Upto 60% Off on UPSC Online Courses

Avail Now

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024, Detailed Analysis!

PWOnlyIAS June 19, 2024 04:05 4790 0

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC prelims 2024 will give an opportunity for aspirants to streamline their preparation. Check out more about Science and Technology Questions in UPSC prelims.

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024, Detailed Analysis!

Science and technology questions in UPSC prelims are closely related to current affairs. They have a significant weightage in prelims exam, making it vital for aspirants aiming to score high marks in UPSC prelims.

Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024

Download UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2024
UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Download Link
UPSC Prelims GS Paper II CSAT Question Paper Download Link
Answer Key 2024 GS Paper (01) Answer Key 2024
CSAT Paper Answer Key 2024
DetaIled Answer Key 2024 GS Paper (01) Answer Key 2024
CSAT Paper Answer Key 2024

Science and technology questions in UPSC prelims have generally been asked from topics such as trending technologies, DNA/RNA, Space Science, Communication, genetic engineering, etc. The best source for science and technology questions in UPSC prelims is newspapers and science and technology books. Candidates need to have a basic understanding of science before beginning their  preparation.

Let us have a look at the Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024, along with the trends of the themes from the Previous years questions. The Trend Analysis of the previous  years Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims is also given here.

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024
Serial No  Question  Answer 
1. Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote “an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items”?

(a)  Big data analytics

(b)  Cryptography

(c)  Metaverse

(d)  Virtual matrix

TBU
2. With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:

  1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.
  2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.
  3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons developments.

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

TBU
3. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.

Statement-II:

Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a)  Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b)  Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c)  Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

(d)  Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

TBU
4. Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow?

(a)  Nitric oxide

(b)  Nitrous oxide

(c)  Nitrogen dioxide

(d)  Nitrogen pentoxide

TBU
5. Consider the following activities:

  1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
  2. Monitoring of precipitation
  3. Tracking the migration of animals

In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

(a)  Only one

(b)  Only two

(c)  All three

(d)  None

TBU
6. Consider the following aircraft:

  1. Rafael
  2. MiG-29
  3. Tejas MK-1

How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?

(a)  Only one

(b)  Only two

(c)  All three

(d)  None

TBU
7. In which of the following are hydrogels used?

  1. Controlled drug delivery in patients
  2. Mobile air-conditioning systems
  3. Preparation of industrial lubricants

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a)  1 only

(b)  1 and 2 only

(c)  2 and 3 only

(d)  1, 2 and 3

TBU
8. Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?

(a)  Hydrogen peroxide

(b)  Hydronium

(c)  Oxygen

(d)  Water vapour

TBU
9. Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

(a)  Irrigation of terraced crop fields

(b)  Lift irrigation of cereal crops

(c)  Long duration energy storage

(d)  Rainwater harvesting system

TBU
10. “Membrane Bioreactors” are often discussed in the context of :

(a)  Assisted reproductive technologies

(b)  Drug delivery nanotechnologies

(c)  Vaccine production technologies

(d)  Wastewater treatment technologies

TBU

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2023

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024 can be anticipated a little by seeing the Science and Technology Questions of UPSC Prelims 2023 and other previous years. UPSC has been consistent when it comes to asking science and technology questions in UPSC prelims. In the 2023 prelims, 9 questions were asked about this topic. The questions are given below.

Q1: 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

How many of the above actions is the function of the accelerometer required?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (C)

Q2: Consider the following statements:

  1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperatures above the boiling point of water.
  2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperatures 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

Answer: (c)

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Q3: ‘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

Answer: (a)

Q4: ‘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

Answer: (a)

Q5: ‘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

Answer: (a)

Q6: Consider the following pairs:

Objects in space Description
Cepheids Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
Nebulae Stars which brighten and dim periodically
Pulsars Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (d)

Q7: Consider the following statements:

  1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket powered only in the initial phase of flight.
  2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

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

Answer: (d)

Q8: With reference to the role of bio-filters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:

  1. Bio-filters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
  2. Bio-filters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
  3. Bio-filters 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

Answer: (b)

Q9: With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

  1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
  2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
  3. It can be used in a 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

Answer: (c)

Also Read: Complete Science and Technology for 2024

Last Few Years Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims

The trend of Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024 can be understood by analysing the Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims from previous years. Science and technology questions in UPSC prelims have a weightage of 10-15%. The trends from past few years show us that UPSC has been consistently focusing on current affairs while framing questions. The number of science and technology questions asked in the last few years is given below.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Year Number of Questions
2023 9
2022 14
2021 12
2020 12
2019 11
2018 13
2017 6

science and technology questions in UPSC prelims

 

Also Read: Science and Technology Questions with Answers

Strategy to Solve Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims

Every candidate needs to understand the Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims in the previous years to prepare the Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims 2024. UPSC has adopted a dynamic approach while framing Science and technology questions in UPSC prelims. Below are some tips to excel in science and technology.

  • Read Basic NCERT Books: Candidates need to have a basic understanding of the subject before preparation. For that purpose, reading NCERT books is a must.
  • Analyse PYQs: UPSC asks science and technology questions from certain themes. PYQ analysis will help candidates identify these themes and also understand the type of question asked based on these themes.
  • Read Newspapers: majority of questions are asked directly from newspapers. Candidates have to regularly read newspapers to score good marks.
  • Regular Revision: Candidates have to revise multiple times to recall information. This will help them answer questions accurately.
  • Attempt Test Series: Candidates can attempt multiple tests before actually giving the exam. Any important question asked in the test series can be added to the notes as value addition.

Important Themes for Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims

UPSC favours some important themes while asking science and technology questions in UPSC prelims. Given below are certain important themes for science and technology.

Themes Significance
Basics of Biology 1-2 questions related to Cells, Tissues, DNA/RNA 
Microorganisms 1-2 questions related to bacteria, virus, fungi etc
Health and Diseases 1-2 questions related to diseases
Communication Technology 1-2 questions on communication technology 
Information Technology 1-2 questions related to recent developments
Space Technology 1-2 questions from space missions
Defence Technology 1-2 questions from defence
Nanotechnology 1-2 questions related to applications
Space science 1-2 questions from black holes, dark matter, pulsars, gravitational waves etc
Everyday Science 1-2 questions from science around us
Patents 0-1 questions

Also Read: Questions in UPSC Prelims

Srijan 2024

Sample Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims

Based on the important science and technology themes, here are some questions asked in the prelims examination.

Patent

Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in
  2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate
  3. Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Everyday Science

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

  1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
  2. As street -lights, sodium lamps have a longer lifespan 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. (2021)

(a) 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Nanotechnology

Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. Other than those made by humans, nano-particles do not exist in nature.
  2. Nano-particles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
  3. Nano-particles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3

Information Technology

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

  1. SaaS buyers can customize 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 form 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

Space Technology

Q. The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometers 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

Communication Technology

Q. With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?  

  1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm
  2. VLC is known as long – range optical wireless
  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:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Health and Disease 

Q. 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 mother and not from father.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2021)

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Microorganism 

Q. 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 food we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
  3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
  4. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 2 and 3

Biology (DNA/RNA)

Q. Consider the following statements :

DNA Bar-coding 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

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Join top courses from Physics Wallah to prepare holistically for UPSC 2025. Enroll now!

Must Read
UPSC Daily Editorials UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store 
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store UPSC Test Series 2024
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims FAQs

No. UPSC does not ask questions directly from NCERT books. Although, the concepts regarding the Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims are based on the data from the NCERT Books.

The difficulty level of science and technology questions range from moderate to difficult.

UPSC asks science and technology questions directly from current affairs. This is the reason why current affairs are important.

UPSC can ask 10-15 questions from Science and Technology in UPSC Prelims. Although the number of Science and Technology Questions in UPSC Prelims may vary according to the difficulty of the Exam.

Newspapers such as The Hindu and The Indian Express are the best sources of current affairs for UPSC prelims.
/*
*/

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.