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 481–490 of 1113 questions
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Explanation
Due to its extensive armor and large main gun, this main battle tank is one of the heaviest in the world. Weighing over sixty-five tons, it provides exceptional crew protection and firepower. However, this weight also presents challenges for transport and movement across certain types of terrain. It is categorized as a heavy tank, distinguishing it from the lighter platforms often used in mountainous regions or for rapid deployment missions.Statement I: Kanchan armour used in the Arjun tank is a type of explosive reactive armour (ERA) exclusively.
Statement II: Kanchan armour is an advanced composite armour that provides protection against both kinetic energy and chemical energy rounds.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This advanced protection system is a composite material rather than just a layer of explosive reactive blocks. It is designed to withstand multiple types of anti-tank rounds, including those that use high-speed penetrators or shaped charges. By layering different materials, it provides superior defense compared to traditional steel armor. This indigenous development was a critical breakthrough that allowed the national main battle tank to achieve high levels of survivability on the battlefield.Explanation
This specialized ammunition is designed to penetrate the thickest enemy armor using kinetic energy. It features a long, dense rod that is stabilized in flight by fins after the surrounding casing is shed upon leaving the barrel. This type of round is the primary tool for a main battle tank to engage and destroy other tanks at long distances. It utilizes the high muzzle velocity provided by the tank’s rifled gun for maximum effect.Explanation
The updated version of the main battle tank actually incorporates many new features that have increased its weight rather than reducing it. It includes an enhanced capability for identifying and engaging targets, as well as improvements to its suspension and mine-clearing tools. These additions make it more effective in combat but also place it firmly in the heavy category. Claims of a significant weight reduction to fifty tons are factually incorrect.Explanation
The propulsion system for the original version of this indigenous tank was sourced from a leading European manufacturer known for high-performance diesel engines. This powerful motor provides the necessary mobility for the heavy armored vehicle. While other components of the tank are developed domestically, the engine was one of the key imported subsystems integrated into the design. Efforts are continuing to further increase the indigenous content of future powerplants for the tank series.Explanation
This particular armored vehicle is a well-known main battle tank developed and used by various European nations. It is not part of the Indian military’s inventory, which primarily consists of domestic designs like the Arjun and Zorawar, as well as licensed versions of the T-series. The other tanks listed are either currently in service or in various stages of development for the national ground forces, making the European model the exception.I. It has a tailless delta wing design.
II. It is a twin-engine heavy fighter aircraft.
III. It features a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control system.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This modern fighter jet features a single-engine design and a specialized wing shape that lacks a traditional tail. It utilizes a sophisticated electronic control system to maintain stability and agility during flight. This technology replaces mechanical links with digital signals, allowing for precise handling. While it is a highly capable combat aircraft, it is categorized as a light fighter rather than a heavy twin-engine platform. Statements claiming it has two engines are incorrect.Assertion (A): The LCA Tejas is designed with a statically unstable aerodynamic configuration.
Reason (R): Static instability intentionally enhances the aircraft’s maneuverability and agility during combat.
Explanation
The design of this combat aircraft intentionally makes it unstable in flight. This aerodynamic characteristic allows the plane to change direction much more rapidly than a traditional stable design, giving it superior agility in dogfights. To manage this instability and make the aircraft flyable for the pilot, a sophisticated computer-based control system is used. This combination of aerodynamic instability and advanced electronic control is a hallmark of modern high-performance fighter jets.Explanation
The responsibility for the design and program management of this indigenous light fighter was assigned to a specialized agency created for this purpose. This body worked closely with various research laboratories and manufacturing units to bring the complex project to fruition. While other entities are involved in the actual production of the aircraft, this agency remains the primary designer and authority for the ongoing development of the fighter’s different versions and upgrades.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 481 | (d) Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under DRDO |
| 482 | (c) Heavy tank (over 65 tons) |
| 483 | (b) Statement II is correct but Statement I is incorrect. |
| 484 | (d) Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) |
| 485 | (a) Its overall weight has been significantly reduced to 50 tons. |
| 486 | (c) Germany |
| 487 | (a) Leopard |
| 488 | (b) I and III only |
| 489 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 490 | (c) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) |
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.