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Topic International trade
Asked 3 times across 2 UPSC exams over 23 years (1991–2014), peaking in 1991.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 3 PYQs
- Most asked in 1991
- Recurs across 3 years (1991–2014)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1991 → CDS 2014
How the concept evolved
Largely a pre-2016 idea — watch for a comeback.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2014
Which of the following theories form the basis of international trade?
- Absolute cost difference,
- Comparative cost difference,
- Opportunity cost
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 2 only
- D 1, 2 and 3 ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Economy › External Sector & Trade
CSE1994
Assertion (A)The USA reemerged as India's single largest import source in the early nineties
Reason (R)With swift political developments in the erstwhile Soviet Union, India gradually began to rely on the USA for its defense requirements
In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
- A Both A and Rare true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
- C A is true, but R is false ✓
- D A is false, but R is true
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Economy › External Sector & Trade
CSE1991
In which of the following products has Bangladesh emerged as the main competitor to India in the world market?
- A Cotton garments
- B Jute ✓
- C Cement
- D Pharmaceuticals
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Geography › Indian Economic Geography
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