UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions

Prelims 2025

1 question

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsCollective Security, Military Alliances and NATOHard

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Fact recall

2025 · Q21

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

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Prelims 2024

3 questions

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Pairs
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Countries in news · Sudan conflict · Argentina crisis
Related topics:: Collective Security, Military Alliances and NATO
Current-affairs connection:: Country news/crisis contexts explicitly tested in the exam (As tested in the 2024 paper). Exam source

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2024 · Q87

Consider the following pairs: Country — Reason for being in the news 1. Argentina — Worst economic crisis 2. Sudan — War between the country’s regular army and paramilitary forces 3. Turkey — Rescinded its membership of NATO How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement relationship
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Sahel · Military coups · Regional instability
Current-affairs connection:: Recent Sahel instability and coups explicitly tested in the exam (As tested in the 2024 paper). Exam source

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2024 · Q91

Consider the following statements : Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement relationship
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Venezuela · Economic crisis · Migration · Oil reserves
Related topics:: Conventional Energy Resources and Petroleum Geography
Current-affairs connection:: Recent Venezuela crisis and migration context explicitly tested in the exam (As tested in the 2024 paper). Exam source

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2024 · Q97

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries. Statement-II: Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

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Prelims 2023

5 questions

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Somalia famine · Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises
Related topics:: UN Peacekeeping, Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Action

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2023 · Q78

Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Pairs
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: regions in conflict · Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises
Related topics:: Countries, Borders and Political Map Locations

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2023 · Q93

Consider the following pairs: Regions often mentioned in news — Reason for being in news 1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia and Azerbaijan 2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique 3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement relationship
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Arab Peace Initiative · Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises
Related topics:: Treaties, Agreements and Summit Diplomacy

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2023 · Q94

Consider the following statements: Statement-I:Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Pairs
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: conflict locations · Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises
Related topics:: Countries, Borders and Political Map Locations

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2023 · Q97

Consider the following pairs: Area of conflict mentioned in news — Country where it is located 1. Donbas : Syria 2. Kachin : Ethiopia 3. Tigray : North Yemen How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: African coups · Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises
Related topics:: Countries, Borders and Political Map Locations

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2023 · Q98

In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons common to all of them?

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Prelims 2022

2 questions

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Senkaku dispute · Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises
Related topics:: Islands, Peninsulas, Coasts and Archipelagos

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2022 · Q86

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Pairs
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: countries in political crisis · Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises
Related topics:: Countries, Borders and Political Map Locations

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2022 · Q87

Consider the following pairs: Country : Important reason for being in the news recently 1. Chad : Setting up of permanent military base by China 2. Guinea : Suspension of Constitution and Government by military 3. Lebanon : Severe and prolonged economic depression 4. Tunisia : Suspension of Parliament by President How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

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Prelims 2020

1 question

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsNuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control RegimesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: IAEA nuclear safeguards · Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes
Related topics:: Nuclear Fission, Reactors and Fuel Cycle

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2020 · Q55

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not?

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Prelims 2018

4 questions

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsNuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control RegimesMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes · International Security and Strategic Affairs
Related topics:: Nuclear Fission, Reactors and Fuel Cycle

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q7

What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)". Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises · International Security and Strategic Affairs
Related topics:: Health, Nutrition and Human Development Indicators

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q18

Very recently, in which of the following countries have lakhs of people either suffered from severe famine/acute malnutrition or died due to starvation caused by war/ethnic conflicts?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises · International Security and Strategic Affairs
Related topics:: Countries, Borders and Political Map Locations

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q24

The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsNuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control RegimesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes · International Security and Strategic Affairs
Related topics:: Nuclear Fission, Reactors and Fuel Cycle

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q33

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’?

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Prelims 2017

2 questions

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsNuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control RegimesMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes · International Security and Strategic Affairs
Related topics:: Nuclear Fission, Reactors and Fuel Cycle

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2017 · Q28

Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsMaritime Security, Sea Lanes and the Indian OceanMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Maritime Security, Sea Lanes and the Indian Ocean · International Security and Strategic Affairs
Related topics:: Commonwealth, IORA, Indian Ocean and Other Regional Forums

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2017 · Q68

Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. 2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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Prelims 2016

2 questions

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesMedium

Question details

Type:: Pairs
Skill:: Connecting topics
Tags:: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises · Consider the following pairs :
Related topics:: Countries, Borders and Political Map Locations · Refugee Law, Migration Law and Statelessness

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2016 · Q19

Consider the following pairs : Community sometimes mentioned in the news | In the affairs of 1. Kurd : Bangladesh 2. Madhesi : Nepal 3. Rohingya : Myanmar Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArms Control, Disarmament and Confidence-Building MeasuresMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Arms Control, Disarmament and Confidence-Building Measures · With reference to 'Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)', consider the following statements :
Related topics:: CBRN Detection and Protection

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2016 · Q20

With reference to 'Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)', consider the following statements : 1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO. 2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging. 3. It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Prelims 2015

1 question

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsNuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control RegimesEasy

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes

2015 · Q88

Consider the following countries : 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

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Prelims 2014

1 question

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArmed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical CrisesEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

2014 · Q34

Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as ‘Arab Spring’ originally started from

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Prelims 2011

2 questions

International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsArms Control, Disarmament and Confidence-Building MeasuresEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Arms Control, Disarmament and Confidence-Building Measures
Related topics:: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes

2011 · Q19

The “New START” treaty was in the news. What is this treaty?

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International RelationsInternational Security and Strategic AffairsNuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control RegimesMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes
Related topics:: Arms Control, Disarmament and Confidence-Building Measures

2011 · Q49

Recently, the USA decided to support India's membership in multi-lateral export control regimes called the "Australia Group" and the "Wassenaar Arrangement". What is the difference between them? 1. The Australia Group is an informal arrangement which aims to allow exporting countries to minimize the risk of assisting chemical and biological weapons proliferation, whereas the Wassenaar Arrangement is a formal group under the OECD holding identical objectives. 2. The Australia Group comprises predominantly of Asian, African and North American countries, whereas the member countries of Wassenaar Arrangement are predominantly from the European Union and American continents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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Microthemes in this theme· 8

No microtheme selectedChoose a microtheme from the cards above to narrow the questions.

PYQs on International Security and Strategic Affairs

Prelims 2025

Prelims 2024

Prelims 2023

Prelims 2022

Prelims 2020

Prelims 2018

Prelims 2017

Prelims 2016

Prelims 2015

Prelims 2014

Prelims 2011

International Security and Strategic Affairs

Microthemes in this theme· 8

No microtheme selectedChoose a microtheme from the cards above to narrow the questions.

PYQs on International Security and Strategic Affairs

Prelims 2025

Prelims 2025, question 21: Collective Security, Military Alliances and NATO

Prelims 2024

Prelims 2024, question 87: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2024, question 91: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2024, question 97: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2023

Prelims 2023, question 78: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2023, question 93: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2023, question 94: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2023, question 97: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2023, question 98: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2022

Prelims 2022, question 86: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2022, question 87: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2020

Prelims 2020, question 55: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes

Prelims 2018

Prelims 2018, question 7: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes

Prelims 2018, question 18: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2018, question 24: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2018, question 33: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes

Prelims 2017

Prelims 2017, question 28: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes

Prelims 2017, question 68: Maritime Security, Sea Lanes and the Indian Ocean

Prelims 2016

Prelims 2016, question 19: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2016, question 20: Arms Control, Disarmament and Confidence-Building Measures

Prelims 2015

Prelims 2015, question 88: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes

Prelims 2014

Prelims 2014, question 34: Armed Conflicts, Peace Processes and Geopolitical Crises

Prelims 2011

Prelims 2011, question 19: Arms Control, Disarmament and Confidence-Building Measures

Prelims 2011, question 49: Nuclear Security, Non-Proliferation and Export-Control Regimes