These essential MCQ questions are selected from the most important topics in CDS (Combined Defence Services) examinations 2026 conducted by UPSC. Sections include Indian History, Geography, General Science, Indian Polity, Defence Studies and Current Affairs for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA entry. For truely unlimited daily MCQ practice, visit Vooo AI Education.
🎖️ CDS General Knowledge
1CDS exam is conducted by which body?
Answer: B — UPSC
CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination is conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) twice a year. It selects candidates for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy) and OTA (Officers Training Academy).
CDS (Combined Defence Services) examination is conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) twice a year. It selects candidates for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy) and OTA (Officers Training Academy).
2India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was:
Answer: A — Bipin Rawat
General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on 1 January 2020. The CDS post was created to bring about better integration among the three services. General Anil Chauhan became the second CDS after General Rawat's tragic demise in December 2021.
General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on 1 January 2020. The CDS post was created to bring about better integration among the three services. General Anil Chauhan became the second CDS after General Rawat's tragic demise in December 2021.
3The Strait of Malacca connects which two water bodies?
Answer: C — Bay of Bengal and South China Sea
The Strait of Malacca connects the Andaman Sea (Bay of Bengal) and the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean). It is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, separating the Malay Peninsula from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. About 25% of world trade passes through it.
The Strait of Malacca connects the Andaman Sea (Bay of Bengal) and the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean). It is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, separating the Malay Peninsula from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. About 25% of world trade passes through it.
4Operation Vijay (1999) was related to:
Answer: B — Kargil War
Operation Vijay was launched by India in 1999 to recapture positions in the Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir that had been occupied by Pakistani forces. The Indian Army successfully recaptured all positions by 26 July 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26 July every year.
Operation Vijay was launched by India in 1999 to recapture positions in the Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir that had been occupied by Pakistani forces. The Indian Army successfully recaptured all positions by 26 July 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26 July every year.
5The Battle of Plassey (1757) resulted in:
Answer: B — British gaining power in Bengal
The Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1757 between the British East India Company and Siraj ud-Daulah (Nawab of Bengal) resulted in a decisive British victory, largely due to the treachery of Mir Jafar. This battle laid the foundation of British political dominance in India.
The Battle of Plassey on 23 June 1757 between the British East India Company and Siraj ud-Daulah (Nawab of Bengal) resulted in a decisive British victory, largely due to the treachery of Mir Jafar. This battle laid the foundation of British political dominance in India.
6Which is the highest gallantry award during peacetime in India?
Answer: B — Ashoka Chakra
The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, equivalent to the Param Vir Chakra for wartime. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. The Param Vir Chakra is the highest wartime gallantry award.
The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, equivalent to the Param Vir Chakra for wartime. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. The Param Vir Chakra is the highest wartime gallantry award.
7The Siachen Glacier is part of which mountain range?
Answer: B — Karakoram
The Siachen Glacier is located in the Karakoram Range at an altitude of 5,400 metres. It is the world's highest battlefield. India has been maintaining its position on Siachen since Operation Meghdoot in April 1984. It is strategically important for controlling the Saltoro Ridge.
The Siachen Glacier is located in the Karakoram Range at an altitude of 5,400 metres. It is the world's highest battlefield. India has been maintaining its position on Siachen since Operation Meghdoot in April 1984. It is strategically important for controlling the Saltoro Ridge.
8INS Vikrant (2022) is significant because:
Answer: B — India's first indigenous aircraft carrier
INS Vikrant, commissioned on 2 September 2022, is India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier. It was constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited. With this, India became one of the few countries capable of designing and building an aircraft carrier.
INS Vikrant, commissioned on 2 September 2022, is India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier. It was constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited. With this, India became one of the few countries capable of designing and building an aircraft carrier.
9The Nobel Peace Prize 2014 was jointly awarded to:
Answer: B — Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi
The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded to Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) and Kailash Satyarthi (India) for their struggle against suppression of children and for the right of all children to education. Kailash Satyarthi founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan movement.
The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded to Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) and Kailash Satyarthi (India) for their struggle against suppression of children and for the right of all children to education. Kailash Satyarthi founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan movement.
10Which Article of Indian Constitution deals with the Prime Minister?
Answer: C — Article 75
Article 75 of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment and other conditions relating to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. It states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President, and other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Article 75 of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment and other conditions relating to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. It states that the Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President, and other Ministers shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
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