The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Mains examination features questions on International Relations (IR) and India’s foreign policy primarily in General Studies Paper 2 (GS Paper 2), under sections related to Indian polity, governance, and global affairs. Unlike the UPSC, BPSC has fewer dedicated IR questions, often integrating them with current events, India’s neighborhood policy, major global powers, multilateral forums, and implications for Bihar (e.g., trade, security, energy).
These questions test analytical skills, requiring links to India’s principles like non-alignment, strategic autonomy, Neighborhood First, and Act East Policy. Over the last 10 years (covering 61st to 70th BPSC cycles, approx. 2015–2025), IR questions have been sporadic but increasing in recent cycles, influenced by global events. Below is a year-wise compilation of key IR-related questions, based on official papers and reliable sources.
70th BPSC Mains (2025)
GS Paper 2 emphasized global leadership shifts and India’s position.
- Analyze logically the future of the United States of America at the national and international level under the leadership of newly elected President Donald Trump (20-25 marks).
- Discuss India’s foreign policy implications in the context of evolving US leadership and global issues.
69th BPSC Mains (2024)
Focus on multilateralism and India’s global role.
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from India’s G20 presidency in 2023, including impacts on Bihar’s trade linkages and India’s foreign policy (20 marks).
68th BPSC Mains (2023)
Questions on neighborhood and maritime strategy.
- Analyze India’s Neighborhood First policy with reference to recent developments in Nepal and Bangladesh (15-20 marks).
- Discuss India’s international trade relations and the concept of blue economy in maritime strategy (20 marks).
67th BPSC Mains (2022)
Tied to regional policies and diplomacy.
- Evaluate India’s Act East Policy and its relevance to Bihar’s border trade and economic cooperation (15-20 marks).
- Discuss aspects of India’s vaccine diplomacy and its role in international relations.
66th BPSC Mains (2021)
Post-pandemic global order.
- Examine challenges to India’s foreign policy in the post-COVID world order (20 marks).
- Analyze the role of multilateral forums in advancing India’s strategic interests.
65th BPSC Mains (2020) and Earlier Cycles (61st–64th, approx. 2015–2019)
IR-specific questions were rare or integrated into broader polity/economy sections. No prominent standalone IR questions noted in GS Paper 2; occasional references in current affairs-linked topics (e.g., India’s role in global institutions or neighborhood issues). Earlier papers focused more on domestic polity.
Trends and Preparation Tips
- Common Themes: In recent years (post-2020), BPSC has increased focus on India’s neighborhood (Nepal, Bangladesh), major powers (US, Russia, China), multilateral events (G20), and Bihar linkages (trade, energy security). Questions often blend IR with current affairs.
- Weightage: Typically 15-40 marks (1-2 questions), lower than UPSC but rising.
- Evolution Over 10 Years: From minimal in 2015–2019 to more prominent post-2020, reflecting global events like COVID, G20, and geopolitical shifts.
- Tips: Study MEA annual reports, India’s key policies (Neighborhood First, Act East), and current events from reliable sources (The Hindu, PIB). Link answers to Bihar where possible (e.g., Nepal trade). Practice analytical writing with balanced views, examples, and data.
This compilation highlights patterns for upcoming exams. For exact official papers and full context, refer to the BPSC website (bpsc.bih.nic.in) . Best of luck with your BPSC preparation!