2026 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I

Question 49: Science and Technology

Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct ?

  1. 1.It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 – 1000 physical qubits.
  2. 2.Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.

Select the answer using the code given below :

a1 only
b2 only
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The National Quantum Mission (2023-31, outlay of about Rs 6,000 crore) aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 physical qubits within eight years. It sets up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutions, on quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. Both statements are correct.

  • 1. The Mission targets intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 physical qubits.
  • 2. Four Thematic Hubs are set up in academic and national R&D institutes.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.

    What you needed to know: The Mission targets intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 physical qubits.

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

    What you needed to know: Four Thematic Hubs are set up in academic and national R&D institutes.

Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.

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 on the four hubs is also correct.
  • (b) Incomplete: statement 1 on qubits is also correct.
  • (c) Right: the qubit target and the four T-Hubs are both correct.
  • (d) Wrong: both statements are correct.

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.

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