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

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Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology4134.7%
History & Culture2420.3%
Geography2117.8%
Economy1210.2%
Polity & Governance1210.2%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge43.4%
International Relations & Global Affairs32.5%
NA10.8%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)28
History & CultureNational Movement (1857–1947)11
GeographyWorld Physical Geography11
GeographyMaps & Locations7
History & CultureCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy6
Science & TechnologyICT, AI, Cybersecurity & Emerging Tech6
International Relations & Global AffairsIndia's Bilateral & Regional Relations3
Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Health3
Polity & GovernanceGovernance, Policies & Social Justice3
Science & TechnologySpace & Defence Technology3
GeographyIndian Economic Geography3
EconomyGovernment Finance & Budget2
EconomyGrowth, Development, Poverty & Employment2
EconomyMoney, Banking & Inflation2
Polity & GovernanceParliament2

Mastering the CDS II 2025 General Knowledge Paper: A Comprehensive Strategic Blueprint

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination remains one of the most prestigious yet challenging gateways for those aspiring to wear the uniform as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The General Knowledge (GK) paper of CDS II 2025 has once again proven that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is moving away from rote memorization toward a more conceptual, analytical, and integrated approach. With 118 questions to tackle in a high-pressure environment, the 2025 paper serves as a vital case study for future aspirants.

In this exam, the stakes are high: each correct answer earns you marks, but the dreaded one-third negative marking ensures that "blind guessing" is a recipe for disaster. This analysis isn't just about looking back at what happened; it is about decoding the examiner's mindset to build a foolproof roadmap for your success. Whether you are a veteran of the UPSC ecosystem or a first-time applicant, understanding the nuances of the 2025 paper is your first step toward the IMA, OTA, AFA, or INA.

Subject-wise Deep Dive: Decoding the 2025 Matrix

The 2025 paper followed a distinct hierarchy of importance, with Science and History taking the lion's share of the weightage. Let’s break down each segment to understand what was asked and how you should prepare for the next cycle.

Science & Technology: The Deciding Factor

Accounting for a massive 34.7% of the paper with 41 questions, Science & Technology was the undisputed king of CDS II 2025. The focus remained heavily on Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), which contributed 28 questions. However, the emergence of ICT, AI, and Cybersecurity (6 questions) signals a shift toward modern technological literacy.

  • What appeared: Questions ranged from fundamental laws of motion and chemical bonding to complex biotechnological applications and India’s recent strides in Space and Defence technology.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Class 9 and 10 Science textbooks are your Bible. For advanced topics, refer to "Science and Technology" by Ravi P. Agrahari (McGraw Hill).
  • Standard Sources: Monthly Science Reporter magazine and the "Science & Tech" section of The Hindu (Sundays).
  • Mistakes to avoid: Ignoring the "Applied" part of Science. Don't just learn the definition of a catalyst; understand its application in industrial processes.

History & Culture: The Backbone of Merit

With 24 questions (20.3%), History remains a high-yield subject. The National Movement (1857–1947) dominated this section with 11 questions, emphasizing the importance of the freedom struggle. Interestingly, Culture, Literature, and Philosophy saw 6 questions, indicating a move toward the UPSC Civil Services pattern.

  • What appeared: Significant focus on revolutionary movements, Gandhian eras, and the socio-religious reform movements. Cultural questions touched upon ancient Indian architecture and medieval literature.
  • Recommended Books: "A Brief History of Modern India" by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) and the Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 and 12 History textbooks.
  • Standard Sources: "Themes in Indian History" (NCERT Parts I, II, and III).
  • Mistakes to avoid: Getting lost in dates. UPSC now asks about the "nature" of movements and the "ideology" of leaders rather than just the year an event occurred.

Geography: Mapping Your Success

Geography contributed 21 questions (17.8%), with World Physical Geography (11 questions) and Maps & Locations (7 questions) being the primary focus. The paper tested aspirants' ability to visualize the globe rather than just memorizing facts.

  • What appeared: Questions on plate tectonics, ocean currents, and climate zones. Map-based questions focused on conflict zones, major trade routes, and Indian river systems.
  • Recommended Books: "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" by Goh Cheng Leong and NCERT Class 11 "Fundamentals of Physical Geography."
  • Standard Sources: Oxford Student Atlas (Mandatory) and PMF IAS notes for environment-related geography.
  • Mistakes to avoid: Studying Geography without an Atlas. If you read about the Red Sea, you must know which countries border it.

Polity & Economy: The Conceptual Pillars

Both subjects carried 12 questions each (10.2% each). While the quantity was lower than Science, the "difficulty-to-reward" ratio is high because these questions are usually straightforward if your concepts are clear.

  • What appeared: In Polity, Governance and Social Justice were highlighted. In Economy, the focus was on macro-indicators, banking reforms, and government schemes.
  • Recommended Books: "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth is non-negotiable. For Economy, "Indian Economy" by Nitin Singhania or Ramesh Singh.
  • Standard Sources: PRS Legislative Research for bills/acts and the Economic Survey (Summary).
  • Mistakes to avoid: Relying on old editions. Polity and Economy are dynamic; ensure you are aware of the latest Constitutional Amendments and Repo Rate changes.

Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis: The Examiner’s Mindset

Analyzing the CDS II 2025 paper reveals a sophisticated trend: the "Civil-ization" of the CDS exam. By this, I mean the exam is increasingly mirroring the UPSC Civil Services (CSE) Preliminary pattern. In the past, CDS was known for direct, factual questions. In 2025, we see a shift toward multi-statement questions that test the depth of understanding.

The Rise of Emerging Tech: The inclusion of 6 questions on AI, Cybersecurity, and ICT shows that the Armed Forces want officers who are tech-savvy. This isn't just "General Knowledge" anymore; it's "Future Readiness."

Geopolitics over Static Facts: The International Relations section, though small (3 questions), focused on India's Bilateral relations. This reflects an expectation that a future officer should understand India’s position in the global order, especially concerning the Neighborhood First policy and the QUAD.

Interdisciplinary Questions: We noticed a trend where Geography overlaps with Economy (e.g., questions on mineral distribution affecting trade) and Science overlaps with Environment. This means your preparation cannot happen in silos. You must connect the dots between a scientific discovery and its impact on the economy or environment.

Preparation Strategy: A Targeted Approach

To conquer the CDS GK paper, you need a strategy that balances breadth and depth. Here is how you should allocate your energy based on the 2025 trends:

Phase 1: The Foundation (Months 1-2)

Focus entirely on NCERTs. Read Science (9-10), Geography (11-12), and History (6-12) thoroughly. Do not take notes yet; just read to understand the narrative. For Geography, keep an Atlas open at all times. If the textbook mentions the "Strait of Malacca," find it on the map immediately.

Phase 2: Consolidation (Months 3-4)

Transition to standard reference books.

  • Polity: Read Laxmikanth cover to cover, but prioritize Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Parliament, and the Judiciary.
  • History: Use Spectrum for Modern History. Focus on the timeline of the 1920s to 1940s—this is where UPSC loves to trap students.
  • Economy: Focus on terms like GDP, Inflation, Fiscal Deficit, and Monetary Policy tools.

Phase 3: The "X" Factors (Month 5)

This is where you tackle Science & Tech and Current Affairs. For Science, go beyond NCERTs for Physics and Chemistry. Understand the working of semiconductors, LED vs. OLED, and basic principles of Nuclear Energy. For International Relations, follow the visits of the PM and External Affairs Minister—these often translate into questions.

Phase 4: Optimization (Month 6)

This month is for Revision and Mock Tests. Use Previous Year Questions (PYQs) as your primary resource. Practice at least 10 years of CDS GK papers. You will notice that while questions don't repeat, "themes" do.

Answer Elimination Techniques: Solving the Unsolvable

In a 118-question paper, you will likely only be 100% sure of 40-50 questions. The difference between selection and failure lies in how you handle the remaining 60. Here are the mentor-level techniques for MCQ mastery:

1. The "Extreme Word" Filter

In statement-based questions, look for words like "Only," "All," "Always," or "Never." In the UPSC universe, these are often (though not always) incorrect. For example, a statement saying "The President can never return a Money Bill" is a candidate for scrutiny compared to a more moderate statement.

2. The "Match the Following" Hack

You rarely need to know all four pairs. Usually, identifying one certain pair allows you to eliminate two or three options. Always start with the pair you are most confident about.

3. Two-Option Elimination

If you can confidently eliminate two out of four options, the "Expected Value" of guessing is positive. In such cases, you must take the risk. If you only know one option is wrong, it is better to skip unless you are lagging far behind the required attempts.

4. The Contextual Clue

Sometimes the answer to Question 15 is hidden in the phrasing of Question 82. If you are stuck, keep a mental note of the topic; you might find a hint later in the paper.

Current Affairs Integration: The Living Syllabus

One of the biggest mistakes CDS aspirants make is treating Current Affairs (CA) as a separate subject. In the 2025 paper, CA was the "lens" through which static topics were viewed. A question on the "Governor's Powers" (Static Polity) was likely triggered by a recent controversy in a particular state (Current Affair).

How to build the habit:

  • Daily: Spend 45 minutes on The Hindu or Indian Express. Focus on the Editorial, National, and World pages. Ignore political bickering and local crime news.
  • Monthly: Use a consolidated magazine like "Pratiyogita Darpan" or "Vajiram & Ravi Recorders." This helps fill the gaps your daily reading might have missed.
  • Government Sources: Check the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website once a week for "Year End Reviews" of various ministries. These are goldmines for questions on government schemes and defence acquisitions.

Smart Preparation Tips: The Mentor's Secret Sauce

Success in CDS II 2025 wasn't just about how much someone studied, but how "smartly" they studied. Here are three professional tips to elevate your preparation:

1. The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

80% of the questions come from 20% of the syllabus. In History, that 20% is the National Movement. In Science, it’s Basic Physics and Biology. In Polity, it’s the Executive and Legislature. Master these "Core" areas before touching the "Periphery" topics like Ancient History or complex Economic theories.

2. Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

Don't just re-read your notes. Close the book and try to explain the "Process of Photosynthesis" or "The Provisions of the 1935 Act" to an imaginary student. This strengthens neural pathways and ensures you don't blank out during the exam.

3. Mock Test Analysis (The 3-Color Method)

After a mock test, mark your mistakes in three colors:

  • Red: Conceptual error (You didn't understand the topic). Action: Re-study the chapter.
  • Yellow: Silly mistake (You misread the question). Action: Practice mindfulness and slow down.
  • Blue: Guessing error (You took a gamble that failed). Action: Refine your elimination logic.

Key Takeaways & Action Items

The CDS II 2025 General Knowledge paper has set a clear benchmark. It demands a candidate who is scientifically temperamental, historically aware, and geographically conscious. To summarize our 3000-word deep dive into these actionable points:

  • Prioritize Science: You cannot clear this paper by ignoring Science. It is 35% of your score. Focus on NCERTs and modern tech applications.
  • Master the Map: Geography is moving toward "Location in News." Keep your Atlas within arm's reach.
  • Modern History is Non-Negotiable: Spend more time on the 1857-1947 period than on the Medieval or Ancient eras combined.
  • Quality over Quantity: It is better to read Laxmikanth five times than to read five different Polity books once.

Your Immediate Next Steps:

  1. Download the CDS II 2025 Question Paper and attempt it without any help to see where you stand.
  2. Purchase the "Big Three" books: Laxmikanth (Polity), Spectrum (History), and G.C. Leong (Geography).
  3. Start a daily habit of reading a quality newspaper for 45 minutes.
  4. Create a study schedule that allocates at least 2 hours daily to Science for the first two months.

The journey to the academies is a marathon, not a sprint. The 2025 paper has shown that while the exam is getting tougher, it is also becoming more logical. If you align your preparation with these trends, the "GK hurdle" will become your "GK advantage." Stay disciplined, stay curious, and keep the goal in sight. Jai Hind!

Complete Question Index - CDS II General Knowledge 2025

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

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 1
2Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 2
3Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 3
4Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 4
5Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 5
6Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 6
7Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 7
8Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 8
9GeographySolve Question 9
10History & CultureSolve Question 10
11International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 11
12Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 12
13History & CultureSolve Question 13
14Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 14
15Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 15
16Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 16
17History & CultureSolve Question 17
19Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 19
20History & CultureSolve Question 20
21International Relations & Global AffairsSolve 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
31Science & TechnologySolve Question 31
32Science & TechnologySolve Question 32
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35Science & TechnologySolve Question 35
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61GeographySolve Question 61
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70History & CultureSolve Question 70
71EconomySolve Question 71
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74Science & TechnologySolve Question 74
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86GeographySolve Question 86
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94Science & TechnologySolve Question 94
95GeographySolve Question 95
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101GeographySolve Question 101
102GeographySolve Question 102
103GeographySolve Question 103
104GeographySolve Question 104
105Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 105
106NASolve Question 106
107EconomySolve Question 107
108EconomySolve Question 108
110Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 110
111Science & TechnologySolve Question 111
112Science & TechnologySolve Question 112
113History & CultureSolve Question 113
114GeographySolve Question 114
115Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 115
116Science & TechnologySolve Question 116
117Science & TechnologySolve Question 117
118EconomySolve Question 118
119Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 119
120EconomySolve Question 120

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