Important Topics in Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025 refers to key subject areas and current developments in science and technology that are relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Mains, particularly under General Studies Paper III. Science and Technology is a crucial subject in the UPSC Mains GS 3 Paper, with questions covering a wide range of topics from information and communication technology to space technology, energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and more.
To excel in this paper, candidates should focus on important Science and Technology topics for UPSC 2025, as these are often the basis for exam questions. These topics are chosen based on their relevance to national and international developments, government policies, scientific research, technological innovations, and their impact on society, economy, environment, and governance. Find important topics in Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025 here!
Important Topics in Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025 | |
Topics | Subtopics |
Space Technology | Space Missions, Satellite Technology, Space Exploration, ISRO missions |
Biotechnology | Genetic engineering, CRISPR, GM crops, Bioinformatics, Stem Cell Research, Biomedical Applications |
Information Technology | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, 5G Technology |
Nanotechnology | Applications in medicine, environmental conservation, agriculture, and other industries |
Defense Technology | Missiles, Defense systems, Aerospace Technology, Cyber Defence, Autonomous Systems |
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) | Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Issues relating to intellectual property rights |
Indigenization and Development of Technology | Indigenous technologies, Make in India initiative, Technological advancements |
Achievements of Indians in Science | Science in Ancient India (Aryabhatta, Sushruta, Charaka), Modern Contributors like Homi Bhabha, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Sir CV Raman, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, S Chandrasekhar, Women in Science |
Health and Medicine | Communicable and non-communicable diseases, Medical research, Health policies |
Current Developments | Awareness of recent scientific breakthroughs and their policy implications. |
Miscellaneous | Renewable Energy, Robotics, Nuclear Energy, Recent Developments in Science, and Green Technology |
UPSC Mains Science and Technology Previous Year Questions | |||
Year | Questions | Word Limit | Marks |
2024 | Q.1 What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialised. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. | 150 Words | 10 Marks |
2024 | Q.2 What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
2024 | Q.3 What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? | 150 Words | 10 Marks |
2023 | Q.1 Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? | 150 Words | 10 Marks |
2023 | Q.2 Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage. | 150 Words | 10 Marks |
2023 | Q.3 What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Srihari Kota. | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
2022 | Q.1 Launched on 25th December 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
2022 | Q.2 What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
2021 | Q.1 How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? | 150 Words | 10 Marks |
2021 | Q.2 What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
2021 | Q.3 The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
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