For any serious UPSC aspirant, the Science and Technology syllabus represents a unique challenge. It’s not about memorizing complex scientific formulas; it’s about understanding the application of science in our daily lives, its impact on society, and India’s achievements in the global arena. With its dynamic nature, driven by constant innovation, how do you focus your preparation on what truly matters?
This is not just another random compilation. It is a strategically curated guide to the 20 most crucial topics and questions in Science and Technology, based on a rigorous analysis of past UPSC trends, current affairs, and foundational concepts. Each question is followed by a comprehensive answer designed to build conceptual clarity for Prelims and provide a structured framework for Mains.
In this definitive guide, you will master:
- Core concepts in Space Technology, Biotechnology, and ICT.
- Detailed answers explaining emerging technologies like AI, CRISPR, 5G, and Blockchain.
- India’s key achievements in Defence, Nuclear Technology, and Health.
- A practical strategy to effectively prepare for the Science & Tech paper.
Part 1: Space Technology – India’s Final Frontier
Q1. Discuss the key features and significance of India’s Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-3 missions.
Answer:
• Gaganyaan: This is India’s ambitious Human Spaceflight Mission. Its objective is to demonstrate the capability to send a crew of 3 astronauts to an orbit of 400 km (Low Earth Orbit or LEO) for a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth. The mission uses the GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle (re-designated as LVM3). Its significance lies in boosting scientific research, inspiring youth, creating a technology ecosystem for human spaceflight, and elevating India’s global standing.
• Chandrayaan-3: This was India’s third lunar exploration mission, which successfully achieved a soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole—a world first. It consisted of a Lander (Vikram) and a Rover (Pragyan). Its significance is immense: it demonstrated India’s end-to-end capability in soft landing, conducted in-situ scientific experiments on the lunar surface (analyzing thermal properties and elemental composition), and opened up the lunar south pole for future exploration, which is believed to be rich in water ice.
Q2. Differentiate between LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits. Why are different satellites placed in different orbits?
Q3. What is NavIC? How does it differ from the US-based GPS?
Q4. Differentiate between solid, liquid, and cryogenic propellants used in Indian launch vehicles like PSLV and GSLV.
Part 2: Biotechnology – The Code of Life
Q5. What is CRISPR-Cas9 technology? Discuss its applications and the ethical concerns associated with it.
Answer: CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to alter DNA sequences and modify gene function. It acts like a “molecular scissors” that can cut, remove, or add parts of the DNA strand with high precision.
• Applications: Its potential applications are vast, including: 1) Curing genetic diseases like sickle-cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. 2) Developing disease-resistant crops and improving crop yield. 3) In diagnostics for detecting diseases. 4) In cancer research and therapy.
• Ethical Concerns: The primary concerns are: 1) Germline Editing: Making changes to human embryos, sperm, or eggs, which can be passed down to future generations. This raises fears of “designer babies” and unforeseen long-term consequences. 2) Off-target effects: The tool might accidentally cut the wrong part of the DNA, leading to unintended mutations. 3) Equity and Access: Concerns that this expensive technology will only be available to the wealthy, increasing social inequality.
Q6. Explain the working mechanism of mRNA vaccines. How are they different from traditional vaccines?
Q7. What are Genetically Modified (GM) crops? Discuss the pros and cons with special reference to Bt Cotton in India.
Q8. What is a “Three-Parent Baby”? Explain the underlying technology (Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy).
Part 3: ICT & Emerging Technologies
Q9. Differentiate between 4G and 5G technology. What are the key applications of 5G?
Q10. What are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL)? Explain their relationship.
Answer: These terms are often used interchangeably but have a hierarchical relationship.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): It is the broadest concept, representing the overall theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence (e.g., visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making).
• Machine Learning (ML): This is a subset of AI. Instead of being explicitly programmed, ML algorithms use large amounts of data to “learn” patterns and make predictions. For example, a spam filter learns to identify junk mail based on past data.
• Deep Learning (DL): This is a further subset of ML. DL uses complex, multi-layered “neural networks” (inspired by the human brain) to analyze vast amounts of data. It is the technology behind more advanced applications like self-driving cars and natural language processing (e.g., ChatGPT). Relationship: AI is the universe, ML is a galaxy within it, and DL is a solar system within that galaxy.
Q11. What is Blockchain technology? Discuss its potential applications beyond cryptocurrency.
Q12. What is Quantum Computing? How does a ‘qubit’ differ from a classical ‘bit’?
Part 4: Defence, Nuclear & Health
Q13. Explain India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). Name the missiles developed under it.
Q14. Differentiate between Ballistic and Cruise missiles.
Q15. Explain India’s three-stage nuclear power program.
Q16. What is Nanotechnology? Discuss its applications in the fields of medicine and energy.
Part 5: IPR and Miscellaneous Concepts
Q17. What are Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)? Differentiate between Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks.
Q18. What is Li-Fi technology, and how is it different from Wi-Fi?
Q19. What are Gravitational Waves and what is the significance of the LIGO-India project?
Q20. What is India’s Nuclear Triad capability?
Strategy: How to Master Science & Technology for UPSC
Mastering S&T requires a focused approach:
- Focus on ‘Why’, not just ‘What’: Don’t just learn what CRISPR is; understand *why* it’s a big deal. Focus on the application and societal impact of any technology.
- Current Affairs is Key: S&T is a highly dynamic paper. Follow a good newspaper (The Hindu/Indian Express) and a monthly current affairs magazine. Pay attention to new missions, discoveries, and policy changes.
- Selective Reading: You don’t need to be a science expert. Focus on topics mentioned in the syllabus and those frequently in the news. For basics, refer to NCERTs (Class 6-10 for fundamentals, 11-12 for specific Biology topics).
- Make Thematic Notes: Organize your notes by themes (Space, Biotech, Defence, etc.). For each new development, add a small note under the relevant theme. This helps in revision.
- Practice PYQs: Solving previous years’ questions is the best way to understand the depth and breadth of questions UPSC asks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a science background to score well in this paper?
Absolutely not. UPSC tests general awareness and application, not expert knowledge. A non-science student can score very well with a strategic and consistent preparation approach.
2. Which newspaper section is most important for S&T?
The ‘Science & Technology’ page (which often appears on Sundays in The Hindu) is crucial. Apart from that, any news related to new government policies on technology, ISRO/DRDO missions, and health breakthroughs on the front or editorial pages should be covered.
3. How many questions can I expect from S&T in Prelims?
On average, you can expect anywhere from 10 to 15 questions in the GS Paper 1 of Prelims, making it a very high-yielding subject.
Conclusion: Science and Technology is one of the most interesting and scoring subjects in the UPSC examination. By focusing on these core concepts and linking them with current developments, you can transform this subject from a source of anxiety into a major strength. Master these topics, stay curious, and you will be well on your way to success. Happy learning!