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Important Topics in Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025

Important Topics in Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025 are a useful tool for aspirants to enhance their score. Read on to find out important topics in Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit6 Jun, 2025
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Important Topics in Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025

 

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

Science and Technology is an important part of the GS 3 syllabus. The syllabus of Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025 covers a wide range of topics, making it essential to focus on key areas to ensure comprehensive preparation. Below is a table of important topics and subtopics to revise in Science & Technology in UPSC Mains 2025.
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

How to Prepare Science & Technology for UPSC Mains?

Over the years, the 3 to 4 questions have been asked in the Science & Technology. Therefore, it is important to take a strategic approach to study Science & Technology for UPSC Mains. Here are tips to prepare the section on Science & Technology subject: Refer to Standard Resources: For basic understanding, read relevant NCERTs and UPSC Science & Technology Book. These provide a solid foundation and in-depth knowledge of topics like Space Technology, Biotechnology, etc.
  • Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Ensure that you have a clear understanding of fundamental concepts in Science & Technology, as many questions test your ability to apply knowledge rather than just recall facts.
  • Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Science & Technology is a dynamic field with constant advancements. Regularly follow current affairs on PW OnlyIAS and read PWOnlyIAS Prahaar Mains Booklets for the exam.  
  • Solve Previous Year Questions:  Analyze and practice the previous year's questions to understand the pattern and type of questions asked. Regularly practicing science and technology UPSC Mains questions will help reinforce your knowledge and improve your answer-writing skills.
  • Join Test Series: Enroll in PW UPSC Mains test series for regular self-assessment. Learn to make your answers presentable and incorporate feedback from mentors.

UPSC Mains Science & Technology Previous Year Questions

Analysing the previous year's questions is vital for effective preparation. They give an insight into frequently asked topics and question patterns. It also aids in understanding the depth and scope of questions, enabling better preparation. Here are Science & Technology Mains PYQs from 2021 to 2024:
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
Click Here for Solved Science & Technology Questions
Click Here to Download Free High-Quality Solutions for all UPSC Mains PYQs for 2025.
To access the study material for the UPSC Mains 2025, Join the UPSC online/offline courses offered by Physics Wallah now!

Science & Technology for UPSC Mains 2025 FAQs

What is the syllabus of Science and Technology for UPSC Mains?

The syllabus covers topics such as Space Technology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, Nanotechnology, Defense Technology, and more.

How to cover Science & Technology for UPSC Mains?

Use standard resources like NCERTs and the PW UPSC Science & Technology Book, stay updated with current affairs, and solve previous year's questions.

Is current affairs enough for Science and Technology in UPSC Mains?

No, you need to combine current affairs with foundational knowledge from standard textbooks to cover all aspects of the syllabus.

How many questions from science and technology are asked in UPSC Mains?

Typically, 3 to 4 questions are asked from Science & Technology in the UPSC Mains GS 3 Paper.

What are some common topics in the Science and Technology PYQ for UPSC Mains?

Common topics in the Science and Technology PYQ for UPSC Mains include space technology, biotechnology, and recent advancements in information technology.
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