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 2018Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q1. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? 1. Mobile phone operations 2. Banking operations 3. Controlling the power grids Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
GPS technology uses a network of satellites to pinpoint a user’s location on Earth. By receiving signals from multiple satellites, GPS devices can calculate precise latitude, longitude, and altitude coordinates. This technology has revolutionized navigation, transportation, and many other fields. Options 1 is correct: Smartphones use GPS to determine the user’s precise location which enables location-based services such as navigation, ride-sharing apps, geotagging, and emergency location tracking. Option 2 is correct: Financial institutions use GPS-derived time stamps to record the exact time of transactions, aiding in audit trails and fraud detection. GPS ensures that banking systems across different locations operate in sync, which is crucial for real-time processing and settlements. Options 3 is correct: GPS provides precise time references that are vital for synchronizing the operations of power grids, helping in load balancing and efficient energy distribution.
UPSC 2018Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q2. When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to the office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario?
Explanation
Option (b) is correct: The scenario described is a classic example of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data with each other to automate tasks and improve efficiency. The smartphone, geyser, smart mirror, refrigerator, and car are all IoT devices.
Option (a),(c) and (d) are incorrect:
Border Gateway Protocol is used to manage how data packets are routed across the internet between different autonomous systems (networks). It is primarily used by internet service providers (ISPs) and large organizations to ensure efficient data routing. Internet Protocol (IP) is a fundamental communication protocol used for transmitting data over the internet. It provides the addressing system (IP addresses) that allows devices to communicate. Virtual Private Network is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet to protect user privacy and data. It is commonly used to access restricted networks or hide online activity.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2018
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2
2018
(b) Internet of Things
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.
