Information and Communication Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Information and Communication Technology (Science and Technology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2011Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q1. What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices?
Explanation
Option (a) is correct: Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. Wi-Fi, depending on the standard, operates in the 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz bands.
Option (b) is incorrect: Bluetooth is typically used for short-range communication, forming Personal Area Networks (PANs), such as connecting peripherals like headphones or keyboards to a computer. Wi-Fi is used for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), providing network connectivity within a local area like a home or office. Neither Bluetooth nor Wi-Fi is typically used for Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs), which cover broader areas and are usually associated with cellular networks.
Option (c) is incorrect: Bluetooth does not require a direct line of sight between devices as it can transmit data through obstacles like walls or furniture, though the presence of obstacles can affect the range and quality of the connection. Wi-Fi also does not require line of sight and can cover greater distances than Bluetooth, with its signals capable of passing through walls and other obstructions, though signal strength may degrade with obstacles.
Option (d) is incorrect: Since statement (b) is incorrect the fourth statement ("The statements (a) and (b) given above are correct in this context") is also incorrect.
UPSC 2011Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q2. What is a "Virtual Private Network"?
Explanation
A VPN is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection(computer network) over a public internet network (such as the internet) to allow remote users to access their organization’s private network securely. It ensures that data transmitted between the user and the organization’s network is protected from interception or unauthorized access. A VPN encrypts the data transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server. This ensures that even if the data is intercepted it cannot be read by unauthorized parties. They allow users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region (e.g., streaming services, websites, or social media platforms).
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2011
(a) Bluetooth uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, whereas Wi-Fi can use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band
2
2011
(b) It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organization’s network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Information and Communication Technology?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Information and Communication Technology (Science and Technology), asked from 1999 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Information and Communication Technology?
Questions on Information and Communication Technology (Science and Technology) are available for 16 years, from 1999 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
