May 20, 2025
4
mins read
Science and Technology have become an increasingly significant part of the UPSC Prelims syllabus, reflecting India’s growth in sectors like space technology, biotechnology, and information technology. Understanding these developments and their implications is essential for aspirants. By focusing on these advancements, candidates can enhance their understanding of how scientific progress influences public policy, national security, and sustainable development.
UPSC has asked 10-18 questions on Science & Tech every year since 2017, often mixing static theory with the latest Indian breakthroughs. Mastering this dynamic area means tracking ISRO missions, AI policy, biotech cures and digital laws—topics that directly shape governance and national security.
Table of content
# | Topic Cluster | Final-Week Must-Knows | 2024-25 Headlines |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Space Technology (ISRO) | Launch vehicles (PSLV, GSLV, LVM3), orbital mechanics, remote-sensing uses | Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed at lunar south pole (Aug 2023) ; Aditya-L1 inserted into halo orbit (Jan 2024) |
2 | Artificial Intelligence & Robotics | Machine-learning basics, neural nets, ethical AI, robot sensors | IndiaAI Mission approved (₹10,371 cr; 7 pillars incl. Compute & Safe AI) |
3 | Quantum & Frontier Tech | Qubits vs classical bits, quantum communication, post-quantum crypto | National Quantum Mission green-lit April 2023 (₹6,003 cr) |
4 | Biotechnology & Health | CRISPR, mRNA, GMO regulation, bio-safety levels | India’s first home-grown CAR-T therapy (NexCAR19) enters clinics—cost ≈ $50k |
5 | Cyber & Data Protection | Basics of encryption, malware types, CERT-In mandate | Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023—consent, children’s data rules |
6 | Renewable & Green Energy Tech | Solar PV types, wind classes, SMRs, hydrogen electrolysers | National Green Hydrogen Mission target: 5 Mt / yr H₂ by 2030 |
7 | Nanotechnology & Materials | Nano-carriers, graphene, quantum dots, nano-fertilisers | Nobel 2023 in chemistry for quantum-dot LEDs—display tech boost |
8 | ICT & Digital India | 5G vs 6G, BharatNet fibre, DigiLocker APIs, UPI architecture | India pushes for 15,000 GPUs under IndiaAI tender to build sovereign LLMs |
Day | Morning (2 h) | Afternoon (1 h) | Evening (1 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
D-7 | Space missions timeline (Chandrayaan, Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan tests) | 25 PYQs (2018-21) on Space | Watch ISRO’s latest mission recap video |
D-6 | AI basics + IndiaAI policy one-pager | Quiz: AI ethics & robotics | Map global AI hubs & alliances |
D-5 | Quantum & semiconductor news; NQM goals | Flash-cards: QKD vs PQC | Revise quantum-tech glossary |
D-4 | Biotech: mRNA, CRISPR, CAR-T, GM crop regulation | MCQs on vaccines & IPR | Read PIB biotech releases |
D-3 | Cyber laws, DPDP Act, CERT-In advisories | Mixed mock (30 Q) | Fix errors; update cheat-sheet |
D-2 | Renewable-energy schemes: Hydrogen, solar, ethanol | Rapid quiz: energy storage tech | Re-draw energy-mix pie chart |
D-1 | 40-Q mixed S&T sprint; focus on elimination | Light revision of error log | Early dinner, device-free wind-down, 8 h sleep |
Align at least one mock with the actual GS time slot (9 a.m.–noon) to train your brain.
1. Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in various sectors.
Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning advancements.
Quantum Computing and its implications.
Blockchain Technology and its uses beyond cryptocurrencies.
Web 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0: Evolution and applications.
Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) technology.
3D Printing and its industrial applications.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.
Internet of Things (IoT) and its integration in daily life.
Cybersecurity challenges and solutions.
5G and 6G Wireless Communication systems.
2. Space Technology
ISRO Missions: Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, and future missions.
Satellite Navigation Systems: IRNSS/NavIC and their applications.
Space Debris Management and its importance.
Space Policy: Space Activities Bill, 2017.
International Collaborations: India's role in global space initiatives.
3. Biotechnology & Health Innovations
CRISPR Technology and its ethical considerations.
Genomic Research and its applications in medicine.
Biofuels and their role in sustainable energy.
Functional Foods and Smart Proteins.
Precision Biotherapeutics.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
4. Renewable Energy & Environmental Technologies
Green Hydrogen production and its significance.
Hybrid Vehicles and their environmental impact.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
Tidal and Geothermal Energy.
Carbon Capture and Utilization technologies.
Nanotechnology applications in environmental monitoring.
5. Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Digital India Initiatives and their impact.
Big Data Analytics and its applications.
Cloud Computing advancements.
Quantum Communication systems.
Layer Static & Dynamic: Link textbook concepts (e.g., band gaps) with 2024-25 breakthroughs (quantum-dot LEDs).
One-Page Tables: Mission → Objective → Year → Launcher or Act → Year → Key Provision.
PIB + ISRO + MEITY Feeds: Cover >90 % of exam-worthy updates in minutes a day.
Use Mind-Maps: Visualise tech value-chains—AI chip → data → model → governance.
Daily PYQ Habit: UPSC loves statement-type questions—practise elimination logic.
Need | Resource |
|---|---|
Static Base | NCERT (IX-XII Physics/Bio) + Spectrum Science & Tech |
Deep Dive | ISRO Yearbook, IndiaAI & PIB compilations |
Quick Revision | Self-made flash cards; Quantum & AI keyword lists |
Practice | UPSC PYQs 2013-24 + 3 sectional mocks |
Science & Tech questions reward updated insight plus clear fundamentals. Anchor your revision around the eight high-yield buckets above, connect every static idea to a 2024-25 headline, and run the seven-day sprint. Do it right and you’ve banked 25-30 reliable marks—a major leap toward that Mains call-letter.
Stay curious, stay consistent—best of luck!
