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 411–420 of 1113 questions
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RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q411. Consider the following statements regarding the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP): I. It was launched in 1983 under the leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. II. The programme was formally declared successful and completed in 2008. III. It included the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The integrated guided missile development program was initiated in 1983 under the visionary leadership of a prominent scientist. It focused on creating a family of indigenous missiles to ensure national security through self-reliance. After achieving its set objectives, the program was formally concluded in 2008. While it laid the foundation for missile technology, the BrahMos project was a separate joint venture effort.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q412. The following question consists of two statements, Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option. Assertion (A): The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was initiated by the Indian government. Reason (R): International technology denial regimes like the MTCR restricted India’s access to advanced missile technology.
Explanation
The Indian government launched a comprehensive missile program primarily to overcome severe international restrictions on sensitive technology. During the Cold War era, regimes like the missile technology control initiative sought to prevent the proliferation of advanced delivery systems. Consequently, India prioritized indigenous research and development to build its own strategic arsenal, thereby ensuring national security and bypassing global technological denial frameworks.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q413. Which of the following acronyms correctly represents the five core missile systems developed under the IGMDP?
Explanation
This acronym represents the five foundational missile systems developed to provide a comprehensive defense capability. It includes short-range and intermediate-range ballistic missiles for strategic deterrence. Additionally, it encompasses surface-to-air systems for aerial defense and a dedicated anti-tank guided weapon. These projects were grouped together to streamline indigenous research efforts and achieve technological self-sufficiency across different military requirements and operational combat environments.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q414. Which statement about the IGMDP is correct?
Explanation
The program was unique in its approach to developing multiple classes of missile systems concurrently. It addressed the need for both battlefield tactical weapons and long-range strategic deterrents under a unified management structure. This simultaneous development allowed for the sharing of subsystems and technological breakthroughs across different projects. It successfully established a robust indigenous industrial base for advanced missile manufacturing and engineering.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q415. The necessity of IGMDP was most strongly reinforced by which international treaty’s limitations on India?
Explanation
This international informal association aims to limit the proliferation of missiles and unmanned delivery systems capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. By restricting the export of critical components and software, it presented a significant challenge to emerging nations. India responded by intensifying its indigenous research programs to develop these advanced capabilities independently, ensuring that national security remained uncompromised by global restrictions.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q416. Who among the following is widely known as the Missile Man of India for his pivotal role in steering the IGMDP?
Explanation
This renowned scientist and former president played a fundamental role in the success of the integrated guided missile development program. His leadership transformed the landscape of indigenous defense technology, leading to the creation of strategic assets like the Agni and Prithvi series. His dedication to science and national service earned him a distinct title associated with his immense contributions to rocketry.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q417. Consider the following statements: Statement I: The IGMDP aimed to achieve self-reliance in the field of missile technology. Statement II: The programme was shut down in 1990 due to a lack of funding. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The primary objective of the missile development initiative was to foster indigenous capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign hardware. It aimed to provide the armed forces with a reliable and modern missile inventory. Although it faced technical hurdles, the program continued well beyond 1990, eventually meeting its core goals. It was officially declared complete in 2008, rather than being shut down prematurely.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q418. What was the most appropriate strategic impact of the IGMDP on India’s defence posture?
Explanation
The successful development of varied missile systems significantly strengthened the national defense posture. By creating a reliable family of weapons ranging from short-range tactical missiles to long-range strategic delivery vehicles, the program ensured that the country could protect its borders effectively. This indigenous capability provides a robust deterrent against external threats, reducing the vulnerability associated with relying on imported defense technology.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q419. Which of the following missiles was developed independently and is the odd one out from the IGMDP family?
Explanation
While the other mentioned systems were the five core projects initiated under the integrated guided missile development program, this particular weapon is a long-range sub-sonic cruise missile developed later. It utilizes a different flight profile and technology base compared to the original ballistic and tactical systems. It represents a separate advancement in indigenous capability beyond the scope of the foundational 1983 program.
RAS PrelimsScience and Technology · Defence and Space Technology in India
Q420. Match the Agni missile variants in List I with their approximate operational ranges in List II:
Missile Variant
Operational Range
A. Agni-I
i. 3,000 to 3,500 km
B. Agni-III
ii. 700 to 900 km
C. Agni-IV
iii. Over 5,000 km
D. Agni-V
iv. 3,500 to 4,000 km
Explanation
The first version of this missile covers distances up to nine hundred kilometers, while the third variant reaches over three thousand kilometers. The fourth iteration extends the reach to four thousand kilometers. The most advanced version, the fifth, is capable of striking targets at distances exceeding five thousand kilometers. This progression demonstrates the growing technical expertise in developing long-range strategic deterrents for defense.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
411
(a) I and II only
412
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
413
(c) PATNA (Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, Akash)
414
(d) It achieved simultaneous development of strategic and tactical missiles.
415
(b) Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
416
(b) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
417
(a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
418
(c) It established a credible indigenous deterrence capability against regional adversaries.
419
(d) Nirbhay
420
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii
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.
