100 CDS Frequently Asked Questions: Complete GK Guide for CDS 2026
100 CDS Frequently Asked Questions to Crack Your Exam Easily
Are you preparing for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination? CDS frequently asked questions are your golden ticket to scoring higher in the General Knowledge section. This comprehensive guide contains 100 carefully curated questions that reflect the actual exam pattern and difficulty level.
The General Knowledge section of CDS demands extensive preparation across multiple domains, including history, geography, science, current affairs, and defence-related topics. CDS frequently asked questions from previous years reveal recurring patterns and important themes that every aspirant must master.
Why These CDS Frequently Asked Questions Matter for Your Success
These CDS frequently asked questions have been compiled after thorough analysis of previous year papers. They represent the most tested concepts and topics that appear repeatedly in the examination.
Key Benefits of Practicing These Questions:
- Pattern Recognition: Understand how questions are framed in the actual exam
- Time Management: Practice solving 100 questions within a timed environment
- Concept Clarity: Cover static GK topics in depth
- Current Affairs Integration: Blend static knowledge with contemporary events
- Confidence Building: Reduce exam anxiety through thorough preparation
Top 100 CDS Frequently Asked Questions with Detailed Answers
Geography and Environment (Questions 1-15)
Question 1: Cloud Identification
Identify the cloud based on these characteristics:
- I. They look like cotton wool
- II. They exist in patches and have flat base
- III. Generally formed at height of 4 to 7 km
Options:
- (a) Cirrus
- (b) Cumulus
- (c) Nimbus
- (d) Stratus
Answer: (b) Cumulus
Explanation: Cumulus clouds resemble cotton wool, appear in patches with flat bases, and typically form between 4-7 km altitude. These are among the CDS frequently asked questions on physical geography.
Question 2: Sea Water Salt Composition
Arrange these salts in ascending order according to their presence in sea water:
- Calcium Carbonate
- Calcium Sulphate
- Magnesium Chloride
Options:
- (a) 3, 1, 2
- (b) 1, 3, 2
- (c) 1, 2, 3
- (d) 2, 1, 3
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3
Explanation: Sea water salt concentration in ascending order: Calcium Carbonate < Calcium Sulphate < Magnesium Chloride. Understanding this sequence is crucial for CDS frequently asked questions on oceanography.
Question 3: Endangered Mountain Gorillas Habitat
Which location is home to endangered mountain gorillas in Africa?
Options:
- (a) Mount Kenya
- (b) Mount Kilimanjaro
- (c) Ngorongoro Crater
- (d) Virunga Mountains
Answer: (d) Virunga Mountains
Explanation: The Virunga Mountains, spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo, are famous for their endangered mountain gorilla populations.
Question 4: Biosphere Reserves in India
Which Biosphere Reserve spreads over three states?
Options:
- (a) Dehang Debang
- (b) Nilgiris
- (c) Nokrek
- (d) Seshachalam
Answer: (b) Nilgiris
Explanation: The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve extends across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. This is one of the most important CDS frequently asked questions on Indian geography.
Question 5: River Danube and European Capitals
Which capital city does the Danube NOT flow through?
Options:
- (a) Belgrade
- (b) Budapest
- (c) Prague
- (d) Vienna
Answer: (c) Prague
Explanation: The Danube flows through four capital cities: Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary), and Belgrade (Serbia). Prague is located on the Vltava River.
Question 6: Pearl River Estuary Location
Which place is situated close to the Pearl River Estuary?
Options:
- (a) Bangkok
- (b) Hong Kong
- (c) Macau
- (d) Singapore
Answer: (b) Hong Kong
Explanation: Hong Kong is strategically located at the mouth of the Pearl River Estuary in Southern China.
Question 7: Indus River Tributaries
Which tributary of the Indus does NOT originate in the Himalayas?
Options:
- (a) Gilgit
- (b) Gomal
- (c) Hunza
- (d) Zaskar
Answer: (b) Gomal
Explanation: The Gomal River originates in Afghanistan, while Gilgit, Hunza, and Zaskar originate in the Himalayan region.
Question 8: Mirror Image Formation
If your image appears erect regardless of distance from a mirror, the mirror is likely:
Options:
- (a) Plane
- (b) Concave
- (c) Convex
- (d) Either plane or convex
Answer: (d) Either plane or convex
Explanation: Both plane and convex mirrors always produce erect images regardless of object distance.
Question 9: Magnetic Field Direction Rule
The rule determining magnetic field direction around a current-carrying conductor is:
Options:
- (a) Right-hand thumb rule
- (b) Fleming's left-hand rule
- (c) Fleming's right-hand rule
- (d) Hund's rule
Answer: (a) Right-hand thumb rule
Explanation: This rule helps determine the direction of the magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor.
Question 10: Harappan Seal Motifs
Which motif does NOT appear on Harappan seals?
Options:
- (a) Humped Bull
- (b) Elephant
- (c) Lion
- (d) Crocodile
Answer: (d) Crocodile
Explanation: Common Harappan seal motifs include humped bull, elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, and mythical animals. Crocodiles are notably absent.
Question 11: Diamond Mining in Delhi Sultanate
Where was diamond mining carried out during the Delhi Sultanate?
Options:
- (a) Awadh
- (b) Khambhat
- (c) Panna
- (d) Lakhnauti
Answer: (c) Panna
Explanation: The Panna region in Madhya Pradesh was known for diamond mining during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Question 12: Nucleus-Free Cells
Which cells in the human body lack a nucleus?
Options:
- (a) Muscle cells
- (b) Phagocytic cells
- (c) Red blood cells
- (d) Ciliated cells
Answer: (c) Red blood cells
Explanation: Mature mammalian red blood cells lack a nucleus to maximize space for hemoglobin.
Question 13: Environmental Problems with Plastics
Which statement about plastics is correct?
Options:
- (a) They are non-biodegradable
- (b) They don't get released into water and food
- (c) They don't have biochemical synthesis activity
- (d) They are harmless to humans
Answer: (a) They are non-biodegradable
Explanation: The primary environmental concern with plastics is their non-biodegradable nature, causing long-term pollution.
Question 14: Microbodies in Plant and Animal Cells
Microbodies in cells contain:
Options:
- (a) broken down membranes
- (b) enzymes
- (c) acidic fluids
- (d) waste metabolites
Answer: (b) enzymes
Explanation: Microbodies contain specific enzymes for various metabolic functions in both plant and animal cells.
Question 15: Antibacterial Enzyme in Saliva and Tears
The antibacterial enzyme in saliva and tears is called:
Options:
- (a) ribozyme
- (b) lipase
- (c) lysozyme
- (d) isomerase
Answer: (c) lysozyme
Explanation: Lysozyme is a natural antibacterial enzyme found in tears, saliva, and other bodily fluids.
Chemistry and Biology (Questions 16-22)
Question 16: Vinegar Composition
Vinegar is a:
Options:
- (a) 5-8% solution of acetic acid in water
- (b) 5-8% solution of carbonic acid in water
- (c) 5-8% solution of ethanol in water
- (d) 10-15% solution of propionic acid in water
Answer: (a) 5-8% solution of acetic acid in water
Explanation: Vinegar contains 5-8% acetic acid, making it a mild acid widely used in cooking and preservation.
Question 17: Cetane
Which compound is known as cetane?
Options:
- (а) Hexadecane
- (b) Heptadecane
- (c) Octadecane
- (d) Nonadecane
Answer: (а) Hexadecane
Explanation: Cetane (hexadecane) is used as a standard for measuring the ignition quality of diesel fuel.
Question 18: First Commercial Space Station
Which is the first commercial space station?
Options:
- (a) Axiom Station
- (b) International Space Station
- (c) Galileo
- (d) Voyager 1
Answer: (a) Axiom Station
Explanation: Axiom Station is planned to be the world's first commercial space station.
Question 19: Arabian Peninsula Countries
Which country is NOT part of the Arabian Peninsula?
Options:
- (a) Kuwait
- (b) Oman
- (c) Jordan
- (d) Yemen
Answer: (c) Jordan
Explanation: Jordan is located in the Levant region, not on the Arabian Peninsula.
Question 20: Ferromagnetic Materials
Which is NOT a ferromagnetic material?
Options:
- (a) Cobalt
- (b) Iron
- (c) Silver
- (d) Ferric chloride
Answer: (c) Silver
Explanation: Silver is diamagnetic, while cobalt, iron, and ferric chloride exhibit ferromagnetic properties.
Question 21: Pulse Detection
Pulse is felt due to rhythmic contraction of:
Options:
- (a) chambers of heart
- (b) valves in veins
- (c) aorta and main arteries
- (d) valves of heart
Answer: (c) aorta and main arteries
Explanation: The pulse is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of arteries due to blood flow from the heart.
Question 22: Egg Denaturation
When eggs are heated, the transparent liquid turns solid and turbid due to denaturation of:
Options:
- (a) fats
- (b) proteins
- (c) ribose sugar
- (d) carbohydrates
Answer: (b) proteins
Explanation: Egg proteins denature and coagulate when heated, causing the white to become solid and opaque.
Indian History and Culture (Questions 23-30)
Question 23: Koeppen Climate BW Code
What does BW stand for in the Koeppen climate classification?
Options:
- (a) Steppe climate
- (b) Desert climate
- (c) Tundra climate
- (d) Mesothermal climate
Answer: (b) Desert climate
Explanation: In the Koeppen classification, B represents dry climates, and W indicates desert conditions.
Question 24: Chola King and Sailendra
Which Chola king encouraged the Sailendra ruler to build a Buddhist Vihara at Negapatnam?
Options:
- (a) Parantaka I
- (b) Rajaraja I
- (c) Rajendra I
- (d) Kulottunga I
Answer: (b) Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajaraja I, the great Chola ruler, supported the Sailendra king in establishing a Buddhist monastery at Negapatnam.
Question 25: Krishnadevaraya's Court Poets
Who was NOT a court poet of Krishnadevaraya?
Options:
- (a) Timmana
- (b) Dhurjati
- (c) Mallana
- (d) Siddheshvara
Answer: (d) Siddheshvara
Explanation: The Ashtadiggajas (eight poets) of Krishnadevaraya's court included Timmana, Dhurjati, Mallana, and others, but not Siddheshvara.
Question 26: Royal Portraits at Mamallapuram
The cave temple containing portraits of Simhavishnu and Mahendravarman is:
Options:
- (a) Varaha Cave
- (b) Ramanuja Cave
- (c) Adivaraha Cave
- (d) Trimurti Cave
Answer: (c) Adivaraha Cave
Explanation: The Adivaraha Cave at Mamallapuram features royal portraits of the Pallava kings Simhavishnu and Mahendravarman.
Question 27: Kashmir Shaivism Founder
Who propounded Kashmir Shaivism?
Options:
- (a) Vasugupta
- (b) Abhinavagupta
- (c) Ramakantha
- (d) Ranganathacharya
Answer: (a) Vasugupta
Explanation: Vasugupta is traditionally credited with founding the Kashmir Shaivism school of philosophy.
Question 28: Right to Privacy Verdict
Who filed the writ petition for the Right to Privacy verdict?
Options:
- (a) Justice P. N. Bhagwati
- (b) Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman
- (c) Justice K. S. Puttaswamy
- (d) Justice Anil R. Dave
Answer: (c) Justice K. S. Puttaswamy
Explanation: Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) filed the writ petition leading to the landmark Right to Privacy judgment.
Question 29: Indian Ocean Conference 7th Edition
Where was the 7th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference held?
Options:
- (a) Dhaka
- (b) New Delhi
- (c) Malé
- (d) Perth
Answer: (c) Malé
Explanation: The 7th Indian Ocean Conference was hosted in Malé, Maldives.
Question 30: Indigenous Assault Rifle by DRDO
Which is an indigenous assault rifle developed by DRDO?
Options:
- (a) Heckler
- (b) T91
- (c) Tikka
- (d) Ugram
Answer: (d) Ugram
Explanation: Ugram is an indigenous assault rifle developed by DRDO for the Indian armed forces.
Physics and General Science (Questions 31-34)
Question 31: Muscle Cramps After Running
Cramps in thigh muscles after a run are due to accumulation of:
Options:
- (a) lactic acid
- (b) CO2
- (c) pyruvic acid
- (d) ethanol
Answer: (a) lactic acid
Explanation: During anaerobic respiration, muscles produce lactic acid, causing cramps and pain.
Question 32: Power of a Lens
The power of a lens with focal length 10 cm is:
Options:
- (a) 0.1 dioptre
- (b) 1 dioptre
- (c) 10 dioptre
- (d) 100 dioptre
Answer: (c) 10 dioptre
Explanation: Power (P) = 1/f (in meters) = 1/0.1 = 10 dioptres.
Question 33: Electrical Energy Consumption
A 100 W bulb used for 10 hours daily consumes how many units in 3 days?
Options:
- (a) 3.00
- (b) 1.08
- (c) 2.16
- (d) 0.33
Answer: (a) 3.00
Calculation: 100 W × 10 hours = 1000 Wh = 1 unit per day. In 3 days = 3 units.
Question 34: Velocity-Time Graph Interpretation
The area under a velocity-time graph gives:
Options:
- (a) its average velocity
- (b) its net displacement
- (c) the distance travelled by it
- (d) its average speed
Answer: (b) its net displacement
Explanation: The area under the velocity-time graph represents the displacement of the particle.
Economics and Polity (Questions 35-36)
Question 35: Deficit Spending Impact
Contraction of private investment due to government deficit spending is called:
Options:
- (a) crowding out
- (b) crowding in
- (c) pump priming
- (d) dumping
Answer: (a) crowding out
Explanation: Crowding out occurs when government borrowing reduces private sector investment opportunities.
Question 36: Social Justice Bench
Which Chief Justice ordered the constitution of a 'Social Justice Bench'?
Options:
- (a) Justice H. L. Dattu
- (b) Justice K. G. Balakrishnan
- (c) Justice R. M. Lodha
- (d) Justice Y. K. Sabharwal
Answer: (a) Justice H. L. Dattu
Explanation: Justice H. L. Dattu, as Chief Justice of India, constituted the Social Justice Bench.
Defence and Current Affairs (Questions 37-40)
Question 37: Bandi Jivan Author
Who wrote the book Bandi Jivan?
Options:
- (a) Rash Behari Bose
- (b) Veer Savarkar
- (c) Aruna Asaf Ali
- (d) Sachindranath Sanyal
Answer: (d) Sachindranath Sanyal
Explanation: Sachindranath Sanyal wrote 'Bandi Jivan' while imprisoned in the Cellular Jail.
Question 38: Paramilitary Force with Dual Control
Which paramilitary force has a dual control structure?
Options:
- (a) Central Reserve Police Force
- (b) Assam Rifles
- (c) Indo-Tibetan Border Police
- (d) Central Industrial Security Force
Answer: (b) Assam Rifles
Explanation: Assam Rifles operates under dual control of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence.
Question 39: Ethnic Community of Assam
Which is an ethnic community of Assam?
Options:
- (a) Bhil
- (b) Gond
- (c) Ahom
- (d) Adi
Answer: (c) Ahom
Explanation: The Ahom community is an important ethnic group native to Assam.
Question 40: Chevrons Cricket Team
Chevrons is the cricket team name of which country?
Options:
- (a) Australia
- (b) The Netherlands
- (c) Ireland
- (d) Zimbabwe
Answer: (d) Zimbabwe
Explanation: Zimbabwe's cricket team is nicknamed the Chevrons.
Biology and Human Body (Questions 41-42)
Question 41: RNA Locations in Plant Cells
RNA is present in plant cells in:
Options:
- (a) cytoplasm only
- (b) nuclei and cytoplasm only
- (c) nuclei, cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplast and endoplasmic reticulum
- (d) nuclei, cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplast and ribosomes
Answer: (d) nuclei, cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplast and ribosomes
Explanation: RNA is found in various organelles including nuclei, cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and ribosomes.
Question 42: Country Identification
Which country has Stewart Island, Bay of Plenty, and Hawke Bay?
Options:
- (a) Canada
- (b) Australia
- (c) New Zealand
- (d) Ireland
Answer: (c) New Zealand
Explanation: These geographical features are located in New Zealand.
Military Exercises and International Relations (Questions 43-44)
Question 43: Exercise Garuda Shakti
Which country conducted Exercise Garuda Shakti with India?
Options:
- (a) Japan
- (b) Indonesia
- (c) Bhutan
- (d) Myanmar
Answer: (b) Indonesia
Explanation: Garuda Shakti is a bilateral exercise between Indian and Indonesian special forces.
Question 44: Congress Dissolution Proposal
Who suggested dissolving INC and replacing it with Lok Sevak Sangh?
Options:
- (a) Vallabhbhai Patel
- (b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- (c) M. K. Gandhi
- (d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: (c) M. K. Gandhi
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi proposed the dissolution of the Indian National Congress and formation of a Lok Sevak Sangh.
Ancient Indian History (Questions 45-47)
Question 45: Kushana Kinship Evidence
The Kushana rulers' kinship concept is best evidenced through:
Options:
- (a) Their identification with deities
- (b) Grants to religious institutions
- (c) Inscriptional panegyrics
- (d) Coins and sculpture
Answer: (c) Inscriptional panegyrics
Explanation: Inscriptional panegyrics provide detailed evidence of Kushana kinship ideology.
Question 46: Theris in Ancient India
Who were referred to as Theris in ancient India?
Options:
- (a) Respected women
- (b) Elder nuns in Buddhism
- (c) Women denied Bhikkhuni status
- (d) Women expelled from Buddhist Sangha
Answer: (b) Elder nuns in Buddhism
Explanation: Theris were senior Buddhist nuns or elder women in the Buddhist monastic order.
Question 47: Seva Samiti Founder
Who founded the Seva Samiti at Allahabad in 1914?
Options:
- (a) Shri Ram Bajpai
- (b) Hriday Nath Kunzru
- (c) S. G. Vaze
- (d) Srinivas Shastri
Answer: (b) Hriday Nath Kunzru
Explanation: Hriday Nath Kunzru founded the Seva Samiti at Allahabad in 1914.
Sports and Literature (Questions 48-50)
Question 48: FIFA World Cup Record
Which country has won the maximum FIFA World Cups?
Options:
- (a) Argentina
- (b) Brazil
- (c) France
- (d) Spain
Answer: (b) Brazil
Explanation: Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002).
Question 49: City of Joy Author
Who wrote the famous novel City of Joy?
Options:
- (a) Larry Collins
- (b) Dominique Lapierre
- (c) Rudyard Kipling
- (d) Mark Tully
Answer: (b) Dominique Lapierre
Explanation: Dominique Lapierre wrote the novel 'City of Joy,' set in Kolkata.
Question 50: First Anglo-Maratha War Conclusion
The First Anglo-Maratha War ended with:
Options:
- (a) The Treaty of Surat
- (b) The Treaty of Purandar
- (c) The Convention of Wadgaon
- (d) The Treaty of Salbai
Answer: (d) The Treaty of Salbai
Explanation: The First Anglo-Maratha War concluded with the Treaty of Salbai in 1782.
Additional 50 CDS Frequently Asked Questions for Complete Preparation
Geography and Environment (Questions 51-65)
Question 51: Sorrow of Bengal
Which river is known as the "Sorrow of Bengal"?
Options:
- (a) Ganges
- (b) Damodar
- (c) Brahmaputra
- (d) Mahanadi
Answer: (b) Damodar
Explanation: The Damodar River is called the "Sorrow of Bengal" due to its frequent devastating floods.
Question 52: Tropic of Cancer Latitude
What is the latitude of Tropic of Cancer?
Options:
- (a) 23.5° North
- (b) 23.5° South
- (c) 66.5° North
- (d) 66.5° South
Answer: (a) 23.5° North
Explanation: The Tropic of Cancer passes through India at approximately 23.5° North latitude.
Question 53: Largest Freshwater Lake in India
Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?
Options:
- (a) Dal Lake
- (b) Chilika Lake
- (c) Wular Lake
- (d) Sambhar Lake
Answer: (c) Wular Lake
Explanation: Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is India's largest freshwater lake.
Question 54: Sundarbans Delta Location
Where is the Sundarbans delta located?
Options:
- (a) West Bengal and Bangladesh
- (b) Odisha and West Bengal
- (c) Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
- (d) Kerala and Karnataka
Answer: (a) West Bengal and Bangladesh
Explanation: The Sundarbans delta is formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers across India and Bangladesh.
Question 55: Capital of Sikkim
What is the capital of Sikkim?
Options:
- (a) Darjeeling
- (b) Gangtok
- (c) Shillong
- (d) Itanagar
Answer: (b) Gangtok
Explanation: Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, located in the Eastern Himalayas.
Question 56: Longest Coastline in India
Which state has the longest coastline in India?
Options:
- (a) Tamil Nadu
- (b) Maharashtra
- (c) Gujarat
- (d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (c) Gujarat
Explanation: Gujarat has the longest coastline in India, extending approximately 1,600 km.
Question 57: Grand Canyon River
Which river flows through the Grand Canyon?
Options:
- (a) Mississippi River
- (b) Colorado River
- (c) Missouri River
- (d) Rio Grande
Answer: (b) Colorado River
Explanation: The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
Question 58: Highest Plateau in the World
What is the highest plateau in the world?
Options:
- (a) Deccan Plateau
- (b) Tibetan Plateau
- (c) Ethiopian Plateau
- (d) Bolivian Plateau
Answer: (b) Tibetan Plateau
Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau, also called the "Roof of the World," is the highest and largest plateau.
Question 59: Atacama Desert Location
Where is the Atacama Desert located?
Options:
- (a) Argentina
- (b) Chile
- (c) Peru
- (d) Brazil
Answer: (b) Chile
Explanation: The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the driest places on Earth.
Question 60: Country with Most Islands
Which country has the most islands?
Options:
- (a) Indonesia
- (b) Philippines
- (c) Sweden
- (d) Japan
Answer: (c) Sweden
Explanation: Sweden has approximately 267,570 islands, the most of any country.
Question 61: Deepest Point in the Ocean
What is the deepest point in the ocean?
Options:
- (a) Mariana Trench
- (b) Java Trench
- (c) Tonga Trench
- (d) Puerto Rico Trench
Answer: (a) Mariana Trench
Explanation: The Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean reaches a depth of about 11,000 meters (Challenger Deep).
Question 62: Ganges of the South
Which river is known as the "Ganges of the South"?
Options:
- (a) Krishna
- (b) Godavari
- (c) Kaveri
- (d) Mahanadi
Answer: (b) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari River is often called the "Ganges of the South" or "Dakshin Ganga."
Question 63: Valley of Flowers National Park
Where is the Valley of Flowers National Park?
Options:
- (a) Himachal Pradesh
- (b) Uttarakhand
- (c) Sikkim
- (d) Jammu & Kashmir
Answer: (b) Uttarakhand
Explanation: The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Uttarakhand.
Question 64: Largest Lake in Africa
Which is the largest lake in Africa?
Options:
- (a) Lake Tanganyika
- (b) Lake Victoria
- (c) Lake Malawi
- (d) Lake Chad
Answer: (b) Lake Victoria
Explanation: Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa by surface area.
Question 65: Capital of Bhutan
What is the capital of Bhutan?
Options:
- (a) Kathmandu
- (b) Thimphu
- (c) Paro
- (d) Dhaka
Answer: (b) Thimphu
Explanation: Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan.
Indian History and Culture (Questions 66-80)
Question 66: Founder of the Mauryan Empire
Who founded the Mauryan Empire?
Options:
- (a) Ashoka
- (b) Chandragupta Maurya
- (c) Bindusara
- (d) Harsha
Answer: (b) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya established the Mauryan Empire in 322 BCE.
Question 67: Ajanta Caves Location
Where are the Ajanta Caves located?
Options:
- (a) Bihar
- (b) Maharashtra
- (c) Uttar Pradesh
- (d) Rajasthan
Answer: (b) Maharashtra
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves are located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
Question 68: Mahabharata Author
Who wrote the Mahabharata?
Options:
- (a) Valmiki
- (b) Ved Vyasa
- (c) Kalidas
- (d) Tulsidas
Answer: (b) Ved Vyasa
Explanation: According to tradition, Ved Vyasa composed the Mahabharata epic.
Question 69: Capital of the Gupta Empire
What was the capital of the Gupta Empire?
Options:
- (a) Ujjain
- (b) Pataliputra
- (c) Mathura
- (d) Ayodhya
Answer: (b) Pataliputra (Modern Patna)
Explanation: Pataliputra served as the capital of the Gupta Empire during its golden age.
Question 70: Taj Mahal Builder
Who built the Taj Mahal?
Options:
- (a) Akbar
- (b) Jahangir
- (c) Shah Jahan
- (d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (c) Shah Jahan
Explanation: The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632.
Question 71: Founder of Amritsar
Which ruler founded the city of Amritsar?
Options:
- (a) Guru Nanak
- (b) Guru Ram Das
- (c) Guru Arjan Dev
- (d) Guru Gobind Singh
Answer: (b) Guru Ram Das
Explanation: Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, founded Amritsar in 1577.
Question 72: Golden Temple Location
Where is the Golden Temple located?
Options:
- (a) Amritsar, Punjab
- (b) Anandpur Sahib
- (c) Nanded
- (d) Delhi
Answer: (a) Amritsar, Punjab
Explanation: The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is located in Amritsar, Punjab.
Question 73: First Ruler of Delhi Sultanate
Who was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Options:
- (a) Iltutmish
- (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- (c) Alauddin Khilji
- (d) Balban
Answer: (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation: Qutb-ud-din Aibak founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE.
Question 74: Capital of the Chola Empire
What was the capital of the Chola Empire?
Options:
- (a) Madurai
- (b) Thanjavur
- (c) Kanchipuram
- (d) Tiruchirappalli
Answer: (b) Thanjavur
Explanation: Thanjavur served as the capital of the Chola Empire for many centuries.
Question 75: Builders of Khajuraho Temples
Who built the Khajuraho temples?
Options:
- (a) Chandelas
- (b) Chalukyas
- (c) Paramaras
- (d) Pratiharas
Answer: (a) Chandela dynasty
Explanation: The Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela rulers between 950-1050 CE.
Question 76: Sun Temple Location
Where is the Sun Temple located?
Options:
- (a) Khajuraho
- (b) Konark, Odisha
- (c) Modhera
- (d) Martand
Answer: (b) Konark, Odisha
Explanation: The Sun Temple at Konark is a famous 13th-century temple in Odisha.
Question 77: Last Mughal Ruler
Who was the last Mughal ruler?
Options:
- (a) Aurangzeb
- (b) Bahadur Shah Zafar
- (c) Shah Alam II
- (d) Muhammad Shah
Answer: (b) Bahadur Shah II (Bahadur Shah Zafar)
Explanation: Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal emperor, exiled to Burma in 1858.
Question 78: Capital of Vijayanagara Empire
What was the capital of Vijayanagara Empire?
Options:
- (a) Vijayanagara (Hampi)
- (b) Mysore
- (c) Srirangapatna
- (d) Gwalior
Answer: (a) Vijayanagara (Hampi)
Explanation: Hampi in Karnataka was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Question 79: Founder of the Sikh Empire
Who founded the Sikh Empire?
Options:
- (a) Guru Gobind Singh
- (b) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
- (c) Hari Singh Nalwa
- (d) Duleep Singh
Answer: (b) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Explanation: Maharaja Ranjit Singh established the Sikh Empire in 1801.
Question 80: Dilwara Temples Location
Where are the Dilwara Temples located?
Options:
- (a) Abu Road, Rajasthan
- (b) Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- (c) Palitana, Gujarat
- (d) Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Answer: (b) Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Explanation: The Dilwara Temples are located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
Science and Technology (Questions 81-95)
Question 81: Vitamin from Sunlight
Which vitamin is produced by sunlight?
Options:
- (a) Vitamin A
- (b) Vitamin B12
- (c) Vitamin C
- (d) Vitamin D
Answer: (d) Vitamin D
Explanation: Sunlight helps the body synthesize Vitamin D in the skin.
Question 82: Hardest Natural Substance
What is the hardest natural substance?
Options:
- (a) Diamond
- (b) Graphite
- (c) Corundum
- (d) Topaz
Answer: (a) Diamond
Explanation: Diamond is the hardest known natural material.
Question 83: Speed of Light
What is the speed of light?
Options:
- (a) 3 × 10⁶ m/s
- (b) 3 × 10⁸ m/s
- (c) 3 × 10¹⁰ m/s
- (d) 3 × 10¹² m/s
Answer: (b) 3 × 10⁸ m/s
Explanation: The speed of light in vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
Question 84: Blood Filtering Organ
Which organ filters blood in the human body?
Options:
- (a) Liver
- (b) Kidney
- (c) Spleen
- (d) Lungs
Answer: (b) Kidney
Explanation: Kidneys filter blood and remove waste products from the body.
Question 85: Chemical Symbol for Gold
What is the chemical symbol for gold?
Options:
- (a) Au
- (b) Ag
- (c) Fe
- (d) Gd
Answer: (a) Au
Explanation: Gold's chemical symbol Au comes from the Latin word "Aurum."
Question 86: Largest Gland in Human Body
Which is the largest gland in the human body?
Options:
- (a) Pancreas
- (b) Thyroid
- (c) Liver
- (d) Pituitary
Answer: (c) Liver
Explanation: The liver is the largest internal organ and gland in the human body.
Question 87: pH of Pure Water
What is the pH of pure water?
Options:
- (a) 5
- (b) 6
- (c) 7
- (d) 8
Answer: (c) 7
Explanation: Pure water has a neutral pH of 7.
Question 88: Essential Element for Bone Formation
Which element is essential for bone formation?
Options:
- (a) Iron
- (b) Calcium
- (c) Potassium
- (d) Sodium
Answer: (b) Calcium
Explanation: Calcium is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones.
Question 89: Nearest Star to Earth
What is the nearest star to Earth?
Options:
- (a) Alpha Centauri
- (b) Sun
- (c) Proxima Centauri
- (d) Sirius
Answer: (b) Sun
Explanation: The Sun is the closest star to Earth, approximately 150 million km away.
Question 90: Largest Planet in the Solar System
Which is the largest planet in the solar system?
Options:
- (a) Saturn
- (b) Jupiter
- (c) Neptune
- (d) Uranus
Answer: (b) Jupiter
Explanation: Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system.
Question 91: Chemical Formula of Common Salt
What is the chemical formula of common salt?
Options:
- (a) KCl
- (b) NaCl
- (c) NaHCO₃
- (d) NaOH
Answer: (b) NaCl
Explanation: Common salt is sodium chloride (NaCl).
Question 92: Insulin Producing Organ
Which organ produces insulin?
Options:
- (a) Liver
- (b) Pancreas
- (c) Thyroid
- (d) Pituitary
Answer: (b) Pancreas
Explanation: The pancreas produces insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.
Question 93: Largest Organ in Human Body
What is the largest organ in the human body?
Options:
- (a) Liver
- (b) Skin
- (c) Brain
- (d) Lungs
Answer: (b) Skin
Explanation: The skin is the largest organ, covering approximately 2 square meters.
Question 94: Most Abundant Gas in the Atmosphere
Which gas is most abundant in the atmosphere?
Options:
- (a) Oxygen
- (b) Carbon Dioxide
- (c) Nitrogen
- (d) Argon
Answer: (c) Nitrogen
Explanation: Nitrogen comprises about 78% of Earth's atmosphere.
Question 95: Freezing Point of Water in Fahrenheit
What is the freezing point of water in Fahrenheit?
Options:
- (a) 0°F
- (b) 32°F
- (c) 212°F
- (d) 100°F
Answer: (b) 32°F
Explanation: Water freezes at 32°F (0°C).
Current Affairs and Defence (Questions 96-100)
Question 96: India's Population Rank
What is the rank of India in terms of population?
Options:
- (a) 1st
- (b) 2nd
- (c) 3rd
- (d) 4th
Answer: (a) 1st
Explanation: India became the world's most populous country in 2023.
Question 97: Sentinels of the Eastern Himalayas
Which force is known as the "Sentinels of the Eastern Himalayas"?
Options:
- (a) BSF
- (b) ITBP
- (c) SSB
- (d) CRPF
Answer: (b) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Explanation: ITBP is deployed along India's border with China in the Himalayas.
Question 98: Indian Air Force Motto
What is the motto of the Indian Air Force?
Options:
- (a) "Touch the Sky with Glory"
- (b) "Service Before Self"
- (c) "Duty, Honour, Country"
- (d) "Freedom in the Skies"
Answer: (a) "Touch the Sky with Glory"
Explanation: The IAF's motto is derived from the Bhagavad Gita.
Question 99: National Defence Academy Location
Where is the National Defence Academy located?
Options:
- (a) Dehradun
- (b) Khadakwasla, Pune
- (c) Secunderabad
- (d) Chennai
Answer: (b) Khadakwasla, Pune
Explanation: The NDA is located near Pune, Maharashtra.
Question 100: CDS Recruitment Age
What is the annual recruitment age for CDS?
Options:
- (a) 19-24 years
- (b) 18-25 years
- (c) 20-26 years
- (d) 21-27 years
Answer: (a) 19-24 years (varies by academy)
Explanation: CDS eligibility age is typically 19-24 years, with variations for different academies.
How to Effectively Practice These CDS Frequently Asked Questions
Strategic Preparation Approach
Mastering CDS frequently asked questions requires a systematic approach:
- Daily Practice Routine: Solve 20 questions daily with a strict timer
- Topic-wise Analysis: Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Revision Strategy: Review incorrect answers thoroughly
- Current Affairs Integration: Connect static GK with recent developments
- Mock Test Simulation: Practice in exam-like conditions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Revision: Regular review is essential for retention
- Over-Reliance on One Source: Use multiple resources for comprehensive preparation
- Ignoring Current Affairs: Static GK alone isn't sufficient for modern CDS patterns
- Not Practicing Enough MCQs: Theory alone won't help in the exam
- Memorizing Without Understanding: Focus on conceptual clarity
Boost Your Preparation with Additional Resources
Recommended Study Materials for CDS GK
- NCERT Textbooks: Classes 6-12 for History, Geography, Science, and Polity
- Standard Reference Books: Lucent's GK, Spectrum Modern History
- Current Affairs Magazines: Monthly compilations from reliable sources
- Previous Year Papers: Essential for understanding the exam pattern
- Online Mock Tests: Simulate real exam conditions
Important Links for CDS Preparation
Check out these valuable resources for comprehensive preparation:
- English Vocabulary for Competitive Exams - Enhance your English proficiency
- CDS Most Repeated Vocabulary List - Focus on high-frequency words
Why These CDS Frequently Asked Questions Are Your Best Bet
These CDS frequently asked questions have been carefully selected from previous year papers and expert analysis. They represent the core of what you need to know for your CDS 2026 examination.
What Makes These Questions Special:
- High Probability of Repetition: Many questions follow recurring patterns
- Comprehensive Coverage: All important topics are included
- Exam-Level Difficulty: Questions match the actual exam standard
- Conceptual Depth: Understanding answers enhances overall knowledge
- Time-Tested Content: Validated by successful CDS candidates
Final Preparation Tips for CDS 2026
One Month Before Exam
- Focus on revision of all CDS frequently asked questions
- Attempt at least 5 full-length mock tests
- Review mistakes and weak areas systematically
- Maintain a separate notebook for difficult concepts
- Stay updated with current affairs
One Week Before Exam
- Practice only previous year questions
- Time yourself strictly during practice
- Focus on accuracy rather than speed
- Take adequate rest and maintain a healthy routine
- Review important formulas and dates
On Exam Day
- Read questions carefully before marking answers
- Use elimination technique for uncertain questions
- Don't spend too much time on any single question
- Maintain calm and avoid panic
- Double-check your answers if time permits
Conclusion
Mastering these CDS frequently asked questions will significantly boost your confidence and performance in the General Knowledge section. The 100 questions covered in this guide represent the essential knowledge areas tested in the examination.
Remember, success in CDS requires not just knowledge but also strategic preparation, consistent practice, and smart revision. Use this comprehensive guide as your foundation and build upon it with additional practice and current affairs updates.
Start your preparation today and aim for excellence in CDS 2026!
Note: This guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest exam patterns and current affairs. For the most recent updates, visit Pratap Solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDS Preparation
Q1: How many questions come from GK in CDS?
A: The CDS General Knowledge section typically contains 100 questions for 100 marks.
Q2: What is the best strategy for CDS GK preparation?
A: Focus on NCERT basics, solve previous year questions, read daily newspapers, and practice mock tests.
Q3: Are these CDS frequently asked questions enough for preparation?
A: These questions form a strong foundation, but should be supplemented with current affairs and additional practice.
Q4: How much time should I allocate to GK preparation?
A: Dedicate at least 2 hours daily to GK preparation and revision.
Q5: Is studying from these questions sufficient for the CDS exam?
A: While these questions cover important topics, comprehensive preparation requires additional study materials and regular practice.