Topic Astronomy
Asked 5 times across 2 UPSC exams over 32 years (1991–2023), peaking in 1991.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 3 of 5 PYQs
- Most asked in 1991
- Recurs across 4 years (1991–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1991 → CDS 2019
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (3 of 5) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2023
Consider the following statements about science in medieval South India
- The Katapayadi system of numerals, which was invented by Vararuchi of Kerala, the author of Chandra Vakyas, was used for calculating the position of Moon on any day of the year
- Achyuta Pisharati (1550 – 1621) wrote Uparagakriyakrama, a text on eclipses
- Ravi Varma of Mahodayapuram set up an observatory and is also said to have inaugurated the Kollam era
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A 1 and 3 only
- B 3 only
- C 1 and 2 only
- D 1, 2 and 3 ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Science & Technology › History & Foundations of Science
CDS2019
Which one among the following stars is nearest to the earth?
- A Sirius
- B Arcturus
- C Spica
- D Proxima Centauri ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Science & Technology › Space Tech
CSE1992
Jupiter completes one circuit of the Sun in
- A 13 years
- B 12 years ✓
- C 16 years
- D 10 years
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Geography › Geomorphology
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