Q1091. A key feature of the Indian Space Policy 2023 is the clear delineation of roles. Under this policy, what is the specific focus assigned to ISRO?
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.
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Q1092. Which of the following statements correctly differentiates the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)?
Explanation
The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is specifically engineered for the rapidly growing market of mini and micro-satellites. Unlike the larger PSLV, which takes months to prepare, the SSLV can be integrated and launched within a few days by a small team. This high flexibility and low cost make it an ideal choice for commercial customers looking for frequent and affordable access to low Earth orbit.
Q1093. Match the space entity in List I with its mandate or activity in List II and select the correct answer.
| Space Entity | Mandate/Activity |
|---|---|
| A. ISRO | i. Private space startup developing launch vehicles |
| B. IN-SPACe | ii. Advanced space research and planetary missions |
| C. NSIL | iii. Commercialization of space technologies and launch services |
| D. Skyroot Aerospace | iv. Authorization and regulation of private space sector |
Explanation
The Indian space ecosystem involves various specialized entities. ISRO focuses on advanced research and planetary missions, while IN-SPACe regulates and authorizes private sector participation. NSIL handles the commercialization of technologies and launch services. Meanwhile, private startups like Skyroot Aerospace are actively developing their own launch vehicles, demonstrating the success of recent reforms in opening up the space sector to competitive private innovation and development.
Q1094. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Vikram-S, launched in 2022, was India’s first privately developed rocket.
Statement II: The launch of Vikram-S marked the entry of Indian private startups into the launch vehicle sector, ending ISRO’s monopoly.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: Vikram-S, launched in 2022, was India’s first privately developed rocket.
Statement II: The launch of Vikram-S marked the entry of Indian private startups into the launch vehicle sector, ending ISRO’s monopoly.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The 2022 launch of the Vikram-S rocket, developed by the startup Skyroot Aerospace, was a historic moment for India. It was the first time a rocket designed and built by a private company was successfully launched from an Indian spaceport. This event signaled the end of ISRO’s role as the sole operator of launch vehicles and proved that Indian startups could develop sophisticated aerospace technologies independently.
Q1095. Identify the odd one out among the entities contributing to the Indian space economy.
Explanation
The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is an integral research and development unit of ISRO, focused on rocket engine technology. In contrast, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, and Bellatrix Aerospace are all private Indian space startups. These private companies represent the new wave of commercial innovation in the space sector, working on launch vehicles, Earth observation satellites, and advanced propulsion systems independently of the traditional government-led framework.
Q1096. What is the expected cause-and-effect outcome of the successful privatization and commercialization of the SSLV program?
Explanation
Privatizing the manufacturing of the SSLV allows ISRO to transfer its proven technology to industrial partners who can produce the rockets at a larger scale and lower cost. This commercial approach makes Indian launch services more competitive in the global market. By freeing ISRO from routine production tasks, it also enables the agency to focus its budget and expertise on developing newer, more advanced space technologies.
Q1097. Consider the following statements regarding India’s Space Economy:
I. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% is now allowed under the automatic route for manufacturing satellite components and systems.
II. The space economy reforms aim to increase India’s share in the global space economy from the current ~2% to around 9-10% in the future.
III. NITI Aayog strictly prohibits private startups from using ISRO’s testing facilities.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% is now allowed under the automatic route for manufacturing satellite components and systems.
II. The space economy reforms aim to increase India’s share in the global space economy from the current ~2% to around 9-10% in the future.
III. NITI Aayog strictly prohibits private startups from using ISRO’s testing facilities.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Recent reforms have opened the space sector to significant foreign investment, with 100% FDI allowed for manufacturing satellite components. This policy aims to boost India’s global market share in the space economy. To support this growth, the government actively encourages private startups to utilize ISRO’s world-class testing and launch facilities, providing them with the necessary tools to validate their technologies without building expensive infrastructure from scratch.
Q1098. The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), a critical component of India’s nuclear power programme, is located at which site?
Explanation
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is located at the Madras Atomic Power Station site in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This 500 MWe reactor is a key milestone in India’s nuclear energy strategy, as it marks the transition to the second stage of the three-stage power programme. It is designed to produce more fuel than it consumes, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficient utilization of India’s nuclear resources.
Q1099. In the context of India’s nuclear energy, what defines a "closed fuel cycle"?
Explanation
A "closed fuel cycle" is a strategy where spent nuclear fuel is not treated as waste but as a valuable resource. The used fuel is chemically reprocessed to recover fissile materials like plutonium, which are then used to manufacture new fuel for different types of reactors, such as fast breeders. this approach maximizes energy extraction from uranium and minimizes the volume of long-lived radioactive waste that requires permanent disposal.
Q1100. India possesses vast reserves of Thorium, critical for the third stage of its nuclear program. These reserves are primarily found in monazite sands located in:
Explanation
India’s vast thorium reserves are found within monazite, a reddish-brown phosphate mineral. These monazite-rich sands are primarily concentrated along the coastal stretches of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. The easy accessibility and abundance of these coastal deposits are what make thorium a central pillar of India’s long-term energy security strategy, as it provides a nearly inexhaustible source of domestic fuel for future nuclear reactors.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1091 | (c) To step away from commercial manufacturing and focus on advanced research, development of new technologies, and deep space exploration |
| 1092 | (d) SSLV is designed to be assembled on demand with quick turnaround time and lower cost to cater to the growing small satellite market. |
| 1093 | (c) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i |
| 1094 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 1095 | (a) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) |
| 1096 | (c) Transferring manufacturing to private sectors lowers costs via mass production. |
| 1097 | (a) I and II only |
| 1098 | (d) Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu |
| 1099 | (b) Reprocessing spent fuel to extract materials for subsequent reactor stages |
| 1100 | (c) The coastal beaches of Kerala and Odisha |
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.