How to prepare for CDS 2023 General Knowledge?

The General Knowledge section of CDS exam comprises a total of 120 questions. The total marks on the test are 100. For wrong answers in this subject, 1/3 of the marks will be deducted as a penalty. Therefore, candidates are advised not to make unnecessary guesses. We have discussed in this article tips and tricks on how to prepare for CDS General Knowledge. If candidates follow these tips diligently, they can definitely score good marks in this section.

How to prepare for CDS General Knowledge?

Candidates often get worried about how to prepare for CDS General Knowledge as there are a lot of things to cover. It is true that GK cannot be prepared in a short duration. But, if candidates study this section regularly then it won’t be any problem for them. They will be able to cover the entire syllabus. Check below how to prepare for CDS General Knowledge.

Analyse the Syllabus

Analysing CDS syllabus is the first step towards preparation. Analysing the syllabus candidates will be able to find out their strong and weak areas. Candidates are advised to make a list of strong areas and those topics that need improvement. It always helps in setting the priories of topics to be studied.

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Previous Years’ Papers

Go through the last 5 years’ CDS question papers. This will help candidates to understand the pattern of questions asked in the exam basically for Science, Economics, Polity, Geography, History, etc. Going through the previous years’ papers will also help candidates to find out the important topics.

Formulate a Proper Study Plan

After getting familiar with the strong and weak areas, important topics and syllabus, it is important that candidates prepare a study plan. It is also important that in the study plan they allot time to each topic. Candidates must stick to this plan to get the maximum results.

Refer to Best Books for GK

To prepare for GK, refer to the standard books that have covered the relevant topics in the syllabus. For Geography, candidates can refer to NCERT 11th ( part 1 & 2) and certificate physical and human geography by G C Leong. Apart from that, they must buy an atlas like Oxford or orient black swan. For History, buy Ancient History and Mediaeval History from NCERT, Modern History from Spectrum: Brief History of Modern India or India's struggle for independence by orient black swan. Keep a special focus on modern history. For Polity, refer to Indian Polity by M Laxmikant. Basic Science can be covered from NCERT books. For Current Affairs, read Yojana, CSR, Pratiyogita Darpan, Manorama Yearbook, etc. Read More

Read Newspaper

Newspapers are the best source for studying current events. These questions are generally asked on the national & international events of the last six months. It is advised that candidates should develop a habit of reading newspapers daily.

Practice and Practice

Practice makes a man perfect. Practice by attempting mock tests and solving previous years’ question papers. There is no alternative to success rather than practice. Refer to the online resources to practice. This will definitely help candidates to score good marks.

What type of GK is asked in CDS exam?

The General Knowledge paper is mandatory for all candidates in CDS exam. The syllabus of the General Knowlege section is quite vast and comprises History, Geography, Science, Polity, Economics, Current Affairs. There are a total of 120 questions .

What should I study for General Knowledge?

Candidates can prepare the following topics for CDS General Knowledge:

• Physical Geography
• Indian and World Geography
• Indian and World History
• International Organizations
• Everyday Science
• Awards and Honors
• Indian Economy
• Indian Polity

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• CDS Exam Pattern 2023
• CDS Preparation Tips 2023