"How to Crack Science & Tech for Prelims" — Practice

Question 1

Approximately how many questions does Science & Technology contribute to UPSC Prelims GS Paper I?
(a) 8–12 (b) 20–25 (c) 2–4 (d) 30–35

Accepted Answer

(a) 8–12.

This is the smallest block in GS1, but it carries among the highest current-affairs density relative to its compact static core.

Question 2

The recommended approach for Science & Tech preparation is to:
(a) master compact underlying mechanisms, then apply them to current headlines as they arise (b) memorise every possible future news headline in advance (c) skip static preparation entirely since it's mostly current affairs (d) study only historical scientific discoveries with no current-affairs tracking

Accepted Answer

(a) master compact underlying mechanisms, then apply them to current headlines as they arise.

This mirrors the mechanism-first approach used in Geography and Environment, applied here to space, defence, biotech and health concepts.

Question 3

This Science & Tech hub follows which two-chapter structure?
(a) Space Technology & Defence → Biotechnology, IT & Health (b) Ancient Science → Modern Science (c) Physics → Chemistry → Biology (d) Indian Science → World Science

Accepted Answer

(a) Space Technology & Defence → Biotechnology, IT & Health.

These cover two distinct technical domains, each with its own compact mechanism set.

Question 4

Science & Tech rewards a compact, targeted study investment because:
(a) its static core is genuinely small compared to other GS1 subjects, so a few hours of mechanism-focused study covers a disproportionate share of expected questions (b) it has no static core at all (c) it requires the same volume of study as Polity or History (d) current-affairs tracking is unnecessary for this subject

Accepted Answer

(a) its static core is genuinely small compared to other GS1 subjects, so a few hours of mechanism-focused study covers a disproportionate share of expected questions.

This makes Science & Tech one of the most time-efficient subjects to prepare well, precisely because the mechanism set is compact.

Question 5

A new ISRO satellite launch making headline news is likely to be tested by UPSC as a question about:
(a) the underlying mechanism (orbit type, launch vehicle) illustrated by that specific launch (b) the exact date and time of the launch down to the minute (c) the launch vehicle's manufacturing cost only (d) unrelated topics with no connection to the launch

Accepted Answer

(a) the underlying mechanism (orbit type, launch vehicle) illustrated by that specific launch.

This is why mastering mechanisms in advance makes any future headline answerable, rather than needing to have anticipated that specific launch.

Question 6

Splitting Science & Tech into 'Space Technology & Defence' and 'Biotechnology, IT & Health' reflects:
(a) two genuinely distinct technical domains, each with its own compact mechanism set (b) an arbitrary division with no conceptual basis (c) a division based purely on which ministry oversees each topic (d) the chronological order in which these fields were discovered

Accepted Answer

(a) two genuinely distinct technical domains, each with its own compact mechanism set.

Space/defence draws on physics and engineering mechanisms; biotech/IT/health draws on biology and information-technology mechanisms.

Practice — "How to Crack Science & Tech for Prelims"

Sign in to save attempts to your dashboard and track your accuracy over time

Find a verified tutor

Join a live course

Browse coaching centres

About

Categories

Support

Documentation

Get Study Tips & Updates

Download Our App

Download for iOS

Download for Android

Popular Cities