UPSC Prelims(2026) Practice MCQs 

(Topic: Innovation, R&D, Science & Technology)

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1. With reference to Research and Development (R&D) expenditure in India, consider the following statements:

1. India spends less than 1% of its GDP on R&D.

2. In India, the private sector contributes the largest share of R&D expenditure.

3. Many advanced economies rely heavily on industry-led R&D investment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

• India spends about 0.65% of GDP on R&D → Statement 1 correct.

• In India government dominates R&D spending, not private sector → Statement 2 incorrect.

• In advanced economies industry drives R&D → Statement 3 correct.

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2. The Global Innovation Index (GII) measures innovation performance of countries.

Which of the following indicators are used in assessing innovation capacity?

1. Human capital and research

2. Knowledge and technology outputs

3. Market sophistication

4. Political stability index

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 2 and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Explanation:

GII includes pillars such as Human capital, institutions, infrastructure, market sophistication, knowledge outputs, etc. Political stability index is not a direct indicator.

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3. With reference to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), consider the following statements:

1. It enables inventors to seek patent protection simultaneously in multiple countries.

2. It is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

3. Filing a PCT application automatically grants a global patent.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

• PCT simplifies international patent filing → Correct.

• Managed by WIPO → Correct.

• It does not grant a global patent → Statement 3 incorrect.

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4. Consider the following statements regarding India’s patent ecosystem:

1. Domestic patent filings now constitute the majority of patent applications in India.

2. China files fewer patents annually than India.

3. Patent scale is an indicator of technological influence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Domestic filings are about 62% of total → Correct.

• China files far more patents than India → Statement 2 incorrect.

• Patent scale reflects technological power → Correct.

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5. Which of the following best describes deep technology (Deep Tech) startups?

A. Startups focused on digital marketing services

B. Startups based on fundamental scientific or engineering innovations

C. Startups operating only in e-commerce platforms

D. Startups focused on labour-intensive delivery services

Answer: B

Explanation:

Deep tech startups focus on AI, quantum computing, biotech, semiconductors, robotics, etc.

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6. With reference to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, consider the following statements:

1. It allows patents related to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

2. It encourages private sector participation in nuclear innovation.

3. It bans private participation in nuclear technology.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

The act allows patents in peaceful nuclear technologies, enabling private sector participation.

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7. In the context of innovation ecosystems, which of the following components are essential for translating research into market products?

1. Industry–academia collaboration

2. Venture capital funding

3. Intellectual property protection

4. Risk-tolerant investment culture

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

D. 2 and 4 only

Answer: C

Explanation:

All four elements are crucial for commercialisation of innovation.

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8. Which of the following best explains the term “knowledge-intensive sectors”?

A. Industries that depend primarily on natural resources

B. Industries relying heavily on skilled labour and research

C. Industries focused only on agriculture

D. Industries based on manual labour

Answer: B

Explanation:

Knowledge-intensive sectors include IT, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, research industries.

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9. Consider the following statements regarding India’s innovation ecosystem:

1. India skipped large-scale labour-intensive industrialisation compared to East Asian economies.

2. Many Indian unicorns are based on labour-abundant service models rather than deep-tech innovation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

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10. Which of the following sectors has recently shown promising innovation potential in India due to policy reforms?

1. Private space technology

2. Deep-tech startups

3. Semiconductor design

4. 6G communication technologies

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 2 and 4 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D