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Previous Year Question Patterns
Analysis of Science & Technology PYQs (2013–2024) — Topic 71 Relevant Questions
| Year | Marks | Question | Topic 71 Sub-domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | What is "nano-mission" of India and its objectives? | Nanotechnology — Nano Mission |
| 2021 | 10 | Contributions of: Homi Bhabha, Visvesvaraya, Satyendra Bose, Meghnad Saha, Har Gobind Khorana | Indian Scientists |
| 2023 | 2 | Write any two differences between Classical and Quantum Computing | Quantum Computing |
| 2023 | 5 | National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) — full form and three salient achievements | Institutions/Policies |
| 2023 | 10 | What are Nanomaterials? Brief account of two carbon allotropes used as nanomaterials | Nanotechnology |
| 2023 | 10 | (a) AIRAWAT — full form and four infrastructure requirements; (b) ChatGPT; (c) Neural network in AI | Digital India/AI |
| 2024 | 2 | Digital Rupee (e-Rs.) vs UPI | Digital India |
| 2024 | 5 | Digital initiatives under Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2024 | Digital India (Rajasthan) |
| 2024 | 5 | Scientific achievements of Indian scientists Haridatta and Panchanan Maheshwari | Indian Scientists |
| 2024 | 10 | AI and LLMs addressing Indian needs — government facilitation and features | AI/Digital India |
Pattern Observations
Indian Scientists is a perennial question — appeared in 2021 (10 marks) and 2024 (5 marks). For 2026, expect either a new set of scientists or repeat of 2021 scientists with additional details.
Nanotechnology appeared twice (2018 as Nano Mission, 2023 as nanomaterials/carbon allotropes) — high probability of reappearance in forms like nano in healthcare, nano fertilizers, or DPDP implications for nano-surveillance.
Quantum Computing has moved from 2-mark (2023) to likely 5-mark or 10-mark territory for 2026 given the National Quantum Mission (2023) is a major new development post-2023.
AI/Digital India — already asked twice in 2023 and 2024 in different forms. For 2026: IndiaAI Mission specifics, DPDP Act, ONDC, BharatNet status are fresh angles.
Cyber Security — NOT YET asked directly in S&T paper, despite being in syllabus. High probability for 2026: CERT-In April 2022 directives, DPDP Act 2023, AIIMS ransomware case.