Overview

Science & Technology is the highest-weight GS3 section in UPSC, covering everything from ISRO missions and missile systems to CRISPR gene editing and quantum computing. This section provides comprehensive, exam-ready notes across twenty-nine chapters — space technology, biotechnology (health and agriculture), IT & cybersecurity, emerging technologies, defence technology, and nuclear & nanotechnology. Each chapter combines factual depth for Prelims with analytical frameworks for Mains.

Chapters

#ChapterKey Topics
1Space TechnologyISRO, Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Gaganyaan, Aditya-L1, satellite systems, launch vehicles, space sector reforms
2Space Policy, ISRO & Outer Space LawChandrayaan-3 (Aug 23, 2023), Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan, Indian Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe/NSIL roles, NavIC (7 satellites), Outer Space Treaty 1967, ASAT Mission Shakti (Mar 2019), Artemis Accords (Jun 2023)
3NavIC & Geospatial TechnologyNavIC 7-satellite constellation, geospatial data policy 2021, GIS applications, mapping liberalisation, geospatial ecosystem
4Drones, UAV Policy & New Space EconomyDrone Rules 2021, BVLOS, PLI drones, IN-SPACe, NSIL, private space (Skyroot, Agnikul), FDI in space, India's space economy
5Nuclear Technology & NanotechnologyThree-stage nuclear programme, PFBR, thorium, Nano Mission, new materials, SHANTI Bill
6Defence TechnologyDRDO, missile programme (Agni, BrahMos), nuclear doctrine, ASAT, defence indigenisation
7Indigenisation, Defence Manufacturing & Atmanirbhar BharatiDEX, DAP 2020, positive indigenisation lists, DPSUs disinvestment, DRDO tech transfer, MSMEs in defence, export targets
8Biotechnology — GM Crops, CRISPR & BioeconomyColour classification, BioE3 Policy ($195.3B bioeconomy), CRISPR-Cas9 (Nobel 2020, FELUDA, BIRSA 101), GM crops (Bt cotton, Bt Brinjal moratorium, GM Mustard DMH-11 SC case, genome-edited crops 2025), 6-tier GMO regulatory framework (SDN-1/2/3), Indian vaccines (Covaxin, CERVAVAC), GenomeIndia (10,074 genomes), biofortification (71+ varieties), One Health, AMR (ESKAPE, NAP-AMR 2024), biopiracy (TKDL)
9Health Biotechnology — Vaccines, Genomics & Digital HealthSerum Institute (1.5B+ doses/year), CERVAVAC HPV vaccine (Jan 2023, ₹200/dose), Covaxin (WHO EUL Nov 2021), mRNA vaccines (saRNA HGCO19), GenomeIndia (10,074 genomes, Feb 2024), ABHA accounts (740M+), pharma exports $30.47B (FY25), API dependence on China ~72%, National Biopharma Mission (2017)
10Gene Editing, CRISPR & Synthetic BiologyCRISPR-Cas9 mechanism, gene drives, synthetic biology, Genome India, regulatory framework, bioethics, agricultural applications
11Pharma Industry & Drug Policy in IndiaIndian pharma (3rd by volume, 14th by value), generic drugs policy, Jan Aushadhi scheme, NPPA price control, UCPMP, FDC bans, API self-reliance, TRIPS flexibilities, compulsory licensing
12Health Technology & Medical DevicesTelemedicine, mRNA vaccines, genomics, digital health, medical device regulation, Ayushman Bharat Digital
13Telemedicine & Digital HealtheSanjeevani platform, telemedicine guidelines 2020, ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account), health data privacy, digital health mission
14Emerging TechnologiesAI, Quantum Computing, Blockchain, IoT, 5G/6G, IndiaAI Mission, National Quantum Mission
15Quantum Computing & TelecommunicationsNational Quantum Mission, qubits, quantum supremacy, 5G/6G rollout, BharatNet, semiconductor fabs, telecom reforms
16Semiconductor Policy & India Semiconductor MissionGlobal chip supply chain (TSMC 64%+), 2020-21 shortage, US CHIPS Act ($52B), India Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 crore), Tata-PSMC Dholera fab (28nm), Micron Sanand ATMP, iCET, China gallium/germanium export controls
17EVs, Battery Technology & SemiconductorsEV policy, FAME scheme, battery technology, semiconductor fabs, India Semiconductor Mission
18Robotics, Automation & Industry 4.0AI manufacturing, drones, smart factories, cobots, Industry 4.0 framework, India's automation policy
19AI Governance, Ethics & PolicyAI regulation, algorithmic bias, AI safety, IndiaAI Mission, global AI governance frameworks
20IT, Cybersecurity & Defence TechnologyIT sector, AI mission, CERT-In, DPDP Act, 5G, semiconductors, DRDO missiles, nuclear programme
21Artificial Intelligence — IndiaAI Mission & GovernanceIndiaAI Mission (₹10,372 crore, 7 pillars, March 2024), 10,000+ GPU compute, EU AI Act (Aug 2024, 4 risk tiers), India soft-touch approach, deepfake IT Rules, GPAI founding member, LAWS India UN position
225G, 6G & Telecom Policy5G rollout India, spectrum auction, 6G vision 2030, BharatNet, USO Fund, TRAI reforms, Telecom Act 2023
23IT Sector & Digital DivideIndian IT industry ($254B exports), NASSCOM, digital divide — urban/rural, gender, digital literacy, BharatNet, PM-WANI
24Agritech & Precision AgricultureDigital Agriculture Mission, AgriStack, drone use in agriculture, AI crop advisory, soil health monitoring, precision irrigation
25Green Hydrogen & Clean Energy TechnologyNGHM 2023, SIGHT scheme, green/blue/grey hydrogen, electrolysers, fuel cells, Rs 19,744 crore outlay, 5 MMT target by 2030
26Advanced Materials, Composites & Smart MaterialsGraphene, carbon nanotubes, smart materials, metamaterials, CFRP, DRDO DMRL, 3D printing in defence, CSIR-NML
27Intellectual Property RightsPatents, copyrights, trademarks, GI tags, TRIPS, WIPO, compulsory licensing, patent amendments, traditional knowledge, IPR policy 2016
28Scientific Research Institutions & GovernanceCSIR, ICAR, ICMR, DST, DBT, SERB, science policy, R&D spending, brain drain, National Research Foundation
29Indian Scientists & S&T AchievementsNotable Indian scientists, ISRO achievements, DRDO milestones, Nobel laureates of Indian origin, national science awards, recent S&T breakthroughs