Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 991–1000 of 1113 questions
Browse Science and Technology chapters
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai’s vision for India was not about competing with advanced nations in a space race or moon landings. Instead, he emphasized the practical application of space technology to solve real-world problems. He prioritized using satellites for mass communication, educational broadcasting, and weather forecasting to benefit the agrarian economy and promote national development for the common citizen.Explanation
In the early years, India’s space program focused on atmospheric research using sounding rockets. This included the use of imported Nike-Apache rockets and the development of the indigenous Rohini series. The GSLV Mk III is a modern, high-capacity launch vehicle designed for heavy satellites and human spaceflight, belonging to a much later phase of technological evolution in ISRO’s history.Assertion (A): Vikram Sarabhai prioritized satellite broadcasting and remote sensing in the early days of the Indian space programme.
Reason (R): He firmly believed that space technology should be utilized for education, agriculture, and national development.
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai championed satellite technology specifically for its potential to transform rural India. He believed that tools like broadcasting and remote sensing were not luxuries but necessities for a developing country. His focus on these areas was rooted in the firm conviction that advanced science should serve national goals like education, improved agriculture, and efficient resource management.Explanation
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was a strategic initiative launched by the Indian government in 1983. Managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, it aimed to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was appointed as the chief executive, leading the development of several iconic missile systems that form India’s strategic deterrent today.Explanation
Dr. Kalam advocated for the PURA model to bridge the developmental gap between cities and villages. The concept involves providing four types of connectivity to rural clusters: physical, electronic, knowledge, and economic. By ensuring that rural areas have access to modern infrastructure and opportunities, he believed India could achieve balanced national growth and reduce the migration pressure on urban centers.Explanation
The original IGMDP included five specific missile projects: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, and Nag. These covered various roles from surface-to-surface to anti-tank capabilities. The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed later through a successful joint venture between India and Russia. While a critical part of the current arsenal, it was not part of the initial 1983 programme.Explanation
Before joining DRDO, Dr. Kalam spent two decades at ISRO, where he achieved a major milestone as the Project Director for India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle. The successful launch of SLV-3 in 1980, which placed the Rohini satellite into orbit, made India a member of the exclusive space club. This achievement demonstrated his leadership in managing complex aerospace projects.Statement I: He served as the Chief Project Coordinator for the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 along with Dr. R. Chidambaram.
Statement II: The successful nuclear tests during this period solidified his public image as the Missile Man of India.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Dr. Kalam played a pivotal role as the Chief Project Coordinator for the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. Working alongside atomic energy scientists, he ensured the technical success of the mission. The public success of these tests, combined with his leadership in the missile program, firmly established his reputation as the "Missile Man" and a national icon of scientific strength.Explanation
Dr. Kalam was a prolific writer who inspired millions through his books like ‘Wings of Fire’, ‘Ignited Minds’, and ‘India 2020’. These works detailed his life, vision for the country, and the role of youth in development. ‘The Discovery of India’, however, was written by Jawaharlal Nehru while he was imprisoned during the Indian independence movement.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 991 | (c) Assuming the AEC chairmanship after Homi J. Bhabha’s death |
| 992 | (b) Applying space technology to communication and weather forecasting |
| 993 | (d) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III |
| 994 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 995 | (c) 1983 |
| 996 | (a) Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas |
| 997 | (d) BrahMos |
| 998 | (b) Serving as Project Director for the successful SLV-3 mission |
| 999 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 1000 | (a) The Discovery of India |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.