Science and Technology Syllabus for UPSC Prelims & Mains - Download PDF

Science and Technology Syllabus for UPSC is a part of both the UPSC IAS Prelims General Studies-I paper and the Mains GS-3 paper. The Science and Technology Syllabus for UPSC will make candidates aware of India's scientific and technological inventions, discoveries and latest developments like nuclear energy, defence missiles, etc in the field of Science and Technology. The UPSC Science and Technology syllabus topics also overlap with other Mains optional subjects such as Botany, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Anthropology, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, etc.

All aspirants are recommended to follow topic-wise UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus for Prelims and Mains preparation. The General Science Syllabus for UPSC Prelims covers topics from Physics, Chemistry and Biology, while the Sci & Tech Syllabus for Mains GS-3 is concerned with the socio-political and economic developments and impact of Science and Technology. It has been observed that around 11-13 questions are asked from various General Science topics in UPSC Prelims papers of the previous few years.

In this article, we will have a look at the detailed Science & Technology Syllabus for UPSC exam, Preparation Tips and more!

Sign up for the best UPSC Online Coaching to supercharge your exam preparation!

Overview of Science and Technology Syllabus for UPSC 2025

The Science and Technology syllabus for UPSC 2025 comprises a wide range of topics. Candidates are required to be well-versed with current advances in biotechnology, space technology, information technology, robotics, nanotechnology, and environmental science. More emphasis is placed upon current trends and potential future impacts of these technologies on society, economy, and governance. It is structured in such a manner that aspirants are equipped with the knowledge to analyze how scientific advancements shape up policy making and implementation.

Science and Technology Syllabus for UPSC PDF

The Science and Technology for UPSC Syllabus PDF is created by UPSC mentors and experts. Candidates are advised to download the syllabus PDF from the direct link given below and start preparing for both stages right away.

Don't Forget to Practice UPSC Science and Technology Prelims Previous Year Questions here.

UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus for Prelims

The UPSC Science and Technology syllabus for Prelims includes basic concepts as well as recent developments. A candidate should be aware of all types of general science, scientific vocabulary, and principles. Even more important is to be aware of the basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology. At the same time, awareness of recent developments in science and technology and their applications in everyday life is important. Topics like space technology, biotechnology, and IT are more important in this segment.

UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus for Mains

The UPSC science and technology syllabus for Mains is more holistic and analytical. This level involves broad knowledge of the applications of science and technology and their implications in different sectors. Some of the topics include the contribution of science and technology to Indian development, energy security, environmental concerns, and ethical issues in technology. The candidates should also possess the ability to critically analyze how scientific breakthroughs can contribute to the resolution of societal challenges and benefit people.

Tips to Prepare for Science and Technology Syllabus For UPSC

Once candidates have completely analysed the UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus, they must begin with practising other UPSC study materials like previous papers and other practice sets. It will help you determine the kind of questions asked and prepare accordingly. Here are a few of the expert preparation tips to cover the Science and Technology for UPSC Syllabus below. 

• Analyse Syllabus Structure: First, it’s very important to understand the nature and structure of the Science and Technology Syllabus For UPSC Prelims and Mains as it differs a bit from one another. 
• Read Basic NCERTs: Read basic NCERT Books For UPSC General Science from class 8 to 12 standard to clear fundamental concepts of the syllabus. 
• Solve Previous Year Papers: Candidates must ensure that they start solving UPSC Previous Year Question Papers to understand the weightage and type of questions asked. 
• Attempt Test Series: Aspirants must start attempting General Science Mock Test to practise chapter-wise topics as well as full-length mocks to understand the level of questions carefully. 
• Create Short Notes: Candidates must create Science and Technology Notes for UPSC and use highlighters on important topics for a proper last-minute revision. 
• Plan a Study Schedule: As the UPSC Science and Technology Syllabus is comprehensive in both stages, you must create a strategic study timetable based on your personal long-term goals. 
• Read Current Affairs & Newspapers: All aspirants must ensure browsing through regular current affairs for the last 1 year as well as read national science columns and newspaper editorials. Refer to Testbook’s Science and Technology Current Affairs for the latest Tech updates. 
• Enrol in Expert Coaching: As the Science and Technology syllabus for UPSC is comprehensive yet difficult, it’s essential to take expert coaching sessions for good preparation. Now enrol in the Science and Tech UPSC Coaching to access expert live classes, study notes, practice materials and more. 

List of Books for Science and Technology Syllabus

While preparing for the science and technology segment of the UPSC syllabus, it is essential to refer to credible and comprehensive books. The books recommended here, along with their authors, will certainly be helpful in preparation:

• "Science and Technology in India" by Kalpana Rajaram: This book gives a complete overview of developments and innovations in the Indian scenario.
• "Science and Technology: For Civil Services Examinations" by Ashok Kumar Singh: An exhaustive book that is a coverage of the entire UPSC syllabus for science and technology, but emphasizes current developments.
• General Science for Civil Services Preliminary Examination by S. S. Bhatia: A preliminary examination-specific science book that proves to give lucid explanations of basic scientific concepts.
• "Science and Technology: For Competitive Exams" by Ravi P. Agrahari: It integrates fundamental concepts with contemporary issues, catering to both Prelims and Mains.
• "Biotechnology" by U. Satyanarayana: A specialized book focusing on biotechnology, significant for understanding this rapidly growing field.

Practice Science and Technology Previous Year Questions For UPSC Prelims here!

We hope that this article could clearly help you understand the Science and Technology Syllabus For UPSC. You can also download the Testbook App and get access to mock tests, PYPs and more!