CDS II General Knowledge 2024: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | 28 | 23.5% |
| Geography | 23 | 19.3% |
| History & Culture | 22 | 18.5% |
| Economy | 18 | 15.1% |
| Polity & Governance | 10 | 8.4% |
| International Relations & Global Affairs | 7 | 5.9% |
| Environment & Ecology | 5 | 4.2% |
| NA | 3 | 2.5% |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | 3 | 2.5% |
Topic-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 22 |
| Geography | World Physical Geography | 11 |
| Geography | Indian Physical Geography | 6 |
| History & Culture | National Movement (1857–1947) | 5 |
| International Relations & Global Affairs | International Organisations & Groupings | 5 |
| Economy | Industry, Infrastructure & Investment | 4 |
| Polity & Governance | Constitutional Basics & Evolution | 4 |
| Science & Technology | Space & Defence Technology | 4 |
| Economy | Schemes, Inclusion & Social Sector | 4 |
| History & Culture | Art & Architecture | 4 |
| History & Culture | Medieval India | 4 |
| Geography | Maps & Locations | 4 |
| NA | NA | 3 |
| Environment & Ecology | Climate Change & Global Initiatives | 3 |
| Economy | Government Finance & Budget | 3 |
Decoding CDS II 2024: A Strategic Blueprint for General Knowledge Excellence
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) remains one of the most prestigious yet challenging gateways for those aspiring to lead the Indian Armed Forces. The General Knowledge (GK) paper of CDS II 2024 has once again proven that UPSC is moving away from rote memorization toward a conceptual, application-based approach. For an aspirant, this paper is not just a test of facts; it is a test of analytical depth, situational awareness, and the ability to connect static concepts with dynamic global events.
In this comprehensive analysis, we will deconstruct the 119 questions of the CDS II 2024 GK paper. Whether you are a veteran candidate or a beginner starting your journey, this guide will serve as a lighthouse, illuminating the path through the dense fog of the UPSC syllabus. We will explore why Science took the lion's share of the paper, why Geography remains the "make-or-break" section, and how the examiner’s mindset is increasingly mirroring the Civil Services Examination (CSE) pattern. Understanding these nuances is the difference between working hard and working smart.
1. Introduction & Exam Overview
The CDS II 2024 General Knowledge paper consisted of 119 questions, each designed to probe the candidate's breadth of knowledge across a spectrum of subjects. With a total time of 120 minutes, the pressure is immense—you have roughly one minute per question, including the time taken to read complex statements and bubble the OMR sheet. The marking scheme follows the standard UPSC pattern: 1/3rd negative marking for every incorrect answer. This makes "accuracy" more lethal than "attempt count."
Why does this specific analysis matter? Because the CDS II 2024 paper marks a definitive shift in weightage. Traditionally, Polity and History were the twin pillars of the GK paper. However, 2024 has seen a massive surge in Science & Technology and Geography, which together account for nearly 43% of the paper. This analysis is your strategic reconnaissance report. It tells you where the "enemy" (the examiner) is concentrating forces, allowing you to deploy your preparation resources—time, energy, and revision—where they will yield the highest Return on Investment (ROI).
2. Subject-wise Deep Dive
Science & Technology: The New Frontier
With 28 questions (23.5%), Science & Technology dominated the 2024 paper. The core of this section was Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), which accounted for 22 questions. The focus was heavily on 9th and 10th-grade NCERT concepts but with a twist of application. For instance, questions on optics, chemical reactions in daily life, and human physiology were not direct; they required a clear understanding of "how" and "why." Space and Defense technology also saw 4 critical questions, reflecting the national focus on Indigenization (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and ISRO’s recent milestones.
- Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9 and 10 (Science) are non-negotiable. For the "Technology" aspect, follow the Science & Tech section of a national daily.
- Reference Sources: Lucent’s General Science for quick factual revision and the ISRO/DRDO official websites for recent missions.
- Common Mistakes: Ignoring the diagrams and "Activity" boxes in NCERTs. Many questions are framed directly from these overlooked sections.
Geography: The Spatial Backbone
Geography stood tall with 23 questions (19.3%). The distribution was fascinating: 11 questions from World Physical Geography and 6 from Indian Physical Geography. The examiner focused heavily on geomorphology, climate patterns, and mapping. If you didn't know your ocean currents or the Himalayan drainage system, this section would have been a struggle. The questions are becoming increasingly "map-oriented," even if a map isn't provided in the booklet.
- Recommended Books: NCERT Class 11 (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) and Class 12 (India: People and Economy).
- Reference Sources: Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong is essential for conceptual clarity on climate and landforms.
- Common Mistakes: Studying Geography without an Atlas. Aspirants often memorize names of rivers but fail to visualize their tributaries or the states they pass through.
History & Culture: The Analytical Shift
History contributed 22 questions (18.5%). The National Movement (1857–1947) remained the favorite with 5 questions, but there was a significant emphasis on Art & Architecture (4 questions). The UPSC is moving away from simple "who did what" questions to "what was the socio-economic context" of an event. Ancient and Medieval history are no longer "optional"—they are being used to test a candidate's grasp of India’s cultural evolution.
- Recommended Books: Theme in Indian History (NCERT Parts I, II, and III). For Modern History, Spectrum’s "A Brief History of Modern India" by Rajiv Ahir.
- Reference Sources: Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 and 12 History books are goldmines for Ancient and Medieval facts.
- Common Mistakes: Over-focusing on dates while ignoring the administrative and cultural contributions of dynasties like the Cholas or Mughals.
Economy: Infrastructure and Inclusion
With 18 questions (15.1%), Economy has become a heavy hitter. The focus was on "Industry, Infrastructure & Investment" and "Government Schemes & Social Inclusion." This indicates that the examiner wants candidates to understand how the Indian economy is being restructured. Concepts like GDP, Inflation, and Monetary Policy are now being tested through the lens of current government initiatives.
- Recommended Books: NCERT Class 11 (Indian Economic Development) and Class 12 (Macroeconomics).
- Reference Sources: Ramesh Singh’s Indian Economy for conceptual depth and the latest Economic Survey (Highlights).
- Common Mistakes: Trying to memorize complex formulas. CDS requires an understanding of economic "trends" rather than mathematical derivations.
Polity & Governance: Quality over Quantity
While Polity saw only 10 questions (8.4%), they were high-quality, statement-based questions. The focus was on Constitutional Basics and Evolution. These are "sure-shot" marks if your concepts are clear. You cannot afford to get a Polity question wrong because your competitors won't.
- Recommended Books: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth (The Bible for this subject).
- Reference Sources: "Our Constitution" by Subhash Kashyap for understanding the philosophy and evolution of the document.
- Common Mistakes: Only reading the Articles and missing the "Exceptions" and "Provisos." UPSC loves the exceptions.
3. Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis
The CDS II 2024 paper reveals a "UPSC-fication" of the CDS exam. Historically, CDS was considered more factual compared to the Civil Services Exam. However, the 2024 trends suggest a closing gap. The dominance of World Physical Geography (11 questions) suggests that the examiner expects candidates to have a global perspective, fitting for future military officers who must understand global geopolitics and terrain.
Another emerging trend is the integration of International Relations (IR). With 7 questions focused on International Organizations and Groupings, the paper reflects India’s growing stature on the global stage (G20, SCO, BRICS). The examiner's mindset is clear: they are looking for "Generalists" who can connect the dots. For example, a question on a specific sea in Geography might be linked to a recent naval exercise or a geopolitical conflict discussed in the IR section.
Furthermore, the Science section's shift toward "Space & Defence" (4 questions) is a deliberate move to test the candidate's affinity for their future profession. If you are aspiring to join the Air Force or Navy, you are expected to know about satellite orbits and missile propulsion systems. This "Contextual Testing" is the hallmark of the 2024 pattern.
4. Preparation Strategy
To conquer the CDS GK paper, you need a multi-layered strategy. You cannot treat all subjects with the same yardstick. Here is the recommended time allocation and resource map:
- Science (30% Time): Focus on NCERTs. Create a formula sheet for Physics and a table for Chemical reactions. For Biology, focus on Human Systems and Plant Physiology.
- Geography (20% Time): Spend 30 minutes daily on an Atlas (Oxford or Orient Blackswan). Trace the path of major rivers and locate "places in news." Read Goh Cheng Leong for chapters on Climate and Vegetation.
- History (15% Time): Use a chronological approach. For Modern History, make a timeline of the Governor-Generals and the acts passed under them. For Art & Architecture, use the fine arts NCERT (Class 11).
- Polity (15% Time): Read Laxmikanth cover-to-cover at least thrice. Focus on Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Parliament, and Judiciary.
- Economy & Current Affairs (20% Time): Don't read bulky books. Follow a monthly compilation and the Economic Survey summary. For IR, follow the "World" section of The Hindu or Indian Express.
Using PYQs (Previous Year Questions): Do not just solve them; analyze them. If a question was asked about the "Black Sea" in 2024, look at the other options (Caspian Sea, Mediterranean). The examiner is likely to pick one of those for 2025. PYQs are the best way to understand the "language" of the UPSC.
5. Answer Elimination Techniques
In a paper with 119 questions, you will likely know the "absolute" answers to only 40-50 questions. The rest must be navigated using strategic elimination. Here is how:
- The "Extremes" Rule: In statement-based questions, words like "Only," "Always," "Never," or "All" are often (though not always) indicators of a false statement. UPSC uses these to create definitive traps.
- The 50:50 Gamble: If you can eliminate two options, you must attempt the question. Statistically, over 10 such questions, you are likely to net positive marks even if you get half of them wrong.
- Match the Following: Often, knowing just one correct pair is enough to find the right combination in the options. Look for the most "obvious" pair first.
- Contextual Guessing: If a question is about a government scheme and one option sounds overly "idealistic" or "poetic" while the others are technical, the technical ones are more likely to be correct.
When to Skip: If you have no idea about any of the four options, skip it immediately. Do not let "ego" dictate your attempts. A "skipped" question is better than a "negative" mark.
6. Current Affairs Integration
Current affairs in CDS II 2024 were not isolated; they were "Static-Dynamic" hybrids. For instance, a question on a Constitutional Article might be triggered by a recent Supreme Court judgment. To master this:
- The Daily Habit: Read The Hindu or The Indian Express. Focus on the Editorial, National, and World pages. Ignore the local/political gossip.
- Monthly Supplements: Use magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan or monthly PDFs from reputed IAS coaching institutes. They do the hard work of distilling the news for you.
- PIB (Press Information Bureau): This is the primary source for Government Schemes. Look for "Year End Reviews" published by various ministries on PIB.
- Yojana & Kurukshetra: Don't read them for facts; read them to build a "perspective" on issues like Rural Development or Energy Security. This helps in the SSB interview later as well.
7. Smart Preparation Tips
The 6-Month vs. 1-Year Plan: If you have a year, start with basic NCERTs (Class 6-10). If you have 6 months, jump straight to Class 11-12 NCERTs and standard reference books like Laxmikanth and Spectrum. The last 2 months should be exclusively for revision and mock tests.
Revision Techniques: Use the "Active Recall" method. Instead of re-reading a chapter, close the book and try to write down the 10 most important points you just read. Use "Spaced Repetition" to revisit difficult topics (like Indian Landforms) at intervals of 1, 7, and 30 days.
Mock Test Strategy: Join a reputable test series. Analyze your mocks not by the score, but by the "nature of mistakes." Are you losing marks due to "Silly Mistakes," "Lack of Knowledge," or "Wrong Logic"? Fix the category, and the score will follow.
8. Key Takeaways & Action Items
The CDS II 2024 GK paper is a clear signal that the UPSC values conceptual clarity over factual density. To succeed in the upcoming exams, you must adapt your preparation to this reality.
Top 5 Books to Prioritize:
- NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10)
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
- NCERT Geography (Class 11 - Physical Geography)
- Spectrum’s Modern History
- Economic Survey Summary & Budget Highlights
- Download the CDS II 2024 Question Paper and attempt it in a timed environment to see where you stand.
- Identify your "Weak Pillar" (e.g., Science or Geography) and dedicate the first hour of your daily study schedule to it.
- Start a "Current Affairs Diary" where you note down only those events that have a "Static" link (e.g., a new Ramsar site, a new Constitutional Amendment).
Success in CDS is not about knowing everything under the sun; it is about knowing what the UPSC wants you to know. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and remember: the uniform is earned through every page you turn and every concept you master. Good luck!
Complete Question Index - CDS II General Knowledge 2024
Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:
| Q# | Subject | Practice Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 1 |
| 2 | Geography | Solve Question 2 |
| 3 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 3 |
| 4 | History & Culture | Solve Question 4 |
| 5 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 5 |
| 6 | Economy | Solve Question 6 |
| 7 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 7 |
| 8 | Geography | Solve Question 8 |
| 9 | Geography | Solve Question 9 |
| 10 | Geography | Solve Question 10 |
| 11 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 11 |
| 12 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 12 |
| 13 | Economy | Solve Question 13 |
| 14 | Geography | Solve Question 14 |
| 15 | Economy | Solve Question 15 |
| 16 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 16 |
| 17 | Economy | Solve Question 17 |
| 18 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 18 |
| 19 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 19 |
| 20 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 20 |
| 21 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 21 |
| 22 | Geography | Solve Question 22 |
| 23 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 23 |
| 24 | History & Culture | Solve Question 24 |
| 25 | Economy | Solve Question 25 |
| 26 | Geography | Solve Question 26 |
| 27 | History & Culture | Solve Question 27 |
| 28 | History & Culture | Solve Question 28 |
| 29 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 29 |
| 30 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 30 |
| 31 | Economy | Solve Question 31 |
| 32 | History & Culture | Solve Question 32 |
| 33 | History & Culture | Solve Question 33 |
| 34 | History & Culture | Solve Question 34 |
| 35 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 35 |
| 36 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 36 |
| 37 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 37 |
| 38 | Economy | Solve Question 38 |
| 39 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 39 |
| 40 | Geography | Solve Question 40 |
| 41 | Geography | Solve Question 41 |
| 42 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 42 |
| 43 | History & Culture | Solve Question 43 |
| 44 | Geography | Solve Question 44 |
| 45 | Geography | Solve Question 45 |
| 46 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 46 |
| 47 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 47 |
| 48 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 48 |
| 49 | History & Culture | Solve Question 49 |
| 50 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 50 |
| 51 | History & Culture | Solve Question 51 |
| 52 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 52 |
| 53 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 53 |
| 54 | Geography | Solve Question 54 |
| 55 | History & Culture | Solve Question 55 |
| 56 | Economy | Solve Question 56 |
| 57 | Economy | Solve Question 57 |
| 58 | Economy | Solve Question 58 |
| 59 | Geography | Solve Question 59 |
| 60 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 60 |
| 61 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 61 |
| 62 | History & Culture | Solve Question 62 |
| 63 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 63 |
| 64 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 64 |
| 65 | History & Culture | Solve Question 65 |
| 66 | History & Culture | Solve Question 66 |
| 67 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 67 |
| 68 | History & Culture | Solve Question 68 |
| 69 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 69 |
| 70 | Economy | Solve Question 70 |
| 71 | History & Culture | Solve Question 71 |
| 72 | History & Culture | Solve Question 72 |
| 73 | History & Culture | Solve Question 73 |
| 74 | Economy | Solve Question 74 |
| 75 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 75 |
| 76 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 76 |
| 77 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 77 |
| 78 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 78 |
| 79 | History & Culture | Solve Question 79 |
| 80 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 80 |
| 81 | Geography | Solve Question 81 |
| 82 | Economy | Solve Question 82 |
| 83 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 83 |
| 84 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 84 |
| 85 | Geography | Solve Question 85 |
| 86 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 86 |
| 87 | Geography | Solve Question 87 |
| 88 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 88 |
| 89 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 89 |
| 90 | Geography | Solve Question 90 |
| 91 | Economy | Solve Question 91 |
| 92 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 92 |
| 93 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 93 |
| 94 | Geography | Solve Question 94 |
| 95 | Geography | Solve Question 95 |
| 96 | Geography | Solve Question 96 |
| 97 | History & Culture | Solve Question 97 |
| 98 | International Relations & Global Affairs | Solve Question 98 |
| 99 | History & Culture | Solve Question 99 |
| 100 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 100 |
| 101 | Geography | Solve Question 101 |
| 102 | Economy | Solve Question 102 |
| 103 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 103 |
| 104 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 104 |
| 105 | Economy | Solve Question 105 |
| 106 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 106 |
| 107 | Economy | Solve Question 107 |
| 108 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 108 |
| 109 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 109 |
| 110 | Geography | Solve Question 110 |
| 111 | History & Culture | Solve Question 111 |
| 112 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 112 |
| 113 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 113 |
| 114 | Geography | Solve Question 114 |
| 115 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 115 |
| 116 | Economy | Solve Question 116 |
| 117 | NA | Solve Question 117 |
| 118 | NA | Solve Question 118 |
| 119 | NA | Solve Question 119 |