{"id":3391,"date":"2025-05-27T19:46:47","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T14:16:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=3391"},"modified":"2025-12-19T12:56:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T07:26:11","slug":"ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"IR Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 Analysis, Number of questions and Difficulty Level Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025\/#UPSC_Prelims_2025_IR_Questions\">UPSC Prelims 2025 IR Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025\/#IR_UPSC_Prelims_2025_Key_Areas_Covered\">IR UPSC Prelims 2025 Key Areas Covered<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025\/#IR_UPSC_Prelims_Difficulty_Level\">IR UPSC Prelims Difficulty Level<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025\/#IR_UPSC_Prelims_2025_Preparation_Strategy_A_Practical_Approach\">IR UPSC Prelims 2025 Preparation Strategy: A Practical Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025\/#How_Many_Questions_of_IR_in_UPSC_Prelims_2025\">How Many Questions of IR in UPSC Prelims 2025?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/ir-questions-in-upsc-prelims-2025\/#Ancient_Questions_in_UPSC_Prelims_2025_FAQs\">Ancient Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_2025_IR_Questions\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims 2025 IR Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following are the IR questions asked in the UPSC Prelims 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following countries:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Austria<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. Bulgaria<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> III. Croatia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> IV. Serbia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> V. Sweden<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> VI. North Macedonia<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a) Only three<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) Only four<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) Only five<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) All the six<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) India to Central Asia via China<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) India to Europe through Azerbaijan<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following statements:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Statement I:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Statement II:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35 \u00b0C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a) I only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) II only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) Both I and II<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) Neither I nor II<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD):<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It provides loans and guarantees to middle income countries.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. It works single-handedly to help developing countries to reduce poverty.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> III. It was established to help Europe rebuild after World War II.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) I and II only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) II and III only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) I and III only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) I, II and III<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following countries:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> United Arab Emirates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. France<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> III. Germany<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> IV. Singapore<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> V. Bangladesh<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) Only two<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) Only three<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) Only four<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) All the five<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> III. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> IV. In BIMSTEC, the subsector of &#8216;tourism&#8217; is being led by India.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) I and II<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) II and III<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) I and IV<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) I only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Co-chaired by India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. Along with other countries, the US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) I only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) II only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) Both I and II<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) Neither I nor II<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following pairs:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> International Year of the Woman Farmer : 2026<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism : 2027<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> III. International Year of Peace and Trust : 2025<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> IV. International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence : 2029<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) Only one<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) Only two<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) Only three<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) All the four<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Q) Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(a) I and II<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (b) II and III<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (c) I and III<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (d) I only<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-csat-answer-key\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT Answer key<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IR_UPSC_Prelims_2025_Key_Areas_Covered\"><\/span><b>IR UPSC Prelims 2025 Key Areas Covered<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following were the areas from which questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2025:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3396\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-27-193230.png?resize=300%2C144&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-27-193230.png?resize=300%2C144&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-27-193230.png?w=437&amp;ssl=1 437w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Topics Covered<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Key Insights &amp; Preparation Tips<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Global Institutions and Groupings<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NATO, BRICS, IBRD, BIMSTEC (member states, founding years, roles)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on structure, evolution, and functions of organizations.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Multilateral Summits and Declarations<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI Action Summit, INSTC (outcomes, participants, alignments)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read official declarations and summit summaries for updated insights.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Geostrategic Corridors &amp; Infrastructure<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">INSTC, UPI\u2019s global outreach (India\u2019s connectivity, fintech diplomacy)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Track bilateral\/multilateral projects and India\u2019s strategic role.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Climate and Global Risk Reports<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wet-bulb temperatures, World Bank reports (climate terms, human impact)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand applied climate science and institutional findings.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>International Year Declarations<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UN-designated years (themes, objectives)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these areas requires a cross-functional reading of current affairs, international reports, and static portions from standard IR texts. No single source offers complete coverage, so aspirants must rely on a mix of daily news analysis, monthly compilations, and official releases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-paper-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>UPSC Prelims GS Question Paper 2025<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IR_UPSC_Prelims_Difficulty_Level\"><\/span><b>IR UPSC Prelims Difficulty Level<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IR UPSC Prelims difficulty level in 2025 ranged from moderate to slightly high. Some questions were direct and factual, but many required contextual understanding. For example, candidates needed to compare different groups or identify causes behind international shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The options in multiple-choice questions were also close, making it harder to guess correctly. This reinforced the need for clarity and in-depth reading, not just surface-level preparation.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IR_UPSC_Prelims_2025_Preparation_Strategy_A_Practical_Approach\"><\/span><b>IR UPSC Prelims 2025 Preparation Strategy: A Practical Approach<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IR preparation does not need to be overwhelming. A focused and consistent approach is key. Here\u2019s a structured plan:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Step<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Action<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Resources\/Tools<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Key Benefits<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>1<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build Conceptual Clarity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Class 12 NCERT (Political Science, World Politics)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Foundational understanding of global institutions, India\u2019s foreign policy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Basic IR textbooks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Simplifies complex concepts<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>2<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refer to Standard IR &amp; Current Affairs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Monthly magazines (EPW, Yojana)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Updated knowledge on multilateral orgs, summits<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Government releases (MEA website, UN reports)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Ensures factual accuracy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Standard IR books (e.g., &#8220;India\u2019s Foreign Policy&#8221; by Rajiv Sikri)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Comprehensive coverage of global groupings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>3<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solve Previous Year Papers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; UPSC Prelims past papers (2010\u20132023)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Identifies recurring themes (India\u2019s global role, new partnerships)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Familiarizes with question framing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>4<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain Updated Fact Sheets<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Tables\/charts for:<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Quick revision of key facts (members, mandates)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; NATO, BRICS, BIMSTEC, IBRD<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Tracks evolving geopolitical alignments<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; INSTC, climate reports, UN declarations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>5<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take Theme-Based Mock Tests<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Tests on:<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Improves speed and accuracy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; International organizations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Simulates exam pressure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Trade corridors (INSTC), climate summits<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Reinforces topic-wise weak areas<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>6<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use Visual Tools<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; World maps (geostrategic corridors)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Spatial understanding of partnerships<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Flowcharts (India\u2019s bilateral\/multilateral ties)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Simplifies complex engagements for retention<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b>Are you preparing for UPSC 2025?<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/prelims\/prelims-samadhaan-mentorship-2025?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=home_page&amp;utm_campaign=course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>Join IAShub&#8217;s UPSC coaching batches<\/b><\/a><b> to boost your preparation. Enroll now!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Prelims 2025 IR questions confirmed one thing: this section is here to stay. While the number may vary, the depth and importance remain constant. For serious aspirants, IR should not be treated as optional or secondary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IR (International Relations) has remained a key area of focus in the<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.upsc.gov.in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In 2025, the trend held firm. The paper featured several well-structured and concept-driven questions from the IR segment. These tested not only memory but also conceptual clarity and interpretative ability. This article offers a close analysis of the questions, the themes they covered, the difficulty level, and what aspirants need to know to prepare well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc-exam\/upsc-prelims-marks-calculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>UPSC Prelims 2025 Marks Calculator<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Many_Questions_of_IR_in_UPSC_Prelims_2025\"><\/span><b>How Many Questions of IR in UPSC Prelims 2025?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A review of candidate feedback and paper analysis reveals that 10 questions were directly drawn from International Relations. This number reflects the consistent emphasis placed on the ancient period by UPSC in recent years. Some questions were stand-alone while others integrated with broader historical or cultural questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This makes it clear: candidates cannot afford to ignore International Relations in their preparation strategy. Whether the number varies slightly year to year, the section continues to hold weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read:<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc-key\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Answer Key<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ancient_Questions_in_UPSC_Prelims_2025_FAQs\"><\/span><b>Ancient Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025 FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-3392 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-3392{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-3392 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-3392{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-3392.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-3392.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-3392.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-3392.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-3392.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1748351831\"><div id=\"sp-ea-3392\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-3392\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-33920\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse33920\" aria-controls=\"collapse33920\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> How many questions of IR were asked in UPSC Prelims 2025?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse33920\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-3392\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-33920\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Around 7 questions from IR appeared in the UPSC Prelims 2025, covering key political, cultural, and philosophical themes.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-33921\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse33921\" aria-controls=\"collapse33921\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What was the difficulty level of IR in UPSC Prelims 2025?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse33921\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-3392\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-33921\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The difficulty level ranged from moderate to high, with a mix of factual and concept-based questions requiring contextual understanding.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-33922\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse33922\" aria-controls=\"collapse33922\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the main topics covered under IR in UPSC Prelims?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse33922\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-3392\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-33922\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key topics include political history, religion, philosophy, art, architecture, literature, and social structures.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-33923\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse33923\" aria-controls=\"collapse33923\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Is IR important for UPSC Prelims preparation?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse33923\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-3392\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-33923\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes, IR is a vital part of the syllabus and carries consistent weight in the Prelims, making it essential for success.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-33924\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse33924\" aria-controls=\"collapse33924\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How should I prepare for IR in UPSC Prelims?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse33924\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-3392\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-33924\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Start with NCERTs, use standard reference books, solve previous year papers, and revise regularly with a topic-wise approach.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> Explore a detailed analysis of Ancient Questions in UPSC Prelims 2025. Understand the number of questions, their difficulty level, and how to prepare effectively for this critical section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3391"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6831,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3391\/revisions\/6831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}