The Science & Technology, Environment & Ecology section of the UPSC syllabus is designed to evaluate a candidate's understanding of fundamental scientific principles, technological advancements, environmental challenges, and ecological concepts. This part of the syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including the structure and functioning of living organisms, chemical and physical processes, advancements in biotechnology, human health, and space technology. Additionally, it addresses environmental issues, ecological dynamics, and internal security concerns related to scientific and technological developments.
Biology
Chemical Building Blocks of Life
- History and Origin of Life
- Diversity of Living Things
- Classification and Domains of Life
- Viruses
- Prokaryotes
- Eukaryotes
- Protists
- Plants
Life's Evolution
- Evolution of Life Forms
- Evolution of Humans
Genetic Principles
- Inheritance Mechanisms
- DNA and RNA
- Gene Expression
- Control of Gene Activity
- Genetic Mutations
Cellular Structure
- Structure of Cells
- Cell Membranes
- Cell Communication
- Cellular Respiration
- Energy and Metabolism
- Cell Division
- Formation of Tissues
- Tissues
- Epithelial Tissues
- Connective Tissues
- Muscle Tissues
- Nervous Tissues
Organ Systems and Human Physiology
- Skeletal and Muscular Systems
- Reproductive System
- Excretion, Osmoregulation, and Thermoregulation
- Digestive System
- Immune System
Nutrition
- Classification Based on Energy and Carbon Source
- Plant Nutrition
- Animal Nutrition
- Human Dietary Patterns
Plant Processes
- Photosynthesis
- Cellular Respiration
- Plant Water Regulation
- Reproduction in Plants
Imaging Methods
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Biological Fuel Production
- Formation and Importance of Fossil Fuels
- Biofuels Derived from Biomass
- Biodiesel
- Natural Gas and Petroleum
- Hydrogen Generation
Chemistry
Atoms and Compounds
- Elements and Molecules
- Various States of Matter
- Structure of Atoms
Metallurgy and Chemistry
- Metallurgical Processes
- Acids and Bases
Electrochemistry Applications
Solutions and Substances
- Characteristics of Solutions
Chemicals in Daily Life
Biochemistry and Pharmaceuticals
- Chemistry of Pharmaceuticals
- Carbon and its Various Forms
- Hydrocarbons and their Derivatives
- Biomolecules
- Vitamins and Enzymes
Physics
Characteristics of Fundamental Particles
- Basic Forces in Nature
- Energy and its Various Forms
Study of Light and Optics
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Theories and Laws in Physics, Including Relativity
- Concepts of Electromagnetism
- Heat and Thermodynamic Principles
- Understanding Waves
- Mechanical Wave Phenomena
- Electromagnetic Wave Behavior
Exploring the Universe
- Big-bang theory and singularity
- Dark matter and energy
- Black holes
- Neutrino Observatory
- Gravitational Waves
Biotechnology
Genetic Engineering: Procedure and Utilization
- Genomics Study
- Proteomics Study
- Varieties of RNA and Technological Applications
- Genome Sequencing and its Practical Uses
Biotechnology Application in Environmental Context
- Bio Composting
- Bioremediation
- Microbial Remediation
- Carbon Capture Techniques
Plant Biotechnology
- Genetically Modified Plants
- Techniques and Uses of Plant Biotechnology
Animal Biotechnology
- Genetically Modified Animals
- Techniques and Uses of Animal Biotechnology
Biotechnology's Role in Food and Beverage Industry
- Bioprocessing
- Bioreactors
- Enzyme Manipulation
- Food Processing
- Single Cell Protein Production
- Food Fortification
Biotechnology in Agriculture
- Genetically Modified Technology
- Genetically Modified Crops
- Plants Resistant to Pests
Biotechnology and Medical Field
- Gene Editing
- Gene Therapy
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- Antibody-Antigen Interactions and Detection Methods
- Embryo Transfer Techniques
- Stem Cells and their Engineering
- Biopharmaceuticals and Therapeutic Proteins
- Brain Fingerprinting Technology
- Protocols for Biosafety
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Biotechnology
- Recent Developments and Current Trends in Biotechnology and its Practical Applications
Human Health and Diseases
Human Ailments
- Ordinary Human Diseases and Their Responsible Agents
- Diseases Arising from Insufficient Nutrients
- Human Disease in Connection with Molecular Biology
- Disease Correlation with Chromosomal Inheritance
- Disease Correlation with Non-Chromosomal Inheritance
- Diseases Transmitted by Vectors
- Diseases Spread through Water
- Health Issues Stemming from Lifestyle
Vaccination and Building Immunity
- Vaccination Initiatives in India
Pharmaceuticals
- Antibiotic Medications
- Drugs for Combating Viruses and Fungi
- Medical Treatment with Monoclonal Antibodies
- Challenges Related to Resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs
- Development of Drug Mixtures
- Drug Cost Structure in India
- Role of Genetics in Pharmacology
Space Sector
Different Types of Orbits
- Diverse Categories of Launch Vehicles and their Uses
- Space Expeditions Conducted by Prominent Space Agencies
NASA Space Missions
Activities and Achievements of ISRO
- European Space Agency (ESA) Missions
- Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Endeavors
- Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Initiatives
- China National Space Administration (CNSA) Ventures
ISRO's Contribution to National Advancement
Private Sector Involvement in Space Activities
- Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors in the Space Domain
- Space Technology Innovations
- Cryogenic Techniques
- Nanosatellites in Space Operations
- Electric Propulsion Utilization
- Satellite-Based Internet
- Communication with Starlink
- Satellite Communication Applications
- Remote Sensing and its Practical Uses
- Ground Segment Services in Space Domain
- Environmentally Friendly Propellant Options
- Deep Space Atomic Clock Implementation
Strategic Implications in Space Domain
- Space Weaponry
- Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) Technology
- Laser Technology in Space Applications
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) Technology
Global Collaboration in Space Endeavors
- Various Space Observatories Worldwide
- Assorted Telemetry Systems
- Navigation Systems in Space Domain
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Galileo Navigation System
- GLONASS
- IRNSS
Defence
Missile Systems and Their Categorization
- Ballistic and Cruise Missiles
- India's Array of Missiles
- Comprehensive Initiative for Integration of Guided Missiles
- Programs Focusing on Missile Defense
Advancements in Defense Technology
- Incorporation of Robotics in the Defense Industry
- Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in Defense Operations
- Integration of the Internet of Military Things (IoMT) in the Defense Sector
- Cyber Warfare, and Preparedness
- Drone Technology
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
- Stealth Technology
- Advanced Defence Equipment
- Air Defence system
- 3-D printing missiles
- Lethal Autonomous Weapons
- Hypersonic Technology
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicles
- Hypersonic Cruise Missile
Armament Technology
- Conventional Arms
- Weapons Capable of Causing Mass Destruction
- Explosive Devices using Fission and Fusion
- Armament Utilizing Chemical Agents
- Warfare Equipment Employing Biological Agents
- Weapons Employing Directed Energy
Restructuring of Defense Sector
- Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Establishment
- Various Committees and Their Recommendations
Spheres of Warfare
- Military Platforms
- Submersible Warships
- Vessels for Aircraft Transportation
- Combat-Ready Airplanes
Military Organizations and Research Facilities
- Military Drills and Training Exercises
Nuclear Energy in India
Varieties of Nuclear Reactions
- Nuclear Power and its Utilization
- Peaceful and Military Exploitation of Nuclear Power
- Materials Used for Nuclear Fission and Centrifugation
Nano Technologies in India
Basics of Nano Science and Nano Technology
- Nanomaterial
- Applications of Nano Technology
- Nano Medicine
- Semiconductors and Computing
- Food
- Textiles
- Sustainable Energy
- Environment
- Transport
- Space
- Agriculture
Definition of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- Categories of Intellectual Property Rights
- Global Pacts and Organizations Dealing with IPR
- Intellectual Property Rights Framework in India
- India's Strategy for Safeguarding Intellectual Property Rights
Device for Harnessing Nuclear Energy
- India's Stance on Nuclear Energy
- Effects of Nuclear Radiation
- Consequences of Radioactive Waste
- Events Involving Nuclear and Radiological Catastrophes
Impacts of Nano Technology
- Adverse Health and Environmental
- Social and Ethical Impacts
- Nano Science & Nano Technology in India
Environment and Ecology
Ecology
- Types of Ecology
- Ecological Hierarchy
- Scope of Ecology
- Habitat & Ecological Niche
- Ecological Principles
- Ecological Community
- Structure and Characteristics of a Community
- Ecotones
- Ecological Dominance
- Seasonal and Diurnal Fluctuation
- Ecological Succession
- Types and Process of Succession
- Climax Community
- Range of Tolerance, Maximum Range
- Difference between Ecology, Environment and Ecosystem
Ecosystem and its Dynamics
- Ecosystem Definitions
- Functions and Properties of Ecosystem
- The Structure/Components of Ecosystem
- Abiotic Components
- Biotic Components
- Ecosystem Dynamics
- Flow of Energy in Ecosystem
- Trophic Levels
- Food Chain
- Types & Significance of Food Chain
- Food Web
- Models for Energy Flow
- Ecological Productivity
- Ecological Pyramid
- Biomagnifications
- Biological Control
- Organic Farming
Biogeochemical Cycles
- Parts of a Biogeochemical Cycle
- Types of Biogeochemical Cycle
- Carbon Cycle
- Nitrogen Cycle
- Phosphorus Cycle
- Sulphur Cycle
Biomes: Forest, Grassland, Mountain, and Desert Ecosystems
- Biome
- Grasslands
- Tundra
- Deserts
- Mountain Biome
Aquatic Life Zones
- Aquatic Ecosystems
- Basic Facts about the Ocean
- Importance of the Ocean
- Zones of the Ocean
- Marine Life
- Coral Reefs in India
- Mangroves
- Freshwater in India
- Importance of Lakes
- National Lake Conservation Plan
Wetlands and Their Importance
- Ramsar Convention
- Ramsar Sites
- Montreux Record
- Extent and Distribution of Wetlands in India
Basics of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity
- Important Kinds of Biodiversity
- Endemic Species
- Keystone Species
- Indicator Species
- Invasive Species
- Allopatric and Sympatric Speciation
- Bioinformatics
- Biodiversity Distribution
- State of Global Biodiversity
- Threats to Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Hotspots
- Eco-regions
- Role of Traditional Knowledge in Biodiversity
- Biopiracy
- Extinction of Species
- IUCN Red-List of Threatened Species
- Level of Biodiversity in India
- Biogeographical Classification of India
Biodiversity Conservation
- Ex-situ and In-situ Conservation
- Seed Banks
- Botanical Gardens
- Protected Areas
- State of Protected Areas in the World
- UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB)
- Characteristics of Biosphere Reserves
- International Agreements for Biodiversity Conservation
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- Cartagena Protocol
- Nagoya Protocol
- Aichi Biodiversity Targets
- Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas of India
- Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of India
- Global Tiger Initiative
- Project Tiger
- Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species
- Use of Indigenous Knowledge for Conserving Biodiversity
- Seed Village
Minerals and Environmental Deterioration
- Interaction Between Mining and the Environment
- Vulnerability of Specific Ecosystems to Mining Activities
- Effects of Mining
- Indirect Ramifications of Mining Operations
- International Regulations Regarding Mining
- Sustainable Mining Practices
Deforestation
- Factors Behind Deforestation
- Consequences of Deforestation in Relation to Climate Change
- Impact of Deforestation on India's Wildlife
- Effects of Deforestation on the Indian Monsoon
- Influence of Deforestation on Human Populations
- Deforestation's Role in Erosion of Water and Soil Resources and Flooding
- Economic Ramifications
- Approaches to Mitigate Deforestation
- Government Initiatives for Forest Preservation
- Laws for Forest Conservation with Community Involvement
- Measures to Enhance Community Engagement in Forest Resource Management
- Utilization of Local Traditional Techniques
Waste Management
- Solid Waste
- Hazardous Waste
- E-Waste
- Bio Medical Waste
- Plastic Waste
- Methods for Waste Management
Sustainable Development
- Principles of Sustainability
- Measurement of Sustainability
- Sustainable Ethics or Equitable Utilisation of Natural Resource
- Challenges to Sustainable Development
- International Efforts to Achieve Sustainability
Air Pollution
- Sources and Effects of Air Pollution
- Classification of Air Pollutant
- Control Measures of Air Pollution
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Water Pollution
- Sources and Types of Water Pollution
- Effects of Water Pollution
- Water Quality Standards
- Control of Water Pollution
Thermal Pollution
- Sources and Effects of Thermal Pollution
- Control of Thermal Pollution
Soil Pollution or Land Degradation
- Sources of Soil Pollution
- Effects of Soil Pollution
- Control Measures
Solid Waste Management
- Sources and Effects of Solid Waste
- Control Measures of Solid Waste
- Solid Waste Management Rules
Hazardous Waste Management (HWM)
Coastal Ecosystem Management
- Mangroves
- Salient Features of Mangroves
- Importance of Mangroves
- Mangroves under Threats in India
Legal and Regulatory Approaches for Protection
- Estuaries
- Importance of Estuaries
- Threats to Estuaries
- Coral Reefs
- Uses of Coral Reefs
- Conservation of Coral Reefs
- Steps for Coastal Ecosystem Management
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Government Body which Executes EIA
- Environmental Effects Analysed under EIA
- Process of EIA
- EIA Ruling 1984
Environmental Laws
- Provisions in the Indian Constitution towards Environmental Protection
- Salient Features of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Salient Features of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Salient Features of Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Salient Features of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Salient Features of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Role of Government in Environmental Protection
Environment Related Institutions and Organizations
- Pollution Control Boards
- National Green Tribunal
- Forest Survey of India
- National Board for Wildlife
Environmental Schemes
- Ecomark Scheme
- National Afforestation Program
- National River Conservation Plan
- National Mission for Clean Ganga
- National Air Quality Index (AQI)
- National Action Programme to Combat Desertification
- UJALA Scheme
- Bharat Stage Norms
International Environmental Governance
- UNEP
- UNDP
- Centre for Biological Diversity
- WWF for Nature
- IUCN - Red List
- Birdlife International
International Conventions/Protocols
- Basics of Climate Change
- Green House Effect and Global Warming
- Global Climate Change: International Efforts to Control Global Warming
- Global Climate Change
- Ozone Layer Depletion or Ozone Hole
- Acid Rain
- El Nino
- La Nina
Impact of Agriculture on Climate
- Agriculture Increases CO2 Emissions
- Monoculture Practice Impacts Biodiversity
- Pollution due to Use of Chemical Fertilizers
- Soil-related Effects
- Fertilizer’s Effect on the Environment
- Impact of Livestock on Environment
- Impact of Use of Pesticides on Environment
- Impact of GM Crop on Environment
Emission of Methane from Agricultural Practices
Sustainable Agriculture Techniques
Internal Security
Challenges to Internal Security
- Social Diversity as a Security Concern
- Examining Internal Security Concerns Stemming from Immediate Neighbors
- Threats Posed by Non-State Entities within Borders
- Global Metrics for State Vulnerability to Non-State Actors
- Balancing Law and Order with Internal Security
Terrorism's Impact on India
- Evolving Nature of Terrorism
- The Shifting Landscape of Terrorism and its Ramifications
- Terrorist Threats Confronting India
- Holistic Framework for Combating Terrorism
- Shortcomings in Intelligence Infrastructure
Organized Crime
- Types of Organized Crime
- Problems in Controlling Organized Crimes
- Drug Trafficking in India
- Combating Organized Crimes
- Linkage of Terrorism and Organized Crime in India
Spread of Extremism
- Why Naxalism got Huge Support from Common Man?
- Why Naxalism is Biggest Threat to Internal Security?
Basics of Cyber Security
- Types of Cyber Crimes
- Impact and Steps Needed
- Recent Incident: Ransomware
- India’s Cyber Security Infrastructure
- The National Cyber Security Policy of India 2013
- Recent Issues
Cyber Warfare
- Social Media and Internal Security Threat
- Money Laundering
- Black Money in India
Police Reforms in India
- The Organisational Structure
- Duties and Responsibilities of the Centre’s Role in Policing
- Traditional Security Challenges
- Non-Traditional Security Challenges (NTS)
- Recommendations for Police Reforms
Various Security Forces and Their Mandate
- Assam Rifles
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Central Reserve Police Force
- National Security Guard
- Integrated Theatre Commands
- National Maritime Security
- Coordination Issues with Paramilitary Forces
Disaster Management
Natural & Man-Made Disasters
- Types of Disasters
- India’s Vulnerability Profile
- Earthquakes
- Tsunamis
- Landslides
- Flood
- Drought
- Epidemics
- Nuclear Reactor Explosion
- Dam Collapse
- Oil Spill
- Volcanic Eruption
- Forest Fires
Disaster Management, Preparedness & Mitigation
- Management of Disasters
- Community Management
- Government Initiatives to Tackle Disasters
- National Disaster Management Act, 2005
- Global Framework for Disaster Risk Management
- Role of Media in Disaster
- Gender Implications of Disasters
- Disaster Management Cycle
- Role of NGOs in Disaster Management
- Pre-disaster Preparation
