CDS II General Knowledge 2022: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

Explore More

Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology3831.7%
History & Culture2016.7%
Geography2016.7%
Economy1714.2%
Polity & Governance1613.3%
International Relations & Global Affairs54.2%
Environment & Ecology32.5%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge10.8%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)25
GeographyWorld Physical Geography8
History & CultureCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy7
Science & TechnologySpace & Defence Technology7
GeographyIndian Physical Geography6
International Relations & Global AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupings5
EconomyMoney, Banking & Inflation5
History & CultureAncient India5
Polity & GovernanceParliament5
EconomySchemes, Inclusion & Social Sector4
History & CultureMedieval India4
GeographyMaps & Locations4
Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Health4
EconomyIndustry, Infrastructure & Investment4
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional & Statutory Bodies3

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 serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Among its three components, the General Knowledge (GK) paper is often the "make or break" factor. The CDS II 2022 GK paper was a masterclass in UPSC’s evolving trend: moving away from rote memorization toward a profound conceptual understanding and the application of logic.

Analyzing the CDS II 2022 paper is not merely an academic exercise; it is a strategic necessity for any serious aspirant. With 120 questions to be tackled in 120 minutes, and the looming shadow of one-third negative marking, precision is more valuable than speed. This paper served as a reminder that the UPSC expects its future officers to be well-versed not just in history and polity, but to have a scientific temper and a keen eye on global shifts. In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect every layer of the 2022 paper to build a roadmap for your success.

2. Subject-wise Deep Dive

Science & Technology (38 Questions | 31.7%)

Science dominated the 2022 landscape, accounting for nearly a third of the paper. The focus was heavily weighted toward Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with 25 questions, while Space & Defence Technology contributed 7 questions. The questions weren't just about definitions; they required an understanding of phenomena (like optics in Physics) and chemical reactions in daily life.

  • Reference Sources: The NCERT textbooks (Classes 9 and 10) are your Bible here. For Space and Defence, follow the ISRO and DRDO official websites and the "Science & Tech" section of The Hindu.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Don't ignore the diagrams and "Do you know" boxes in NCERTs. Many aspirants focus only on Biology, but in 2022, Physics and Chemistry were equally pivotal.

History & Culture (20 Questions | 16.7%)

History in CDS II 2022 was nuanced. Culture, Literature, and Religion took center stage with 7 questions, followed by Ancient India with 5. The shift from Modern Indian History (the traditional favorite) toward Ancient and Medieval themes is a trend to watch.

  • Reference Sources: "Themes in Indian History" (NCERT Parts 1, 2, and 3) and the Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 & 12 textbooks are excellent for Ancient and Medieval sections. For Modern History, Spectrum by Rajiv Ahir remains the gold standard.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid memorizing only dates. The 2022 paper asked about the "why" and "how" of cultural movements and administrative structures of ancient empires.

Geography (20 Questions | 16.7%)

Geography was split between World Physical Geography (8 questions) and Indian Physical Geography (6 questions). Questions touched upon atmospheric layers, ocean currents, and the physiographic divisions of India.

  • Reference Sources: "Fundamentals of Physical Geography" (Class 11 NCERT) and "India: Physical Environment" (Class 11 NCERT). Supplement these with G.C. Leong’s "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" for conceptual clarity on climate and landforms.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Neglecting map-based practice. Geography is visual; if you can't locate a mountain range or a strait on a map, you haven't studied it yet.

Economy (17 Questions | 14.2%)

The Economy section was surprisingly robust, focusing on Money, Banking, and Inflation (5 questions) and Government Schemes (4 questions). It tested the candidate's understanding of the RBI's role and the socio-economic impact of inclusion policies.

  • Reference Sources: Macroeconomics NCERT (Class 12) and Ramesh Singh’s "Indian Economy." For schemes, the "Vikasipedia" portal and the annual Economic Survey's highlights are vital.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Getting lost in complex mathematical formulas. UPSC focuses on the conceptual impact of economic policies on the common man.

Polity & Governance (16 Questions | 13.3%)

The Parliament remains the favorite topic of the examiner, with 5 questions dedicated to it in 2022. Other questions covered Fundamental Rights and the working of the Judiciary.

  • Reference Sources: M. Laxmikanth’s "Indian Polity" is indispensable. For a deeper philosophical understanding, Subhash Kashyap’s "Our Constitution" is highly recommended.
  • Mistakes to Avoid: Skipping the Preamble and Appendices. Often, direct questions are framed from the Schedules and the list of Constitutional Amendments.

3. Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis

The CDS II 2022 paper signaled a departure from "easy pickings." One of the most prominent trends was the interdisciplinary nature of questions. For instance, a question on a historical site might also touch upon its geographical location or its architectural style (Culture).

Science as the Gatekeeper: With 31.7% of the paper, Science is no longer a secondary subject. The examiner’s mindset is clearly shifting toward rewarding candidates with a "Scientific Temper," as enshrined in our Constitution. The questions in 2022 were designed to filter out those who rely solely on humanities-based preparation.

The Rise of "International Organisations": With 5 questions on IR, specifically focusing on groupings like the UN, G20, and QUAD, the UPSC is testing the candidate's awareness of India’s position in the global order. This aligns with the requirements of a future military officer who must understand the geopolitical landscape.

Statement-Based Complexity: There was a noticeable increase in "Consider the following statements" type questions. This mimics the Civil Services Examination (CSE) pattern, requiring a 100% certainty on at least two out of three statements to use elimination effectively. This tells us the examiner wants to test the depth of your knowledge, not just the breadth.

4. Preparation Strategy

To conquer the CDS GK paper, you need a balanced diet of static knowledge and current awareness. Here is your subject-wise resource list and strategy:

Polity: The Foundation

Read Laxmikanth cover-to-cover at least thrice. Focus on the Parliament, Emergency Provisions, and Local Government. Use Subhash Kashyap for the "Introduction to the Constitution" to understand the spirit behind the laws.
Tip: Make a table of Articles 1 to 51A and memorize them; they are frequent scorers.

History: The Narrative

Don't just read history; visualize it. Use the Tamil Nadu State Board books for a concise flow of Ancient and Medieval India. For Modern India, Bipin Chandra’s "India’s Struggle for Independence" provides the narrative, while Spectrum provides the facts.
Tip: Focus on the 1857-1947 period, but don't ignore the Bhakti and Sufi movements which are trending in "Culture."

Geography: The Map Approach

Keep an Oxford Student Atlas open while reading NCERTs. If you read about the "Black Sea," find it on the map, look at the surrounding countries (the "BURGERS" mnemonic), and check for any nearby conflict zones.
Tip: G.C. Leong is essential for the "Weather and Climate" section, which is a UPSC favorite.

Economy and Environment

For Economy, focus on the Budget and Economic Survey summaries. For Environment, Shankar IAS is the standard, but for CDS, focusing on National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and International Conventions (like COP26/27) is usually enough.
Tip: Learn the definitions of Repo Rate, Reverse Repo, and CRR—these are frequently asked in the "Money and Banking" section.

Current Affairs: The Daily Habit

Read The Hindu or The Indian Express daily. Don't just read the news; analyze the "Explained" or "Editorial" sections. Use PIB (Press Information Bureau) for authentic data on government schemes and defense acquisitions.

5. Answer Elimination Techniques

In a paper with 120 questions, you will rarely know the absolute answer to more than 50-60 questions. The rest are won through the art of elimination.

  • The "Extreme Words" Trap: In statement-based questions, words like "Only," "All," "Never," or "Always" often make a statement incorrect. UPSC rarely deals in absolutes.
  • Match the Following: These are "gift" questions. Usually, identifying just one correct pair allows you to eliminate three out of four options. Always start with the pair you are 100% sure about.
  • The 50-50 Rule: If you can eliminate two options, you must take the risk. Mathematically, over 10 such questions, you are likely to net a positive score. However, if you can't eliminate even one option, skip it.
  • Contextual Logic: If a question is about a 10th-century Chola king and one of the options mentions "Gunpowder," you can eliminate it immediately, as gunpowder arrived in India much later. Use your chronological knowledge to filter options.

6. Current Affairs Integration

The 2022 paper proved that "Current Affairs" is not a separate subject but a lens through which static subjects are viewed. For example, a question on the Presidential Election (Polity) was likely triggered by the 2022 elections in India. A question on Ukraine's Geography was a direct result of the ongoing conflict.

How to Integrate:

  • When you read about a new Missile Test, go back to your Science notes and read about "Ballistic vs Cruise Missiles."
  • When you read about a Supreme Court Judgment, revisit the "Judiciary" chapter in Laxmikanth.
  • Monthly Magazines: While daily news is vital, monthly compilations like "Yojana" (for schemes) or "Pratiyogita Darpan" can help consolidate your knowledge. However, for CDS, a focused defense-oriented magazine or portal is often more effective.

7. Smart Preparation Tips

The 6-Month Plan:

  • Months 1-3: Focus on NCERTs and standard static books (Laxmikanth, Spectrum). Build your base.
  • Months 4-5: Start practicing PYQs (Previous Year Questions). Analyze why you got a question wrong—was it a lack of knowledge or a silly mistake?
  • Month 6: Revision and Mock Tests. Take at least 10 full-length mocks in the 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM slot to prime your brain for the exam timing.

Revision Techniques: Use Active Recall. After reading a chapter on "The Governor," close the book and try to list all the powers of the Governor on a blank sheet of paper. This is far more effective than re-reading the same page five times.

Mock Test Analysis: Don't just look at the score. Maintain a "Mistake Notebook." Write down the facts you missed or the logic you failed to apply. Review this notebook every Sunday.

8. Key Takeaways & Action Items

The CDS II 2022 GK paper was a balanced yet rigorous test of an aspirant's intellectual depth. To succeed in future attempts, keep these takeaways in mind:

  • Science is King: You cannot clear this paper by ignoring Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • Concepts Over Facts: UPSC is testing your understanding of the "Process," whether it's the process of making a law or the process of evaporation.
  • Geography is Map-Work: Stop reading geography; start drawing it.

Top 5 Books to Prioritize:

  1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
  2. Class 9 & 10 Science NCERTs
  3. Class 11 Physical Geography NCERT
  4. A Brief History of Modern India (Spectrum)
  5. Oxford Student Atlas

Immediate Next Step: Download the CDS II 2022 GK Question Paper. Sit in a quiet room for two hours and attempt it without any help. This will give you a "Baseline Score" and show you exactly where you stand. The journey to the Academy begins with an honest self-assessment. Good luck, future officers!

Complete Question Index - CDS II General Knowledge 2022

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

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 1
1Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 1
2Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 2
2Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 2
3Science & TechnologySolve Question 3
3Science & TechnologySolve Question 3
4Science & TechnologySolve Question 4
4Science & TechnologySolve Question 4
5Science & TechnologySolve Question 5
5Science & TechnologySolve Question 5
6Science & TechnologySolve Question 6
6Science & TechnologySolve Question 6
7Science & TechnologySolve Question 7
7Science & TechnologySolve Question 7
8GeographySolve Question 8
8GeographySolve Question 8
9GeographySolve Question 9
9GeographySolve Question 9
10GeographySolve Question 10
10GeographySolve Question 10
11GeographySolve Question 11
11GeographySolve Question 11
12GeographySolve Question 12
12GeographySolve Question 12
13History & CultureSolve Question 13
13History & CultureSolve Question 13
14History & CultureSolve Question 14
14History & CultureSolve Question 14
15History & CultureSolve Question 15
15History & CultureSolve Question 15
16History & CultureSolve Question 16
16History & CultureSolve Question 16
17History & CultureSolve Question 17
17History & CultureSolve Question 17
18International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 18
18International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 18
19EconomySolve Question 19
19EconomySolve Question 19
20Science & TechnologySolve Question 20
20Science & TechnologySolve Question 20
21Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 21
21Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 21
22Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 22
22Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 22
23Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 23
23Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 23
24GeographySolve Question 24
24GeographySolve Question 24
25GeographySolve Question 25
25GeographySolve Question 25
26GeographySolve Question 26
26GeographySolve Question 26
27GeographySolve Question 27
27GeographySolve Question 27
28GeographySolve Question 28
28GeographySolve Question 28
29Environment & EcologySolve Question 29
29Environment & EcologySolve Question 29
30EconomySolve Question 30
30EconomySolve Question 30
31EconomySolve Question 31
31EconomySolve Question 31
32EconomySolve Question 32
32EconomySolve Question 32
33Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 33
33Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 33
34EconomySolve Question 34
34EconomySolve Question 34
35EconomySolve Question 35
35EconomySolve Question 35
36EconomySolve Question 36
36EconomySolve Question 36
37Science & TechnologySolve Question 37
37Science & TechnologySolve Question 37
38GeographySolve Question 38
38GeographySolve Question 38
39Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 39
39Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 39
40Science & TechnologySolve Question 40
40Science & TechnologySolve Question 40
41Science & TechnologySolve Question 41
41Science & TechnologySolve Question 41
42Science & TechnologySolve Question 42
42Science & TechnologySolve Question 42
43Science & TechnologySolve Question 43
43Science & TechnologySolve Question 43
44Science & TechnologySolve Question 44
44Science & TechnologySolve Question 44
45Science & TechnologySolve Question 45
45Science & TechnologySolve Question 45
46Science & TechnologySolve Question 46
46Science & TechnologySolve Question 46
47Science & TechnologySolve Question 47
47Science & TechnologySolve Question 47
48Science & TechnologySolve Question 48
48Science & TechnologySolve Question 48
49Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 49
49Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 49
50Science & TechnologySolve Question 50
50Science & TechnologySolve Question 50
51EconomySolve Question 51
51EconomySolve Question 51
52EconomySolve Question 52
52EconomySolve Question 52
53Science & TechnologySolve Question 53
53Science & TechnologySolve Question 53
54Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 54
54Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 54
55History & CultureSolve Question 55
55History & CultureSolve Question 55
56History & CultureSolve Question 56
56History & CultureSolve Question 56
57History & CultureSolve Question 57
57History & CultureSolve Question 57
58History & CultureSolve Question 58
58History & CultureSolve Question 58
59History & CultureSolve Question 59
59History & CultureSolve Question 59
60Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 60
60Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 60
61EconomySolve Question 61
61EconomySolve Question 61
62GeographySolve Question 62
62GeographySolve Question 62
63GeographySolve Question 63
63GeographySolve Question 63
64GeographySolve Question 64
64GeographySolve Question 64
65GeographySolve Question 65
65GeographySolve Question 65
66EconomySolve Question 66
66EconomySolve Question 66
67EconomySolve Question 67
67EconomySolve Question 67
68EconomySolve Question 68
68EconomySolve Question 68
69EconomySolve Question 69
69EconomySolve Question 69
70EconomySolve Question 70
70EconomySolve Question 70
71Science & TechnologySolve Question 71
71Science & TechnologySolve Question 71
72Science & TechnologySolve Question 72
72Science & TechnologySolve Question 72
73Science & TechnologySolve Question 73
73Science & TechnologySolve Question 73
74Science & TechnologySolve Question 74
74Science & TechnologySolve Question 74
75Science & TechnologySolve Question 75
75Science & TechnologySolve Question 75
76Science & TechnologySolve Question 76
76Science & TechnologySolve Question 76
77Science & TechnologySolve Question 77
77Science & TechnologySolve Question 77
78Science & TechnologySolve Question 78
78Science & TechnologySolve Question 78
79Science & TechnologySolve Question 79
79Science & TechnologySolve Question 79
80Science & TechnologySolve Question 80
80Science & TechnologySolve Question 80
81Science & TechnologySolve Question 81
81Science & TechnologySolve Question 81
82Science & TechnologySolve Question 82
82Science & TechnologySolve Question 82
83Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 83
83Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 83
84GeographySolve Question 84
84GeographySolve Question 84
85International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 85
85International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 85
86EconomySolve Question 86
86EconomySolve Question 86
87Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 87
87Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 87
88Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 88
88Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 88
89GeographySolve Question 89
89GeographySolve Question 89
90GeographySolve Question 90
90GeographySolve Question 90
91GeographySolve Question 91
91GeographySolve Question 91
92Science & TechnologySolve Question 92
92Science & TechnologySolve Question 92
93History & CultureSolve Question 93
93History & CultureSolve Question 93
94History & CultureSolve Question 94
94History & CultureSolve Question 94
95History & CultureSolve Question 95
95History & CultureSolve Question 95
96History & CultureSolve Question 96
96History & CultureSolve Question 96
97EconomySolve Question 97
97EconomySolve Question 97
98History & CultureSolve Question 98
98History & CultureSolve Question 98
99Environment & EcologySolve Question 99
99Environment & EcologySolve Question 99
100Environment & EcologySolve Question 100
100Environment & EcologySolve Question 100
101Science & TechnologySolve Question 101
101Science & TechnologySolve Question 101
102Science & TechnologySolve Question 102
102Science & TechnologySolve Question 102
103Science & TechnologySolve Question 103
103Science & TechnologySolve Question 103
104History & CultureSolve Question 104
104History & CultureSolve Question 104
105History & CultureSolve Question 105
105History & CultureSolve Question 105
106History & CultureSolve Question 106
106History & CultureSolve Question 106
107History & CultureSolve Question 107
107History & CultureSolve Question 107
108History & CultureSolve Question 108
108History & CultureSolve Question 108
109Science & TechnologySolve Question 109
109Science & TechnologySolve Question 109
110Science & TechnologySolve Question 110
110Science & TechnologySolve Question 110
111Science & TechnologySolve Question 111
111Science & TechnologySolve Question 111
112International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 112
112International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 112
113GeographySolve Question 113
113GeographySolve Question 113
114International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 114
114International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 114
115International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 115
115International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 115
116Science & TechnologySolve Question 116
116Science & TechnologySolve Question 116
117Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 117
117Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 117
118Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 118
118Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 118
119Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 119
119Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 119
120Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 120
120Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 120

Explore More