Science and Technology is part of General Studies in UPSC prelims. Many questions are asked every year on this topic. That is why this is one of the most important subjects for the UPSC IAS exam.
The is not very vast as compared to History and Geography and is easy to study, especially for candidates who have a background in science or engineering. In this article you will recommend some of the best books for Science and Technology. Read this article till the end to know UPSC study material for this subject and more.
Best Books for Science and Technology for UPSC
Some of the best books for Science and Technology are:
Science & Technology for Civil Services Exams
Science and Technology in India – Kalpana Rajaram – Spectrum
General Science For Civil Services Preliminary Examinations – S.A.Majid
1000 Plus Questions on General Science – TMH
NCERT books for standards IX, X, XI, XII
Some Additional books for UPSC CSE General Science are:
Objective General Science – Expert Compilations
UPSC Portal General Science MCQs 1000+Q
Also Read: How to Start UPSC Preparation from Zero Level? Know the Right Time Management and Strategy
Science and Technology Syllabus
UPSC Syllabus for this subject can be divided into three parts:
General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
Technology (IT, Defence Technology, Space Technology, NanoTechnology, Robotics)
Government Policies on Science and Technology
The Syllabus for General Science is :
Physics
The Big Bang Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Fermions and Bosons
Four Fundamental Forces of Nature
Dark Matter
Negative Matter
Higgs Boson
Gravitational Waves
REE (rare Earth Element
FRP Composite Material & Applications
Chemistry
Atoms & Molecules
Elements
Compounds & Mixtures
Basics of Nuclear Chemistry
Biology
Viral Diseases
Microbes
Cells – Plants vs Animals
Proteins, Amino Acids, Enzymes
Vitamins and Minerals – Deficiency Diseases
Fats | Healthy Fats and Unhealthy Fats
Human Digestive System, Respiratory System
Human Neural System | Human Brain
Muscular and Skeletal System
DNA and RNA
Mitosis & Meiosis
UPSC Syllabus for Technology
Information Technology
Artificial Intelligence
IoT
Blockchain Technology
Automation
Net Neutrality3
Cyber Viruses
Biotechnology
Genetically Modified Crops
Antimicrobial REsistance
Gene Editing
Genome India Project
Space Technology
ISRO
GSLV
GSAT
INSAT
Scramjet Engine
Cryogenic Technology
Mars Orbit
Chandrayaan 1 & 2
Defence Technology
Ballistic Missile
iDEX initiative
“Indradhanush” exercise
Apache Helicopters
NAVARMS-19
BrahMos Missile
Government Policies for Science and Technology: Books
Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR1958),
Technology Policy Statement 1983 (SPR1958),
Science and Technology Policy 2003 (STP2003), and
Science Technology Innovation Policy 2013
Books for Other Subjects for UPSC Prelims
History: Books
History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra
‘A Brief History of Modern India’ by Spectrum
‘Concise History of Modern India’ by Sujata Menon
Facets of Indian Culture By Spectrum
.Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
‘Ancient India’ by RS Sharma
Geography: Books
Old NCERT books
Physical Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
For Maps Oxford School Atlas
Indian Polity: Books
Indian Polity by Laxmikanth
An Introduction to the Constitution of India by D. D. Basu
The Constitution of India by P. M. Bakshi
Old NCERT books for Indian Polity
Economy: Books
Class 11 and Class 12 NCERTs
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Indian Economy by Mishra and Puri
Current Economic Survey
Environment and Ecology
NIOS Study Material for Environmental Studies
Newspaper
Current Affairs
1.Newspaper (Good Newspapers like The Hindu, Economics times etc.)
Also Read: Botany Syllabus for UPSC IAS Exam: Check Out the Knowledge and Facts about the Optional Subject
Some Tips to Prepare for Science and Technology
This subject would be very easy to study for the candidates who choose science after the 10th standard. Go through NCERT once and move to reference books as soon as possible.
Keep in mind the paper for IAS prelims has been designed in such a way so that candidates for every stream can attempt. Therefore just go through the basics, a deep study is not required of this subject or in any subject.
Point One: NCERT
For those who are not from a technical background, read NCERT thoroughly. Make sure that you understand everything written in the NCERT and then only move on to read other scores.
Candidates from Humanities backgrounds can skip the portion of physics and chemistry because not many questions are asked on these topics. Focus more on biology and recent development in the science field.
Each candidate should be updated with recent discoveries and breakthroughs in the field of science and technology.
Point Two
Strengthen your foundation because it’s critical to have a firm grasp on the fundamental concepts of the topics covered in the syllabus. From Class VI to X, you can learn the fundamentals of the subject by reading NCERTs.
Previous Year Questions should be done because this subject is so broad, it’s important to stick to the syllabus when studying for the Science & Technology section. As a result, keep a copy of the syllabus in front of you at all times and check to see if the topic is covered.
Point Three
It has been observed that questions about current events are frequently asked in both the UPSC CS Prelims and Mains. As a result, make the most of editorials from the Hindu and the Indian Express.
Make a small note of the pointers for any recent scientific developments. It includes reports on disease spread and containment using scientific methods, medications, space exploration missions, artificial intelligence advancements, and so on.
Furthermore, due to the ever-changing advancements surrounding COVID crisis management, you should expect a lot of questions from Science & Technology this year. As a result, you should keep up with reports on vaccine testing as well as the virus’s spread around the world.
Point Four
Solve a large number of mock tests and sectional tests. You can practise the questions for the Prelims online.
Practice answering questions as much as possible before the mains, practise answering questions and have your answers evaluated by your mentors. In science and technology, it’s critical to use a diagram-based approach and to include factual information to make your answers more substantive.
Also Read: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022: Detailed Registration Process and Syllabus
Points to Cover
Government policies and announcements in the field of technology should be closely monitored. Any new developments or initiatives enlisted by the Ministry of Science and Technology should never be overlooked or ignored by aspirants.
Aspirants should be familiar with common technology and themes they encounter on a daily basis, such as GPRS, RFID, 4G, Bluetooth, Internet of Things, and so on.
Topics to Focus
Take note of the recent Nobel Laureate’s research fields, as well as Indian accomplishments in other important forums. Any new inventions or discoveries should also be researched. Questions on Graphene and Stem Cells, for example, were included in the exam because they related to recent Nobel Prize-winning research.
Because the UPSC tends to frame questions from here, one should be aware of ongoing research and new breakthroughs. Concentrate on chemistry, physics, and medicine to get the most out of your time.
Some More
When studying for the UPSC IAS exam, biology should be prioritised. According to recent trends, UPSC is focusing more on biology and the most recent developments in the medical and health fields. Although the UPSC is unpredictable, it is more important than Chemistry and Physics. One of the reasons for its significance is that it has ramifications in areas such as conservation, biodiversity, biotechnology, and the environment.
Aspirants will benefit more from an integrated prelims and mains preparation strategy because they will save time that can be used for answer writing practise.
Previous Years Questions
Question 1
Q.1 Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred
across different species of plants
from animals to plants
from microorganisms to higher organisms
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1,2 and 3
Solution: A
Question 2
Q.2. India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega-science project under the 11th five-Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
Neutrinos have a negligible, but nonzero mass.
Trillions of neutrinos pass through the human body every second.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3 only
2, 3 and 4
1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: D
Also Read: Can I Prepare Botany from Internet-Material Instead of Using Standard Books for UPSC Optional Paper?
Question 3
Q.3 ‘Neutrino’ has been quite frequent in news due to important scientific research. What are the possible sources of neutrinos?
Big Bang
Cosmic Rays
Supernova
Nuclear Bomb
Geological Reactions
Nuclear Reactors
Sun
Correct codes are-
1,2,4,6 and 7
1,2,3,5,and 7
2,3,4,5,6,and 7
1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7
Answer: D
Question 4
Q.4 India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega-science project under the 11th five-Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
Neutrinos have a negligible, but nonzero mass.
Trillions of neutrinos pass through the human body every second.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: d
Question 5
Q.5 During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the sky is produced by the
Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
Violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(C) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces the thunder
Solution: C
Also Read: How To Prepare Science And Technology For UPSC Civil Services Exam: UPSC Prelims & Mains
Question 6
Q.6 Consider the following:
Electromagnetic radiation
Geothermal energy
Gravitational force
Plate movements
Rotation of the earth
Revolution of the earth
Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Solution: d
Question 7
Q.7 ‘Ethanol’ has widespread usages and application. Consider the statements with reference to it
(1) It cannot be used as rocket propellant
(2) It can be used in thermometer
(3) It can be used as an antiseptic
(4) It causes cancer
(5) It can cause birth defects
(6) It cannot be used in DNA extraction because it is highly toxic
Correct code/s
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5
(b) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 6
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: d
Conclusion
It is an easy subject to study. Not much mugging up is required. This can be actually a scoring subject for you if the preparation is done right. The syllabus for this subject is divided into three parts. Prepare each topic part wise.
Candidates from the Humanities background can skip the portion of physics and chemistry. Their focus should be more on understanding biology.
Every candidate should be updated with the latest discovery and developments in the field of Science and Technology for the UPSC IAS prelims exam.
All the best for your preparations!
Also Read: What is the Light Rail? Decoding the UPSC Science and Technology Topic
