UPSC CSE Prelims
Information & Communication Technology Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Information & Communication Technology
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Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct?
- Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.
- Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network, syncing within seconds.
- Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.
- Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
All four statements correctly describe blockchain technology. Blockchain stores identical copies of data across multiple nodes, allows transparent record-sharing, supports consortium (hybrid) blockchains, and uses cryptographic algorithms to make tampering extremely difficult.
However, since there is no option containing 1, 2, 3, and 4, the best available answer is Option C (1, 2 and 4).
Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger where transactions are stored in linked blocks secured by cryptography. Its key features are decentralization, transparency, immutability, and security, making it useful in finance, supply chains, and digital governance.
Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote “an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items"?
Detailed Explanation:
Correct Answer: ✅ Option 3 (Metaverse)
The Metaverse refers to a persistent, interconnected network of 3D virtual worlds where millions of users can interact, work, socialize, create content, and own digital assets. A key feature is interoperability, allowing movement and interaction across different virtual environments.
❌ Big Data Analytics – Incorrect: It involves analyzing large datasets to derive insights and patterns, not creating virtual worlds.
❌ Cryptography – Incorrect: It is the science of securing communication and digital transactions. While important for virtual assets, it does not describe the virtual ecosystem itself.
✅ Metaverse – Correct: It is an interoperable network of virtual worlds where users can own, buy, sell, and transfer digital assets and experiences.
❌ Virtual Matrix – Incorrect: This is not a recognized term for the concept described in the question.
Short Notes: Metaverse
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A shared 3D virtual environment accessible through the internet.
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Combines Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), AI, and Blockchain technologies.
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Allows users to interact through digital avatars.
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Supports ownership of virtual assets through NFTs and digital property rights.
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Key feature: Interoperability between virtual platforms.
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Can be used for gaming, education, business meetings, shopping, and entertainment.
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Often associated with the development of Web 3.0.
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Major technology companies are investing in metaverse ecosystems.
With reference to Web 3-0, consider the following statements :
- Web 3-0 technology enables people to control their own data.
- In Web 3-0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
- Web 3-0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
Web 3.0 represents the next generation of the internet built on decentralization, blockchain technology, and user ownership. All three statements correctly describe key features of Web 3.0 technology.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Web 3.0 enables users to control their own data through decentralization, eliminating the need for centralized platforms to store and manage personal information.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Blockchain technology is fundamental to Web 3.0 and enables the creation of decentralized social networks where users own their content and interactions.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Web 3.0 operates on a decentralized model where users collectively maintain and control the network, rather than a single corporate entity.
📝 Short Notes: Web 3.0
- Definition: The third generation of internet services focusing on decentralization, blockchain technology, and semantic web capabilities
- Core Technologies: Blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and decentralized protocols
- Key Features: User data ownership, permissionless access, trustless interactions, and tokenization
- Differences from Web 2.0: Web 2.0 is centralized (controlled by corporations), while Web 3.0 is decentralized (user-controlled)
- Applications: Decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and blockchain-based social networks
- Advantages: Enhanced privacy, data security, censorship resistance, and direct peer-to-peer interactions
- Challenges: Scalability issues, high energy consumption, regulatory uncertainty, and user adoption barriers
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With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements:
- SaaS buyers can customize the user interface and can change data fields.
- SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
- Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements correctly describe the characteristics and examples of Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS is a cloud computing model where software is hosted remotely and accessed via the internet, eliminating the need for local installation.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Most SaaS platforms allow users to customize the user interface and modify data fields according to their business requirements, providing flexibility within the hosted environment.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: A fundamental advantage of SaaS is platform-independent accessibility, enabling users to access their data and applications from any device with internet connectivity, including mobile devices.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Outlook (web version), Hotmail, and Yahoo! Mail are classic examples of SaaS applications where email services are delivered over the internet without requiring local software installation.
📝 Short Notes: Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Definition: SaaS is a cloud computing service model where applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to users over the internet.
- Key Characteristics: No local installation required, subscription-based pricing, automatic updates, multi-tenant architecture, and accessibility from anywhere.
- Advantages: Lower upfront costs, scalability, automatic maintenance and updates, cross-platform compatibility, and reduced IT infrastructure burden.
- Common Examples: Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets), Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Dropbox, Slack, Zoom, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Cloud Service Models: SaaS (Software), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) form the three main cloud computing service models.
- Security Considerations: Data is stored on third-party servers, requiring trust in the provider's security measures and compliance standards.
Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Quantum Computing
A qubit (quantum bit) is the fundamental unit of information in quantum computing, analogous to the classical bit. Unlike classical bits that exist in either 0 or 1 state, qubits can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously, enabling quantum computers to perform complex calculations exponentially faster for certain problems.
📝 Short Notes: Quantum Computing Fundamentals
- Qubit (Quantum Bit): The basic unit of quantum information that can exist in superposition of |0⟩ and |1⟩ states simultaneously.
- Superposition: A quantum phenomenon where a qubit exists in multiple states at once until measured, unlike classical bits which are deterministic.
- Quantum Entanglement: Qubits can be entangled such that the state of one instantly affects another, regardless of distance.
- Quantum Gates: Operations that manipulate qubits, analogous to logic gates in classical computing but exploiting quantum properties.
- Decoherence: The main challenge in quantum computing where qubits lose their quantum properties due to environmental interference.
- Applications: Cryptography, drug discovery, optimization problems, artificial intelligence, and financial modeling.
- Major Players: IBM, Google, Microsoft, and various research institutions are developing quantum computers with increasing qubit counts.
With reference to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), consider the following statements.
- They enable the digital representation of physical assets.
- They are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain.
- They can be traded or exchanged at equivalency and therefore can be used as a medium of commercial transactions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 2 only
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique cryptographic tokens on blockchain that enable digital representation of physical or digital assets. However, unlike fungible assets, NFTs cannot be traded at equivalency since each token has a unique value and characteristics, making them unsuitable as a standard medium of commercial transactions.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: NFTs enable digital representation of physical assets through tokenization, allowing real-world items like real estate, artwork, or luxury goods to be represented on blockchain, facilitating ownership transfer and reducing fraud.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: NFTs are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain with distinct identification codes and metadata that differentiate each token from others, unlike fungible cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: NFTs are non-fungible by definition, meaning they cannot be traded or exchanged at equivalency; each NFT has unique characteristics and value, unlike fungible assets (fiat currency, Bitcoin) that can serve as standard medium of exchange.
📝 Short Notes: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
- Definition: Unique digital identifiers recorded on blockchain that certify ownership and authenticity of specific digital or physical assets
- Key Characteristic: Non-fungibility means each token is unique and cannot be replaced or exchanged on a one-to-one basis
- Technology: Built on blockchain platforms like Ethereum, using smart contracts to enforce ownership and transfer rules
- Applications: Digital art, collectibles, gaming assets, virtual real estate, music rights, and tokenization of physical assets
- Difference from Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies are fungible (interchangeable), while NFTs are unique with distinct values
- Tokenization: Process of converting rights to an asset into a digital token on blockchain
- Limitations: Cannot function as medium of exchange due to non-fungibility; high energy consumption concerns; speculation and volatility issues
With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements:
- It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
- The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
- Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1 and 3 only
Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology where data is transparent and publicly inspectable, yet no single entity controls the network. While blockchain gained prominence through cryptocurrencies, its applications extend far beyond digital currencies to supply chain management, smart contracts, healthcare records, and more.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Blockchain functions as a public, distributed ledger that anyone can inspect, but which operates without centralized control, being maintained by a network of nodes.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Blockchain's architecture is not limited to cryptocurrency data; it can record and verify any type of digital information including contracts, identity records, supply chain data, and voting records.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The open-source and decentralized nature of blockchain allows developers to build applications (DApps) leveraging its core features—transparency, immutability, and decentralization—without requiring permission from any central authority.
📝 Short Notes: Blockchain Technology
- Definition: A distributed, decentralized ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in a way that makes records immutable and transparent.
- Key Features: Decentralization (no single point of control), Transparency (public inspection), Immutability (records cannot be altered retroactively), Security (cryptographic hashing).
- Structure: Data is stored in blocks, each containing transaction data, timestamp, and cryptographic hash of the previous block, forming a chain.
- Applications Beyond Cryptocurrency: Supply chain tracking, smart contracts, digital identity verification, healthcare records management, voting systems, land registry, and intellectual property protection.
- Types: Public blockchains (permissionless, like Bitcoin), Private blockchains (permissioned, restricted access), and Hybrid blockchains (combination of both).
- Consensus Mechanisms: Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS), Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT), and others ensure network agreement on transaction validity.
With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?
- VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.
- VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.
- VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth
- VLC has no electromagnetic interference.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 1, 3 and 4 only
Visible Light Communication (VLC) is an optical wireless communication technology that uses visible light spectrum for data transmission. Statements 1, 3, and 4 correctly describe VLC's characteristics, while statement 2 incorrectly classifies it as long-range communication.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: VLC operates in the visible light spectrum range of 375 nm (violet) to 780 nm (red), which falls within the electromagnetic spectrum.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: VLC is a short-range optical wireless communication technology, typically limited to distances within a room or line-of-sight areas, not long-range communication.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: VLC can achieve data transmission speeds significantly faster than Bluetooth, with potential speeds reaching several Gbps compared to Bluetooth's maximum of around 50 Mbps.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Since VLC uses light waves instead of radio frequencies, it does not cause or suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it suitable for sensitive environments like hospitals and aircraft.
📝 Short Notes: Visible Light Communication (VLC)
- Technology Basis: Uses LED bulbs to transmit data through rapid light intensity modulation imperceptible to the human eye
- Spectrum Range: Operates in 375-780 nm wavelength (visible light spectrum)
- Speed: Can achieve data rates from 100 Mbps to several Gbps, much faster than WiFi and Bluetooth
- Range: Short-range technology, typically effective within 10 meters in line-of-sight conditions
- Advantages: No electromagnetic interference, high security (light cannot penetrate walls), energy efficient, uses existing LED infrastructure
- Limitations: Requires line-of-sight, affected by ambient light, cannot work through opaque objects
- Applications: Indoor navigation, underwater communication, secure data transfer in sensitive areas, vehicle-to-vehicle communication
- Li-Fi: A related technology that uses VLC for high-speed wireless internet connectivity
With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
- LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
- LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements about LTE and VoLTE technologies are incorrect. LTE is marketed as 4G (not 3G) and is a high-speed data technology that can also support voice through circuit-switched fallback, while VoLTE is not voice-only but enables voice calls over the same 4G LTE data network along with simultaneous data services.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: LTE is commonly marketed as 4G technology, not 3G, and VoLTE is an enhancement of 4G LTE for voice services, not advanced 3G.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: LTE is not data-only (it can support voice through fallback mechanisms), and VoLTE is not voice-only (it delivers voice over the data network while allowing simultaneous data usage).
📝 Short Notes: LTE and VoLTE Technologies
| Feature | LTE (Long-Term Evolution) | VoLTE (Voice over LTE) |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 4G technology | Advanced 4G technology |
| Primary Function | High-speed data transmission | Voice calls over 4G data network |
| Voice Support | Circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) to 2G/3G for voice | Voice carried as data packets over LTE |
| Data During Calls | Data interrupted during voice calls (with CSFB) | Simultaneous voice and data usage |
| Call Quality | Standard voice quality | HD voice quality with faster call setup |
| Network Efficiency | Separate channels for voice and data | Unified IP-based network for both services |
In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?
- Location identification of a person
- Sleep monitoring of a person
- Assisting the hearing impaired person
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3
Wearable technology devices are capable of performing all three mentioned tasks through integrated sensors and connectivity features. Modern wearables combine GPS, biometric sensors, and audio processing capabilities to assist users in various ways.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Smartwatches and fitness trackers with GPS functionality can identify and track a person's real-time location for navigation, safety, and fitness tracking purposes.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Wearable devices equipped with accelerometers and heart rate sensors can monitor sleep patterns, including duration, stages (REM, deep, light sleep), and overall sleep quality.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Hearing aid wearables and some smartwatches can amplify sounds and process audio to assist hearing-impaired persons by improving sound clarity and volume.
📝 Short Notes: Wearable Technology
- Definition: Electronic devices worn on the body that incorporate sensors, processors, and wireless connectivity to collect data and provide services.
- Common Types: Smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, hearing aids, health monitors, and smart clothing.
- Key Features: Real-time health monitoring (heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG), GPS tracking, notifications, activity tracking, and biometric authentication.
- Health Applications: Continuous glucose monitoring for diabetics, fall detection for elderly, stress monitoring, and remote patient monitoring.
- Technology Components: Sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate, GPS), Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, battery management, and companion mobile apps.
- Examples: Apple Watch, Fitbit, Google Glass, Cochlear implants, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Garmin fitness trackers.
The identity platform `Aadhaar' provides open "Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)". What does it imply?
- It can be integrated into any electronic device.
- Online authentication using iris is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
The availability of open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for Aadhaar enables developers and organizations to integrate Aadhaar-based authentication and verification services into various electronic devices and applications. This architectural design allows for seamless integration across platforms and supports multiple authentication methods including biometric verification.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Open APIs allow Aadhaar to be integrated into any electronic device such as smartphones, tablets, Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, and other digital platforms, enabling developers to build Aadhaar-enabled applications.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Aadhaar's biometric authentication system supports online authentication using iris scans (along with fingerprints and facial recognition), making secure identity verification possible through the available APIs.
📝 Short Notes: Aadhaar and APIs
- Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all Indian residents based on biometric and demographic data.
- Open APIs: Application Programming Interfaces that allow third-party developers to integrate Aadhaar services into their applications and devices without requiring proprietary access.
- Authentication Methods: Aadhaar supports multiple authentication modes including demographic (name, age, address), One-Time Password (OTP), and biometric (fingerprint, iris, facial recognition).
- e-KYC Services: Aadhaar APIs enable electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) services for instant verification in banking, telecom, and other sectors.
- Integration Capabilities: APIs facilitate integration across diverse platforms including mobile apps, web portals, ATMs, PoS devices, and IoT-enabled devices.
- Security Features: All API transactions are encrypted and follow strict security protocols to protect user privacy and prevent unauthorized access.
When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to the office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term best applies to the above scenario?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Internet of Things
The scenario describes an interconnected ecosystem where everyday devices (smartphone, geyser, smart mirror, refrigerator, car, etc.) communicate with each other autonomously, exchange data over a network, and perform automated tasks based on triggers without requiring direct human intervention. This is the defining characteristic of the Internet of Things (IoT), which connects physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity to collect and exchange data.
Why other options are incorrect:
❌ Option 1 – Border Gateway Protocol: BGP is a routing protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems on the internet; it is not related to device intercommunication.
❌ Option 3 – Internet Protocol: IP is a foundational protocol for addressing and routing packets across networks, but does not encompass the intelligent device-to-device communication described.
❌ Option 4 – Virtual Private Network: VPN is a technology for creating secure, encrypted connections over public networks, not for enabling smart device ecosystems.
📝 Short Notes: Internet of Things (IoT)
- Definition: IoT is a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that enables them to collect, exchange, and act on data autonomously.
- Key Components: Sensors/devices, connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular), data processing platforms, and user interfaces.
- Applications: Smart homes (automated lighting, thermostats), smart cities (traffic management, waste management), healthcare (wearable health monitors), agriculture (precision farming), and industrial automation.
- Benefits: Increased efficiency, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, energy conservation, and enhanced user convenience.
- Challenges: Security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns, interoperability issues between different devices/standards, and data management complexity.
- Examples in India: Smart cities mission, precision agriculture initiatives, connected vehicles, and smart grid projects for electricity distribution.
Consider the following pairs :
| Terms sometimes seen in news | Context /Topic |
|---|---|
| 1. Belle II experiment | Artificial Intelligence |
| 2. Blockchain technology | Digital/Cryptocurrency |
| 3. CRISPR — Cas9 | Particle Physics |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?
Detailed Explanation:
The correct answer is 2 only (Option 2). Belle II is a particle physics experiment, not Artificial Intelligence. Blockchain is the technology behind cryptocurrencies. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology used in biotechnology, not particle physics.
Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions securely and transparently. It is the core technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and has applications in finance, supply chains, and digital identity.
With reference to ‘Bitcoins’ sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries.
- Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address.
- Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Bitcoins are not tracked by Central Banks. Bitcoin operates on a decentralized blockchain network without central authority oversight. Central Banks do not maintain or monitor Bitcoin transactions.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address. No intermediary or bank approval is required for peer-to-peer transactions.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other. Bitcoin addresses are pseudonymous—only the addresses appear on the blockchain, not the real identities of users.
With reference to ‘LiFi’, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission.
- It is a wireless technology and is many times faster than ‘WiFi’.
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: LiFi (Light Fidelity) uses visible light waves from LED bulbs for high-speed data transmission through rapid flickering invisible to human eyes.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: LiFi is a wireless technology with theoretical speeds exceeding 100 Gbps, significantly faster than WiFi's current maximum of 11 Gbps.
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