UPSC Notes

BRICS

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently examines the role of international groupings, their objectives, India's engagement, and their impact on global economic and political order, as well as India's foreign policy.

BRICS is an acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was formed to promote cooperation and development among its members and to address global economic and political issues, aiming to reform global governance structures.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Member Countries

Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

Formation

Initially BRIC (2006), South Africa joined in 2010

Key Initiatives

New Development Bank (NDB), Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

Objectives

Economic cooperation, political dialogue, addressing global challenges, reforming global governance

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaGeopolitics & International Conflicts

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
BRICSIntergovernmental organization
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
  • Aims for economic, political, and cultural cooperation.
  • Established New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
  • India plays an active role, hosting summits and working groups.
  • Seeks to reform global governance structures.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Geopolitics & International Conflicts
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

India to Host the Second BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting in Hyderabad under Its BRICS Presidency

03 Aug 2026 · BRICS is a major intergovernmental organization of five emerging economies focused on economic, political, and cultural cooperation, aiming to create a more equitable global order.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on BRICS in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on BRICS

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality