UPSC Prelims · Topic-wise PYQs
International Relations UPSC Prelims PYQs
98 questions on International Relations asked in UPSC Prelims, sorted into 3 sub-topics. In the app you practise each sub-topic as a timed test with the UPSC marking (+2 / −0.66 per question), followed by a full analysis.
About International Relations in UPSC Prelims
International Relations is the 5th largest of the 13 topics in the UPSC bank: 98 of its 2,520 topic-wise PYQs (3.9%). The biggest sub-topics are UN & International Organisations (50), World Affairs & Conflicts (37), India & Its Neighbours (11).
Sub-topics and question counts
| Sub-topic | PYQs | Latest year |
|---|---|---|
| UN & International Organisations | 50 | 2026 |
| World Affairs & Conflicts | 37 | 2026 |
| India & Its Neighbours | 11 | 2026 |
| Total | 98 | 2026 |
Sub-topics with fewer than 20 questions are practised inside the International Relations tests in the app and have no page of their own.
International Relations PYQs by the latest year asked
Each question is counted once, under the latest year it was asked in the exam.
| Period | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 and later | 47 | |
| 2016–2020 | 38 | |
| 2011–2015 | 13 |
Sample International Relations questions from the free tests
Question text only. The options, the answer and the explanation open in the free test (free sign-in with your mobile number).
Asked in 2026
Which of the following countries are members of the European Union ?
Attempt it in the free UPSC 2026 GS Paper I
1. Belarus
2. Poland
3. Germany
4. Switzerland
Select the answer using the code given below :Asked in 2026
At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and “Blue Transformation”.
Attempt it in the free UPSC 2026 GS Paper I
Which of the following combinations about the “Four Betters” proposed by FAO for “Blue Transformation” is correct ?Asked in 2026
Which of the following international conventions have not been ratified by India ?
Attempt it in the free UPSC 2026 GS Paper I
1. Employment Policy Convention
2. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention
3. International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
4. Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War
5. Convention on Reduction of Statelessness
Select the answer using the code given below :
Questions students ask
How many International Relations questions has UPSC Prelims asked?
Sovereign IAS has 98 International Relations previous-year questions from UPSC Prelims in 3 sub-topics, the latest from 2026.
Which International Relations sub-topics come up most often?
UN & International Organisations (50 questions), World Affairs & Conflicts (37 questions), India & Its Neighbours (11 questions).
Can I practise UPSC International Relations PYQs for free?
Partly. 12 of these 98 questions are in the free UPSC tests (the latest papers and two topic-wise tests, free with a sign-in); the full set is part of the Destiny Pass.