PSIR Optional · Paper II · Section B: India and the World
India and the Nuclear Question Notes · PYQs · Solved Answers
Free notes, every previous year question and the solved answers for India and the Nuclear Question (Paper II, Section B: India and the World), arranged so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Changing perceptions and policy.
29
Solved answers
1991–2025
Years covered
31
Questions listed
3
Free notes
On this page
Free notes Previous year questions Solved answers All PSIR Optional units
Paper II · Unit 07
India and the Nuclear Question notes
Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order. Read a topic, then open its previous year questions below.
Free notes
Free practice
Previous year questions: India and the Nuclear Question
Every question UPSC has asked from this unit, year-wise, with a link to its solved answer.
Topic-wise question list
Year-wise question papers
-
UPSC PSIR Optional Question Paper 2026
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2025
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2024
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2023
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2022
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2021
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2020
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2019
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2018
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2017
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2016
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2015
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2014
-
PSIR Optional Question Paper 2013
Solved answers
Solved PYQ answers: India and the Nuclear Question
Model answers to the previous year questions of this unit, newest exam year first.
PYQ Solutions
-
India’s reluctance to perceive any ‘existential threat’ inevitably made the multilateral path to nuclear security a ‘default option’ until it decided to cross the nuclear Rubicon in 1998. Identify and analyse some of the major reasons behind this shift in India’s position on the nuclear question.
-
Critically examine India’s persistent refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) despite being recognized as a de-facto nuclear power.
-
“India’s Nuclear policy is deeply influenced by its cultural beliefs and the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy.” Discuss.
-
Discuss the reasons behind India’s refusal to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).
-
Examine the evolution of India’s role in the global nuclear order.
-
Discuss the efficacy of India’s ‘no first use’ policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours.
-
Given the recent developments in the region, do you think that there is a need to change India’s ‘No First Use (NFU)’ nuclear policy?
-
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has failed to achieve the ultimate objective of Global Nuclear Disarmament. Discuss the deficiency in the provision of NPT.
-
Critically analyze India’s nuclear policy.
-
Explain the socio-economic impacts of arms race and identify the obstacles In the way of disarmament.
-
In 1998, India declared itself as a nuclear weapon state. India refuses to sign NPT and CTBT. What would be the implications for India’s nuclear policy in case it signs both the treaties?
-
Is India’s nuclear doctrine a viable one? (150 words)
-
“While India opposes NPT as discriminatory, it opposes CTBT on the ground of ineffectiveness.” Comment.
-
In the context of developments on the nuclear weapons front in the neighbourhood, do you think that any change in India’s defence strategy is indicated?
-
Give arguments in defence of India’s approach to Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
-
Comment: India’s claim for acceptance as a nuclear power.
-
Critically examine India’s objections to CTBT and NPT.
-
Comment: India’s opposition to the Non-Proliferation Treaty: A realist paradigm.
-
Explain India’s role in global disarmament.
-
Comment: Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (PNE)
-
Comment: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
-
Comment: Uses of nuclear energy.
-
Analyse the barriers to arms control.
-
Comment: China and Nuclear Weapons.
-
Explain the differences between India and USA on the question of CTBT. Why has India decided to link CTBT with the elimination of nuclear weapon?
-
Examine the issues raised in the context of renewal of NPT both by its advocates and its critics.
-
Non-proliferation has now acquired the status of a vested interest with the nuclear weapon states which, in the name of political stability, are trying to perpetuate a global order which will preserve their hegemonic position. Discuss.
-
Comment: NPT safeguards and Non-Nuclear Weapon States.
-
Comment: Impact on nuclear weapons on international relations.
PSIR Optional study material from LotusArise IAS
Two ways to prepare with us — the full self-study system, or just the notes you need right now.
| What you get | PSIR Mains Master Kit 2027 | PSIR Complete Notes (Store) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 notes — Political Theory + Indian Government and Politics | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Paper 2 notes — Comparative Politics and India and the World | Included | Included — Section A and Section B |
| Topic-wise PYQ bank | 1986–2026, with trend analysis and probables by Dec 2026 | 1991–2025 question papers, free with every notes pack |
| Practice question set for timed answer writing | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Answer toolkit — intros, conclusions, frameworks, thinker and example banks | By Dec 2026 | ❌ |
| Revision booklets for the last 60 days | ✅ Available now | ❌ |
| Format | Online articles + PDF | PDF download |
| Access | Valid until UPSC CSE Mains 2027 | Instant download after payment |
| Price | ₹1,770 (regular ₹5,000) | ₹1,180 for all four sections · ₹599 a paper · ₹354 a section |
| Best for | Aspirants who want the whole system in one place | Aspirants who want the notes now, in the parts they need |