Prelims GS I · 179 questions · 2011–2026
Science & technology: every Prelims question, by topic
UPSC syllabus: “General Science.” Below, the topics inside it — most asked first — and how often each came up year by year.
Science & technology in Prelims 2024: 8 questions
All years →- Q31 · Space technologyWith reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements: RTGs are miniature fission reactors. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. …
- Q32 · Space technologyConsider the following statements: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars. Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.…
- Q33 · Human body, health & diseasesWhich one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow?…
- Q34 · IT, computing & emerging technologiesConsider the following activities: Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft Monitoring of precipitation Tracking the migration of animals…
- Q36 · Physics & chemistry in everyday lifeIn which of the following are hydrogels used? Controlled drug delivery in patients Mobile air-conditioning systems Preparation of industrial lubricants…
- Q37 · Defence, nuclear & energy technologyWhich one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?…
- Q46 · Defence, nuclear & energy technologyConsider the following materials: Agricultural residues Corn grain Wastewater treatment sludge Wood mill waste…
- Q48 · IT, computing & emerging technologiesWhich 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 pro…
Science & technology in UPSC Prelims at a glance
UPSC has asked 179 questions on Science & technology in GS Paper I from 2011 to 2026 — about 11 a year, the most in 2011 (17). The most-asked topic is IT, computing & emerging technologies (47 questions).
| Year | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 17 | 9 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 11 | 13 |
Counted from UPSC's own papers in the Vault, each question under its main subject · updated 8 Nov 2026.
- IT, computing & emerging technologies47 questions · asked in 13 of 16 years
- Human body, health & diseases33 questions · asked in 13 of 16 years
- Biotechnology & genetics28 questions · asked in 14 of 16 years
- Physics & chemistry in everyday life26 questions · asked in 13 of 16 years
- Space technology25 questions · asked in 13 of 16 years
- Defence, nuclear & energy technology20 questions · asked in 13 of 16 years
Latest questions
- 2026 · Q41 · Biotechnology & geneticsWhich of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct?…
- 2026 · Q42 · IT, computing & emerging technologiesWhich of the following statements with regard to Large Language Models (LLMs) used in machine learning is/are correct?…
- 2026 · Q43 · Defence, nuclear & energy technologyWhich of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct?…
- 2026 · Q44 · Physics & chemistry in everyday lifeWhich of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct?…
- 2026 · Q46 · Space technologyConsider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme:…
The same ground in Mains
These official Mains syllabus lines cover Science & technology. Prelims facts become Mains arguments.
Science & technology PYQs as a PDF — free
All 48 PDFs →Every Science & technology question from 2011 to 2026, topic-wise, with answers and explanations — 94 pages. Free; sign up once.
Science & technology PYQs: quick answers
How many Science & technology questions has UPSC asked in Prelims from 2011 to 2026?
179 questions in GS Paper I — about 11 a year, the most in 2011 (17). Every one is on this page, under its topic, with UPSC's answer and an explanation.
Which Science & technology topic does UPSC ask most in Prelims?
IT, computing & emerging technologies: 47 questions between 2011 and 2026, asked in 13 of 16 years. The topics are listed above, most asked first, each with its year-by-year trend.
Are the answers UPSC's official answer keys?
From 2016, yes: every answer is from UPSC's final answer key (2016–2025); for 2011–2015, where UPSC published no key online, each answer is worked out from official sources and reviewed independently; for 2026 UPSC has so far published a provisional key, and those answers are labelled. Explanations cite official sources — NCERT and government pages first.
Can I download the Science & technology PYQs as a PDF?
Yes — a print-ready PDF of every Science & technology question with answers and explanations (94 pages, 1.9 MB), free after a one-time sign-up, from the Vault's downloads page.
Counted from UPSC's own papers in the Vault; answers are UPSC's keys.
