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UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Syllabus for IAS Exam 2024

PWOnlyIAS April 19, 2024 01:02 295 0

Prepare UPSC Prelims Science and Technology 2024 with detailed Syllabus, recommended books, marks weightage analysis, and frequently asked questions to succeed in this section of the exam.

UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Syllabus for IAS Exam 2024

The UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Syllabus is primarily current-affairs focused, but a basic understanding of the subject can help in ace the exam. A comprehensive detail of the Prelims Science and Technology syllabus is provided here. Let’s read the article for more details!

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

The Union Public Service Commission Preliminary Examination, or UPSC Prelims, is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC.  The Prelims exam consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT), both of which are objective-type multiple-choice exams.  

The detailed UPSC Prelims Syllabus is provided in the table below:

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Paper 1: General Studies Paper 2: CSAT
  • Current events of national and international importance. 
  • History of India and Indian National Movement.
  • Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Science and Technology of India and the World. 
  • Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
  • Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. 
  • General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization. 
  • General Science.
  • Comprehension; 
  • Interpersonal skills including communication skills; 
  • Logical reasoning and analytical ability; 
  • Decision making and problem solving; 
  • General mental ability; 
  • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level).

UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Syllabus Complete Details

UPSC prelims Science and Technology syllabus focuses on day to day developments in the field of science and technology. UPSC is known to ask questions based on trending scientific achievements, discoveries or events. Candidates must have a basic understanding of science and technology to answer such questions. 

The complete details of the UPSC prelims Science and Technology syllabus is as follows:

Science and Technology in India
  • Astronomy and Mathematics in Ancient India
  • India’s Development in the Fields of Science and Technology
  • Government Policies in Science & Technology Field
  • Scientific Policy Resolution 1958
  • Indian Science Policy 2013
  • Awards related to Science
  • India and World collaboration in science projects
  • Different Organization and institutions associated with Science and Technology in India ( CSIR, Science and Engineering Research Council etc)
  • Technology Vision Document 2035
Space Technology
  • Indian Satellite Development
  • Indian Space Research Organization
  • Cryogenic Engine Development
  • Indian Satellite Series ‘INSAT’ Applications
  • Remote Sensing and its Application
  • Global Positioning System and Other Similar Technologies
  • Role of Space Technology for Humanity
  • Space Tourism 
  • Space Race 
  • Space Activities Bill, 2017
  • Outer Space Treaty, 1967
  • New Space India Limited
  • Space Telescopes
  • Space Missions of ISRO, NASA, ESA etc
  • Satellite Technology
  • Indian Space Rockets
Biotechnology
  • Basics of Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology Policies in India
  • Use of Biotechnology for Agriculture
  • Environmental Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry
  • Biotechnology in Medicine
  • Genetic Diseases
  • Gene Therapy
  • GM Crops in India (Bt Cotton, Bt Brinjal etc)
  • Genetic Technology for Pest Treatment
  • Biopiracy
  • Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
  • Genome India Project
  • Three parent Baby
  • Designer Babies
  • Ethical Aspects of Biotechnology
Nuclear Technology
  • India’s Nuclear Power & Energy Policy
  • Nuclear Research in India
  • Non-Energy Applications of Nuclear Power
  • New Nuclear Technological Development
  • Radioactive Pollution and Radioactive Waste
  • Nuclear radiation
  • Nuclear Hazards
Defence Technology
  • Indian Missile Systems
  • Important Missiles of India
  • Ballistic Vs Cruise Missile
  • S-400 Missile defence System
  • Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
  • UAVs in India
  • Australia Group 
  • Dual Use Technology in Defence
  • Defence Related Treaties
Nanotechnology
  • Nanotechnology and its Applications
  • Health & Environmental Concerns associated with Nanotechnology
  • Contemporary Issues related to Nanotechnology
  • Nanomaterials & Nanoscience
  • Ethical Impact of Nanotechnology
Material Science
  • History Classification and Properties of Superconductors
  • Application of Superconductors
  • Types and Applications of LASERS
  • Semiconductors and Applications
Information  Technology
  • Indian IT Industry
  • Initiatives in 12th 5 year plan
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Applications
  • Display Technologies like CRT
  • Telecommunication Policies
  • Government Digital Initiatives
  • Contemporary Debates on IT & Telecom 
  • Mobile Generations
  • Internet Technology
  • Digital India Initiatives
  • Recent IT concepts such as Big Data, Virtual Reality, Blockchain, IoT etc
  • Cybercrimes
  • Malwares and Viruses
  • Quantum Computing
  • Supercomputers
  • National Supercomputing Mission
  • Digital Revolution in India
  • UPI Technology
  • VPN
Robotics 
  • Centre For Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR)
  • Recent Developments
  • Future of Automation
  • Artificial Intelligence and its Applications
  • Applications of Robotics & Robot Classification
Intellectual Property Rights
  • Copyrights
  • Industrial Design
  • Trademarks
  • Trades Secrets
  • Patents
  • IPR and Agriculture
Renewable Energy

Complete Books List For UPSC Prelims Science and Technology

The prelims Science and Technology syllabus is not fixed. It does not have any specific standard books for studying. Candidates are required to study basic science and then enhance their knowledge through current affairs. Candidates are also advised to check previous year question papers to understand the question pattern. The complete booklist for the Science and Technology syllabus is given below:

Book Type Book Name
NCERT 
  • NCERT Science Text Books – Class VI to Class XII
Reference Books
  • Science and Technology in India by Kalpana Rajaram
  • Science and Technology by Ravi. P. Agrahari
  • General Science For Civil Services Preliminary Examinations by S A Majid
  • Science and Technology by Neeraj Nachiketa
Other Sources
  • Newspapers such as The Hindu, The Indian Express,
  • Down to Earth
  • Portal of Ministry of Science and Technology
  • PIB
  • Journals such as Nature

Marks Weightage of Science and Technology in UPSC Prelims

Past trends have shown that science and technology has increased its weight in exams. While some questions are factual, others are based on any concept that has been prevalent during the examination year. The number of science and technology questions asked in the last few years are as follows:

Year of Preliminary Examination Number of Science and Technology Questions
2023 12
2022 12
2021 14
2020 10
2019 7
2018 10
2017 9
2016 8
2015 8
2014 16

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Conclusion

The UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Syllabus focuses on dynamic aspects of preparation, especially current affairs. Candidates must be aware of the recent developments in science and technology in India as well as around the world. However, they need to have a conceptual understanding of science, and hence, reading basic science books is also necessary. The completion of the syllabus, solving PYQ’s and test series, and effective revision, can enhance your score in this section.

Also Read: UPSC CSE Final Result 2024

 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The weightage of science and technology is consistently around 12-15% in UPSC prelims exam.

No. Science and Technology is a highly dynamic subject and hence candidates can expect questions from current affairs, for which they need to read newspapers.

Candidates have to read newspapers such as The Hindu and The Indian Express to cover Science and Technology for the exam.

No. Candidates have to read topics selectively to understand the basics. Most of the core topics of Physics, Chemistry or Biology are not needed.

UPSC generally asks questions from current affairs. Some questions are direct while others require a basic understanding of topics.

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 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

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 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

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