Science and Technology for BPSC Mains exam

INTRODUCTION

In this article, I am going to discuss the preparation strategy of Science and Technology for BPSC Mains Exam. This guide explains the approach step by step to help aspirants prepare this section in an exam-oriented manner.

SCIENCE IN BPSC EXAM

Here, aspirants must clearly understand that the science syllabus for BPSC Prelims and BPSC Mains is different and does not resemble each other. Understanding this difference is crucial for effective preparation.

• General Science is studied for the BPSC Preliminary Examination
• Science and Technology (Applied Science) is part of the BPSC Mains Examination

GENERAL SCIENCE

General science refers to the core subjects of science and not a specialised or applied study of any specific discipline. These topics are mainly relevant for BPSC Prelims, not for Mains.

The main components of general science are:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology

Examples include:

• Motion
• Heat
• Light and sound
• Metals and non-metals
• Fuel
• Electricity
• Gravitation

APPLIED SCIENCE

Applied science refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical use, technology, and development.

Examples include:

• Solar power
• Renewable energy
• Biotechnology
• Drone technology
• Robotics
• Space technology

All applied science topics are based on fundamental concepts of general science and are relevant for BPSC Mains Science and Technology preparation.

SCIENCE IN MAINS EXAM

Science and Technology (Applied Science) is included in General Studies Paper-2 (Section-III) of the BPSC Mains Exam.

• Total questions: 3
• Questions to be attempted: 2
• Total marks: 72

Question Pattern

Question No. 01

• Compulsory short answer question
  • 5 sub-questions of 7/6 marks
  • Total: 36 marks

Question No. 02

• Two long-answer questions
  • Attempt one
  • Total: 36 marks

STRATEGY FOR MAINS EXAM

The BPSC Mains exam is subjective and analytical. Therefore, aspirants should select important applied science topics and prepare them thoroughly.

• No standard textbook is required for Science and Technology for BPSC Mains
• Analyse previous year questions
• Prepare notes using: Internet sources, Wikipedia, YouTube (limited and focused use)

Key Guideline: While preparing notes:

• Avoid excessive technical details
• Do not focus on historical background
• Emphasise day-to-day applications and developmental relevance

IMPORTANT TOPICS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (BPSC MAINS)

INDIAN SPACE PROGRAMME

• Satellite Launch Vehicles: SLV, SLV-III, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV, GSLV-III
• Characteristics of Indian Space Programme
• Use of space technology for India’s development
• Upcoming ISRO projects
• Gaganyaan Mission
• Chandrayaan-3
• Aditya L-1 Mission
• LVM-3
• Reusable Satellite Launch Vehicle (RSLV)
• Space Debris
• Mission Shakti
• James Webb Space Telescope
• Indian Space Policy – 2023

DEFENCE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

• Application of drone technology
• Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
• Anti-Ballistic Missile Programme
• Technology in border management
• Defence equipment production in India

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

• Environmental pollution (special focus on air pollution)
• Waste management
• Climate change: causes and effects
• Global warming
• Biodiversity
• Plastic pollution
• Illegal mining and environmental impact

ENERGY RESOURCES

• Renewable energy in India
• Nuclear energy
• Energy from urban and industrial waste
• Electric mobility
• Solar energy

MISCELLANEOUS

• Organic farming
• Robotics: advantages and disadvantages
• Cyber security in India
• Social media: positive and negative aspects
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology and GM crops
• Technology in agriculture
• DNA profiling
• Food fortification
• 3D printing
• 5G technology
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• National Quantum Mission (NQM)
• Rare earth metals
• Superconductivity
• Gravitational waves
• Supercomputers in India
• Blockchain technology
• Cryptocurrency
• Net neutrality
• Cloud seeding
• ChatGPT technology
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

PREPARATION OF NOTES

Preparation of notes is mandatory. Use internet-based sources. Focus on application-based understanding. Use simple and clear language. Avoid deep technical or historical discussion

CONCLUSION

Science and Technology for BPSC Mains is highly scoring if prepared with the right approach. Aspirants should focus on applied aspects, current relevance, and development-oriented applications rather than theoretical depth. Following the strategy discussed above will help aspirants prepare this section effectively and confidently. A clear understanding of syllabus and exam pattern is essential for success.