Study Approach for International Relations for UPSC Prelims& Mains

International Relations (IR) is a significant component of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, for all three stages of the exam. In recent years, it has gathered weightage in Prelims also in the name of Mapping & facts about Internal organizations too, which are also somewhere connected to current affairs. It also gives you the idea of geo-political scenario & gives you the glance of world history too because as we say “UPSC syllabus is the chain of cousin subjects, & IR and world history together are the examples of it”.

International Relations

Questions on IR will be almost, always be about current happenings in the world. But before you run after the newspaper or some other latest magazine for this section, it’s important that you understand the historical background. Once you understand this historical context, this topic becomes uncomplicated.

For example, India China relations. Don’t focus only on Aksai Chin issues and troop positioning, but understand the larger context of our Border dispute with China, the agreements India had signed starting with the Simla Accord of 1914.

International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) verdict on Kulbhushan Jadhav. Focus on bilateral relation between India and Pakistan, ICJ- its structure and mandate, who are its subjects, how are cases referred to the court, India’s role in global fora etc.,

General Studies Paper I (Prelims Examination)

In the Prelims examination IR comes under heading Current affairs of National and International importance and the nature of Questions from this section is simple and straightforward. One can see approx. 4 to 9 questions in prelims directly related to IR. The Qs are normally asked from international organisations, bilateral and diplomatic agreements or accords signed by India and changes in India’s neighborhood affecting India.

Prelims 2019

Israel Palestine issues was in News and UPSC asked question from this section.

1. The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (2019)

(a) China

(b) Israel

(c) Iraq

(d) Yemen

General Studies Paper II (Mains Examination)

IR is a crucial part of the General Studies Paper II in the UPSC Mains examination. This paper focuses on governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. In the context of IR, the syllabus covers:

• India and its Neighborhood Relations: Understanding India’s relations with its neighboring countries is vital. This includes diplomatic, economic, and strategic aspects.
• Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements: This area involves studying various international organizations, groupings (like ASEAN, SAARC, BRICS), and global agreements in which India participates or which affect India’s interests.
• Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries: Analysis of how the policies of other countries, especially major powers like the USA, China, Russia, and European countries, impact India’s interests.
• Important International Institutions, Agencies, and Fora: This includes the structure, mandate, and functioning of international bodies like the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, WTO, and their impact on India.
• India’s Foreign Policy: The evolution, key features, and significant changes in India’s foreign policy over time.
• For miscellaneous topics like diaspora and international institutions, refer to any good newspaper.

To make your answers comprehensive, always write a multidimensional perspective that includes: the strategic dimension, defence co-operation, technology, education, culture, diaspora, trade and investment, co-operation in global fora etc.

Essay Paper (Mains Examination)

While not explicitly part of the syllabus, topics related to international affairs and relations can be a part of the Essay paper. Candidates are expected to write essays on topics requiring deep insight, including aspects of international relations.

Essay paper 2017

Has the non-alignment lost its relevance in multi- polar world?

Essay paper 2021

Technology is silent factor in international relations.

Current Affairs (Prelims and Mains)

Current affairs, a significant portion of both the Prelims and Mains, often include questions related to international events, India’s foreign relations, and global politics. Staying updated with the latest developments in international affairs is crucial for this section.

Personality Test (Interview)

During the interview, candidates can be asked about recent international events, India’s foreign policy, and their opinions on global issues. A thorough understanding of IR and the ability to articulate well-formed views are essential for this stage.

So, IR is mainly important in the General Studies Paper II of the UPSC Mains examination. However, its relevance spans across various components of the UPSC syllabus, including essay writing, current affairs, and the personality test, making it a pivotal area of study for UPSC aspirants.

Integrate Current Affairs with Static Parts

Newspaper: An aspirant should read newspaper carefully and analyse the major events happening on international front.

Connecting Dots: It’s crucial to relate the latest international events and developments to the static, theoretical aspects of IR. For instance, if you’re studying India’s relations with a neighboring country, correlate it with recent diplomatic visits, agreements, or conflicts..

Regular Revision

Consistent Study: Dedicate regular time slots for revising IR. This should include both the static portions from textbooks and dynamic portions from current affairs.

Mind Maps and Charts: Utilizing visual tools like mind maps can aid in memorizing complex information, like timelines of important treaties, summits, and India’s foreign policy changes.

Draw map:Wherever relevant.

Example: India-Iran relations, you can draw a rough map to show how the Chabahar port helps us to bypass Pakistan and reach Afghanistan.

Act East policy can be demonstrated with arrows pointing from India and showing our specific relationship with Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia and ASEAN, MGC, BIMSTEC etc.,

Note

• Preparing for International Relations for the UPSC exam requires a holistic approach that combines self-study, classroom coaching, mock tests, and current affairs. It is important to follow the recommended syllabus and study material, dedicating enough time and effort to the subject.
• Always do answer writing with PYQs of mains & also go for prelims PYQs also Prelims GS too.