Science & Technology MCQs for UPSC Prelims — April 2026

Q1. In India, statutory notifications delicensing spectrum bands for Wi-Fi use (such as the 2.4 GHz band and the proposed 5925–6425 MHz band) are issued under the authority of which one of the following?

  • A. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
  • B. Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications
  • C. Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
  • D. Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)

Q2. Match List I (Wi-Fi generation) with List II (spectrum/technical attribute) and select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  • B. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
  • C. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
  • D. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Q3. With reference to the delicensing of the lower 6 GHz spectrum band in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Department of Telecommunications released draft rules in May 2025 to delicense the 5925–6425 MHz band for Wi-Fi use.
  2. The delicensing under the draft rules is restricted to Low Power Indoor (LPI) and Very Low Power Outdoor (VLP) device categories.
  3. Use of the proposed delicensed 6 GHz spectrum will be on a protected and exclusive (interference-free) basis for Wi-Fi devices.
  4. The 2.4 GHz band, also used by Wi-Fi, has already been delicensed in India through earlier GSR notifications of the Department of Telecommunications.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • C. 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q4. With reference to India's broadband and 6G roadmap, consider the following statements:

  1. The Bharat 6G Vision document envisages India to be a frontline contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.
  2. The National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 set targets of 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022 and 50 million by 2030.
  3. The Bharat 6G Alliance was launched by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
  4. The ITU recommendation on the 6G Vision Framework, in which India played a key role, was approved in 2023.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 2, 3 and 4

Q5. Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

  • A. A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
  • B. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
  • C. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
  • D. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Q6. Which one of the following correctly identifies the three foundational principles on which the 'Bharat 6G Vision' document (2023) is based?

  • A. Affordability, Sustainability and Ubiquity
  • B. Connectivity, Security and Indigenisation
  • C. Universal Access, Innovation and Self-Reliance
  • D. Affordability, Interoperability and Net-Neutrality

Q7. With reference to the modular architecture and capability of the BHISHM Aarogya Maitri Health Cube as compared to its constituent 'mini cubes', consider the following statements: 1. A full BHISHM Cube is constituted by 36 mini cubes assembled into a single mother cube. 2. A complete BHISHM Cube can provide medical care, including surgical procedures, for up to 200 casualties. 3. In a mass casualty incident, the entire BHISHM Cube can be set up within 12 minutes to address the 'golden hour' window. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1. A full BHISHM Cube is constituted by 36 mini cubes assembled into a single mother cube.
  2. 2. A complete BHISHM Cube can provide medical care, including surgical procedures, for up to 200 casualties.
  3. 3. In a mass casualty incident, the entire BHISHM Cube can be set up within 12 minutes to address the 'golden hour' window.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. Which one of the following aircraft was used as the primary platform by the Indian Air Force for the first-of-its-kind precise para-drop of the BHISHM (Aarogya Maitri) Health Cube at an altitude of close to 15,000 feet?

  • A. Il-76 Gajraj
  • B. C-17 Globemaster III
  • C. C-130J Super Hercules
  • D. An-32

Q9. Match List I (Atomic-energy / monazite facility) with List II (State in which it is located) and select the correct answer:

  • A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  • B. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
  • C. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
  • D. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Q10. As per the Department of Atomic Energy, what is the approximate in-situ monazite resource (in million tonnes) established in India's beach and inland placer sands?

  • A. About 3 million tonnes
  • B. About 8 million tonnes
  • C. About 13 million tonnes
  • D. About 26 million tonnes

Q11. India's nuclear power programme, of which Fast Breeder Reactors form the central bridge linking uranium-based reactors to the thorium fuel cycle, is structured into how many sequential stages?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q12. With reference to the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The reactor uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) as its core fuel.
  2. Fast neutrons convert Uranium-238 in the blanket into fissile Plutonium-239.
  3. Thorium-232 placed in the blanket is transmuted into fissile Uranium-233.
  4. The reactor is cooled by pressurised heavy water.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q13. Which one of the following organisations is the designer of India's indigenously built 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam?

  • A. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • B. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
  • C. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
  • D. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)

Q14. With reference to the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam that achieved first criticality in April 2026, which of the following statements is/are NOT correct?

  1. It is a 500 MWe reactor that uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) as fuel.
  2. It was indigenously designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
  3. Permission for its first approach to criticality was granted by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
  4. It is owned and operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 2 and 4 only

Q15. As of 2026, which one of the following is the only country in the world operating a commercial-level Fast Breeder Reactor, ahead of India which has just achieved first criticality of its Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor?

  • A. United States of America
  • B. France
  • C. Russia
  • D. China

Q16. Match List I with List II regarding milestones of India's Fast Breeder Reactor programme and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

  • A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  • B. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
  • C. A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
  • D. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Q17. The indigenous design and technology development of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam was carried out by which one of the following organisations?

  • A. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • B. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
  • C. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)
  • D. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)

Q18. India's indigenous nuclear power programme, as envisioned by its founding architect to optimally utilise the country's limited uranium and large thorium reserves, is structured in how many sequential stages?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q19. India's three-stage nuclear power programme, of which the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam marks the entry into the second stage, was originally conceived by which one of the following scientists?

  • A. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
  • B. Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha
  • C. Dr. Raja Ramanna
  • D. Dr. Satish Dhawan

Q20. With reference to India's three-stage nuclear power programme, match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

  • A. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
  • B. A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
  • C. A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
  • D. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Q21. Match List I (Milestone in India's Fast Breeder Reactor Programme) with List II (Year) and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

  • A. A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
  • B. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
  • C. A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
  • D. A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1

Q22. Which one of the following is India's first indigenously designed 500 MWe commercial-scale Fast Breeder Reactor to attain first criticality?

  • A. Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), Kalpakkam
  • B. Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), Kalpakkam
  • C. KAMINI Reactor, Kalpakkam
  • D. Dhruva Reactor, Trombay

Q23. In the context of India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, the term 'MOX fuel' refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A mixed oxide of uranium and plutonium
  • B. A mixed oxide of uranium and thorium
  • C. A mixed oxide of plutonium and thorium
  • D. A mixed carbide of uranium and plutonium

Q24. The 'Viksit Bharat' vision — to which India's R&D and innovation reforms are anchored — targets India becoming a developed nation by which year?

  • A. 2040
  • B. 2045
  • C. 2047
  • D. 2050

Q25. The nine-month consultation and nationwide survey that underpin the 'Ease of Doing Research & Development in India' reports were carried out by which single body?

  • A. NITI Aayog
  • B. Department of Science and Technology
  • C. Anusandhan National Research Foundation
  • D. Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser

Q26. The consultation process for the draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP), which would be India's fifth such policy, was initiated in which year?

  • A. 2018
  • B. 2019
  • C. 2020
  • D. 2021

Q27. With reference to the draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) of 2020, consider the following: 1. It was intended to be India's fifth national STI policy. 2. Its Secretariat was coordinated by the Office of the PSA, NITI Aayog and DST. 3. The consultation process began in 2020. 4. It formally replaced the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It was intended to be India's fifth national STI policy.
  2. Its Secretariat was coordinated by the Office of the PSA, NITI Aayog and DST.
  3. The consultation process began in 2020.
  4. It formally replaced the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q28. The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in 2025 envisages a ₹1 lakh crore corpus to be deployed over a period of how many years?

  • A. Four years
  • B. Five years
  • C. Six years
  • D. Ten years

Q29. With reference to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, consider the following statements: 1. ANRF was established by an Act of Parliament passed in 2023. 2. ANRF subsumed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). 3. The RDI Scheme envisages a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore. 4. The Department of Biotechnology is the nodal department for implementing the RDI Scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. ANRF was established by an Act of Parliament passed in 2023.
  2. ANRF subsumed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
  3. The RDI Scheme envisages a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore.
  4. The Department of Biotechnology is the nodal department for implementing the RDI Scheme.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q30. With reference to India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as highlighted around the Ease of Doing R&D reports, consider the following statements: 1. India's GERD is around 0.64% of GDP. 2. India's GERD as a share of GDP is higher than that of China. 3. The reports set a target of raising GERD to about 2% of GDP. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. India's GERD is around 0.64% of GDP.
  2. India's GERD as a share of GDP is higher than that of China.
  3. The reports set a target of raising GERD to about 2% of GDP.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
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