30 Days International Relations Study Plan for UPSC CSE Mains | UPSC Mains: International Relations PDF Download

Introduction

You’re gearing up for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains, and International Relations (IR) is a vital part of GS Paper II. It covers India’s relations with other countries, global organizations, and key geopolitical issues. With just 30 days left, this study plan will help you cover the syllabus efficiently, understand current affairs, and practice answer writing to score well. Let’s make IR your strong suit!

Why International Relations is Important?

International Relations is a dynamic and scoring component of GS Paper II, carrying significant weight in the Mains. It tests your understanding of India’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, and global issues. IR questions often link to current affairs, making it essential to stay updated. A strong grasp of IR can boost your score, as it allows you to showcase analytical skills and connect India’s interests with global events.

30 Days International Relations Study Plan

Week 1: India and Neighboring Countries

• Day 1: Review the IR syllabus. Understand key areas: India’s relations with neighbors, Asian nations, other countries, and international organizations. Solve 3 questions from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to grasp question patterns.
• Day 2: Study India-Nepal Relations and Indo-Nepal Relations. Focus on treaties and issues like border disputes. Write a 150-word answer on India-Nepal challenges.
• Day 3: Learn India-Bhutan Relations and India-Bhutan Historical Relations. Note hydropower cooperation. Practice 2 questions from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers.
• Day 4: Study India-Bangladesh Relations and India & Bangladesh Relations. Focus on trade and water-sharing issues. Write a 200-word answer on India-Bangladesh ties.
• Day 5: Learn India-Sri Lanka Relations - 1, India-Sri Lanka Relations - 2, and India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relations. Study ethnic issues and maritime cooperation. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 6: Revise India-Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh relations. Solve 5 questions from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers.
• Day 7: Study Indo-China Relations - 1, Indo-China Relations - 2, and India-China Relations. Focus on border disputes and trade. Write a 200-word answer on India-China tensions.

Week 2: More Neighbors and Regional Issues

• Day 8: Study Indo-Pakistan Relations - 1, Indo-Pakistan Relations - 2, and India-Pakistan Relations. Focus on Kashmir and terrorism. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 9: Learn India-Myanmar Relations - 1, India-Myanmar Relations - 2, and India-Myanmar-1. Study connectivity projects. Write a 150-word answer.
• Day 10: Study Indo-Afghan Bilateral Relations - 1, Indo-Afghan Bilateral Relations - 2, and India-Afghanistan Relations. Focus on India’s aid. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 11: Learn India-Maldives Relations and India Maldives Relations. Study strategic importance. Write a 150-word answer.
• Day 12: Study Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region - 1, Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region - 2, and India’s Challenges in Indian Ocean Region. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 13: Revise India-Pakistan, Myanmar, and Maldives relations. Solve 5 questions from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers.
• Day 14: Solve a full-length IR section from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers. Analyze your answers.

Week 3: Asian and Global Relations

• Day 15: Study Indo-Japan Bilateral Relationship - 1, Indo-Japan Bilateral Relationship - 2, and India-Japan Relations. Focus on economic ties. Write a 200-word answer.
• Day 16: Learn India-South Korea Relations and India-South Korea Relations. Study technology cooperation. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 17: Study India-Vietnam Relations and India-Vietnam Relations. Focus on defense ties. Write a 150-word answer.
• Day 18: Learn India-UAE Relations and India-UAE Bilateral Relations. Study energy and diaspora. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 19: Study India-Iran Relations and India-Iran Relations. Focus on Chabahar Port. Write a 150-word answer.
• Day 20: Revise Japan, South Korea, and UAE relations. Solve 5 questions from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers.
• Day 21: Solve a full-length IR section from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers. Review performance.

Week 4: Global Powers and Organizations

• Day 22: Study India-USA Relations and India-USA Relations. Focus on defense and trade. Write a 200-word answer.
• Day 23: Learn India-Russia Relations. Study historical ties and defense deals. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 24: Study Indo-France Relations and India-France Relationship. Focus on strategic partnerships. Write a 150-word answer.
• Day 25: Learn The World Trade Organization and World Trade Organisation. Study India’s stance. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 26: Study International Monetary Fund and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Focus on India’s role. Write a 150-word answer.
• Day 27: Study BRICS and India & Organizations: BRICS. Practice 2 questions.
• Day 28: Solve a full-length IR section from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers. Analyze thoroughly.

Final Days: Revision and Consolidation

• Day 29: Revise all key bilateral relations (India-China, USA, Russia). Solve 5 questions from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers.
• Day 30: Solve a final full-length IR section from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers. Review and relax!

Tips for International Relations Preparation

• Daily Study: Dedicate 2-3 hours daily to IR. Stay consistent to cover the vast syllabus.
• Current Affairs: Read editorials or follow credible sources to stay updated on global events.
• Answer Writing: Practice 150-200 word answers to improve clarity and structure.
• Link with Current Events: Connect IR topics to recent developments for richer answers.
• Short Notes: Make concise notes on each country/organization for quick revision.
• Focus on India’s Perspective: Always emphasize India’s interests and foreign policy in answers.
• Mock Tests: Solve at least 4-5 full-length IR sections from UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to build exam confidence.