Q511. In the organizational structure of India’s space program, ISRO reports directly to which of the following departments?
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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Q512. Identify the correctly matched pair of the ISRO centre and its primary function:
Explanation
This major facility located in the south is the lead center for creating the rockets that carry satellites into space. It handles the engineering and testing of both solid and liquid propulsion systems. Other centers focus on different aspects, such as satellite manufacturing or ground-based applications. The specialization of these hubs allows for a comprehensive approach to space technology, ensuring that all components from the launch vehicle to the spacecraft payload are developed with high precision.
Q513. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the commercial arms of ISRO?
Explanation
Several entities handle the commercial aspects of the space program, helping to transfer technology to domestic industries and manage international launch contracts. However, the role of the regulatory body mentioned is to enable and oversee private participation in the space sector, not to be the exclusive manufacturer of rocket components. Manufacturing is shared among various government units and private companies. These commercial arms aim to build a strong industrial ecosystem to support the national space mission.
Q514. By definition, what is the role of the Space Commission in India?
Explanation
This high-level body is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overall policies of the country’s space activities. It reviews the progress of various missions and ensures that the program aligns with national objectives. While other agencies handle the technical work of launching and operating satellites, this commission provides the necessary guidance and administrative supervision. Its work is essential for the organized and effective development of the nation’s space capabilities over the long term.
Q515. What was the effect of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s initial vision on the trajectory of ISRO’s early projects?
Explanation
The early direction of the space program was heavily influenced by a belief that technology should directly improve the lives of citizens. Rather than pursuing prestige-driven races, the focus was placed on practical uses like education, television broadcasting, and resource management. This unique approach led to the development of sophisticated communication and remote sensing satellites that have played a crucial role in the country’s modernization. This people-centric philosophy remains a core value of the organization today.
Q516. The most appropriate function of ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan and Bhopal is:
Explanation
These specialized facilities at two different locations are responsible for the health and orbital management of communication satellites. They perform maneuvers to keep the spacecraft in their correct positions and monitor their various subsystems. This constant supervision is necessary to ensure that services like television broadcasting and telecommunications remain uninterrupted. These centers act as the vital ground link that maintains the operational integrity of the nation’s extensive and sophisticated satellite network in high-altitude orbits.
Q517. Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
I. It is a four-stage launch vehicle.
II. It uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages.
III. It is commonly referred to as the "Workhorse of ISRO".
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is a four-stage launch vehicle.
II. It uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages.
III. It is commonly referred to as the "Workhorse of ISRO".
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This versatile rocket is a four-stage system that alternates between using solid and liquid fuels for its propulsion. Because of its high success rate and reliability over many years, it is often called the mainstay of the national space agency. It has been used for a wide variety of missions, including Earth observation and interplanetary travel. Its consistent performance has made it a preferred choice for launching both domestic and international satellites into polar orbits.
Q518. Match the ISRO launch vehicles in List I with their defining characteristics in List II:
| Launch Vehicle | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. SLV-3 | i. Features an indigenous cryogenic upper stage |
| B. PSLV | ii. Heaviest launcher, designed for 4-ton class satellites to GTO |
| C. GSLV Mk II | iii. India’s first experimental satellite launch vehicle |
| D. LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) | iv. First operational launch vehicle with liquid stages |
Explanation
The early experimental rocket provided the first successful domestic launch. The later mainstay vehicle was the first to incorporate liquid stages. Modern heavy launchers utilize advanced cryogenic engines for carrying larger satellites. The most powerful variant is specifically designed for the heaviest payloads, enabling the placement of massive communication satellites into high orbits. This progression highlights the steady growth in the country’s ability to reach different levels of space with increasingly complex and capable rocket technology.
Q519. Arrange the following ISRO launch vehicles in ascending order of their payload carrying capacity to Low Earth Orbit (LEO):
I. LVM3
II. PSLV
III. SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
IV. GSLV Mk II
Which of the following is the correct sequence?
I. LVM3
II. PSLV
III. SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
IV. GSLV Mk II
Which of the following is the correct sequence?
Explanation
The ability to carry weight into low orbit varies significantly between different rockets. A small, new launcher is designed for light payloads, followed by the mid-range performance of the long-standing workhorse. The standard heavy launcher provides greater capacity, while the most powerful variant currently in service can carry the largest weight. This sequence reflects the range of options available for different types of missions, from small research satellites to large strategic and commercial spacecraft.
Q520. The propulsion sequence of the four stages of the PSLV from first (bottom) to fourth (top) is:
Explanation
The propulsion architecture of this four-stage rocket involves an alternating pattern of fuel types. The first and third stages use solid motors to provide powerful thrust, while the second and fourth stages utilize liquid engines for precise control and sustained performance. This unique configuration has proven to be highly reliable and efficient for a wide range of missions. Each stage plays a specific role in lifting the payload through the atmosphere and placing it into its intended orbit.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 511 | (c) Department of Space (DoS) |
| 512 | (d) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) : Launch vehicle design and development |
| 513 | (c) IN-SPACe is the sole manufacturer of ISRO’s solid rockets. |
| 514 | (b) Policy formulation and oversight of the Indian space programme. |
| 515 | (d) Emphasizing space applications for societal benefits like telecom. |
| 516 | (a) Monitoring and controlling geostationary and geosynchronous satellites. |
| 517 | (d) I, II, and III |
| 518 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 519 | (a) III, II, IV, I |
| 520 | (c) Solid, Liquid, Solid, Liquid |
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.