Science & Technology mock tests are under development. We're preparing high-quality MCQs covering space technology, biotechnology, defence systems, information technology, and emerging technologies — all aligned to the UPSC CSE Prelims pattern.
← Back to UPSC CSEScience & Technology contributes 8–12 questions in UPSC Prelims. ISRO missions, recent biotech developments, and defence technology are asked frequently. Staying updated with current S&T news is essential.
Science & Technology is one of the most dynamic sections in UPSC Prelims GS Paper III — questions often combine static concepts with current affairs in space, biotech, defence, and IT.
Chandrayaan missions — Chandrayaan-1 (2008) discovered water molecules on the Moon; Chandrayaan-2 (2019) orbiter still active; Chandrayaan-3 (2023) successfully landed near the lunar south pole. Mangalyaan (MOM) — India's first Mars Orbiter Mission (2013), made India the first country to succeed in its first Mars attempt. Aditya-L1 — India's first solar observation mission launched 2023 to L1 Lagrange point. GSLV Mk III (LVM3) — heavy-lift launch vehicle; used for Chandrayaan-3 and OneWeb satellites. NavIC — India's Regional Navigation Satellite System (independent GPS), 7 satellites covering India and 1,500 km beyond.
GM Crops — Genetically Modified crops using recombinant DNA technology. Bt Cotton is the only approved GM crop in India (Bacillus thuringiensis gene for pest resistance). GM Mustard (HT Mustard DMH-11) approved but faces legal challenges. CRISPR-Cas9 — gene editing technology; allows precise modification of DNA sequences. Bioinformatics — use of computing for biological data analysis. Stem Cells — undifferentiated cells that can develop into specialized cells; embryonic vs adult stem cells. Gene Therapy — treating disease by introducing genetic material into cells. Vaccine technology — mRNA vaccines (COVID-19), attenuated vaccines, subunit vaccines. GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) under MoEFCC regulates GM organisms in India.
Missile systems — Agni series (ballistic missiles, 700–5000+ km range), Prithvi (surface-to-surface, 150–350 km), BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile, joint India-Russia, Mach 2.8), Akash (surface-to-air), Nag (anti-tank). DRDO — Defence Research and Development Organisation develops indigenous defence technology. TEJAS — Light Combat Aircraft; first fully indigenous Indian fighter jet. INS Vikrant — India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, commissioned 2022. ATAGS — Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 — prioritises 'Make in India' with Atmanirbhar Bharat categories for procurement.
Artificial Intelligence — machine learning, deep learning, neural networks; India's National AI Strategy (NITI Aayog). Blockchain — distributed ledger technology; applications in voting, supply chain, land records. 5G Technology — spectrum bands (sub-6GHz and mmWave), use cases in healthcare, smart cities, IoT. Quantum Computing — uses quantum bits (qubits), superposition and entanglement; National Mission on Quantum Technologies (NM-QTA) launched 2023. Internet of Things (IoT) — connected devices; smart cities, precision agriculture. Cybersecurity — CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), IT Act 2000, Personal Data Protection Bill. Semiconductor Mission — India Semiconductor Mission to build domestic chip manufacturing capacity.