CDS 2 2020 General Knowledge Paper Strategy- Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by Union Public Service Commission twice a year for the recruitment of officers in the Indian Armed Forces. CDSe examination have total three paper namely English, General Knowledge, Mathematics. Out of all these paper most of the candidates find it difficult to crack the General Knowledge Paper. In this article we will share some of the important tips to clear the general knowledge section with good marks. General Knowledge paper consists of 120 questions of 100 marks and it covers the syllabus from History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Current Affairs General Science including Physics, Chemistry and Biology. To crack CDS GK section systematic approach is very important. Below we have discussed everything in detail as how to prepare for General Knowledge Section.
How to prepare for CDS General Knowledge paper
All the candidates who have applied for the CDS examination should make sure that clearing the minimum sectional cutoff in all subjects is necessary and to clear the written exam and get the SSB call letter you have to clear the over all cutoff which varies from year to year. To crack the CDS exam all you need to have is clear and focused mind.
Syllabus of CDS General Knowledge is very vast so it is very important to make your action plan to score maximum marks in this section. Paper will consist questions from History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Current Affairs, General Science including Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
First and the foremost thing is that, know your strong and weak subjects. Focus more on the weak subjects and and prepare them thoroughly. Subjects in which you have strong hold must be practiced thoroughly to avoid any mistakes in the exam. Make a proper time table for your preparation and follow it regularly. Study everyday for 2-3 hours for this section. You should start your preparation at least three month prior to the CDS examination.
How to Prepare for the CDS History
CDS History section will have questions from Ancient, Medieval and Modern part and the level of difficulty is moderate to difficult. To prepare for this part you have to do thorough study. Learning one line fact and figure will not really help. Reading the Arihant PathFinder, NCERT history books from 6th to 10th will really help you. After that solve previous year question papers, this will give you an idea about the type of questions asked in CDS.
Ancient Part: Questions from Harappa, Rig veda, Books and authors Maurya Empire, Gupta Dynasty etc. which can be covered with Mock test papers another reference books.
Medieval Part: Questions would be asked from the Delhi Sultanate and other muslim rulers who ruled India and established various monuments.
Modern History: Revolt of 1857, Indian Freedom struggle, Colonial rule in India, Governor Generals of India, Various Movements of Indian Freedom Struggle etc. Questions would be asked from these topics.
How to prepare for the CDS Geography
Geography of CDS exam is also vast and need proper preparation. Questions would be asked from Physical, Indian, World Geography. To prepare for this part Arihant PathFinder is the best book, you can also refer to class 8th to 10th geography books.
Physical Geography: It includes universe, earth, atmosphere, weather, climate, land forms, oceans etc.
Indian Geography: Topics related to India geography, Industry, Climate, Rivers, Thermal Power Plants, soil, crops, sanctuaries etc.
Environment & Biodiversity: Questions from ecosystem, greenhouse effect, Different protocols on climate change, Hotspots etc would be asked.
How to prepare for CDS Polity Section
Indian Polity plays a major role in the general knowledge section as it has around 10-15 questions. You can prepare Indian Polity from Arihant Pathfinder or shall buy Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth.
Questions from Indian Constitution, Articles, Parts, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Union, Houses, Bodies, Schedules, Different Amendments etc could be asked. You should prepare these topics thoroughly and you will definitely score good marks in this section.
How to prepare for the CDS Economics
Economy section is from moderate to difficult level. You should prepare all five year plans, recent happenings, economic survey, reforms, appointment and awards given in this sector, Agricultural revolution, miniratnas, maharatnas etc. Arihant Pathfinder or Economics given in the Manohar pandey is enough but you should prepare it thoroughly and practice previous year question paper.
How to prepare for CDS General Science
Science questions asked in CDS paper have easy to moderate level so if you prepare the basics, important points of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and also solve previous year question papers than you would be able to do well in this section of the General Knowledge. NCERT science books of 9th and 10th standard are very helpful to prepare for this section.
How to prepare for Current Affairs for CDS
Current affairs also plays major role in the general knowledge paper as there would be more than 10 questions from this section and if you would have prepared recent current affairs of at least six month than you will have upper hand in the paper. You can refer to GK today (monthly), CSR year Book, Pratiyogita Darpan year book etc. regular watching news is also important to keep yourself updated with the surrounding.