CDS I General Knowledge 2025: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

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Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology3730.8%
History & Culture2520.8%
Geography1915.8%
Polity & Governance1613.3%
Economy119.2%
International Relations & Global Affairs65%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge32.5%
Environment & Ecology32.5%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)29
History & CultureCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy11
GeographyWorld Physical Geography8
History & CultureMedieval India5
GeographyMaps & Locations5
Science & TechnologyICT, AI, Cybersecurity & Emerging Tech5
History & CultureAncient India5
Polity & GovernanceGovernance, Policies & Social Justice4
International Relations & Global AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupings4
EconomyExternal Sector & Trade3
Polity & GovernanceParliament3
GeographyIndian Physical Geography3
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional Basics & Evolution3
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional & Statutory Bodies3
EconomyMoney, Banking & Inflation2

Decoding CDS I 2025 General Knowledge: A Comprehensive Strategic Analysis and Roadmap

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), remains one of the most prestigious yet challenging gateways for young aspirants aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces. The General Knowledge paper of CDS I 2025 has once again proven that the UPSC is moving away from rote memorization toward a sophisticated blend of conceptual clarity and contemporary awareness. With 120 questions to be tackled in 120 minutes, and the looming shadow of one-third negative marking, this paper is not just a test of knowledge, but a test of temperament and time management.

Understanding the nuances of the 2025 paper is critical for any serious aspirant. It isn't merely about knowing what was asked; it is about understanding why it was asked and how the examiner is evolving. This analysis serves as a masterclass for future candidates, breaking down the 2025 trends to build a foolproof strategy for the upcoming cycles. Whether you are a first-timer or a veteran of the CDS process, this deep dive will provide the clarity needed to navigate the vast ocean of the UPSC syllabus.

Subject-wise Deep Dive: Where the Battle is Won

The 2025 paper saw a distinct hierarchy of subjects. Let’s break down the core pillars of the General Knowledge section to understand the preparation depth required for each.

Science & Technology: The Deciding Factor

In CDS I 2025, Science & Technology dominated the landscape with a staggering 37 questions, accounting for 30.8% of the paper. Within this, Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) contributed 29 questions. The shift here is toward application-based questions rather than direct definitions. For instance, questions on optics or chemical reactions often link to daily life phenomena.

Recommended Books: NCERTs from Class 9 and 10 are your bibles. For the 2025 level of difficulty, supplementary reading of Lucent’s General Science or the Science section of the Mc Graw Hill manual is advised. For the 5 questions on ICT, AI, and Cybersecurity, monthly magazines like Science Reporter are invaluable.

Common Mistakes: Many aspirants skip the "box items" and diagrams in NCERTs. In 2025, several conceptual questions were derived directly from these overlooked sections. Avoid relying solely on "one-liner" PDF notes from coaching institutes; they lack the depth required for UPSC's statement-based questions.

History & Culture: The Modern and Medieval Blend

History and Culture followed closely with 25 questions (20.8%). Interestingly, Culture, Literature, and Religion took the lion's share with 11 questions, while Medieval and Ancient India contributed 5 questions each. This indicates a departure from the traditional heavy reliance on the Modern Freedom Struggle alone.

Recommended Books: For Ancient and Medieval, the Old NCERTs (R.S. Sharma and Satish Chandra) remain gold. For Culture, Nitin Singhania’s "Indian Art and Culture" (selective reading) or the CCRT website is essential. For Modern History, Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir is the most concise and effective resource.

Standard Reference: The Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 and 12 History textbooks have emerged as a secret weapon for CDS aspirants due to their factual richness and clear narrative structure.

Geography: Mapping the World

Geography accounted for 19 questions (15.8%). World Physical Geography (8 questions) and Maps & Locations (5 questions) were the primary drivers. The 2025 paper emphasized spatial awareness—knowing not just where a place is, but its surrounding geopolitical context.

Recommended Books: Fundamentals of Physical Geography (Class 11 NCERT) and India: Physical Environment (Class 11 NCERT) are non-negotiable. For World Geography, G.C. Leong’s "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" is excellent for understanding climatic regions.

Strategy: Always keep an atlas (Oxford or Orient Blackswan) open while reading the news. If a conflict is mentioned in the Middle East or Eastern Europe, locate the seas, mountain ranges, and bordering countries immediately.

Polity & Governance: The Conceptual Core

With 16 questions (13.3%), Polity remains the most "scoring" section if your concepts are clear. The 2025 paper focused heavily on Governance, Policies, and Social Justice (4 questions), moving beyond just Articles and Schedules to the implementation of laws.

Recommended Books: M. Laxmikanth’s "Indian Polity" is the industry standard. For a deeper understanding of the spirit of the Constitution, Subhash Kashyap’s "Our Constitution" is highly recommended.

Common Mistakes: Memorizing Articles without understanding the underlying principles. UPSC often asks questions on the "Basic Structure" or "Parliamentary Sovereignty" which require logical reasoning rather than just memory.

Economy: The Global Outlook

Economy contributed 11 questions (9.2%), with a specific focus on the External Sector and Trade (3 questions). The focus has shifted from theoretical definitions to how the Indian economy interacts with the global market.

Recommended Books: Ramesh Singh’s "Indian Economy" or the more concise notes by Vivek Singh. The most crucial resource, however, is the "Economic Survey" (Summary) and the Union Budget highlights.

Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis: Reading the Examiner’s Mind

The CDS I 2025 paper reveals a "UPSC-fication" of the CDS exam. Historically, CDS was considered more factual compared to the Civil Services Examination (CSE). However, the 2025 trends suggest a narrowing gap. The dominance of Science (over 30%) indicates that the examiner wants candidates who possess a "scientific temper"—a core duty mentioned in our Constitution.

Another emerging trend is the integration of Technology with Governance. The inclusion of ICT, AI, and Cybersecurity questions suggests that the modern military officer is expected to be tech-savvy. The decline in purely "Miscellaneous" or "Static GK" questions (only 2.5%) shows that the UPSC is prioritizing analytical ability over the ability to memorize "firsts in India" or "longest bridges."

The pattern also shows a heavy leaning towards Environment & Ecology (though only 3 direct questions, many are interlinked with Geography). This tells us that the examiner is looking for candidates who are aware of the existential challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

Preparation Strategy: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

To conquer the CDS GK paper, your preparation must be structured. You cannot treat all subjects with the same intensity. Based on the 2025 data, here is your recommended time allocation:

  • Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology): 30% of your study time. Focus on NCERT back-exercises and "did you know" snippets.
  • History & Culture: 20% of your time. Prioritize Culture and Modern History.
  • Geography & Maps: 15% of your time. Spend 15 minutes daily on map-pointing.
  • Polity: 15% of your time. Focus on the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, and the Executive.
  • Current Affairs & Economy: 20% of your time. This should be a daily habit rather than a monthly chore.

Online Resources & Websites

In the digital age, your preparation is incomplete without these resources:

  • PIB (Press Information Bureau): For authentic data on government schemes and policies.
  • IDSA (Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses): For International Relations and Internal Security trends.
  • UPSC Pathshala or Insights on India: For daily current affairs analysis.
  • YouTube: Channels like 'Amit Sengupta' for Geography and 'Physics Wallah' for basic science concepts can be very helpful.

The Power of PYQs (Previous Year Questions)

Don't just "solve" PYQs; "analyze" them. For every question in the 2025 paper, look at the three incorrect options. Often, UPSC picks an incorrect option from one year and turns it into a full-fledged question the following year. PYQs help you identify the "high-yield" areas where the return on investment (ROI) of your time is maximum.

Answer Elimination Techniques: The Art of Intelligent Guessing

In a paper with negative marking, you cannot afford wild guesses. However, you can use logical elimination to increase your odds. In 2025, several statement-based questions could be solved using these techniques:

1. Extreme Word Elimination

Statements containing words like "only," "all," "never," or "always" are often (though not always) incorrect in the context of UPSC. For example, a statement saying "The President only acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers" might have nuances related to certain discretionary powers.

2. The "Match the Following" Hack

Usually, if you are 100% sure about even one pair in a "Match the Following" question, you can eliminate at least two options. In the 2025 Geography section, knowing the location of just one mountain pass could lead you to the correct answer.

3. Statement Correlation

In multi-statement questions, check if Statement 1 and Statement 2 are contradictory. If they are, one of them must be wrong, which significantly narrows down your choices.

4. When to Skip?

If you cannot eliminate even one option, skip the question. If you can eliminate two options, it is statistically beneficial to take a calculated risk. Remember, the goal is to cross the cutoff, not to top the paper at the cost of accuracy.

Current Affairs Integration: The Static-Dynamic Link

The 2025 paper highlighted that Current Affairs is not a standalone subject. It is a lens through which static subjects are viewed. For example, if there is a discussion on the "Basic Structure Doctrine" in the news due to a landmark anniversary, expect a static Polity question on the Kesavananda Bharati case.

Building the Daily Habit: Read 'The Hindu' or 'The Indian Express' (Explained Section) daily. Focus on editorial pages for building an opinion, which is vital for the SSB interview later. Use monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan or Vajiram & Ravi’s Recitals to consolidate your daily notes.

Magazines to Follow:

  • Yojana: Great for Governance and Social Justice topics.
  • Kurukshetra: Focuses on rural development and Economy.
  • Science Reporter: Essential for the 37 questions in the S&T segment.

Smart Preparation Tips: 6-Month vs. 1-Year Plan

The 1-Year Plan: Spend the first 6 months building a foundation with NCERTs. Don't touch any reference books yet. The next 3 months should be for standard books (Laxmikanth, Spectrum). The final 3 months must be dedicated to mock tests, revision, and current affairs consolidation.

The 6-Month Plan: You must adopt an "Integrated Approach." Read a chapter from NCERT and immediately follow it up with the corresponding chapter in a reference book. Start taking weekly sectional mocks from the second month itself.

Revision: The Rule of 3

Anything you read must be revised at least three times: 1. Within 24 hours of first reading. 2. At the end of the week. 3. At the end of the month. Without this cycle, the vast GK syllabus will evaporate before the exam day.

Mock Test Analysis

Most students give mocks but fail to analyze them. After every test, categorize your mistakes: - Silly Mistakes: (Misreading the question) - Need better focus. - Knowledge Gap: (Never read the topic) - Need to add to notes. - Conceptual Error: (Read it but understood it wrong) - Need to revisit basics. - Guessing Error: (Wrong logic) - Need to refine elimination techniques.

Key Takeaways & Action Items

The CDS I 2025 General Knowledge paper is a clear signal that the UPSC demands holistic understanding. To succeed in the next attempt, prioritize these action items:

  • Prioritize Science: Do not treat Science as an optional subject. It is 30% of the paper. Master Class 9 and 10 NCERTs until you can recall every diagram.
  • Focus on Culture & Literature: Move beyond just dates and wars in History. Focus on the 'Why' of cultural shifts and the 'Who' of ancient literature.
  • Master the Map: Geography is nothing without maps. Spend time daily on the world map, focusing on conflict zones and trade routes.
  • Invest in Top 5 Books: 1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth 2. Modern History by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) 3. NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10) 4. Fundamentals of Physical Geography (Class 11 NCERT) 5. Indian Economy (Vivek Singh or Ramesh Singh)
  • Immediate Next Step: Download the CDS I 2025 question paper. Sit in a quiet room for 2 hours and attempt it without any help. This will give you a "Baseline Score" and show you exactly where you stand in the hierarchy of subjects analyzed above.

Preparation for the CDS is a marathon, not a sprint. The 2025 analysis shows that while the paper is getting tougher, it is also becoming more predictable for those who study with a plan. Align your preparation with these trends, stay consistent with your revisions, and maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness. The uniform is not just a dream; it is a destination that requires a well-mapped journey. Good luck!

Complete Question Index - CDS I General Knowledge 2025

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

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1Science & TechnologySolve Question 1
2GeographySolve Question 2
3GeographySolve Question 3
4GeographySolve Question 4
5GeographySolve Question 5
6GeographySolve Question 6
7GeographySolve Question 7
8Environment & EcologySolve Question 8
9Environment & EcologySolve Question 9
10GeographySolve Question 10
11GeographySolve Question 11
12GeographySolve Question 12
13GeographySolve Question 13
14GeographySolve Question 14
15GeographySolve Question 15
16GeographySolve Question 16
17GeographySolve Question 17
18GeographySolve Question 18
19GeographySolve Question 19
20GeographySolve Question 20
21Science & TechnologySolve Question 21
22Science & TechnologySolve Question 22
23Science & TechnologySolve Question 23
24Science & TechnologySolve Question 24
25Science & TechnologySolve Question 25
26Science & TechnologySolve Question 26
27Science & TechnologySolve Question 27
28Science & TechnologySolve Question 28
29Science & TechnologySolve Question 29
30Science & TechnologySolve Question 30
31History & CultureSolve Question 31
32History & CultureSolve Question 32
33History & CultureSolve Question 33
34History & CultureSolve Question 34
35History & CultureSolve Question 35
36History & CultureSolve Question 36
37History & CultureSolve Question 37
38History & CultureSolve Question 38
39History & CultureSolve Question 39
40History & CultureSolve Question 40
41History & CultureSolve Question 41
42History & CultureSolve Question 42
43History & CultureSolve Question 43
44History & CultureSolve Question 44
45History & CultureSolve Question 45
46History & CultureSolve Question 46
47History & CultureSolve Question 47
48History & CultureSolve Question 48
49History & CultureSolve Question 49
50History & CultureSolve Question 50
51Science & TechnologySolve Question 51
52Science & TechnologySolve Question 52
53Science & TechnologySolve Question 53
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55Science & TechnologySolve Question 55
56Science & TechnologySolve Question 56
57Science & TechnologySolve Question 57
58Science & TechnologySolve Question 58
59Science & TechnologySolve Question 59
60Science & TechnologySolve Question 60
61EconomySolve Question 61
62International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 62
63EconomySolve Question 63
64EconomySolve Question 64
65EconomySolve Question 65
66EconomySolve Question 66
67EconomySolve Question 67
68Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 68
69EconomySolve Question 69
70EconomySolve Question 70
71Science & TechnologySolve Question 71
72Science & TechnologySolve Question 72
73Science & TechnologySolve Question 73
74Science & TechnologySolve Question 74
75Science & TechnologySolve Question 75
76Science & TechnologySolve Question 76
77Science & TechnologySolve Question 77
78Science & TechnologySolve Question 78
79Science & TechnologySolve Question 79
80Science & TechnologySolve Question 80
81Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 81
82International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 82
83Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 83
84International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 84
85Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 85
86Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 86
87Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 87
88Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 88
89International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 89
90Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 90
91Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 91
92Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 92
93Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 93
94Environment & EcologySolve Question 94
95History & CultureSolve Question 95
96History & CultureSolve Question 96
97International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 97
98GeographySolve Question 98
99Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 99
100Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 100
101Science & TechnologySolve Question 101
102Science & TechnologySolve Question 102
103Science & TechnologySolve Question 103
104Science & TechnologySolve Question 104
105Science & TechnologySolve Question 105
106History & CultureSolve Question 106
107History & CultureSolve Question 107
108Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 108
109EconomySolve Question 109
110Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 110
111Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 111
112EconomySolve Question 112
113EconomySolve Question 113
114Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 114
115Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 115
116Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 116
117GeographySolve Question 117
118International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 118
119History & CultureSolve Question 119
120Science & TechnologySolve Question 120

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