The General Knowledge paper of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a comprehensive test evaluating an aspirant’s awareness of national and global affairs, historical evolution, geographical structures, political frameworks, and fundamental scientific principles. Consisting of 120 objective questions spanning diverse disciplines like history, polity, economics, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, and current events, this paper demands conceptual clarity rather than rote memorization. Practicing high-yield multiple-choice questions helps aspirants navigate sectional cutoffs, manage negative marking penalties, and refine time-management strategies for success.
1. What is the SI unit of electrical resistance?
Correct Answer: c) Ohm
Explanation:
The SI unit of electrical resistance is the Ohm, named after German physicist Georg Simon Ohm.
2. Which of the following electromagnetic waves has the highest frequency?
Correct Answer: d) Gamma rays
Explanation:
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.
3. The splitting of white light into its component colors when passed through a prism is called:
Correct Answer: c) Dispersion
Explanation:
Dispersion is the phenomenon where white light separates into a spectrum of colors due to different wavelengths refracting at different angles.
4. A body moving in a circular path with a constant speed has a:
Correct Answer: c) Variable velocity
Explanation:
Since the direction of motion changes continuously in a circular path, the velocity is variable even if the speed is constant.
5. Sound waves cannot travel through:
Correct Answer: d) Vacuum
Explanation:
Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a material medium to propagate and therefore cannot travel through a vacuum.
6. The instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure is the:
Correct Answer: b) Barometer
Explanation:
A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
7. The energy possessed by a body due to its position or configuration is called:
Correct Answer: c) Potential energy
Explanation:
Potential energy is the stored energy of an object based on its position, state, or arrangement.
8. Which principle explains the working of a hydraulic press?
Correct Answer: c) Pascal's law
Explanation:
Pascal's law states that a pressure change occurring anywhere in a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted throughout the fluid.
9. The filament of an electric bulb is made of:
Correct Answer: c) Tungsten
Explanation:
Tungsten is used for bulb filaments because of its very high melting point and ability to emit light when heated.
10. What is the escape velocity on the surface of the Earth?
Correct Answer: b) 11.2 km/s
Explanation:
The escape velocity from Earth is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second, the speed needed to break free from Earth's gravitational pull.
11. Which of the following is an allotrope of carbon?
Correct Answer: a) Diamond
Explanation:
Diamond and graphite are the two most well-known natural allotropes of carbon.
12. What is the common name of Sodium Bicarbonate?
Correct Answer: b) Baking soda
Explanation:
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is commonly known as baking soda.
13. The pH value of pure water is:
Correct Answer: b) 7
Explanation:
Pure water is neutral and has a pH of exactly 7 at room temperature.
14. Which gas is known as 'Laughing Gas'?
Correct Answer: c) Nitrous oxide
Explanation:
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is commonly known as laughing gas due to the euphoric effects of inhaling it.
15. Galvanization is a method of protecting iron from rusting by coating it with a thin layer of:
Correct Answer: b) Zinc
Explanation:
Galvanization involves applying a protective zinc coating to iron or steel to prevent rusting.
16. The heaviest naturally occurring element is:
Correct Answer: a) Uranium
Explanation:
Uranium, with an atomic number of 92, is the heaviest naturally occurring element on Earth.
17. Which of the following acids is present in sour milk or curd?
Correct Answer: b) Lactic acid
Explanation:
Lactic acid is produced by bacteria in milk during the fermentation process, giving curd its sour taste.
18. Brass is an alloy of:
Correct Answer: b) Copper and Zinc
Explanation:
Brass is a metal alloy made primarily of copper and zinc.
19. Which of the following is a noble gas?
Correct Answer: c) Argon
Explanation:
Argon is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table, known for being chemically inert.
20. The process of solid directly changing into gas without becoming a liquid is called:
Correct Answer: c) Sublimation
Explanation:
Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas state.
21. Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
Correct Answer: c) Mitochondrion
Explanation:
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of ATP.
22. Which blood group is considered the universal donor?
Correct Answer: d) O-
Explanation:
O- blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, making it safe to transfuse into individuals of any other blood type.
23. The longest bone in the human body is the:
Correct Answer: a) Femur
Explanation:
The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest, heaviest, and strongest bone in the human body.
24. Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of:
Correct Answer: c) Vitamin C
Explanation:
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
25. Which of the following is responsible for carrying oxygen in human blood?
Correct Answer: d) Hemoglobin
Explanation:
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
26. Plants synthesize their food through the process of:
Correct Answer: c) Photosynthesis
Explanation:
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.
27. Insulin is secreted by which organ?
Correct Answer: b) Pancreas
Explanation:
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
28. The basic functional unit of the human kidney is the:
Correct Answer: b) Nephron
Explanation:
The nephron is the microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood.
29. Which of the following diseases is caused by a virus?
Correct Answer: c) Dengue
Explanation:
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus. The others are bacterial infections.
30. What is the normal resting heart rate for an adult human?
Correct Answer: b) 60 - 100 beats per minute
Explanation:
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
31. The Indus Valley Civilization is known primarily for its:
Correct Answer: c) Town planning
Explanation:
The Indus Valley Civilization was famous for its advanced urban town planning, including baked brick houses and complex drainage systems.
32. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
Correct Answer: b) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda Dynasty.
33. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which king?
Correct Answer: c) Kanishka
Explanation:
The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened in Kashmir under the patronage of the Kushan king Kanishka.
34. Who was the author of the 'Arthashastra'?
Correct Answer: c) Chanakya (Kautilya)
Explanation:
The 'Arthashastra', an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and economic policy, is traditionally attributed to Chanakya (also known as Kautilya).
35. The First Battle of Panipat was fought in the year:
Correct Answer: c) 1526
Explanation:
The First Battle of Panipat took place in 1526, where Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, establishing the Mughal Empire in India.
36. Which Mughal Emperor abolished the Jizya tax?
Correct Answer: c) Akbar
Explanation:
The Mughal Emperor Akbar abolished the Jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1564 to promote religious tolerance.
37. Who built the Grand Trunk Road in India?
Correct Answer: b) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation:
Sher Shah Suri significantly rebuilt and extended the ancient route, now known as the Grand Trunk Road, in the 16th century.
38. The Indian National Congress was founded in the year:
Correct Answer: b) 1885
Explanation:
The Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885 by A.O. Hume and others.
39. Who gave the slogan 'Do or Die' during the Quit India Movement?
Correct Answer: c) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi delivered the 'Do or Die' speech on August 8, 1942, marking the launch of the Quit India Movement.
40. The partition of Bengal took place in 1905 under which Viceroy?
Correct Answer: a) Lord Curzon
Explanation:
Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, announced the partition of Bengal in 1905.
41. Which round table conference was attended by Mahatma Gandhi?
Correct Answer: b) Second Round Table Conference
Explanation:
Mahatma Gandhi attended only the Second Round Table Conference in 1931 as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress.
42. Who was the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress?
Correct Answer: b) Sarojini Naidu
Explanation:
Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman President of the INC at the Kanpur session in 1925.
43. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on:
Correct Answer: a) 13 April 1919
Explanation:
The tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar on Baisakhi day, 13 April 1919.
44. Who founded the 'Forward Bloc' political party?
Correct Answer: b) Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation:
Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939 after resigning from the presidency of the Indian National Congress.
45. Which of the following Acts introduced the system of Dyarchy in the provinces?
Correct Answer: b) Government of India Act 1919
Explanation:
The Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) introduced Dyarchy at the provincial level.
46. Who among the following was the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission?
Correct Answer: b) Swami Vivekananda
Explanation:
Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to carry out humanitarian relief and social work.
47. The 'Doctrine of Lapse' was introduced by:
Correct Answer: c) Lord Dalhousie
Explanation:
The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy heavily applied by Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856.
48. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in the year:
Correct Answer: b) 1931
Explanation:
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed by Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, on 5 March 1931.
49. The Kakori Train Robbery took place in:
Correct Answer: c) 1925
Explanation:
The Kakori conspiracy was a train robbery organized by the Hindustan Republican Association in 1925.
50. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
Correct Answer: b) Lord Mountbatten
Explanation:
Lord Mountbatten served as the first Governor-General of independent India until C. Rajagopalachari took over in 1948.
51. Which is the highest peak in the Western Ghats?
Correct Answer: b) Anaimudi
Explanation:
Anaimudi, located in Kerala, is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India, at an elevation of 2,695 meters.
52. The Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian states?
Correct Answer: c) 8
Explanation:
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.
53. Which river is known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar'?
Correct Answer: b) Kosi
Explanation:
The Kosi River is known as the Sorrow of Bihar due to its frequent and devastating floods.
54. Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in India, is located in:
Correct Answer: b) Odisha
Explanation:
Chilika Lake is situated in the state of Odisha, on the east coast of India.
55. Which soils are predominantly found in the Deccan Trap region?
Correct Answer: c) Black Soils
Explanation:
The Deccan Trap region, known for cotton cultivation, is predominantly covered with Black Soil (Regur).
56. Majuli, the world's largest river island, is formed by which river?
Correct Answer: c) Brahmaputra
Explanation:
Majuli is a massive river island in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam.
57. India's only active volcano is located in:
Correct Answer: b) Barren Island
Explanation:
Barren Island in the Andaman Sea holds the only active volcano in India.
58. The Palk Strait separates India from:
Correct Answer: b) Sri Lanka
Explanation:
The Palk Strait is a strait between the Tamil Nadu state of India and the Mannar district of Sri Lanka.
59. Which of the following is the oldest mountain range in India?
Correct Answer: b) Aravallis
Explanation:
The Aravalli Range is the oldest fold mountain range in India, stretching primarily through Rajasthan.
60. Nanda Devi peak is located in which state?
Correct Answer: b) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
Nanda Devi, the second highest mountain in India, is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
61. The layer of the atmosphere where almost all weather phenomena occur is the:
Correct Answer: a) Troposphere
Explanation:
The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, containing most of its mass and all weather phenomena.
62. Which is the largest desert in the world by total area?
Correct Answer: d) Antarctic Desert
Explanation:
Technically, the Antarctic Desert is the largest desert in the world, as a desert is defined by low precipitation levels.
63. The imaginary line joining points of equal atmospheric pressure is called:
Correct Answer: a) Isobar
Explanation:
Isobars are lines on a weather map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure.
64. Which canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea?
Correct Answer: b) Suez Canal
Explanation:
The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
65. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of:
Correct Answer: c) Australia
Explanation:
The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
66. Which river crosses the equator twice?
Correct Answer: c) Congo River
Explanation:
The Congo River (formerly Zaire River) in central Africa crosses the equator twice.
67. The grasslands of North America are known as:
Correct Answer: d) Prairies
Explanation:
The temperate grasslands of North America are referred to as Prairies.
68. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is located in:
Correct Answer: b) Tanzania
Explanation:
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano situated in Tanzania.
69. Which planet in our solar system has the most moons?
Correct Answer: d) Saturn
Explanation:
As of recent astronomical discoveries, Saturn holds the record for the most known moons in the Solar System.
70. Tsunamis are generally generated by:
Correct Answer: c) Undersea earthquakes
Explanation:
Tsunamis are massive ocean waves primarily caused by displacement of water from undersea earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
71. Who is the executive head of the Indian State?
Correct Answer: b) President
Explanation:
Under Article 53 of the Constitution, the executive power of the Union is vested in the President.
72. Fundamental Rights are enshrined in which part of the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: b) Part III
Explanation:
Fundamental Rights are contained in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35).
73. The concept of 'Directive Principles of State Policy' was borrowed from the Constitution of:
Correct Answer: c) Ireland
Explanation:
India borrowed the Directive Principles of State Policy from the Irish Constitution.
74. What is the minimum age prescribed for a person to be elected as the President of India?
Correct Answer: c) 35 years
Explanation:
Article 58 of the Indian Constitution states that a candidate must be at least 35 years old to be eligible for the presidency.
75. Who presides over the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament?
Correct Answer: c) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Explanation:
A joint sitting of both houses of Parliament is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
76. Under which Article can a National Emergency be declared?
Correct Answer: a) Article 352
Explanation:
Article 352 empowers the President to declare a National Emergency if the security of India is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
77. Which constitutional amendment is known as the 'Mini-Constitution' of India?
Correct Answer: b) 42nd Amendment
Explanation:
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 is often called the 'Mini-Constitution' because it brought extensive changes to the document.
78. The Panchayati Raj system was constitutionally recognized by the:
Correct Answer: b) 73rd Amendment
Explanation:
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions.
79. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Correct Answer: b) Vice-President
Explanation:
The Vice-President of India acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
80. How many members are nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President?
Correct Answer: c) 12
Explanation:
The President of India can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
81. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?
Correct Answer: c) President
Explanation:
The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
82. Which writ is issued by a higher court to a lower court directing it to transfer a case?
Correct Answer: c) Certiorari
Explanation:
The writ of Certiorari is issued by a superior court commanding an inferior court to send the records of a proceeding for review.
83. The Right to Property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by which amendment?
Correct Answer: b) 44th Amendment
Explanation:
The 44th Amendment Act (1978) abolished the Right to Property as a Fundamental Right and made it a constitutional right under Article 300A.
84. The maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot exceed:
Correct Answer: b) 6 months
Explanation:
According to the Constitution, there should not be a gap of more than 6 months between two consecutive sessions of Parliament.
85. The 'Tenth Schedule' to the Indian Constitution deals with:
Correct Answer: c) Anti-defection law
Explanation:
The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment, contains provisions regarding the disqualification of members on grounds of defection.
86. Which institution prepares the National Income estimates in India?
Correct Answer: c) Central Statistics Office (CSO)
Explanation:
The Central Statistics Office (now merged into NSO under MoSPI) is responsible for preparing and publishing national income estimates.
87. In economics, 'Gresham's Law' states that:
Correct Answer: b) Bad money drives out good money
Explanation:
Gresham's Law is a monetary principle stating that 'bad money' (currency with a lower intrinsic value) drives 'good money' out of circulation.
88. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India was introduced by which Constitutional Amendment Act?
Correct Answer: b) 101st Amendment Act
Explanation:
GST was introduced in India via the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, coming into effect on July 1, 2017.
89. What does 'CRR' stand for in banking?
Correct Answer: a) Cash Reserve Ratio
Explanation:
CRR stands for Cash Reserve Ratio, which is the specific minimum fraction of total deposits of customers that commercial banks must hold as reserves with the RBI.
90. Disguised unemployment is most commonly found in which sector in India?
Correct Answer: b) Agriculture
Explanation:
Disguised unemployment occurs when more people are employed in an activity (like agriculture) than are actually needed for optimal productivity.
91. Where is the Indian Military Academy (IMA) located?
Correct Answer: b) Dehradun
Explanation:
The Indian Military Academy, the officer training academy of the Indian Army, is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
92. What is the equivalent rank of an Army 'Colonel' in the Indian Navy?
Correct Answer: b) Captain
Explanation:
In the Indian Armed Forces rank structure, an Army Colonel is equivalent to a Captain in the Navy and a Group Captain in the Air Force.
93. Which of the following is India's first indigenously built nuclear submarine?
Correct Answer: a) INS Arihant
Explanation:
INS Arihant is India's first domestically designed and constructed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
94. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was established in which year?
Correct Answer: b) 1958
Explanation:
DRDO was formed in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishments and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organisation.
95. The 'BrahMos' missile is a joint venture between India and which country?
Correct Answer: c) Russia
Explanation:
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed as a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
96. What is the motto of the Indian Air Force?
Correct Answer: b) Touch the Sky with Glory
Explanation:
The motto of the IAF is 'Nabha Sparsham Deeptam', which translates to 'Touch the Sky with Glory', taken from the Bhagavad Gita.
97. Who was the first Field Marshal of the Indian Army?
Correct Answer: b) Sam Manekshaw
Explanation:
Sam Manekshaw was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the five-star rank of Field Marshal in 1973.
98. Operation Meghdoot was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to secure which region?
Correct Answer: b) Siachen Glacier
Explanation:
Operation Meghdoot was the code-name for the Indian Armed Forces' operation to capture the Siachen Glacier in 1984.
99. The highest peacetime gallantry award in India is the:
Correct Answer: c) Ashoka Chakra
Explanation:
The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice.
100. Where is the headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian Army located?
Correct Answer: b) Pune
Explanation:
The Southern Command of the Indian Army is headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra.
