Previous Years Prelims Questions (PYQs)
Q1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2022
Consider the following statements:
Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues.
Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces.
Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 on
(d) 1, 2
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix (EPS). They attach to living and non-living surfaces (catheters, joint implants, food machinery) and display up to 1,000-fold higher antibiotic resistance than planktonic bacteria.
Q2. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
Genetic predisposition of some people
Incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
Using antibiotics in livestock farming
Multiple chronic diseases in some persons
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Acquired antimicrobial resistance in pathogens is driven by inappropriate dosage/over-the-counter misuse in humans and non-therapeutic use as growth promoters in livestock and poultry.
Q3. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021
Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?
(a) They protect the body from environmental allergens.
(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
(d) They protect
Correct Answer: (d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
Previous Years Mains Questions (PYQs)
UPSC CSE Mains 2014 (GS Paper III):
"Can overuse and the free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription be contributors to the emergence of a drug-resistant disease in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved." (10 Marks / 150 Words)
UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper III):
"What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?"
(Context: Breakthroughs like enzyme-based wound healing patches for chronic diabetic foot ulcers directly address high-burden morbidity in lower-income populations).
UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper III):
"How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers?"
(Context: Metagenomics and utilizing livestock by-products/rumen microbiome for industrial and medical enzyme extraction).
PYQ Trend & Core Themes Matrix
| Recurring Theme | Exam Year(s) | Key Analytical Angles Tested |
| Bacterial Biofilms | 2022 (Pre) | Surface adhesion, EPS barrier properties, implant contamination, multidrug resistance. |
| Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) | 2014 (Mains), 2019 (Pre) | Drivers of resistance, irrational OTC sales, Schedule H1 rules, One Health veterinary linkages. |
| Applied Biotechnology | 2019 (Mains), 2021 (Mains) | Rumen metagenomics, indigenous healthcare interventions, affordable therapeutics. |
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