CMAT 2018 General Awareness Question Paper with Answer Key PDFs (January 20 - Afternoon Session)

Step 1: Recall the UNESCO Creative Cities Network category for Chennai.

Chennai was recognized by UNESCO under the category of Music due to its strong classical music heritage, especially Carnatic music.


Step 2: Match with the correct option.

Among the options, Musical best represents the recognized tradition.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (4).
Quick Tip: Chennai is widely known as the hub of Carnatic music, which is why UNESCO recognized it for its musical tradition.

Step 1: Identify the music tradition of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists of India.


Step 2: Recall his gharana.

He belonged to the Kirana Gharana, which is a well-known Hindustani classical tradition.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the correct answer is option (1).
Quick Tip: If you see names like Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar, they are usually linked with Hindustani classical music.

Step 1: Understand the North Munda language group.

North Munda languages belong to the Austroasiatic family and are mainly spoken in eastern and central India.


Step 2: Identify the most widely spoken language in this group.

Santhali is the largest and most spoken North Munda language and is also included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2).
Quick Tip: Santhali is one of the major tribal languages of India and is the most prominent language in the North Munda group.

Step 1: Recall the reverse-side motif of the Rs 200 note.

The Indian Rs 200 banknote (Mahatma Gandhi New Series) features Sanchi Stupa on the reverse side.


Step 2: Match with the correct option.

Option (3) directly states Sanchi stupa.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the correct answer is option (3).
Quick Tip: Rs 200 note motif = Sanchi Stupa. Remember it as a key RBI currency GK fact.

Step 1: Verify statement (a).

APY is part of the Jan Suraksha schemes and aims to expand pension coverage, especially for those without formal pension benefits.


Step 2: Verify statement (b).

APY is targeted toward unorganized sector workers and is open for citizens aged 18 to 40 years.


Step 3: Verify statement (c).

APY provides a pension ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 per month, not up to Rs 10000.

So, statement (c) is incorrect.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Only (a) and (b) are true, hence option (4) is correct.
Quick Tip: APY is for unorganized sector (18--40 years) and offers pension up to Rs 5000 per month.

Step 1: Understand what plant decomposers are.

Decomposers break down dead plant matter into simpler substances and recycle nutrients back into the soil.


Step 2: Identify decomposers among the options.

Fungi are primary decomposers and play a major role in decomposing plant material.

Snails also contribute by feeding on decaying plant matter and helping in decomposition.


Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options.

Animalia and Protista are broad kingdoms and not direct decomposer groups in this context.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Thus, both snail and fungi are decomposers, so option (1) is correct.
Quick Tip: Fungi are the most important decomposers. Some detritivores like snails also help by feeding on decaying plant matter.

Step 1: Recall the historical significance of Ayodhya.

Ayodhya was the ancient capital of Kosala, a major kingdom in ancient India.


Step 2: Connect with Ramayana references.

In the Ramayana, Ayodhya is described as the capital of the Kosala Kingdom ruled by King Dasharatha.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (1).
Quick Tip: Ayodhya = Capital of Kosala Kingdom. This is a standard ancient history GK point.

Step 1: Recall major tributaries of the Ganga.

The Ganga receives water from many tributaries, including:

- Yamuna (largest tributary)

- Gomti

- Son (Sone) River


Step 2: Verify options.

Since all three listed rivers are tributaries of the Ganges, the correct option is “All of these”.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, option (4) is correct.
Quick Tip: Remember: Yamuna, Gomti, Son, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi are all important tributaries of the Ganga.

Step 1: Understand the concept of Shiva-related dance traditions.

Lord Shiva is known as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and many classical Indian dance forms are linked to his worship and symbolism.


Step 2: Identify dance forms traditionally associated with Shiva devotion.

Bharatanatyam is deeply rooted in temple traditions and includes many Shiva-themed compositions.

Mohiniyattam also has strong devotional elements and includes performances related to Shiva mythology.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (3).
Quick Tip: Lord Shiva as Nataraja is closely linked with temple-based classical dances, especially Bharatanatyam and related devotional traditions.

Step 1: Recall the source of the Gayatri Mantra.

The famous Gayatri Mantra appears in the Rigveda, specifically in Mandala 3, Sukta 62 (3.62.10).


Step 2: Match with the options.

Option (1) is Rigveda, which is the correct source.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, option (1) is correct.
Quick Tip: Gayatri Mantra is a Rigvedic hymn (Rigveda 3.62.10). This is a very common Vedic GK question.

Step 1: Identify what UIDAI is.

UIDAI stands for Unique Identification Authority of India. It is the government authority responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers.


Step 2: Recall its administrative ministry.

UIDAI functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).


Step 3: Match with the given options.

Option (3) correctly mentions the ministry under which UIDAI comes.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (3).
Quick Tip: UIDAI is linked with Aadhaar and digital governance, so it comes under MeitY (Electronics & IT).

Step 1: Recall the historical response to Jallianwala Bagh tragedy (1919).

The massacre led to widespread national outrage and protest against British rule.


Step 2: Identify who renounced knighthood.

Rabindranath Tagore renounced (repudiated) his knighthood as a mark of protest against the brutality.


Step 3: Match with options.

Option (1) correctly states Rabindranath Tagore.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (1).
Quick Tip: Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to protest British injustice.

Step 1: Recall the location of Telangana.

Telangana is a state in south-central India formed in 2014.


Step 2: Identify its neighbouring states.

It shares borders with:

- Maharashtra (north-west)

- Chhattisgarh (north-east)

- Karnataka (west)

- Andhra Pradesh (south and east)


Step 3: Match with the options.

Option (4) includes all four bordering states.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (4).
Quick Tip: Remember Telangana borders 4 states: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Step 1: Understand what Google Station is.

Google Station is an initiative by Google that provides public Wi-Fi hotspots at railway stations and other public places.


Step 2: Match with the given options.

Option (2) correctly describes it as a public Wi-Fi platform.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2).
Quick Tip: Google Station = Public Wi-Fi initiative by Google, mainly launched to provide easy internet access in public areas.

Step 1: Define “Big Data”.

Big Data refers to huge volumes of data generated continuously from various sources such as social media, transactions, sensors, searches, etc.


Step 2: Identify the most accurate description.

The key idea is: very large amounts of data generated as a by-product of activities.


Step 3: Match with the given options.

Option (4) correctly captures this meaning.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (4).
Quick Tip: Big Data = Extremely large and complex data generated from daily online/offline activities, which cannot be handled easily by traditional systems.

Step 1: Understand who service voters are.

Service voters include members of the armed forces and certain government services posted away from their constituency.


Step 2: Understand the term “Classified Service Voter”.

A Classified Service Voter is a service voter who is allowed to vote through a proxy voter appointed by him/her.


Step 3: Match with the correct option.

Option (2) clearly states this exact definition.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2).
Quick Tip: Classified Service Voter = Service voter who votes through a proxy (introduced mainly for armed forces).

Step 1: Identify what is used in boxing.

Boxing uses various punches such as jab, hook, cross, and uppercut.


Step 2: Eliminate unrelated options.

Mallet is a tool, Deuce is used in tennis, and Bunder Chucker is not a standard boxing term.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Thus, the correct answer is Upper Cut, option (1).
Quick Tip: Uppercut is one of the standard boxing punches delivered upward towards the opponent’s chin or body.

Step 1: Understand eco-sensitive zones (ESZ).

Eco-sensitive zones are areas notified around national parks and sanctuaries where harmful activities are restricted to protect the environment.


Step 2: Identify the activities commonly prohibited.

Activities like flying over protected zones, large hydropower projects, and setting up saw mills are generally restricted/prohibited due to ecological impact.


Step 3: Evaluate the options.

The correct combination given in the question is: 1, 2, 4.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (3).
Quick Tip: In ESZ, activities causing heavy disturbance like large projects, saw mills, and aerial movement are usually prohibited or strictly regulated.

Step 1: Recall products obtained from beekeeping.

Beekeeping provides several marketable products such as honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly, and even bee venom for medicinal uses.


Step 2: Verify each given product.

1) Propolis: resinous substance collected by bees, used in medicine

2) Royal jelly: nutrient-rich secretion, used as supplement

3) Venom: used in apitherapy and research


Step 3: Conclusion.

All three are valid marketable products from beekeeping. Hence option (4) is correct.
Quick Tip: Beekeeping is not only about honey; products like royal jelly, propolis, and venom also have high medicinal and commercial value.

Step 1: Recall changes made by the GST Constitutional Amendment.

GST replaced multiple indirect taxes and made major constitutional changes regarding taxation powers.


Step 2: Identify the article removed/omitted.

Article 268A (related to service tax) was omitted because service tax was subsumed under GST.


Step 3: Match with options.

Option (4) correctly states Article 268A.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (4).
Quick Tip: GST subsumed service tax, so Article 268A (service tax related) was omitted after the Constitutional Amendment.

Step 1: Identify the visual clues in the image.

The image shows a group of life-sized human warrior statues arranged together, resembling an army formation.


Step 2: Recall the famous historical monument.

The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers built to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.


Step 3: Eliminate the other options.

(2) Venus of Willendorf is a small prehistoric female figurine, not an army.

(3) Laocoön and his sons is a Greek sculpture group showing a man and his sons with serpents.

(4) The Burghers of Calais is a bronze sculpture group by Rodin, very different in style and context.


Step 4: Conclusion.

Thus, the image represents the Terracotta warriors.
Quick Tip: Terracotta Warriors = life-sized clay soldiers from China, created to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Step 1: Recall the formula for resistance of a wire.

Resistance of a wire is given by:
\[ R = \rho \frac{L}{A} \]
where \( \rho \) is resistivity, \( L \) is length, and \( A \) is cross-sectional area.


Step 2: Compare wires of the same material and diameter.

Same material means \( \rho \) is constant.

Same diameter means \( A \) is constant.

So, resistance depends only on length \( L \).


Step 3: Conclusion.

If \( L \) increases, then \( R \) increases. Therefore, long wires have more resistance.
Quick Tip: For the same material and thickness, resistance is directly proportional to length: longer wire = higher resistance.

Step 1: Identify what Jana is known for.

Jana is a Boston-based company known for initiatives that help provide free access to the internet in emerging markets through partnerships with telecom operators.


Step 2: Match the description with the options.

Among the given options, the closest match is Free unrestricted internet access.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (3).
Quick Tip: Jana is linked with “free internet access” through telecom partnerships, mainly aimed at expanding connectivity.

Step 1: Understand what second-generation ethanol means.

Second-generation ethanol is produced from non-food biomass such as crop residue, agricultural waste, and lignocellulosic materials.


Step 2: Match with the given options.

Agricultural waste like straw, bagasse, husk, and corn stalks are common sources for second-generation ethanol.


Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2).
Quick Tip: 1st generation ethanol = food crops (sugarcane, corn).
2nd generation ethanol = agricultural waste and crop residue.

Step 1: Verify statement 1.

Zika virus spreads mainly through Aedes mosquitoes (especially Aedes aegypti).

So statement 1 is correct.


Step 2: Verify statement 2.

There is no universally proven specific antiviral medicine for Zika, and historically there has been no widely approved vaccine.

Thus, statement 2 is considered correct in general-awareness context.


Step 3: Verify statement 3.

Common symptoms of Zika infection include mild fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, and conjunctivitis.

So statement 3 is correct.


Step 4: Conclusion.

All three statements are correct. Hence option (4) is the answer.
Quick Tip: Zika spreads via Aedes mosquito and usually causes mild fever, rash, and joint pain; prevention mainly depends on mosquito control.