CDS II General Knowledge 2015: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

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Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology2924.2%
History & Culture2117.5%
Geography2117.5%
Polity & Governance2016.7%
Economy1310.8%
International Relations & Global Affairs108.3%
Environment & Ecology54.2%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge10.8%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)21
History & CultureCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy10
GeographyWorld Physical Geography10
GeographyIndian Physical Geography7
International Relations & Global AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupings6
EconomyBasic Concepts & National Income5
International Relations & Global AffairsIndia's Bilateral & Regional Relations4
Polity & GovernanceFundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties4
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional Basics & Evolution4
EconomyGovernment Finance & Budget3
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional & Statutory Bodies3
Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Health3
Polity & GovernanceGovernance, Policies & Social Justice3
Science & TechnologySpace & Defence Technology3
Polity & GovernancePreamble, Union & Territory, Citizenship3

Decoding the CDS II 2015 General Knowledge Paper: A Masterclass in UPSC Strategy

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is not merely a test of knowledge; it is a test of temperament, precision, and strategic depth. When we look back at the CDS II 2015 General Knowledge paper, we aren't just looking at a historical document. We are looking at a blueprint that defined the "middle era" of UPSC’s evolution—a period where the transition from rote memorization to conceptual clarity became permanent. For any serious aspirant aiming for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, analyzing this specific paper is a rite of passage. It provides a window into how the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) balances traditional static subjects with the dynamic nature of global affairs.

The CDS II 2015 GK paper consisted of 120 questions, carrying a total of 100 marks. With a duration of two hours and the looming shadow of negative marking (one-third of the marks assigned to that question), the paper demanded a high level of accuracy. This analysis serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the nuances of that year’s paper and, more importantly, how you can use those insights to conquer future attempts.

Subject-wise Deep Dive: Where the Battle was Won

To master the CDS, you must first understand the weight of each pillar. In 2015, the distribution was telling of a trend that continues today: Science is king, but the Humanities provide the margin of victory.

Science & Technology (29 Questions | 24.2%)

Dominating nearly a quarter of the paper, Science & Technology was the most significant section. Specifically, "Basic Science"—comprising Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—accounted for 21 of these questions. The focus was heavily on application-based questions: why things happen in daily life rather than just theoretical formulas.

  • What appeared: Questions on optics (refraction/reflection), chemical reactions in daily life, and human physiology.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9th and 10th (Science) are your bibles. For the "Technology" aspect, follow the Science & Technology section of 'The Hindu'.
  • Common Mistakes: Aspirants often over-study complex engineering-level Physics while ignoring basic biological classifications found in Class 9 NCERTs.

History & Culture (21 Questions | 17.5%)

History in 2015 was not just about dates and battles. A staggering 10 questions focused on "Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy." This shift indicated that the UPSC wanted officers who understood the soul of India, not just its timeline.

  • What appeared: Bhakti and Sufi movements, ancient literature, and the philosophical underpinnings of the Indian National Movement.
  • Recommended Books: 'A Brief History of Modern India' by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) and the Tamil Nadu State Board History textbooks for Class 11 and 12.
  • Common Mistakes: Neglecting Ancient and Medieval history. Many students focus solely on the 1857–1947 period, missing out on the nearly 10% of questions coming from Culture and Philosophy.

Geography (21 Questions | 17.5%)

Geography was split between World Physical Geography (10 questions) and Indian Physical Geography (7 questions). This section tested the aspirant’s spatial awareness and understanding of natural phenomena.

  • What appeared: Pressure belts, ocean currents, and the drainage systems of India.
  • Recommended Books: 'Certificate Physical and Human Geography' by Goh Cheng Leong and NCERT Class 11 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography'.
  • Common Mistakes: Studying Geography without a map. In 2015, those who could visualize the location of mountain passes and global straits had a massive advantage.

Polity & Governance (20 Questions | 16.7%)

Polity remained the most "scorable" section. The focus was on "Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties" and "Constitutional Basics."

  • What appeared: Articles related to preventive detention, the nature of the Preamble, and the evolution of the Constitution.
  • Recommended Books: 'Indian Polity' by M. Laxmikanth. There is no substitute for this "Geeta/Bible" of Polity.
  • Common Mistakes: Reading the book like a novel. You must memorize specific Article numbers and the nuances of "shall" vs. "may" in legal phrasing.

Economy, IR, and Environment (Remainder)

The Economy (13 questions) focused on National Income and Budgeting. International Relations (10 questions) was surprisingly robust, focusing on International Organizations like the UN and ASEAN. Environment (5 questions) was small but technical, focusing on ecology and biodiversity.

Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis

The CDS II 2015 paper revealed a specific mindset of the examiner: The "Applied Knowledge" Preference. Instead of asking for the name of a specific treaty, the paper asked for the *implications* of that treaty. This aligns with the broader UPSC pattern seen in the Civil Services Examination (CSE), albeit at a slightly more factual level.

One emerging trend in 2015 was the "Conceptual Bridge." The examiners started linking Geography with Economy—for example, asking about the location of mineral resources and their impact on industrial clusters. Another trend was the rise of International Organisations. With 6 questions dedicated to global groupings, it became clear that the UPSC expected future officers to be globally aware of India's strategic positioning.

The "mindset" here is clear: The examiner is looking for an individual who reads the newspaper not just for news, but for "context." They want candidates who can connect the Fundamental Rights they read in Laxmikanth to a current event involving a Supreme Court judgment.

Preparation Strategy: The Holistic Approach

Success in CDS GK is about "Minimum Resources, Maximum Revision." Here is how you should allocate your energy based on the 2015 pattern:

1. The Static Core (60% of your time)

  • Polity: Focus on the first 25 chapters of Laxmikanth. Pay special attention to the Parliament and Judiciary.
  • History: Use the "Timeline Method." Create a chart from 1857 to 1947. For Culture, use Nitin Singhania’s notes (selective reading) or the CCRT website.
  • Science: Don't look for "Science & Tech" magazines first. Finish NCERT 6–10. 80% of the 2015 questions could be answered from these basics.

2. The Dynamic Core (30% of your time)

  • Current Affairs: Follow 'The Hindu' or 'The Indian Express'. Focus on the "Editorial" and "Explained" pages.
  • IR: Maintain a small notebook for International Groups (G20, BRICS, QUAD, SCO). Note their headquarters, last summit location, and India's role.

3. The Practice Core (10% of your time)

  • PYQ Practice: Solve the CDS II 2015 paper in a timed environment. Analyze not just why an answer is right, but why the other three options are wrong.

Answer Elimination Techniques: The Officer’s Edge

In a paper with 120 questions, you will likely only be 100% sure of about 40–50. The rest is won through strategic elimination. In the 2015 paper, several questions could be solved even with partial knowledge.

The "Extreme Words" Rule

In statement-based questions, look for words like "Only," "Always," "Never," or "All." In the 2015 Polity section, statements containing these words were often (though not always) incorrect, as constitutional provisions usually have exceptions.

The "Match the Following" Hack

UPSC often provides one "easy" pair in a Match the Following question. If you can identify one pair with certainty, you can usually eliminate two out of four options immediately. From there, the odds of a correct guess jump from 25% to 50%.

When to Skip

If you have never heard of a term in a Science or History question, and you cannot eliminate even one option, skip it. The negative marking in CDS is brutal. Your goal is to maximize the net score, not the number of attempts.

Current Affairs Integration: Beyond the News

The 2015 paper showed that Current Affairs is the "glue" that holds the static subjects together. For instance, if there is a discussion about the Land Boundary Agreement (which was relevant around that time), the UPSC will ask a static question about the "Procedure for Amendment of the Constitution" (Article 368).

How to build the habit:

  1. Daily: Spend 45 minutes on the newspaper. Ignore political mudslinging and local crime. Focus on National, International, and Economy sections.
  2. Monthly: Read 'Pratiyogita Darpan' or the 'Vision IAS' monthly magazine. These consolidate the daily news into exam-oriented snippets.
  3. Government Sources: Use the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website to look up new government schemes. In 2015, schemes related to financial inclusion were highly relevant.

Smart Preparation Tips for the Modern Aspirant

Whether you have 6 months or a year, your strategy must be structured. For a 6-month plan, spend the first 3 months finishing the "Big Four": Science, History, Geography, and Polity. Use the last 2 months for Economy, IR, and intensive Mock Tests.

Revision Techniques: Use the "Active Recall" method. After reading a chapter on the President in Laxmikanth, close the book and try to write down the impeachment process on a blank sheet of paper. If you can’t, you haven't learned it yet.

Mock Test Analysis: Don’t just look at your score. Categorize your mistakes into:

  • Silly Mistakes: Read the question wrong (e.g., missed the word "Not").
  • Knowledge Gap: Never read the topic.
  • Revision Gap: Read it, but forgot the details.
Focus your next week of study on fixing the "Revision Gaps" first.

Key Takeaways & Action Items

The CDS II 2015 paper is a testament to the fact that Science and Polity are your foundations. If you master these two, you are already halfway to the cut-off. History and Geography provide the depth needed to clear the merit list.

Top 5 Books to Prioritize:

  1. M. Laxmikanth (Indian Polity)
  2. NCERT Class 9-10 (Science)
  3. Spectrum (Modern History)
  4. G.C. Leong (Physical Geography)
  5. NCERT Class 11-12 (Macroeconomics & Geography)

Immediate Next Step: Download the CDS II 2015 GK question paper today. Set a timer for 120 minutes and solve it without any help. This will give you a "baseline" of your current knowledge. From there, use the subject-wise deep dive provided in this article to plug your holes. Remember, the uniform is earned one question at a time. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and let the 2015 analysis be the first step in your journey to the academy. Jai Hind!

Complete Question Index - CDS II General Knowledge 2015

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

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1Science & TechnologySolve Question 1
1Science & TechnologySolve Question 1
2GeographySolve Question 2
2GeographySolve Question 2
3GeographySolve Question 3
3GeographySolve Question 3
4Science & TechnologySolve Question 4
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5Science & TechnologySolve Question 5
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6GeographySolve Question 6
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7Science & TechnologySolve Question 7
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9GeographySolve Question 9
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10Science & TechnologySolve Question 10
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12GeographySolve Question 12
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14Science & TechnologySolve Question 14
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15GeographySolve Question 15
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16Science & TechnologySolve Question 16
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17GeographySolve Question 17
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18Science & TechnologySolve Question 18
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19GeographySolve Question 19
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21GeographySolve Question 21
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26Environment & EcologySolve Question 26
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27GeographySolve Question 27
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28Science & TechnologySolve Question 28
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46Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 46
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47History & CultureSolve Question 47
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48EconomySolve Question 48
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57Environment & EcologySolve Question 57
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58Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 58
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59History & CultureSolve Question 59
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60EconomySolve Question 60
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61International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 61
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62History & CultureSolve Question 62
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63EconomySolve Question 63
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68History & CultureSolve Question 68
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69EconomySolve Question 69
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70Environment & EcologySolve Question 70
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71History & CultureSolve Question 71
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106EconomySolve Question 106
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107GeographySolve Question 107
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108Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 108
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109Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 109
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