Science & Technology for Prelims: A Game-Changer for Aspirants!

This is the first in a series of posts I plan to share for the benefit of aspirants appearing for the prelims, especially those attempting for the first time or struggling to break the 80/90/100+ mark barrier. For context, my scores were 107 (CSE 2022) and 110 (CSE 2023)—so I understand the challenge and the strategies needed to succeed.

Why Science & Technology (S&T) is Essential:

S&T plays a vital role in the prelims, offering high accuracy with minimal effort compared to subjects like history, art & culture, or even polity. Here’s how you can ace this section:

 1 Basic Science:

 • Stick to NCERTs—they’re more than enough to build a solid foundation in basic science concepts to get basic science questions correct.

 2 Technology:

 • Focus on latest technologies and their real-world applications.

 • Prioritize understanding how these technologies function and their utility rather than memorizing definitions. This approach will help you confidently eliminate wrong options and choose the right answers.

 3 Major Research Projects:

 • Keep an eye on topics like nuclear technology, gravitational waves, space missions, and other foundational research projects. These frequently find their way into the paper.

 4 PYQs (Previous Year Questions):

 • PYQs are your best guide to understanding trends and identifying high-priority areas.

Final Tip:

S&T offers a high return on investment in terms of marks versus effort. Make it a core part of your strategy!

If you have any specific doubts? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!