Information and Communication Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
4 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 1–4 of 4 questions
UPSC 2020Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q1. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 3. Disease diagnosis 4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: AI-powered systems are used in smart grids and industrial automation to minimize electricity consumption. AI algorithms analyze energy consumption patterns and adjust systems in real-time to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Statement 2 is correct: AI advancements such as natural language processing (NLP) and generative models like GPT can create meaningful short stories and songs. Tools like OpenAI’s GPT-3 and AI music generators demonstrate the ability to produce creative content that resonates with human audiences. Note: UPSC did not consider this option as correct probably because Generative AI was not so advanced at that time.
Statement 3 is correct: AI is widely used in healthcare for disease diagnosis. Machine learning algorithms analyze medical data such as imaging scans, genetic information, and patient records to detect diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions with high accuracy. AI systems like IBM Watson and Google DeepMind are prominent examples.
Statement 4 is correct: AI-powered text-to-speech (TTS) systems such as Google WaveNet and Amazon Polly can convert written text into natural-sounding speech. These systems are widely used in virtual assistants, audiobooks, and accessibility tools for visually impaired individuals.
Statement 5 is incorrect: Wireless transmission of electrical energy is a physical and engineering challenge and not directly related to AI. While AI can optimize energy systems but it does not play a direct role in the wireless transmission of electricity, which relies on technologies like inductive coupling or microwave transmission. Note: Considering the options provided most suitable answer is Option (b).
Exam tip:
Now this question is perfect example of UPSC efforts to counter NOT approach. But see how UPSC even here uses extreme examples, S2 mentions creating meaningful stories and S5 talks about wireless electricity transmission which both are too utopian to be true at present times. They are clearly exaggeration hence likely false.
UPSC 2020Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q2. With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct? 1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths of 375 to 780 nm 2. VLC is known as long - range optical wireless communication 3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth 4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Visible Light Communication (VLC) uses visible light for data communication. Optical wireless communications methods include VLC as a subset. Because light-producing equipment (such as indoor/outdoor lamps, TVs, traffic signs, commercial displays, and car headlights/taillights) are utilised everywhere, VLC can be employed as a communications channel for ubiquitous computing.
Statement 1 is correct: Visible Light Communication (VLC) operates within the visible light spectrum which ranges from approximately 375 nm (violet) to 780 nm (red). VLC uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit data by modulating light intensity.
Statement 2 is incorrect: VLC is considered a short-range communication technology due to the limitations of light propagation. It is effective over short distances such as within a room or confined space and is not designed for long-range communication like radio frequency (RF) technologies.
Statement 3 is correct: VLC has the potential to transmit data at very high speeds often exceeding the data rates of Bluetooth. VLC can achieve data rates in the range of gigabits per second (Gbps) while Bluetooth typically operates at much lower speeds (up to a few megabits per second).
Statement 4 is correct: VLC operates in the visible light spectrum, which does not interfere with radio frequency (RF) signals. This makes VLC particularly useful in environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a concern such as hospitals, aircraft, and industrial settings.
Exam tip:
For S2, Visible light" inherently suggests shorter reach -- light does not penetrate walls, and gets scattered or blocked easily. VLC uses light think line of sight (like a laser pointer or torchlight) immediately rules out long-range practicality. Hence S2 likely false.
UPSC 2020Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q3. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? 1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer 2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so 3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion 4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer is generally covered under cyber insurance policies. If a malware attack disrupts access to your computer system the insurance can covers the expenses related to restoring the system to its original state.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Cyber insurance policies do not cover physical damage to hardware. They primarily focus on digital and financial losses. If a computer is physically damaged by a miscreant, it would fall under general insurance or property insurance rather than cyber insurance. These insurance policies are primarily focused on addressing losses arising from cybercrimes affecting data and software.
Statement 3 is correct: Cyber insurance often covers the cost of hiring cybersecurity experts, consultants, or negotiators to minimize financial and reputational losses in case of cyber extortion such as ransomware attacks.
Statement 4 is correct: Cyber insurance policies often provide coverage for legal defense costs if a third party initiates a lawsuit related to a cyber incident. This includes expenses such as attorney fees and other legal charges. Example: Bajaj Allianz’s policy covers defense costs arising from claims made by third parties against the insured individual.
Exam tip:
For S2, Cyber insurance primarily covers digital or cyber losses -- hacking, malware, phishing, extortion. Physical damage to hardware (e.g., breaking the computer) is usually covered under electronic equipment or home insurance, not cyber insurance. Hence likely false.
UPSC 2020Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q4. With reference to "Blockchain Technology" consider the following statements: 1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect but which no single user controls 2. The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it is about crypto currency only. 3. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Blockchain technology is a decentralized and secure system for recording and verifying transactions across multiple computers. It uses cryptography to link blocks of data together in a chain, making it difficult to alter or tamper with the information. This technology has applications in various fields, including finance, supply chain management, and healthcare.
Statement 1 is correct: Blockchain operates as a decentralized and distributed ledger, allowing all participants to view transactions without granting control to any single user. This transparency and lack of central authority are fundamental characteristics of blockchain technology.
Statement 2 is incorrect: While blockchain gained prominence through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, its applications extend far beyond digital currencies. Blockchain’s versatile structure supports various uses, including supply chain management, healthcare data management, and identity verification, among others.
Statement 3 is correct: Public blockchain platforms, such as Ethereum, enable developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) without requiring approval from a central authority. This open-access design promotes innovation and encourages widespread participation within the blockchain ecosystem.
Exam tip:
For S2, The phrase "all the data in crypto currency only" is too absolute and extreme to be true, hence likely false, eliminates options B and C.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2020
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
2
2020
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
3
2020
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
4
2020
(d) 1 and 3 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Information and Communication Technology?
This page covers 4 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.
