1. Why S&T Matters in UPSC Prelims 2025

Science & Technology (S&T) consistently contributes 10–14 questions in the Prelims paper. More than 70% of these now draw on current innovations, making it a high-impact section—mastery here can make or break your cutoff.

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2. Static S&T Topics You Can’t Miss

Basics of Matter & Particles

• Fermions, Bosons, Neutrinos: Properties & real-world examples
  
• Radioactivity: Types, half-life, applications
  

Laser & Photonics

• LIDAR vs. Anti-Laser concepts
  
• Superconductivity: Critical temperature, uses in MRI & maglev
  

Chemistry of Concern

• PFAS, BPA, Aspartame: Uses, health impacts
  

Biotechnology & Genetics

• DNA, RNA processes; CRISPR-Cas9 editing
  
• Stem Cell Therapy, Human Genome Project
  
• GM Crops: Bt Cotton, Golden Rice
  

ICT & Emerging Digital Tech

• Network Types: PAN / LAN / WAN
  
• Wireless Spectrum: Radio → Gamma rays
  
• LiFi vs WiFi, 5G → 6G, Web 3.0, Metaverse
  
• Blockchain, AI, Quantum Computing, IoT
  

Energy & Environment

• Nuclear Reactors: PHWR, SMR
  
• Solar PV vs CSP, Biofuels generations
  
• Green Hydrogen, Battery Tech (Li-ion, Zinc-air)
  

Defense & Space

• Missile Systems: Ballistic vs Cruise; BMD tech
  
• Key Indian Missiles (Agni series, Prithvi)
  
• ISRO Missions (PSLV, GSLV), NASA Artemis
  

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3. Current Affairs & Emerging Developments

Focus on application-based topics that have featured in the last 12–18 months:

• MicroRNA therapeutics, Reverse transcriptase inhibitors
  
• Quantum Non-Locality, Brain-Computer Interfaces
  
• National Blockchain Stack (Vishvasya), Operation Dronagiri (DRDO)
  
• Mini-Moon discoveries, Quasar observations
  
• EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite, Tokamak fusion prototypes
  

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4. Top Sources & Study Materials

Type	Resource
Core Text	NCERT 11–12 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Reference Book	Lucent’s General Science, Science Reporter magazine
Current Affairs	Monthly FocUS Magazines (S&T section), PIB releases
Online	ISRO / DRDO / DST websites; The Hindu Science & Tech section

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5. Trend Analysis: What Past Papers Reveal

• 2018–2024: 10–14 S&T questions/year
  
• Conceptual vs Factual: Shift from recall to application
  
• Overlap: ~70% framed on current events
  

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6. 7 Smart Tips to Crack S&T Questions

1. Integrate Static + Current
   
   • Always link core concepts (e.g., CRISPR) with latest news (new applications).
     
2. Make Topic-Wise Notes
   
   • Use flashcards for quick revision of definitions and processes.
     
3. Practice PYQs Religiously
   
   • Time yourself on S&T sets from 2015–2024 to gauge difficulty.
     
4. Follow Official Updates
   
   • Subscribe to ISRO, DRDO and DST newsletters.
     
5. Group Study on Tough Topics
   
   • Discuss quantum tech or gene editing with peers for deeper clarity.
     
6. Use Mind Maps
   
   • Visualize interconnections—e.g., Blockchain → Cryptocurrency → Smart Contracts.
     
7. Revise Monthly
   
   • Allocate one weekend per month solely for S&T mock tests.