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Instrumentation Methods – Zoology Optional PYQs (2004–2026)

Here are all 40 Instrumentation Methods questions asked in UPSC Zoology Optional Paper I from 2004 to 2026, arranged under the 3 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.

Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.

Topic-wise weightage graph of Instrumentation Methods, Zoology Optional Paper I, 2013–2026 vs 2022–2026
Topic-wise weightage of Instrumentation Methods (Paper I) – share of marks, 2013–2026 (white) vs 2022–2026 (black).

6.1] Spectrophotometry, microscopy and tracers

16 questions

  1. Explain the principle, instrumentation and applications of fluorescence microscope. [2025/15m/7b]

  2. Explain the principle, instrumentation and applications of UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. [2024/15m/7b]

  3. Explain the principle of spectrophotometer and describe its following components: (i) Radiation sources (ii) Phototube (iii) Prism. [2020/15m/6c]

  4. Ultracentrifuge. [2019/10m/150w/5e]

  5. Write about phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy with notes on their principles and applications in Zoology. [2017/15m/6c]

  6. Explain the principle, types and applications of ultracentrifuge. [2017/15m/7c]

  7. Write the principle, working and uses of spectrophotometer. [2016/10m/150w/5b]

  8. Differentiate between the Phase Contrast and Fluorescent Microscopy. [2014/10m/150w/5e]

  9. Describe the principle, structure and function of Liquid scintillation counter and mention its application. [2014/15m/7c]

  10. While using a compound microscope, how will you know how much you are magnifying an object? Through a diagram show the relative working distance under low and high powers. [2013/10m/150w/5a]

  11. What is the principle of spectrophotometry? Discuss the details of instrumentation and application of spectrophotometer. Comment upon the common feature of spectrophotometric assay and ELISA, if any. [2013/25m/8a]

  12. Discuss the theoretical basis of spectrophotometry with reference to the Beer-Lambert law. Write an account of the instrumentation, maintenance and application of spectrophotometer. [2011/30m/8b]

  13. Radioactive Tracers. [2009/20m/200w/5c]

  14. Describe the principle and working of Geiger-Muller counter and its use in Biology. [2006/30m/8b]

  15. what is Lambert-Beer’s Law? Discuss the construction of spectrophotometer. Add a note on the applications of UV-visible spectrophotometry in biological studies. [2005/30m/8a]

  16. Describe the principle and working of a flame photometer. [2004/30m/8b]

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6.2] Molecular techniques

18 questions

  1. Principle and applications of gel electrophoresis. [2026/10m/150w/5e]

  2. Chromosome Painting. [2024/10m/150w/5d]

  3. What is ELISA? Explain the principle, types, procedure and applications of ELISA. [2023/20m/8a]

  4. Describe principle, working mechanism and applications of gel electrophoresis. [2022/10m/150w/5c]

  5. Write principle, working mechanism and uses of PCR. [2022/15m/7c]

  6. FISH. [2021/10m/150w/5b]

  7. Describe the principle and applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). [2021/15m/7b]

  8. Describe chromosome painting and its versatility in modern diagnostics. [2020/15m/7c]

  9. Describe the principle and applications of gel electrophoresis. [2020/15m/8b]

  10. Explain the principle and procedure of “ELISA”. Give a note on its application. [2019/15m/7c]

  11. PCR. [2018/10m/150w/5e]

  12. Describe ‘FISH: Principle, Procedure and Applications’. [2017/10m/150w/5a]

  13. What is ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay)? Write its principle and procedure. Add a note on its applications. [2016/15m/8c]

  14. Electrophoresis is a valuable tool in resolving cryptic-species complexes. Discuss. [2015/10m/150w/5e]

  15. What is chromosome painting? Comment on its principles and scope. [2015/15m/7a]

  16. What is PCR? Give an illustrated account of various steps of this technique in DNA amplification. [2012/15m/8b]

  17. Gel Electrophoresis. [2009/20m/200w/5b]

  18. Southern blotting technique and Western blotting technique. [2004/20m/200w/1b]

6.3] Electron microscopy

6 questions

  1. Write the principle, working and applications of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). [2026/15m/8c]

  2. Differentiate between SEM and TEM. [2021/15m/8c]

  3. TEM. [2020/10m/150w/5e]

  4. What is resolution of a microscope? Comment on the principles of SEM and TEM. Describe the structure, working and applications of any one of the electron microscope in biology. [2018/15m/7c]

  5. What is EM? Mention different types of EM. Describe the structure and function of TEM. Mention its applications in biology. [2010/20m/200w/5d]

  6. what is electron microscopy? Mention different types of electron microscopes and their use in biology. [2007/30m/8b]

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Last updated: 31 October 2026