2026 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I

Question 46: Science and Technology

Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India's space programme :

  1. 1.The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
  2. 2.Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
  3. 3.Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

a1 only
b2 and 3 only
c1 and 2 only
d1, 2 and 3

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

IN-SPACe, set up in 2020 under the Department of Space, is an autonomous agency that authorises and promotes private participation in space activities. Agnikul Cosmos launched its Agnibaan SOrTeD in May 2024 with a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine, described as the world's first such flight. Skyroot Aerospace builds its own launch vehicles and engines (the Vikram series); it did not develop a liquid fuel for the GSLV, so statement 3 is wrong.

  • 1. IN-SPACe is the autonomous agency that facilitates private participation.
  • 2. Agnikul flew a 3D-printed rocket engine in 2024.
  • 3. Skyroot builds its own Vikram rockets; it did not develop fuel for the GSLV.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.

    What you needed to know: Agnikul flew a 3D-printed rocket engine in 2024.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.

    What you needed to know: Skyroot builds its own Vikram rockets; it did not develop fuel for the GSLV.

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 1.

This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Incomplete: statement 2 is also correct.
  • (b) Wrong: statement 3 is false, and statement 1 is correct.
  • (c) Right: IN-SPACe and the Agnikul 3D-printed engine are correct.
  • (d) Wrong: statement 3 is false.

Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.