Space and Defence Technology — UPSC Prelims PYQs (Set 1)

Q1. The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) recently introduced a national standard to test and assess bomb disposal system. Which of the following statements with regard to this system is/are correct ?
1. The new standard is known as IS 19445 : 2025.
2. It will improve interoperability of equipment across agencies.
3. It was developed by TBRL, DRDO in collaboration with the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute, Russia.
Select the answer using the code given below : UPSC Prelims 2026

Q2. Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ?
1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material.
2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies.
3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation.
Select the answer using the code given below : UPSC Prelims 2026

Q3. Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme :
1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? UPSC Prelims 2026

Q4. Which of the following statements with regard to drone swarms is/are correct ?
1. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centre.
2. Individual drones in the swarm can communicate with other drones in the swarm.
3. GPS Spoofing is a commonly used technique to counter drone swarm attack.
Select the answer using the code given below : UPSC Prelims 2026

Q5. Which of the following items of defence hardware is/are manufactured in India ?
1. Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets
2. T-90 MK-III Tanks
3. Akula Class Submarine
Select the answer using the code given below : UPSC Prelims 2026

Q6. With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements :
I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.
II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.
III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.
How many of the statements given above are correct? UPSC Prelims 2025

Q7. What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media? UPSC Prelims 2025

Q8. With reference to India, consider the following :
I. The Inter-State Council
II. The National Security Council
III. Zonal Councils
How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India? UPSC Prelims 2025

Q9. Consider the following space missions :
I. Axiom-4
II. SpaDeX
III. Gaganyaan
How many of the space missions given above encourage and support microgravity research? UPSC Prelims 2025

Q10. With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs :
I.
II.
III.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? UPSC Prelims 2025

Q11. GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. UPSC Prelims 2025

Q12. Consider the following activities :
1.
2.
3. In how many of the above activities can the radars be used ? UPSC Prelims 2024

Q13. Consider the following aircraft :
1. Rafael
2. MIG-29
3. Tejas MK-1
How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft ? UPSC Prelims 2024