | Solve Question 110 |
| 111 | NA | Solve Question 111 |
| 112 | History & Culture | Solve Question 112 |
| 113 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 113 |
| 114 | History & Culture | Solve Question 114 |
| 115 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 115 |
| 116 | Economy | Solve Question 116 |
| 117 | Geography | Solve Question 117 |
| 118 | Economy | Solve Question 118 |
| 119 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 119 |
| 120 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 120 |