RAS Science and Technology, Environment and Health — Study Material

The RAS Science and Technology syllabus is not a demand to memorise every scientific discovery. It tests whether a candidate understands common principles, recognises applications and can connect technology with health, agriculture, environment and public policy. This guide follows the official Prelims headings.

1. Basics of everyday science

Build concepts from observation: identify the phenomenon, explain the principle, then give an everyday example. In physics, revise motion, force, work, power, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism. In chemistry, revise matter, atoms, elements, compounds, acids, bases, salts, metals and non-metals, fuels and common chemical applications. In biology, understand cells, nutrition, respiration, circulation, excretion, reproduction and immunity.

For numerical questions, write the known quantities and units before selecting a formula. For conceptual questions, eliminate options that confuse related terms—for example, power with energy or heat with temperature.

2. Computers, information and communication technology

Know the basic roles of hardware, software, operating systems, memory, storage, networks, the internet and common digital services. Distinguish the internet from the web, data from information, and authentication from authorisation. Cyber safety includes strong unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, software updates, careful handling of links and protection of personal information.

For emerging ICT topics, learn the underlying idea, common uses, benefits, risks and governance questions. Do not treat a technology’s advertised capability as proof that it is always accurate, secure or suitable.

3. Indian space and defence technology

Study the purpose of satellites, remote sensing, navigation, communications and meteorological applications; the broad role of launch vehicles; and the place of space technology in disaster management, agriculture and connectivity. Defence technology topics include indigenous systems, missile programmes, drones and surveillance, alongside legal and safety considerations. Confirm recent mission names, dates and achievements from official Indian space or defence sources before using them in current-affairs answers.

4. Inheritance, variation, genetic engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology

Inheritance concerns how biological information passes between generations; variation arises through genetic differences and environmental influences. Genetic engineering deliberately modifies genetic material, while biotechnology uses organisms, cells or biological processes for practical purposes. Nanotechnology studies and applies materials at very small scales, where properties can differ from bulk materials.

For genetically modified organisms, understand the intended trait, possible benefits, environmental or health questions, assessment process and ethical, legal and social concerns. Avoid blanket claims that all biotechnology is either risk-free or harmful; evaluation depends on the specific product, use and evidence.

5. Human health, food and nutrition, diseases and public health

Nutrition involves adequate energy, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, water and dietary fibre. Deficiencies and excesses can both affect health. Learn the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases, routes of transmission, prevention, vaccination, sanitation and the role of public-health surveillance.

Public-health programmes should be studied through their objective, target population, service delivery and verified current provisions. Do not memorise treatment claims from unverified sources; exam preparation should rely on reputable public-health references.

6. Environmental and ecological change; impact assessment

An ecosystem links living organisms with physical surroundings through energy flow and nutrient cycles. Environmental change may affect habitats, water, soil, health and livelihoods. Environmental impact assessment is a process for identifying and evaluating likely effects of a proposed activity and considering mitigation, alternatives and monitoring. Study its purpose and general steps, and verify current legal procedures from official sources.

7. Biodiversity, conservation and sustainable development

Biodiversity includes variation within species, between species and among ecosystems. Threats can include habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, overuse and climate change. Conservation can take place within natural habitats or outside them through measures such as protected areas, restoration, seed banks and captive breeding. Strong answers recognise that conservation works best when ecological goals, scientific evidence and local livelihoods are considered together.

8. Agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry with Rajasthan focus

Connect crop growth to climate, soil, water, nutrients, pests and farm management. Horticulture covers fruits, vegetables, flowers and related production systems; forestry concerns trees, ecosystems, products and land management; animal husbandry includes breeding, feeding, health and productivity of livestock. In Rajasthan, climate variability and water management are important context, but regional practices differ and should be studied with state-specific evidence.

9. Government programmes, recent advances and indigenous science

For each programme, record its objective, responsible department or institution, intended beneficiaries and measurable output. For a scientific advance, learn what problem it addresses, how it works at a basic level, what has actually been demonstrated and what limitations remain. “Indigenisation” means developing or producing capability domestically; it should be assessed through technology, supply chains, skills, costs and reliability, not slogans alone.

Revision check

• Explain one everyday physics principle with a practical example.
• Compare biotechnology and genetic engineering.
• Explain the difference between climate mitigation and adaptation.
• Describe how remote sensing can support agriculture or disaster management.

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