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How to Approach Science and Technology in GS Paper I for UPSC Prelims?
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The countdown has begun for the UPSC Prelims Exam, scheduled on May 28, 2023. There are only a few weeks left for the exam, and especially for difficult topics like Science and Technology, the revision strategy needs to be optimized. Here are some effective tips for last-minute preparation.
Check out UPSC Prelims Syllabus for upsc IAS Preparation!
How to Tackle Science and Technology for UPSC
Learn Science and Technology for UPSC - Learn concepts, current developments and applications. Crisp notes, current affairs, and regular practice. A clear strategy enhances preparation and helps the aspirant to very well handle this high scoring section in GS Paper I.
Key Steps in Your UPSC Prelims Exam Preparation
- Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the syllabus
- Analyse the pattern and trends in previous years' UPSC Question Papers
- Make sure you have all the study material and books
- Prepare self-notes for better retention
- Practice and revise is the key to success
- The mantra of 'Repeat, revise.
The Role of Science and Technology in UPSC Exam
Science and Technology is a crucial aspect of UPSC, testing the knowledge of innovation, current development, and impact on society. It overlaps with other subjects and enhances analytical thinking, making it a high-scoring section.
High Scoring Potential
Science and Technology questions are mostly fact-based and application-oriented. They give high scoring chances. A good idea about the recent developments in this field can highly increase your chances of scoring in GS Paper I of UPSC Prelims.
Current Affairs
Science and Technology is related heavily to present news. Issues relating to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and inter-galactic journeys often become visible. Involvement in advanced technologies enhances one's ability to address dynamic analytical questions.
Connections in the Inter-discipline
These contents overlap and cover other issues that are considered related to Science: Environment, Economy, Geography etc. Question of renewable energies, pollution issues and sustainable technological measures make a nexus among science as well as with other sciences. The relationships broaden overall preparation skills
Tests Critical thinking
Science and Technology questions check the analytical and logical thinking of a candidate. The questions are mostly on the practical implementation of concepts. Clear understanding makes aspirants confidently answer such questions and enhances their decision-making skills.
Relevance in Modern Society
Cybersecurity, climate change, and health technology are some of the most relevant topics today. UPSC tests your knowledge of how these developments impact society. This ensures that future administrators understand and address modern challenges effectively.
Get the complete UPSC CSE Syllabus PDF here.
For example, take the case of Science and Technology in the context of e-Governance
The success of e-governance initiatives largely depends on the effective application of Science and Technology
Examining Previous Years' UPSC Question Papers
Year
Number of Science and Technology Questions
2018
10
2019
7
2020
10
2021
14
2022
12
2023
12
2024
8
|
Year |
Number of Science and Technology Questions |
|
2018 |
10 |
|
2019 |
7 |
|
2020 |
10 |
|
2021 |
14 |
|
2022 |
12 |
|
2023 |
12 |
|
2024 |
8 |
An analysis of previous year question papers reveals that the Science and Technology section of the Prelims Syllabus consistently carries a weightage of more than 20-30%.
Check out the detailed UPSC CSE Exam Pattern here.
Brief Guide to Science and Technology Topics
- The Universe: from the smallest particle to the vast expanse of the visible universe
- Branches of Science: Formal Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Social Science, and Earth and Space Science
- The Hierarchy of Science: From Logic to Astronomy
How to Prepare Effectively for Science and Technology Section
- Stay up to date with current affairs relevant to UPSC
- Know what the topic is about
- Familiarize yourself with 5-6 keywords for every terminology
- Connect current issues with the syllabus topics
Make your own notes on the current affairs and attempt to predict what can be asked in the prelims exam, based on the UPSC Syllabus.
It is foremost important that you understand the basics of all the topics in the syllabus. For this purpose, reading NCERTs from Class VI to X would be more than enough. It is also to be noted that questions on current affairs keep surfacing on both UPSC CS Prelims and Mains. Keep concise notes on any recent development regarding science, space research missions, the advancement in artificial intelligence, drug development, disease transmission, and the containment of the same with the aid of scientific means and much more.
This approach of study can be applied not just for Science and Technology, but for all subjects included in the UPSC Prelims syllabus.
Also, check out How many questions to attempt in the UPSC Prelims exam here!
We hope that this article on the Economics Syllabus For UPSC Prelims was useful. Download the Testbook App to access study materials for UPSC Prelims.
How to Approach Science and Technology in GS Paper I for UPSC Prelims FAQs
Why Science and Technology important for UPSC Prelims?
Science and Technology questions check how much one knows about innovation, the current trend of developments and how much these developments impact society. Thus, it is one of the highest scoring sections.
Best sources for Science and Technology Preparation for UPSC Prelims
NCERTs for basic ideas; The Hindu newspapers; and monthly magazines like Vision IAS for current affairs.
How to organize Science and Technology notes for UPSC exam preparation?
Summarize key points, use diagrams for clarity, and divide topics into smaller sections for easy revision.
How many questions are asked from Science and Technology in UPSC Prelims?
The number of questions varies yearly, but typically 10–15 questions appear in the Prelims from this section.
How to approach current affairs for Science and Technology?
Focus on current innovations, the ISRO's missions, space technology, and such emerging fields are AI, Biotechnology, cybersecurity.
Do mock tests matter for preparing Science and Technology?
Yes Mock tests help students in time management and also help track down weak points. It builds your performance with respect to your actual exam.