Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Prleims and Mains 🧬

Science and Technology is an integral part of UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 of CSE. Students should have a deep understanding of the topics related to science and technology for UPSC exam preparation.

📌 Students Should Keep in Mind: Mains are an important step in the UPSC Ladder, and these papers are not easy to crack! You should be well-versed in all sections and subjects.

➡️ Did you know? On average, a candidate will have only 10 – 15 minutes to write each answer. This makes practicing the previous year’s papers even more important !!! Hence, in this blog, we will mention the UPSC Science and Technology questions for Mains exam preparation. Keep in mind, that writing the answers to these questions will improve the answer-writing skill for upcoming exams.

Tips to Prepare for UPSC Science and Technology 📝

• Build Foundation First- Take the help of NCERT books and create a foundation for your studies. ( Find the 👉 NCERT Study Material Here! )
• Newspaper and Magazines- You need to keep an eye on every development in the science stream. Read newspapers and other mediums to stay updated.
• Hand-Written Notes- There is no comparison of handwritten notes in preparation. Create flashcards for every topic you read and it will help you do quick revision.
• PYQ Papers– Pick 5 to 10 year-old question papers and practise with them. Also, this will help you to understand the trend.

UPSC Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Mains

Below, we have mentioned year-wise questions of UPSC Science and Technology.

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Mains 2023

1. Introduce the concept of artificial intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to the privacy of the individual in the use of AI in Healthcare?
2. What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.
3. Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

Must Read:📌 Download UPSC 2023 Mains GS 3 Question Paper PDF

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Mains 2022

1. Private players can bring in the innovation needed for developing space-based applications and services”. In the light of this statement, highlight the role of private sector in India’s space science and technology.
2. Indian Biological Data Bank will reduce the dependency of Indian researchers on American and European data banks.” In the light of the statement, discuss key features of the indigenous data bank centre.
3. India’s data storage center industry had leap-frogged at least a decade in the past couple of years. Discuss.

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Mains 2021

1. What are the objectives and components of the Samudrayan mission? How will it help in enhancing India’s capabilities and interests in deep ocean exploration?
2. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?
3. How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?

Must Read: How to Prepare for UPSC Botany Optional?

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Mains 2020

1. Discuss the significance of space technology in promoting sustainable development in India.
2. COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.
3. What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Prelims Questions

Candidates can check the UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Questions from previous years to get a sense of the kinds of questions offered in this subject. You may find year-specific S&T questions. This will support revision for the UPSC Prelims.

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Prelims 2023

Q1. Consider the following statements:

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.
2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.
3. Some microorganisms can grow in a highly acidic environment with a pH below 

3.How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

2. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.

It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.

It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

3. ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

(a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

(b) Converting crop residues into packing material

(c) Producing biodegradable plastics

(d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass

4. ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?

(a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go

(b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat

(c) Using air-bome devices to collect blood samples from moving animals

(d) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

5. ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?

(a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna

(b) Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues

(c) Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants

(d) Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

6. Consider the following actions:

1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive
3. Detection of the tit of smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode

In how many of the above action is the function of accelerometer required?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

7. With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:

1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in water.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Prelims 2022

1. Consider the following:

1. Aarogya Setu
2. COWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

2. With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements:

1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation

Which of the following given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements:

1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.

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

4. Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same surface. speed and places a probe on its

5. Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

(a) Cloud Services

(b) Quantum Computing

(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies

(d) Wireless Communication Technologies

6. Consider the following communication technologies:

1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network

Which of the above are considered of the Short-Range devices/technologies?

(a) 1 and 2 only.

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. Consider the following statements:

1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.

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

8. Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics :

1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 2 and 3

9. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.

Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform.

COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.

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

10. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

11. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?

(a) They protect the environmental allergens. body

(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.

(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.

(d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.

12. Consider the following statements:

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
4. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

13. Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:

1. assess the age of a plant or animal.
2. distinguish among species that look alike.
3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Prelims 2021

1. Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because.

(a) It is dipolar in nature.

(b) It is a good conductor of heat

(c) It has a high value of specific heat

(d) It is an oxide of hydrogen

2. With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?

1. Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.

2. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps.

3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. The term “ACE2” is talked about in the context of

(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants

(b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system

(c) radio collars for wildlife tracking

(d) spread of viral diseases

4. Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?

(a) Low-density polyethylene

(b) Polycarbonate

(c) Polyethylene terephthalate

(d) Polyvinyl Chloride

5. “Triclosan” considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

(a) Food preservatives

(b) Fruit ripening substances

(c) reused plastic containers

(d) Toiletries

6. Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?

(a) Distance among stellar bodies do not change

(b) Gravity of stellar bodies does not change

(c) Light always travels in straight line

(d) Speed of light is always same

7. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements:

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.

2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8. In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:

1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.

2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.

Which of the statements given above is’/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

9. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of

(a) Clonal propagation of crop plants

(b) Developing genetically modified crop plants

(c) Production of plant growth substances

(d) Production of biofertilizers

10. In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?

1. Area of the hole in the lid

2. Temperature of the flame

3. Weight of the lid

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

11. Consider the following:

1. Bacteria

2. Fungi

3. Virus

Which of the above can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

12. Consider the following statements:

1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes.

2. Common cold is sometimes caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

13. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?

a) Congress grass

b) Elephant grass

c) Lemon grass

d) Nut grass

Science and Tech PYQ UPSC Prelims 2020

Q 1. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

1) Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.

(2) Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do.

(3) Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 2. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, ‘Pronuclear Transfer” is used for

(a) Fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm

(b) Genetic modification of sperm producing cells

(c) Development of stem cells into functional embryos

(d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Q 3. What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India?

(1) These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.

(2) Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.

(3) These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 4. With reference to the carbon nanotubes, consider the following statement :

(1) They can be used as the carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.

(2) They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body.

(3) They can be used in biochemical sensors.

(4) Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q 5. Consider the following statements :

(1) Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.

(2) A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.

(3) Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 6. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-speech conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, and 4 only 

(c) 2, 4, and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Q 7. With reference to visible light communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?

1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780nm
2. VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication
3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth
4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference

Select the correct answer using the code given below

1, 2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4 only

 2, 3 and 4 only

Q 9. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of

(a) Digital security infrastructure

(b) Food security infrastructure

(c) Health care and education infrastructure

(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

Q 10. Consider the following activities :

1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field
2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes
3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q 11. The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) LISA Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Q 12. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:

1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps,
2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC Science and Technology: Important Topics for CSE Exam 2024 🎯

Recently, there are various developments in the science and technology section. These topics can be part of GS 3 question paper of mains or GS1 paper of prelims. Below, we have mentioned the most important topics for upcoming UPSC exam.

• Quantum Computing and AI in Symbiotic Harmony
• India Grants Record Patents in 2023-34
• Emergency Alert System
• Deepfakes: Opportunities, Threats, and Regulation
• SIM Cards

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