Science and Tech Syllabus for UPSC – Download Syllabus PDF

Science and Tech Syllabus for UPSC Prelims

The Science and Technology syllabus for UPSC Prelims tests the candidate’s knowledge in various scientific and technological fields. It covers a wide range of topics related to the latest advancements and innovations in science and technology, including space technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, IT, and energy. Most of the questions asked from Science and Tech in Prelims are related to current affairs and recent developments in the science and technology domain.

Science and Tech Syllabus for Prelims
Physics	The Big Bang Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Four Fundamental Forces of Nature, etc.
Chemistry	Atoms & Molecules, Elements, Compounds & Mixtures, Basics of Nuclear Chemistry, etc.
Biology	Viral Diseases, Microbes, Cells – Plants vs. Animals, Proteins, Amino Acids, Enzymes Vitamins and Minerals – Deficiency Diseases
Current Events	Science and Tech news related to defense, nuclear energy, vaccines, etc

Science and Tech Syllabus for UPSC Mains

Science and Tech is part of the GS-3 UPSC Syllabus, and the aims to equip candidates with the necessary knowledge to address and analyze various scientific and technological issues. The UPSC Mains exam is a highly competitive exam that requires a comprehensive understanding of science and technology. The Science and Tech syllabus for Mains covers a range of topics, including emerging technologies, energy, space, biotechnology, information and communication technology, and environmental pollution. The Science and Tech syllabus for UPSC in Mains covers the following topics.

Science and Tech Syllabus for Mains
Introduction	India’s Policy in the Field of the Science & Technology, The Science & Technology Policy Resolution in 1958, Science & Technology Policy 2013
Space	Satellite Communication in India, INSAT Satellite Applications, Remote Sensing Applications, Cryogenic Rockets
IT, Telecom & Electronics	IT Industry in India, Applications of Information Technology, Display Technologies
Defense	Missile System and its Classification, India’s Missile System, India’s Ballistic Missile Defense System
Nano-Science & Nano-Technology	Nanoscience Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials, Applications of Nanotechnology, Health & Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology
Robotics	Robotics & Artificial Intelligence, Applications of Robotics, Robotics, and Issues of Unemployment
Nuclear Energy	Nuclear-Power Policy of India, Non-energy Applications of Nuclear Energy, Impact of Radiation, Issue of Radioactive Waste
Biotechnology	Application of Biotechnology, Biotechnology Projects, Issue of Bio-Piracy Bioinformatics
Renewable Energy	Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), Concept of Green Building Tidal, Wave, Geothermal Energy, Fuel Cells
Achievements of Indians in Science & technology	Scientists of Ancient India, Science, and Scientists of Medieval India, Scientists of Modern Indian History

UPSC Science and Tech Syllabus – Weightage In Prelims Exam

In the Prelims and Mains exams, most of the questions asked from the science and tech syllabus for UPSC are related to current affairs. Let’s have a look at the weightage of science and technology questions for the last ten years in the UPSC prelims exam.

Year	Number of questions
2011	19
2012	9
2013	11
2014	13
2015	7
2016	8
2017	4
2018	7
2019	7

Science and Tech Syllabus for UPSC – Preparation Tips

To begin with the preparation of the UPSC Syllabus for the science and technology section, you must begin with analyzing previous year’s papers to determine what kind of questions are asked. Here are a few preparation tips that will cover the entire syllabus of UPSC Science and Technology.

• Must analyze the structure of the syllabus: It is important to know the structure of the syllabus of Science and Technology for UPSC carefully, as it will help you in preparing for your exam. You can read the NCERT books as they will clear the basic concepts of the syllabus.
• Solve previous years’ question papers: Make sure you solve the UPSC previous year question papers or mock tests as it will help you in performing well in the exams, and this will help you to know about the weightage of multiple topics.
• Make subject-wise small notes: It is essential to read the important topics in detail and make notes on Science and Technology for UPSC. You should revise them on a regular basis.
• Create a good study planner: You should make a study planner to make things easier for yourself. Using this way, you can enhance your knowledge and skills effectively.
• Read the current affairs and newspapers: Make sure you go through current affairs and read the newspapers for UPSC daily in order to get all the updated information about everything.

Books for Science and Technology Syllabus for UPSC

Preparing for the Science and Technology section of the UPSC exam requires a thorough understanding of core concepts in various fields of science. It is recommended to refer to books that cover the UPSC syllabus comprehensively.

• Science & Technology For Civil Services Exam
• Science and Technology in India – Kalpana Rajaram – Spectrum
• Science and Technology Book 4-1000 Plus Questions on General Science – TMH
• Science and Technology Book 5-NCERT books for standards IX, X, XI, XII
• General Science For Civil Services Preliminary Examinations – S.A.Majid

Sample Questions from UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus

Question 1: What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp? 

(1)To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapor and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semiconductor material, (2)The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp, (3)A CFL is less energy-efficient as compared to an LED lamp.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? options : (a.) 1 only, (b.) 2 and 3 only, (c.) 1 and 3 only (d.) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: 1 and 3 only

Question 2: Satellites used for telecommunication relays are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when: (2011)

(1)The orbit is geosynchronous, (2)The orbit is circular, (3)The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator, (4)The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options – (a.) 1, 2 and 3 only, (b.) 1, 3 and 4 only, (c.) 2 and 4 only, (d.) 1, 2,3 and 4

Solution: 1, 2, and 3 only

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