CDS II General Knowledge 2017: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | 29 | 24.2% |
| Polity & Governance | 24 | 20% |
| History & Culture | 21 | 17.5% |
| Geography | 19 | 15.8% |
| Economy | 14 | 11.7% |
| Environment & Ecology | 7 | 5.8% |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | 4 | 3.3% |
| International Relations & Global Affairs | 2 | 1.7% |
Topic-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 24 |
| Geography | Maps & Locations | 8 |
| History & Culture | Ancient India | 7 |
| Polity & Governance | Constitutional Basics & Evolution | 5 |
| Polity & Governance | Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties | 5 |
| Geography | Indian Physical Geography | 5 |
| Geography | World Physical Geography | 4 |
| Environment & Ecology | Climate Change & Global Initiatives | 4 |
| History & Culture | Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy | 4 |
| Economy | Growth, Development, Poverty & Employment | 4 |
| Polity & Governance | Parliament | 4 |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Sports, Games & Awards | 3 |
| Science & Technology | Biotechnology & Health | 3 |
| Economy | Industry, Infrastructure & Investment | 3 |
| Polity & Governance | Governance, Policies & Social Justice | 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 Army, Navy, and Air Force. Among the three papersāEnglish, Elementary Mathematics, and General Knowledgeāit is the General Knowledge (GK) paper that often acts as the "Great Equalizer." The CDS II 2017 GK paper is a quintessential example of how the UPSC balances static knowledge with conceptual depth. In this comprehensive analysis, we will deconstruct the 120-question marathon to understand the nuances that defined the 2017 attempt and how these insights can shape your preparation today.
The 2017 II cycle was characterized by a shift toward "General Science" dominance and a rigorous testing of "Polity and Governance." With a total of 120 questions to be solved in 120 minutes, time management was as crucial as accuracy. The existence of a penalty (one-third mark deduction) for every wrong answer meant that aspirants couldn't simply rely on guesswork. Analyzing this specific paper matters because it set the template for the "moderate-to-difficult" level that has become the standard for CDS exams in the current decade.
1. Introduction & Exam Overview
The CDS II 2017 General Knowledge paper was a test of both breadth and depth. While the syllabus covers everything under the sun, the 2017 paper rewarded candidates who had a strong grip on their NCERT fundamentals. The exam consisted of 120 objective-type questions, with a maximum of 100 marks. This means each question carries approximately 0.83 marks.
The hallmark of this paper was its "Science-heavy" nature. Nearly a quarter of the paper was dedicated to Science and Technology, making it the single most important pillar for success. Furthermore, the Polity section moved away from simple factual recall to more analytical, statement-based questions. Understanding this paper is vital for any aspirant because it reveals the UPSCās mindset: they are looking for officers who understand the "Why" behind the "What." Whether it is the physics of a lens or the constitutional validity of a law, the 2017 paper demanded clarity of thought.
2. Subject-wise Deep Dive
Science & Technology (29 Questions - 24.2%)
Science was the undisputed king of the CDS II 2017 paper. Out of the 29 questions, 24 were focused on Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). The questions were not merely theoretical; they were applied. For instance, questions on optics in Physics and chemical reactions in daily life were prominent.
- Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science textbooks are your Bible. For higher-level concepts, refer to selective chapters of Class 11 and 12 (specifically Biology).
- Reference Sources: Lucentās General Science for quick revision of facts.
- Common Mistake: Ignoring Biology diagrams and Chemistry equations. Aspirants often skip the "boxes" in NCERTs, which is where UPSC often picks its statement-based questions.
Polity & Governance (24 Questions - 20%)
Polity followed closely, with a significant focus on Constitutional Basics and Fundamental Rights. The 2017 paper tested the evolution of the Constitution and the intricate details of the DPSP and Fundamental Duties. There was a clear emphasis on the working of the Parliament and the Judiciary.
- Recommended Books: 'Indian Polity' by M. Laxmikanth is non-negotiable. For a deeper philosophical understanding, 'Our Constitution' by Subhash Kashyap is excellent.
- Reference Sources: The Constitution of India (Bare Act) for exact wording of articles.
- Common Mistake: Memorizing article numbers but failing to understand the "provisos" or exceptions to those articles.
History & Culture (21 Questions - 17.5%)
History in 2017 took a slight detour from the usual Modern History dominance. Ancient India saw 7 dedicated questions, focusing on the Mauryan and Gupta periods, as well as Vedic society. Culture and Literature also played a vital role, reflecting the UPSC's trend of integrating Art and Culture into the History segment.
- Recommended Books: Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 (History) for Ancient and Medieval. 'A Brief History of Modern India' by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) for Modern History.
- Reference Sources: NCERT 'Themes in Indian History' (Parts I, II, and III).
- Common Mistake: Over-focusing on dates and ignoring the socio-economic causes of historical events.
Geography (19 Questions - 15.8%)
Geography was heavily tilted towards Maps and Locations (8 questions). If you didn't know your way around an atlas in 2017, you lost significant marks. Indian Physical Geography and World Physical Geography (climatology and geomorphology) were the other pillars.
- Recommended Books: NCERT Class 11 'Fundamentals of Physical Geography' and Class 12 'India: People and Economy'. 'Certificate Physical and Human Geography' by Goh Cheng Leong.
- Reference Sources: Oxford Student Atlas.
- Common Mistake: Studying Geography without a map. Every mountain range, river, and strait mentioned in the news must be located on a map.
Economy (14 Questions - 11.7%)
The Economy section focused on Growth, Development, Poverty, and Employment. Unlike the Civil Services Exam, CDS focuses more on macro-economic definitions and basic Indian economic history rather than complex derivative markets.
- Recommended Books: 'Indian Economy' by Ramesh Singh or Nitin Singhania. NCERT Class 11 'Indian Economic Development'.
- Reference Sources: Economic Survey (Summary) and Budget highlights.
- Common Mistake: Getting bogged down in complex mathematical formulas instead of understanding conceptual definitions like GDP, Repo Rate, and Inflation.
3. Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis
The CDS II 2017 paper provides a masterclass in trend analysis. The most striking trend was the interdisciplinary nature of questions. Geography questions often bled into Environment, and History questions often touched upon Culture and Literature. This suggests that the examiner is moving away from "siloed" learning.
Another major trend was the Map-centricity of Geography. With 8 questions directly or indirectly related to locations, it was clear that the UPSC wanted to test the spatial awareness of future officers. In Science, the trend moved toward Applied Physicsāunderstanding the mechanics of everyday objects rather than just rote-learning laws.
When compared to general UPSC patterns (like the CSE), the CDS II 2017 paper was more factual but equally demanding in terms of conceptual clarity. The examiner's mindset was focused on "General Awareness" in the truest senseātesting if a candidate is observant of the world around them. For example, the focus on Climate Change and Global Initiatives in the Environment section (4 questions) reflected the global discourse of 2017.
4. Preparation Strategy
To conquer a paper like CDS II 2017, you need a balanced "Pillar-based Strategy." You cannot afford to master one subject and ignore another. Here is how you should allocate your time over a 6-month period:
- Science (25% of time): Since this has the highest weightage, spend the first hour of your daily study on Science NCERTs. Focus on the "Summary" and "Exercises" at the end of each chapter.
- Polity (20% of time): Read Laxmikanth like a novel first, then go back for detailed notes. Focus on the President, Parliament, and Federalism.
- History (20% of time): Use a chronological approach. Divide your study into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern. Modern History (1857-1947) should get 60% of your History time.
- Geography & Environment (20% of time): Combine these. Spend 30 minutes every day looking at an Atlas. Trace the path of major Indian rivers and their tributaries.
- Economy & Current Affairs (15% of time): Keep this for the end of the day. Read the newspaper and link it to static concepts.
Key Resources:
- Online: PIB (Press Information Bureau) for government schemes; PRS India for legislative updates.
- PYQ Practice: This is the most underrated tool. Solve the CDS II 2017 paper in a timed environment. Analyze why you got a question wrongāwas it a lack of knowledge, a silly mistake, or a conceptual error?
5. Answer Elimination Techniques
In a paper with 120 questions, you will rarely know the certain answer to more than 50-60 questions. The rest must be tackled using "Intelligent Elimination."
The "Extreme Words" Rule
In statement-based questions, look for words like "Only," "Always," "Never," or "All." In the UPSC context, these extreme statements are often (though not always) incorrect. For example, a statement saying "The President has no discretionary powers" is too absolute and likely false.
The 50:50 Strategy
If you can eliminate two options, you must take the risk. Mathematically, if you do this for 10 questions, even if you get 4 right and 6 wrong, you still end up with a positive score. However, never guess blindly if you cannot eliminate at least two options.
Match the Following
These are the "low-hanging fruits." Often, knowing just one correct pair allows you to identify the right option among the four. In the 2017 paper, several Geography and History questions could be solved this way.
6. Current Affairs Integration
The 2017 paper demonstrated that Current Affairs is not a separate subject but a lens through which static subjects are viewed. For example, a question on a specific Constitutional Article often appears because that Article was in the news due to a Supreme Court judgement.
How to build the habit: 1. The Hindu/Indian Express: Don't read everything. Focus on National News, Editorial, and Science/Tech pages. 2. Monthly Magazines: Use 'Yojana' for socio-economic issues. It provides the government's perspective, which is crucial for the SSB interview later. 3. Linking: If you read about a cyclone in the news, go back to your Geography NCERT and read how cyclones are formed (static link).
7. Smart Preparation Tips
6-Month vs 1-Year Plan
- 1-Year Plan: Spend the first 6 months building foundations with NCERTs. The next 4 months should be for standard books (Laxmikanth, Spectrum). The final 2 months are for mocks and revision.
- 6-Month Plan: Direct jump to standard books while keeping NCERTs for Science. Increase mock test frequency to once a week from the third month.
Revision Techniques
Use the 2-2-2 Rule: Revise what you learned after 2 days, then after 2 weeks, and then after 2 months. Use "Active Recall"āinstead of just re-reading, close the book and try to write down the key points of the chapter from memory.
Mock Test Analysis
Don't just check your score. Look at the "Time per Question." Are you spending too much time on History and not enough on Science? Analyze your "Strike Rate" in different subjects. If your Science accuracy is low despite high attempts, you need to revisit your basics.
8. Key Takeaways & Action Items
The CDS II 2017 General Knowledge paper serves as a reminder that consistency beats intensity. The paper was not "impossible," but it was "tricky." To succeed in future CDS attempts, your focus should be on building a skyscraper of knowledge on a foundation of NCERTs.
Top 5 Books to Prioritize:
- Science: NCERT Class 9 & 10 (The most important resource).
- Polity: M. Laxmikanth (The Bible of Polity).
- History: Spectrum Modern India (For high-yield facts).
- Geography: NCERT Class 11 Physical Geography.
- Economy: NCERT Class 11 Indian Economic Development.
Immediate Next Steps:
- Download the CDS II 2017 PYQ and solve it without any help.
- Identify your "Weak Pillars" based on the subject-wise distribution provided.
- Start a "Map Diary"āmark one important geographical feature every day.
- Focus on Science daily; do not leave it for the last month.
The journey to the Academy is a marathon, not a sprint. Use the 2017 paper as your compass, align your strategy with the trends identified, and maintain a disciplined routine. The uniform is not just a dream; it is a destination that requires a map of hard work and a compass of smart strategy. Happy studying!
Complete Question Index - CDS II General Knowledge 2017
Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:
| Q# | Subject | Practice Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geography | Solve Question 1 |
| 1 | Geography | Solve Question 1 |
| 2 | Geography | Solve Question 2 |
| 2 | Geography | Solve Question 2 |
| 3 | Geography | Solve Question 3 |
| 3 | Geography | Solve Question 3 |
| 4 | Geography | Solve Question 4 |
| 4 | Geography | Solve Question 4 |
| 5 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 5 |
| 5 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 5 |
| 6 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 6 |
| 6 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 6 |
| 7 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 7 |
| 7 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 7 |
| 8 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 8 |
| 8 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 8 |
| 9 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 9 |
| 9 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 9 |
| 10 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 10 |
| 10 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 10 |
| 11 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 11 |
| 11 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 11 |
| 12 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 12 |
| 12 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 12 |
| 13 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 13 |
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| 14 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 14 |
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| 15 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 15 |
| 15 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 15 |
| 16 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 16 |
| 16 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 16 |
| 17 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 17 |
| 17 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 17 |
| 18 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 18 |
| 18 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 18 |
| 19 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 19 |
| 19 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 19 |
| 20 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 20 |
| 20 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 20 |
| 21 | Geography | Solve Question 21 |
| 21 | Geography | Solve Question 21 |
| 22 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 22 |
| 22 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 22 |
| 23 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 23 |
| 23 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 23 |
| 24 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 24 |
| 24 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 24 |
| 25 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 25 |
| 25 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 25 |
| 26 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 26 |
| 26 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 26 |
| 27 | Economy | Solve Question 27 |
| 27 | Economy | Solve Question 27 |
| 28 | Economy | Solve Question 28 |
| 28 | Economy | Solve Question 28 |
| 29 | Economy | Solve Question 29 |
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| 30 | Economy | Solve Question 30 |
| 30 | Economy | Solve Question 30 |
| 31 | Economy | Solve Question 31 |
| 31 | Economy | Solve Question 31 |
| 32 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 32 |
| 32 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 32 |
| 33 | Geography | Solve Question 33 |
| 33 | Geography | Solve Question 33 |
| 34 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 34 |
| 34 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 34 |
| 35 | History & Culture | Solve Question 35 |
| 35 | History & Culture | Solve Question 35 |
| 36 | History & Culture | Solve Question 36 |
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| 37 | History & Culture | Solve Question 37 |
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| 40 | History & Culture | Solve Question 40 |
| 40 | History & Culture | Solve Question 40 |
| 41 | History & Culture | Solve Question 41 |
| 41 | History & Culture | Solve Question 41 |
| 42 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 42 |
| 42 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 42 |
| 43 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 43 |
| 43 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 43 |
| 44 | History & Culture | Solve Question 44 |
| 44 | History & Culture | Solve Question 44 |
| 45 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 45 |
| 45 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 45 |
| 46 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 46 |
| 46 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 46 |
| 47 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 47 |
| 47 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 47 |
| 48 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 48 |
| 48 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 48 |
| 49 | Geography | Solve Question 49 |
| 49 | Geography | Solve Question 49 |
| 50 | Geography | Solve Question 50 |
| 50 | Geography | Solve Question 50 |
| 51 | Economy | Solve Question 51 |
| 51 | Economy | Solve Question 51 |
| 52 | Geography | Solve Question 52 |
| 52 | Geography | Solve Question 52 |
| 53 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 53 |
| 53 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 53 |
| 54 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 54 |
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| 55 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 55 |
| 55 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 55 |
| 56 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 56 |
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| 57 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 57 |
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| 63 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 63 |
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| 64 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 64 |
| 64 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 64 |
| 65 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 65 |
| 65 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 65 |
| 66 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 66 |
| 66 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 66 |
| 67 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 67 |
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| 68 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 68 |
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| 69 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 69 |
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| 70 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 70 |
| 70 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 70 |
| 71 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 71 |
| 71 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 71 |
| 72 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 72 |
| 72 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 72 |
| 73 | History & Culture | Solve Question 73 |
| 73 | History & Culture | Solve Question 73 |
| 74 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 74 |
| 74 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 74 |
| 75 | Economy | Solve Question 75 |
| 75 | Economy | Solve Question 75 |
| 76 | Economy | Solve Question 76 |
| 76 | Economy | Solve Question 76 |
| 77 | History & Culture | Solve Question 77 |
| 77 | History & Culture | Solve Question 77 |
| 78 | History & Culture | Solve Question 78 |
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| 79 | History & Culture | Solve Question 79 |
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| 80 | History & Culture | Solve Question 80 |
| 80 | History & Culture | Solve Question 80 |
| 81 | Geography | Solve Question 81 |
| 81 | Geography | Solve Question 81 |
| 82 | Geography | Solve Question 82 |
| 82 | Geography | Solve Question 82 |
| 83 | Geography | Solve Question 83 |
| 83 | Geography | Solve Question 83 |
| 84 | Economy | Solve Question 84 |
| 84 | Economy | Solve Question 84 |
| 85 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 85 |
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| 86 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 86 |
| 86 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 86 |
| 87 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 87 |
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| 88 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 88 |
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| 89 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 89 |
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| 90 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 90 |
| 90 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 90 |
| 91 | History & Culture | Solve Question 91 |
| 91 | History & Culture | Solve Question 91 |
| 92 | Economy | Solve Question 92 |
| 92 | Economy | Solve Question 92 |
| 93 | History & Culture | Solve Question 93 |
| 93 | History & Culture | Solve Question 93 |
| 94 | History & Culture | Solve Question 94 |
| 94 | History & Culture | Solve Question 94 |
| 95 | History & Culture | Solve Question 95 |
| 95 | History & Culture | Solve Question 95 |
| 96 | Geography | Solve Question 96 |
| 96 | Geography | Solve Question 96 |
| 97 | Geography | Solve Question 97 |
| 97 | Geography | Solve Question 97 |
| 98 | Geography | Solve Question 98 |
| 98 | Geography | Solve Question 98 |
| 99 | Geography | Solve Question 99 |
| 99 | Geography | Solve Question 99 |
| 100 | Geography | Solve Question 100 |
| 100 | Geography | Solve Question 100 |
| 101 | Geography | Solve Question 101 |
| 101 | Geography | Solve Question 101 |
| 102 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 102 |
| 102 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 102 |
| 103 | History & Culture | Solve Question 103 |
| 103 | History & Culture | Solve Question 103 |
| 104 | History & Culture | Solve Question 104 |
| 104 | History & Culture | Solve Question 104 |
| 105 | History & Culture | Solve Question 105 |
| 105 | History & Culture | Solve Question 105 |
| 106 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 106 |
| 106 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 106 |
| 107 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 107 |
| 107 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 107 |
| 108 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 108 |
| 108 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 108 |
| 109 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 109 |
| 109 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 109 |
| 110 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 110 |
| 110 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 110 |
| 111 | Geography | Solve Question 111 |
| 111 | Geography | Solve Question 111 |
| 112 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 112 |
| 112 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 112 |
| 113 | History & Culture | Solve Question 113 |
| 113 | History & Culture | Solve Question 113 |
| 114 | Economy | Solve Question 114 |
| 114 | Economy | Solve Question 114 |
| 115 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 115 |
| 115 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 115 |
| 116 | Economy | Solve Question 116 |
| 116 | Economy | Solve Question 116 |
| 117 | Economy | Solve Question 117 |
| 117 | Economy | Solve Question 117 |
| 118 | Economy | Solve Question 118 |
| 118 | Economy | Solve Question 118 |
| 119 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 119 |
| 119 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 119 |
| 120 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 120 |
| 120 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 120 |