Competitive exams in India, be it university admissions or recruitment-related, are known worldwide for their uncompromising difficulty of questions as well as the sheer number of candidates attempting to get through. A few of them, for instance, JEE, UPSC and GATE can be safely counted amongst the toughest exams in the world. Basic general knowledge is a common testing feature of a majority of such competitive exams. Ranging from topics of science, technology and mathematics to international relations, social issues and environment, general knowledge questions test candidates’ overall grasp over basic sciences as well as their awareness about the recent developments and events both domestically as well as internationally. Owing to the vastness of the syllabus and perplexing nature of questions, candidates often find this section the trickiest. Add to that, the dearth of reliable resources make the preparation even more demanding. Fret not, this blog aims to not only summarise the topics covered under basic general knowledge but also lists the resources you must have by your side to ace the competitive exam you are planning to give.
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Also Read: GATE Aptitude Syllabus
Major Sections
Science & technology and current affairs form a major section of the syllabus of a considerable number of competitive examinations. Skills tested under these sections include problem-solving, knowledge of scientific concepts, computer familiarity, basic general knowledge among others. The major topics tested in both the sections have been briefly mentioned below.
| Science (Physics, Chemistry & Biology) and Technology | Scientific Laws, State of Matter (Solid, Liquid & Gas), Units & Conversion, Metals, Ores & Alloys, Image Formation, Nuclear. Elements & Metals, Synthetic Materials, Cell, Periodic Table, Atoms, Acids & Bases, Force, Nuclear Science, IT, Computer Knowledge, Cybersecurity etc |
| Current Affairs | Business, Major Awards (Domestic & International), Scientific Developments, Accidents, Festivals, Government Schemes (Aadhaar, GST), Important Judgements, Amendments, Disasters, Sports & Games, Appointments, RBI Rate Changes, etc. |
Note: The headings as well as topics mentioned against it are only for indicative purposes. There may be additional headings and topics asked during any particular exam. Candidates must go through the syllabus and sample papers to know further information.
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Supplementary Sections
In addition to the above primary sections along with basic general knowledge, there are several other disciplines that are included under the syllabus of these competitive exams. Here is a table that enlists some of the major subjects that might appear in the syllabus of a competitive exam.
[optin-monster-shortcode id=”xf2mlnjiouddzrshykdb”]| History | Modern History, Medieval History, Famous Rulers, Battles & Wars, Indian History in Chronology, Reforms and Movements, World History, Treatises, Ancient Texts & Authors, Dynasties, British Rule (Viceroys, Governor Generals, British Legislations), Social Movements, Monuments |
| Geography | Rivers, Mountain Ranges, Deserts, Lakes, Waterfalls, Islands, Wetlands, Straits & Canals, Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Atmosphere, Lines, etc. |
| Polity | Indian Constitution (Parts, Schedules, Articles, Amendments), History of the Constitution, Parliamentary Terms, Questions & Motions in Parliament, Legislative, Executive & Judiciary, Rights & Duties, Centre-State Relations, etc. |
| Economy | Nationalised Banks, RBI, Coins and Currency, Central Banks of Important Countries, International Financial Institutions, Bank Rates & Ratios |
| Environment | Ecology, Environmental Issues and Conventions, Climate Change, Natural Resources, Wildlife & Conservation, International Environmental Conventions & Protocols* |
| Literature, Art and Culture | Film & Cinema (India & International), Dance Forms, Indian Architecture, Religion & Languages, Music, Books & Authors, Nobel Prizes and Winners, Indian Honors (Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Award, etc) etc. |
| International Relations | Major Wars (World wars, Spanish Civil War, US-Vietnam War, Cold War, etc), International Organisations (UN, WHO, International Criminal Court, EU, etc), International Associations (SAARC, BRICS, ASEAN, OPEC, G8, G20, etc), SDGs, MDGs etc. |
| India | Basic Facts, National Symbols, Languages, Courts and Tribunals, States and Capitals, State Formation, State-Based Facts, National Organisations, World Heritage Facts, etc |
| Miscellaneous | Important Days of the Year, Sports, Social Issues |
Note: The headings as well as topics mentioned against it are only for indicative purposes. There may be additional headings and topics asked during any particular exam. Candidates must go through the syllabus and sample papers to know further information.
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Basic General Knowledge: Resources
While online sites are exhaustively full of information, students often struggle to find the right resources and books to study basic general knowledge. Recognising this need, we have tried to list a few of the industry-appreciated books by renowned publications.
| Name of the Books | Publisher |
| Arihant General Knowledge 2020 (mini) Arihant General Knowledge 2019 (medium) Arihant General Knowledge 2019 (large) 14000+ Objective Questions-General Studies |
Arihant Experts |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent’s |
| General Knowledge Capsule 2020 with Current Affairs Update 4th Edition |
Disha Experts |
| General Knowledge Genius | DK Publications |
| Advance Objective General Knowledge (R.S Aggarwal) | S.Chand Publications |
| General Knowledge Encyclopedia (including objective questions) |
RPH Editorial Board |
| General Knowledge Manual 2020 by Edgar Thorpe and Showick Thorpe |
Pearson’s |
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Acing exams, be it domestic ones or exams to study abroad require a thought-out approach and carefully constructed preparation. If you are preparing for any competitive test and need guidance, reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu and we’ll provide you with the best tips and tricks to successfully crack the exam and pass it with flying colours.
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