UPSC Prelims 2026 Previous Year Questions

Browse all 71 questions from the UPSC Prelims 2026 paper. Every question includes the correct answer, a detailed explanation, the source it was drawn from, and a breakdown of what UPSC intended to test.

UPSC Prelims 2026 questions by subject

Science and Technology questions from UPSC Prelims 2026

Q1UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ?

1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 and 3 only
  • (b)3 only
  • (c)1, 3 and 4
  • (d)1, 2 and 4
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Q2UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India's space programme :

1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1, 2 and 3
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Q3UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct ?

1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1, 2 and 3
View Answer & Explanation
Q4UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following items of defence hardware is/are manufactured in India ?

1. Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets
2. T-90 MK-III Tanks
3. Akula Class Submarine

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 and 2
  • (b)1 and 3
  • (c)1 only
  • (d)2 only
View Answer & Explanation
Q5UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to India's indigenous new high resolution weather model, the 'Bharat Forecast System,' is/are correct?

1. Its objective is to generate forecasts at the Panchayats cluster level.
2. It was developed by IIT Delhi.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 only
  • (c)Both 1 and 2
  • (d)Neither 1 nor 2
View Answer & Explanation
Q6UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements about DHRUV64 is/are correct ?

1. It is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme with an overall aim to enable the creation of microprocessors for India.
2. It is India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 only
  • (c)Both 1 and 2
  • (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Q7UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct ?

1. They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection.
2. They record both the cockpit voice and flight data.
3. Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1, 2 and 3
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Q8UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India:

1. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities.
2. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India's strategic autonomy.
3. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • (a)1, 2 and 3
  • (b)1 and 2 only
  • (c)2 and 3 only
  • (d)1 only
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Q9UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to drone swarms is/are correct ?

1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centre.
2. Individual drones in the swarm can communicate with other drones in the swarm.
3. GPS Spoofing is a commonly used technique to counter drone swarm attack.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1, 2 and 3
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Q10UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) recently introduced a national standard to test and assess bomb disposal system. Which of the following statements with regard to this system is/are correct ?

1. The new standard is known as IS 19445 : 2025.
2. It will improve interoperability of equipment across agencies.
3. It was developed by TBRL, DRDO in collaboration with the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute, Russia.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1, 2 and 3
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1 only
View Answer & Explanation
Q11UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?

1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 only
  • (c)Both 1 and 2
  • (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Q12UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to India's Deep Ocean Mission is/are correct?

1. It was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
2. Matsya-6000 has been designed to carry 3 people for deep sea exploration.
3. Samudrayaan is a project under this mission.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1, 2 and 3
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Q13UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct?

1. Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.
2. Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network, syncing within seconds.
3. Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.
4. Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  • (a)1 and 3
  • (b)2 and 4 only
  • (c)1, 2 and 4
  • (d)1 and 4 only
View Answer & Explanation
Q14UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ?

1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material.
2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies.
3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1, 2 and 3
View Answer & Explanation
Q15UPSC Prelims 2026Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ?

1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.

Select the answer using the code given below :

  • (a)1 only
  • (b)2 and 3 only
  • (c)1 and 2 only
  • (d)1, 2 and 3
View Answer & Explanation
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