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CDS GK Questions 2026

Static GK carries most of the 100 marks of the CDS General Knowledge paper. Of the 120 questions in the CDS (II) 2026 paper, about 20 were on Indian Polity, about 20 on the History of India, about 15 on Geography and the environment, about 10 on the Indian Economy and about 37 on Physics, Chemistry and Biology, which makes CDS the most science-heavy General Knowledge paper among the major recruitment exams. Polity questions test writs, the NHRC, electoral systems, disqualification of legislators, GST and delimitation. History runs from the Upanishads and the Shunga dynasty to Vijayanagara, temple architecture, the Sylhet referendum and the SNDP Yogam. Geography asks about the atmosphere, earthquakes and tsunamis, Ramsar sites, mangroves and World Heritage sites. Science stays at school level but expects reasoning: a lens problem, a magnetic field direction, molarity versus molality, what cooking soda is, how enzymes act. This page holds GK24's topic-wise GK notes for CDS, written as short facts and tables so that a topic can be revised in one sitting. Read a topic, then solve its previous-year questions and quiz on this site to check what stayed with you.

CDS GK Questions with Answers

Q3421.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2017, Paper IMedium

In which one of the following buildings the first extant true arch is found?

  1. A.Arhai din ka Jhonpra
  2. B.Quwwat ul Islam Mosque
  3. C.Tomb of Sultan Balban
  4. D.Alai Darwaza
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Tomb of Sultan Balban

The tomb in Mehrauli, Delhi, built in the late 13th century, has the earliest surviving true arch in India. A true arch is built from wedge-shaped stones (voussoirs) held in place by a keystone at the top, so it spreads weight sideways.

Q3422.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2019, Paper IEasy

Which of the following organisms belongs to Coelenterata (Cnidaria)?

  1. A.Planaria and liverfluke
  2. B.Sea urchin and sea cucumber
  3. C.Hydra and sea anemone
  4. D.Euplectella and sycon
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Hydra and sea anemone

Both are cnidarians, simple aquatic animals with stinging cells. Members of phylum Coelenterata (Cnidaria) have radial symmetry, two body layers, a single opening that works as both mouth and anus, and stinging cells called cnidoblasts on their tentacles, used to catch prey and for defence.

Q3423.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2020, Paper IMedium

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan 2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 only

The Satavahanas ruled the Deccan and parts of western India, but the Sudarshana Lake was repaired by others.

Q3424.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2023, Paper IMedium

Which one of the following commissions was not associated with public services in India?

  1. A.Aitchison Commission
  2. B.Islington Commission
  3. C.Lee Commission
  4. D.Radhakrishnan Commission
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Radhakrishnan Commission

It dealt with university education, not with the public services. The University Education Commission was set up in 1948 under Dr S. Radhakrishnan, who later became the second President of India.

Q3425.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2026, Paper IHard

Which of the following statements in respect of the nature of the federal system in India is/are correct? 1. Since the States had an independent existence prior to the formation of the Federation, the Constitution of India provided for safeguards for protecting 'State rights', similar to the Constitution of the United States. 2. The residuary powers are reserved with the States under the Constitution of the United States, but these are with the Union under the Constitution of India. 3. The Constitution of India has followed the Irish Constitution in vesting the residuary powers. Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1, 2 and 3
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1 and 3 only
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 only

Only the statement about where residuary powers lie is correct. The American federation was formed by an agreement among states that already existed, so its Constitution guards 'State rights'.

Q3426.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following materials : 1. Agricultural residues 2. Corn grain 3. Wastewater treatment sludge 4. Wood mill waste Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel ?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.3 and 4 only
  3. C.1, 2, 3 and 4
  4. D.1,3 and 4 only
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

All four materials can be turned into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through one or another approved conversion route. SAF is a jet fuel made from renewable or waste sources instead of crude oil, and it can be blended with ordinary aviation turbine fuel without changing aircraft engines.

Q3427.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.I and II only
  2. B.II and III only
  3. C.I and III only
  4. D.I, II and III
Show answer
Correct answer: C. I and III only

Majorana 1 is a quantum computing chip, but it was unveiled by Microsoft, not AWS; and deep learning is indeed a branch of machine learning.

Q3428.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

'India's ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

  1. A.Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
  2. B.World Economic Forum
  3. C.World Bank
  4. D.World Trade Organization (WTO)
Show answer
Correct answer: C. World Bank

The Ease of Doing Business ranking was published by the World Bank in its annual Doing Business report.

Q3429.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IEasy

What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the 'National Agriculture Market' scheme ? 1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities. 2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

e-NAM is an online trading platform for farm produce across India, and it lets farmers reach buyers beyond their local mandi at prices that reflect quality.

Q3430.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the election of the President of India, consider the following statements : 1. The value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State. 2. The value of the vote of MPs of the Lok Sabha is more than the value of the vote of MPs of the Rajya Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 only

An MLA's vote value depends on the State's population, but every elected MP, in either House, has the same vote value.

Q3431.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

  1. A.anti-malarial drug
  2. B.biodiesel
  3. C.pulp for paper industry
  4. D.textile fibre
Show answer
Correct answer: D. textile fibre

The Himalayan nettle yields a strong natural fibre that can be spun and woven into cloth. Girardinia diversifolia, known as Himalayan giant nettle or allo, is a stinging shrub that grows wild in the moist forests of the Himalayas, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and the North-east, as well as Nepal.

Q3432.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells ? 1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not. 2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do. 3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1,2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Plant cells have a cellulose wall and one large central vacuole, but they do have a plasma membrane, just like animal cells.

Q3433.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order. 2. St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there. 3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Francis Xavier co-founded the Jesuits and his feast is celebrated in Goa every year, but he did not die in Goa.

Q3434.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

  1. A.Andhra
  2. B.Gandhara
  3. C.Kalinga
  4. D.Magadha
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Andhra

Dhanyakataka is the ancient Dharanikota, beside Amaravati on the Krishna river in present-day Andhra Pradesh. Dhanyakataka was a capital of the Satavahanas, who ruled the Deccan around the beginning of the Common Era, and the great Amaravati stupa stood close by.

Q3435.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the sectors of the Indian economy, consider the following pairs : (Economic activity) (Sector) 1. Storage of agricultural produce : Secondary 2. Dairy farm : Primary 3. Mineral exploration : Tertiary 4. Weaving cloth : Secondary How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

  1. A.Only one
  2. B.Only two
  3. C.Only three
  4. D.All four
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Only two

Dairy farming (primary) and weaving cloth (secondary) are correctly matched; storage and mineral exploration are not. The primary sector draws goods directly from nature: farming, dairy, fishing, forestry, mining and quarrying.

Q3436.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IMedium

What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?

  1. A.These are alternatives to hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants
  2. B.These are explosives in military weapons
  3. C.These are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles
  4. D.These are fuels for rocket propulsion
Show answer
Correct answer: B. These are explosives in military weapons

CL-20, HMX and LLM-105 are all powerful high explosives used in warheads, shells and military charges. HMX, also called octogen, is a nitramine explosive more powerful than RDX and is used in missile warheads and shaped charges.

Q3437.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the

  1. A.production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers
  2. B.use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households
  3. C.installation of CNG kits in motor-cars
  4. D.installation of water meters in urban households
Show answer
Correct answer: A. production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers

Net metering lets a home with rooftop solar panels sell its surplus power to the grid. Under net metering, a bidirectional meter records both the electricity a consumer draws from the grid and the electricity their rooftop solar system pushes back into it.

Q3438.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following statements : 1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes. 2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 only

Tyres and tubes must carry the BIS mark, but AGMARK is an Indian government mark, not an FAO one. The Bureau of Indian Standards, set up under the BIS Act (now the BIS Act, 2016), runs the ISI mark scheme.

Q3439.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct ?

  1. A.A bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax.
  2. B.A Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India.
  3. C.A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency Fund of India.
  4. D.A Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India.
Show answer
Correct answer: C. A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency Fund of India.

A Money Bill covers appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India, not out of the Contingency Fund, so statement C is the incorrect one.

Q3440.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IEasy

Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?

  1. A.They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
  2. B.They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
  3. C.They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
  4. D.They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Show answer
Correct answer: A. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that wash into rivers and seas, where they persist and are eaten by marine life.