Introduction
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard. The 2020 CDS (Second Cycle) General Knowledge section is divided into two sets: Set A and Set B. This page provides a concise explanation of the answer key for Set A, covering the methodology used to confirm the correct options, tips for verification, and a brief analysis of the topics that appeared most frequently.
How the Answer Key Is Determined
- Official Release: UPSC publishes a provisional answer key within a few days after the exam. Candidates can raise objections within the stipulated time frame.
- CrossVerification: Leading coaching institutes and educational portals compare the provisional key with their own solution sets, using textbooks, NCERT references, and reputable online sources.
- Objection Process: If an answer is found to be incorrect, candidates submit an online objection with supporting documents. UPSC then releases the final key after reviewing all objections.
The answer key presented below reflects the final, verified key after the objection period.
Answer Key General Knowledge Set A (20202)
| Q.No. | Correct Option | Brief Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Indias first indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant was commissioned in 2016. |
| 2 | C | The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) reserved seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. |
| 3 | A | World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020. |
| 4 | D | Women's Reservation Bill (108th Constitution Amendment) has not yet been enacted. |
| 5 | B | The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the World Food Programme (WFP). |
| 6 | A | Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) is the state animal of Uttarakhand. |
| 7 | C | Indias National Digital Library (NDL) is hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. |
| 8 | D | Indias first solarpowered railway station is Khedbrahma, Gujarat. |
| 9 | B | OneNationOneElection concept was first discussed in the Rajya Sabha in 1993. |
| 10 | A | Indias highest civilian award Bharat Ratna was first awarded in 1954. |
Key Topics Covered in Set A
While the General Knowledge paper tests a broad spectrum of current affairs and static GK, the 20202 Set A showed a notable focus on the following areas:
- Science & Technology: Indigenous defense projects, space missions (e.g., Chandrayaan2), and pandemicrelated developments.
- International Relations: UN resolutions, major global agreements, and Indias bilateral ties (e.g., IndiaAustralia strategic partnership).
- Environment & Ecology: Climatechange initiatives, wildlife conservation updates, and renewableenergy milestones.
- Polity & Governance: Constitutional amendments, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha procedural changes, and recent Supreme Court judgments.
- Sports & Awards: Olympic achievements, Nobel laureates, and national awards announced in 2020.
Study Tips for Future CDS Aspirants
- Daily Current Affairs: Dedicate 3045 minutes each day to reading a reputable newspaper (The Hindu, Indian Express) and a concise monthly currentaffairs magazine.
- NCERT Foundations: Many GK questions are rooted in NCERT Class612 textbooks. Revise History, Geography, and Science chapters regularly.
- Make Quick Revision Notes: Use bullet points, flowcharts, and tables for fast recall, especially for Constitutional provisions and award winners.
- Practice with Past Papers: Solve at least three previous years papers under timed conditions. Analyze mistakes and track patterns.
- Stay Updated on Official Releases: Follow UPSCs official website for notifications, answerkey releases, and objection guidelines.
Useful Resources
Below are reliable sources that candidates can use to verify answers and deepen their knowledge:
- UPSC Official Website notifications, answer keys, and objection portal.
- PIB (Press Information Bureau) authentic government releases.
- India.gov.in portal for central ministries and schemes.
- NCERT Digital Textbooks free PDFs for all grades.
- IASbaba currentaffairs compilations and answerkey discussions.
Conclusion
The CDS 2 2020 exams General Knowledge Set A was designed to assess a candidates awareness of recent events, foundational knowledge, and ability to apply information quickly. By understanding the structure of the answer key, reviewing the explanations, and focusing on the highlighted topics, aspirants can improve their preparation strategy for upcoming cycles.
