Information and Communication Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
32 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on information and communication technology are on this page, from 1999 to 2025. UPSC asks about quantum computing and the Majorana 1 chip, qubits, Web 3.0, Software as a Service, the metaverse, artificial intelligence and light-based communication. The explanations separate real capabilities from hype.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 11–20 of 32 questions
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UPSC 2020Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q11. 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.
UPSC 2019Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q12. With reference to communications technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? 1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G. 2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: LTE is a 4G (Fourth Generation) wireless communication standard, not 3G. It offers higher data transfer speeds compared to 3G technologies. VoLTE is a service that allows voice calls to be transmitted over the LTE network thereby providing high-quality voice services. Both LTE and VoLTE are associated with 4G technology, not 3G.
Statement 2 is incorrect: LTE is not a data-only technology as it supports both data and voice services. However without VoLTE, voice calls on LTE networks typically fall back to 3G or 2G networks (a process called Circuit-Switched Fallback, or CSFB). VoLTE is not voice-only as it enhances voice call quality and efficiency while still supporting data services.
UPSC 2019Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q13. In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements: 1. In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out. 2. In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings. 3. AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smartphones or PCs. 4. VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing a complete immersion experience. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: AR overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing the user’s perception without replacing the physical environment. Examples include Pokémon Go and AR navigation apps.
Statement 2 is incorrect: VR creates an immersive digital environment that replaces the real world entirely, isolating the user through devices like VR headsets. Examples include virtual classrooms and gaming environments.
Statement 3 is correct: Augmented Reality enhances the user’s experience by integrating digital elements with their physical environment in real-time. AR applications utilize cameras on smartphones, tablets, or PCs to superimpose virtual features, such as graphics or text, over the real-world view displayed on the device’s screen.
Statement 4 is correct: Virtual Reality isolates the user from their physical surroundings by immersing them in a fully simulated digital environment. VR systems achieve this through specialized devices, such as VR headsets, which block out external visual and auditory input. This technology is commonly used for gaming, training simulations, and immersive experiences, offering users a sense of presence within the virtual world.
Exam tip:
Just by word association we can tell that S1 and S2 definitions are reversed. Virtual(S2)=not real, physical completely shut out, that is in S1 not S2. Hence both S1 and S2 are false.
UPSC 2019Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q14. Consider the following statements: A digital signature is __________ 1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it 2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet 3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that can be used to verify the identity of the person sending a message or signing a document and to guarantee that the message’s or document’s original content hasn’t changed. Digital signatures are portable and impossible for anyone to forge.
Statement 1 is incorrect: A digital signature is a cryptographic technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of digital messages or documents. It is not primarily used to identify the certifying authority. A digital certificate serves that purpose by linking a public key with the identity of the certificate authority that issued it.
Statement 2 is incorrect: While digital signatures can authenticate the origin of a message or document, their primary function is to ensure that the content has not been altered and to verify the sender’s identity in the context of that specific document. They are not typically used as general proof of identity for accessing information or servers; other mechanisms, such as passwords or digital certificates, serve that purpose
Statement 3 is correct: Digital signatures use cryptographic methods to provide authentication of original and unmodified documentation, ensuring that the content has not been altered since it was signed
UPSC 2019Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q15. In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices? 1. Location identification of a person 2. Sleep monitoring of a person 3. Assisting the hearing impaired person Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Electronic devices can be comfortably worn on the body are known as wearables. Real-time information tracking is done with these wearable gadgets. They have motion sensors that capture an image of user’s daily activity and sync it with laptops or mobile devices.
Statement 1 is correct: Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers equipped with GPS can track a person’s real-time location which makes them useful for navigation, fitness activities, and safety purposes, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.
Statement 2 is correct: Wearables can monitor sleep by analyzing heart rate, movement, and breathing patterns. Devices like the Oura Ring provide detailed insights into sleep quality, helping users identify issues and improve their overall sleep health.
Statement 3 is correct: Certain wearables such as modern hearing aids and Apple’s AirPods Pro assists people with hearing impairments by amplifying sounds and reducing background noise, offering an affordable and efficient solution for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Exam tip:
Observed Logic means using your real-life observations, everyday experiences, and visual memory to eliminate or select options -- especially in questions related to environment, geography, culture, and biology, S&T. key principle: "If I’ve seen it in nature or in daily life, that’s evidence strong enough to trust in Prelims. You must have seen all options.
UPSC 2019Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q16. For the measurement/ estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location. 2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location. 3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
For assessing chlorophyll content from remote sensing data utilising a multispectral imaging system, the Normalized Area Vegetation Index (NAVI) has been developed. The most widely used instruments are radiometers and photometers, which can collect radiation that is emitted and reflected at a variety of frequencies. Additionally, they can be used to identify the emission spectra of different substances, providing information on atmospheric chemical concentrations.
Statement 1 is correct: Satellite remote sensing such as hyperspectral imaging can estimate chlorophyll levels in vegetation by analyzing specific spectral wavelengths. This technique is widely used to evaluate plant health and productivity over large regions without requiring direct sampling.
Statement 2 is correct: Advanced remote sensing tools, including drones with multispectral sensors, help monitor methane emissions from rice paddies. By integrating environmental data with computational models, these methods provide a non-invasive way to assess emissions across agricultural landscapes.
Statement 3 is correct: Remote sensing satellites measure land surface temperatures by detecting thermal infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface. This data is critical for applications like climate research, urban heat management, and agricultural monitoring, offering accurate temperature readings across various regions.
Exam tip:
You can try, The "NOT" approach for all statements, this tests the improbability of negating a statement--if denying its impact seems highly unlikely, the statement is plausibly true.
UPSC 2018Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q17. 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
Q18. 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.
UPSC 2017Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q19. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017? 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade. 2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country. 3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect:
Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2017 was not a centrally sponsored scheme for developing Smart Cities. It is a nationwide initiative to promote innovation and problem-solving among students by leveraging digital technology. The event was organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in collaboration with other government bodies.
Statement 2 is correct: SIH was launched to encourage young minds to develop innovative solutions to challenges faced by ministries, departments, and public sector organizations. It provided a platform for students to collaborate on real-world problems using digital technology.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon is not related to making financial transactions digital. The initiative aimed at promoting digital financial transactions is the Digital India campaign, which includes programs like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), BHIM app, and Aadhaar-enabled payment systems.
UPSC 2017Science and Technology · Information and Communication Technology
Q20. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers2. Data centres3. Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
It is legally mandatory for service providers, data centres, and body corporate to report cybersecurity incidents to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013. CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents and ensuring the security of India’s cyber infrastructure.
Additional insight:
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) imposes rules on service providers, intermediaries, data centres, body corporate or persons who provide the information called for or comply with the direction of CERT. They need to report cyber incidents within a reasonable time so that CERT-In may have scope for timely action.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
2020
(d) 1 and 3 only
12
2019
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
13
2019
(b) 3 and 4
14
2019
(c) 3 only
15
2019
(d) 1, 2 and 3
16
2019
(d) 1, 2 and 3
17
2018
(d) 1, 2 and 3
18
2018
(b) Internet of Things
19
2017
(b) 2 only
20
2017
(d) 1, 2 and 3
What UPSC has tested in Information and Communication Technology
A qubit is the unit of information in quantum computing.
The metaverse denotes an interconnected virtual world.
The Majorana 1 chip is expected to enable quantum computing; it was introduced by Microsoft, not Amazon Web Services.
Web 3.0 aims at a decentralised internet that users can partly own.
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Information and Communication Technology?
This page covers 32 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.
What is a qubit?
The basic unit of quantum information. Unlike a classical bit, which is 0 or 1, a qubit can be in a combination of both states at once, which lets quantum computers handle some problems far faster.
What is the metaverse?
An interconnected, persistent virtual world where users, represented by avatars, work, play and interact, often through virtual and augmented reality. The term is used for such shared digital spaces.
Who introduced the Majorana 1 chip?
Microsoft, in 2025. The chip is meant to use topological qubits to make quantum computing more stable, and a statement attributing it to Amazon Web Services is incorrect.
