Emerging Tech — AI, Semiconductors, Quantum, Cybersecurity, ICT & Standards

What should you study in Emerging Tech?

• Digital India — DigiLocker, UMANG, UPI, CoWIN platform
• ICT in governance — e-courts, e-hospital, DBT, PFMS
• 5G rollout — spectrum, applications, India's telecom policy
• Standards & certification — BIS, STQC, IP rights (patents, copyrights)

How often is Emerging Tech asked in UPSC Prelims?

Asked in 6 of 10 years, including 5 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

1. 2016: not asked
2. 2017: not asked
3. 2018: not asked
4. 2019: not asked
5. 2020: asked
6. 2021: asked
7. 2022: asked
8. 2023: asked
9. 2024: asked
10. 2025: asked

About the Prelims GS Paper I paper

General Studies Paper I is the Prelims paper that decides the cut-off: 100 multiple-choice questions for 200 marks, with negative marking for wrong answers. See all 88 Prelims GS Paper I topics.

Related topics to study next

• General Science — Physics Basics (Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, Nuclear)High-yieldasked 5/10 yrs
• General Science — Chemistry (Elements, Reactions, Acids/Bases, Everyday Chemistry)High-yieldasked 4/10 yrs
• General Science — Biology (Cell, Genetics, Disease, Nutrition, Human Body)High-yieldasked 6/10 yrs
• Space Technology — ISRO Missions, Satellites, Planetary Science & Space EconomyHigh-yieldasked 7/10 yrs
• Biotechnology — Genomics, GMO, Vaccines, CRISPR, Biosafety & Health TechHigh-yieldasked 7/10 yrs
• Gandhi & Mass Movements — NCM, CDM, Quit India MovementHigh-yieldasked 7/10 yrs
• Temple Architecture — Nagara, Dravida, Vesara, Buddhist & Jain MonumentsHigh-yieldasked 7/10 yrs
• Heritage Governance — UNESCO (WH/Intangible), ASI, GI Tags, PRASAD, HRIDAYHigh-yieldasked 7/10 yrs