3-Month Weekly Study Plan – Science & Technology (UPSC)
📘 Month 1 – Core Concepts & Space/Nuclear Tech
Week 1: Basics of Science & Technology
Topics to Cover:
- Role and importance of Science & Tech in human development
- Indian scientific institutions: ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, ICMR, ICAR, BARC
- Government initiatives for research & innovation
- Science Policy in India (STIP 2020)
Tasks:
- Read NCERT Science (Class 9–10) for conceptual clarity
- Prepare short notes on “India’s Science Ecosystem”
- Practice 10 MCQs
Week 2: Space Technology – Part 1
Topics to Cover:
- History and development of India’s space program
- ISRO – Structure, Goals, and Major Centres
- Communication & Remote Sensing Satellites (INSAT, GSAT, RISAT, Cartosat)
- Satellite Launch Vehicles – PSLV, GSLV, LVM3
Tasks:
- Make diagram: “Structure of ISRO”
- Revise recent ISRO missions (2020–2025)
- Watch ISRO documentary (Doordarshan/YouTube)
Week 3: Space Technology – Part 2
Topics to Cover:
- Chandrayaan Missions, Mangalyaan, Aditya L1, Gaganyaan
- NAVIC & its applications
- Global space organizations – NASA, ESA, SpaceX
- Space Debris, Space Law, and International Cooperation
Tasks:
- Prepare notes on India’s future space missions
- Link with current affairs from PIB & ISRO updates
- Practice 1 answer: “India’s Space Achievements – From Aryabhata to Aditya L1”
Week 4: Nuclear Technology
Topics to Cover:
- Basics of Nuclear Fission & Fusion
- India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme
- Nuclear Power Plants in India
- Nuclear Safety & Waste Management
- International Treaties: NPT, CTBT, NSG
- Institutions: BARC, NPCIL, AERB
Tasks:
- Create a map of India’s nuclear power plants
- Revise UPSC PYQs from GS-3 on Nuclear Energy
- Watch 10-min video on Thorium Reactor
⚛️ Month 2 – IT, Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Week 5: Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Topics to Cover:
- Basics: Computers, Internet, ICT applications
- E-Governance & Digital India
- 5G, 6G – Features and Applications
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning
- Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Quantum Computing
Tasks:
- Note examples of AI in governance (UPSC answer enrichment)
- Practice PYQs on ICT
- Write short note: “Quantum Computing – The Next Revolution”
Week 6: Cybersecurity & Data Protection
Topics to Cover:
- Cyber Crimes & National Cyber Security Policy
- CERT-In, Cyber Swachhta Kendra
- Data Privacy & DPDP Act 2023
- Cyber ethics and digital threats (Deepfake, Phishing, Hacking)
Tasks:
- Make a chart of cybersecurity institutions
- Revise 2 current news on cyberattacks in India
- Practice 1 answer: “Need for robust cyber security framework in India”
Week 7: Biotechnology – Part 1
Topics to Cover:
- Basics: DNA, RNA, Genetic Engineering
- CRISPR-Cas9 Technology
- Stem Cell Research & Cloning
- Genome Sequencing Projects
- Human Genome Project
Tasks:
- Prepare short notes on CRISPR & its ethical issues
- Read DBT & ICMR websites for latest biotech news
- Practice 10 MCQs
Week 8: Biotechnology – Part 2
Topics to Cover:
- GM Crops: Bt Cotton, Golden Rice
- Vaccines (mRNA, Covaxin, Covishield)
- Bioethics, Biopesticides, Bioinformatics
- Applications in Agriculture, Health, and Environment
- Regulatory Bodies: GEAC, DBT, ICAR
Tasks:
- Create a table of major biotech applications
- Revise COVID vaccine case study
- Write one short note: “Biotechnology for food security in India”
🔬 Month 3 – Advanced Tech, Energy, & Current Affairs
Week 9: Nanotechnology
Topics to Cover:
- Basics & Properties of Nanomaterials
- Applications: Medicine, Environment, Energy, Electronics
- Government Initiatives: Nano Mission, INSPIRE
- Challenges and Ethical Issues
Tasks:
- Draw a concept map for Nano applications
- Read 1 PIB article on Nano Mission
- Write short note: “Nanotech in Medicine”
Week 10: Energy & New Technologies
Topics to Cover:
- Renewable Energy: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Tidal
- Green Hydrogen Mission
- Biofuels & Waste-to-Energy Technologies
- Smart Grids, Battery Storage (Li-ion, Sodium-ion)
- Nuclear Fusion – ITER Project
Tasks:
- Create chart: “India’s Renewable Energy Targets (2023–2030)”
- Practice 10 MCQs
- Revise current affairs on energy innovation
Week 11: Robotics, Drones & Industry 4.0
Topics to Cover:
- Robotics & Automation in Industries
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)
- Drone Technology – Rules & Uses in India
- Industry 4.0: Smart Factories, Big Data, AI Integration
Tasks:
- Case study: Use of drones in agriculture and mapping
- Practice answer: “Industry 4.0 and the future of employment”
Week 12: Revision, Integration & Mock Practice
Topics to Cover:
- Science & Tech in Governance and Society
- Ethical issues in emerging technologies
- Latest Government Missions:
- National Quantum Mission
- Deep Ocean Mission
- Atal Innovation Mission
- Start-up India, Make in India
Tasks:
- Revise all short notes and flowcharts
- Attempt 1 full mock test (GS Paper 3 – Sci & Tech)
- Practice previous 10 years of UPSC questions
- Write 2 essays:
- “AI – A boon or a threat to humanity?”
- “India’s space program: balancing ambition with sustainability”
📍 Bonus Resources
- Books:
- NCERT Science (6–10)
- “Science & Technology in India” – Spectrum
- Vision IAS / ForumIAS / Insights notes
- Websites:
- ISRO, DRDO, DST, PIB, PRSIndia, Science Reporter
- Magazines:
- Yojana, Kurukshetra, Down to Earth (for case studies)
✅ Outcome After 3 Months
You will:
- Cover 100% of UPSC GS-3 Sci & Tech syllabus
- Have concise short notes for revision
- Be updated with 2023–2025 current affairs
- Be confident in writing analytical answers