Aspirants should possess knowledge of international relations as it feeds into understanding India's global standing and policy decisions. The UPSC exams expect candidates to be aware of bilateral relations, regional alliances, and major global issues affecting India, such as trade agreements, environmental challenges, and security threats. Familiarity with historical contexts and current events, as well as understanding international organizations like the UN or NATO, is crucial. This enables candidates to discuss India's foreign policy and its implications on domestic and international fronts cogently.