International Relations questions in UPSC Prelims 2026 demanded both factual recall and conceptual clarity. This analysis examines the UPSC Prelims International Relations questions 2026, showing how many questions appeared, which topics were emphasised, and offers practical advice to help candidates strengthen their preparation for future prelims. The tone is student-centric, aiming to make the analysis actionable for revision plans and test practice.

International Relations Questions for UPSC Prelims 2026 Overview

The following data offers a concise overview of the International Relations questions from UPSC Prelims 2026. This data helps aspirants understand the distribution and nature of questions asked in the examination. There are total 11 questions from this segment.

International Relations Questions from UPSC Prelims 2026 with Answers

Candidates can review the types of International Relations questions asked in the UPSC Prelims 2026. Reviewing these questions can assist candidates in familiarising themselves with the question patterns. Here are sample questions from the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 with their respective answers:

Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries?

(a) Ecuador

(b) Peru

(c) Bolivia

(d) Colombia

Correct Answer- (a) Ecuador

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". Which of the following combinations about the "Four Betters" proposed by FAO for "Blue Transformation" is correct?

(a) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better ocean

(b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life

(c) Better coral reefs, better nutrition, better environment and better life

(d) Better estuaries, better nutrition, betterenvironment and better mangrove vegetation

Correct Answer- (b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life

 Ships from which of the following countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out to the Indian Ocean?

1. Bahrain

2. Syria

3. Qatar

4. Egypt

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1 and 3

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 3 and 4

Correct Answer- (b) 1 and 3

Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:

Code:

A B C D

(a) 3 1 2 4

(b) 3 2 1 4

(c) 4 2 1 3

(d) 4 1 2 3

 Correct Answer- (c) 4 2 1 3

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are not correct in terms of outcomes of this visit?

1. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg

2. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation

3. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific

4. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 4

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 only

Correct Answer- (b) 1 and 4

'X', born in the UK, was conferred the Nobel Prize in 2025. He was a professor in an American university when this prize was announced. Identify 'X':

(a) Michel H. Devoret

(b) Richard Robson

(c) John Clarke

(d) Joel Mokyr

Correct Answer- (c) John Clarke

 A bond whose proceeds are used only to finance or refinance a combination of both environmental and social projects is called:

(a) Green Bond

(b) Social Bond

(c) Sustainability Bond

(d) Sovereign Bond

Correct Answer- (c) Sustainability Bond

Which of the following statements about insurance in aviation sector is/are correct?

1. 'Aviation Hull Insurance' covers the physical aircraft, including the body, engine, and on-board equipment.

2. Under the Montreal Convention, adopted in 1999 by over 130 countries, including India, airlines are strictly liable to pay compensation to the family/nominee of every deceased passenger without requiring the family to prove fault.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer- (c) Both 1 and 2

Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct?

1. They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection.

2. They record both the cockpit voice and flight data.

3. Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer- (b) 2 and 3 only

Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 is/are correct?

1. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non- cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station.

2. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry.

3. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically.

 Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 2 only

Correct Answer- (d) 2 only

 With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details:

In how many of the above rows are the given details correctly matched?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) None

Correct Answer- (a) 1

These instances clearly demonstrate how many questions are asked from Current Affairs in UPSC Prelims are integrated into the examination, making comprehensive preparation in this area crucial for aspirants.

IR  Questions for UPSC Prelims 2026 Preparation Strategy

International Relations for UPSC Prelims should be prepared as a current-affairs-driven subject with a strong static base. The most effective strategy is to combine PYQ pattern study, short notes, map work, and regular revision of major organisations, agreements, and India’s foreign policy priorities.

What to study

Focus on these high-yield areas:

• International organisations, their mandates, reports, and structure.

• India’s foreign policy themes such as Neighbourhood First, Act East, QUAD, BRICS, BIMSTEC, and IPEF.

• Bilateral and multilateral exercises, operations, and agreements involving India.

• Places in news, especially border regions, conflict zones, and maritime chokepoints.

• Recent global developments, summits, conventions, and regional groupings.

How to prepare

1. Build a one-time static base from a reliable source and do not keep switching books.

2. Make short notes topic-wise so revision becomes quick before the exam.

3. Study PYQs to identify repeating themes such as organisations, treaties, places in news, and India’s role in global events.

4. Revise current affairs in a tight monthly cycle, especially the last 12 to 18 months.

5. Practice MCQs regularly, then review why each wrong option is wrong