By signing in you confirm you are 18 or older, or have your parent’s or guardian’s consent.

UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1, question 49

Topic: Science and technology

Q49

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

  1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50−100050-1000 physical qubits.

  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 :

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) Both 1 and 2Correct answer
  4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

  1. Statement 1 is correct: approved in April 2023 (for 2023-2031), the National Quantum Mission (NQM) targets building intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 physical qubits over 8 years.
  2. Statement 2 is correct: NQM establishes four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and R&D institutes covering Quantum Computing (IISc Bengaluru), Quantum Communication (IIT Madras), Quantum Sensing & Metrology (IIT Bombay), and Quantum Materials & Devices (IIT Delhi).