CDS · General Knowledge · UPSC · 2016–2026

Chemistry — CDS General Knowledge PYQs

186 questions from this chapter, asked in 11 CDS exams between 2016–2026.

186questions
11CDS exams
2016–2026years covered

Questions asked per year

Practice questions first 10 of 186 — free

Q1MCQ2026

Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the codes given below the Lists :

List-I (Symbol of Element) List-II (Group of Element)
A. Sm 1. Transition Elements
B. Cs 2. Alkali Metals
C. Os 3. Actinoid Elements
D. Np 4. Lanthanoid Elements

Code :

A B C D
(a) 4 2 1 3
(b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 3 1 2 4
(d) 3 2 1 4
(A)4 2 1 3
(B)4 1 2 3
(C)3 1 2 4
(D)3 2 1 4
Q2MCQ2026

Consider the following statements regarding matter :

  1. Elements cannot be broken down into simpler substances.
  2. A compound has variable composition and can be broken down into elements.
  3. The solution of sulphur in carbon disulphide is an example of a homogeneous mixture.
    Which of the statements given above is/are not correct ?
(A)2 only
(B)1 and 3
(C)3 only
(D)1 and 2
Q3MCQ2026

Consider the following statements :

  1. Concentrated is used as a dehydrating agent in esterification reaction.
  2. The hydrophilic part of soap is oil and it dissolves in water.
  3. Nickel is used as a catalyst in converting vegetable oil into fat.
    Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(A)1, 2, 3 and 4
(B)1 and 2 only
(C)2 and 3 only
(D)1 and 3 only
Q4MCQ2026

Which one among the following pairs is not correctly matched ?

(A)Nitrogen : Three unpaired electrons
(B)Carbon : Tetravalent
(C)Chlorine : Two stable isotopic forms
(D)Helium : Diatomic gas
Q5MCQ2026

Consider the following statements :

  1. Packaged foods are purged with nitrogen gas in order to prevent their oxidation.
  2. Tooth decay starts when pH of the mouth is lower than 5.5.
  3. The reactivity of metals decreases in the order : Mg > Fe > Zn.
    Which of the statements given above is/are not correct ?
(A)2 and 3
(B)1 and 3
(C)1 and 2
(D)3 only
Q6MCQ2026

Which one among the following pairs of compound and chemical formula is not correctly matched ?

(A)Bleaching powder :
(B)Soda ash :
(C)Baking powder :
(D)Plaster of Paris :
Q7MCQ2026

Consider the following statements :

  1. The temporary hardness in water is due to the presence of bicarbonates of calcium.
  2. The permanent hardness in water is due to the presence of soluble chlorides and sulphates of calcium and magnesium.
  3. The permanent hardness in water is removed by adding to water.
    Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(A)1 and 2 only
(B)2 and 3 only
(C)1 and 3 only
(D)1, 2 and 3
Q8MCQ2026

Which one among the following statements regarding micelles is not correct ?

(A)Soap molecules are sodium or potassium salts of long-chain carboxylic acids.
(B)Micelles precipitate out of solution because of ion-ion repulsion.
(C)Grease gets collected in the centre of the micelle.
(D)Soap micelles scatter light.
Q9MCQ2026

Consider the following statements regarding bases and alkalis :

1. All bases dissolve in water.
2. Bases which are soluble in water are called alkalis.
3. An alkali is soapy to touch, bitter and corrosive.
4. Addition of water to an alkali generates heat.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(A)1, 2, 3 and 4
(B)2, 3 and 4 only
(C)1 and 2 only
(D)3 and 4 only
Q10MCQ2026

Which of the following statements relating to the Modern Periodic Table is/are correct ?

  1. The atomic radius increases on moving from left to right across a period.
  2. Germanium, Tellurium, and Copper are transition metals.
  3. The two isotopes of Chlorine occupy the same position in the periodic table.
  4. The metallic property of Ca, Ba, Be and Sr follows the order : Be < Ca < Sr < Ba.
    Select the answer using the codes given below :
(A)3 only
(B)1 and 4
(C)2 and 3
(D)3 and 4

Why practise Chemistry PYQs?

Chemistry has appeared in 11 CDS General Knowledge exams we track between 2016–2026. UPSC examiners consistently reuse concepts and question patterns from this topic — practising its previous year questions is the most reliable way to know exactly what to expect in your exam.

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