UPSC Notes

India's Nuclear Energy Policy & International Cooperation

PYQs

9

Articles

3

Momentum

29

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Critical for India's energy security and clean energy transition goals, represents a significant technological innovation in nuclear power, offers potential for decentralized power generation, and has strategic implications for international cooperation in energy.

India's nuclear energy policy aims to achieve energy security and reduce carbon emissions by expanding its nuclear power capacity, leveraging both indigenous technology and international cooperation. This includes developing advanced reactor designs and exploring private sector participation to accelerate growth.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant

Ongoing discussions with French power giant EDF for six reactor units, a project under discussion for over 15 years.

SHANTI Act

Legislation governing the nuclear sector, opening avenues for French nuclear companies, including private sector participation.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Focus on advanced SMRs as a potential area for collaboration and future nuclear energy development.

Private Sector Participation

Encouraging direct participation of French nuclear companies, potentially with Indian private sector partners.

Capacity

Typically under 300 MWe (e.g., 220 MWe, 55 MWe, 5 MWth mentioned)

Modularity

Factory-fabricated components, transportable for on-site assembly

Applications

Power generation and process heat (e.g., for hydrogen production)

Indigenous Development Goal

Operationalize at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaEnergy Security
Conceptual areaClimate Change
Conceptual areaRenewable & Clean Energy
Conceptual areaPhysics & Materials Science
Conceptual areaScience & Technology
Conceptual areaIndian Economy

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)Implements nuclear power projects
EDF (French power giant)Potential collaborator/supplier
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)Designs and develops smrs
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)Oversees barc, implements nuclear energy policy
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Aims for energy security, carbon reduction.
  • Jaitapur project with French EDF ongoing.
  • SHANTI Act facilitates private/foreign participation.
  • Focus on advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
  • International cooperation crucial for capacity expansion.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Energy SecurityClimate ChangeRenewable & Clean EnergyPhysics & Materials Science
Prelims 2020· Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions

India, France adopt Innovation Roadmap 2030, Economic Security Dialogue

15 Jun 2026 · India's nuclear energy policy, guided by the SHANTI Act, is actively pursuing international cooperation, notably with France for the Jaitapur project, and exploring private sector involvement and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to boost its clean energy capacity.

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PARLIAMENT QUESTION: NUCLEAR ENERGY MISSION & BHARAT SMALL MODULAR REACTORS

05 Aug 2026 · SMRs are advanced, smaller nuclear reactors with modular designs, offering faster deployment and lower costs. India is actively developing indigenous SMRs (like BSMR-200, SMR-55, HTGCR) through BARC, aiming for operationalization by 2033, supported by the Nuclear Energy Mission and proposed legislative reforms like the SHANTI 2025 Act.

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Russia’s SMR edge: Why India’s new nuclear rules could favour Moscow

16 Aug 2026 · SMRs are compact, factory-built nuclear reactors offering low-carbon electricity, ideal for flexible deployment and remote areas, crucial for India's future energy strategy.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 9 linked questions on India's Nuclear Energy Policy & International Cooperation in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on India's Nuclear Energy Policy & International Cooperation

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

Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined...

2026·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silic...

2018·Environment & Ecology
Solve

India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

2016·Science & Technology
Solve

With reference to green hydrogen, Consider the following statements : 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended w...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana': I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential s...

2025·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity b...

2014·Environment & Ecology
Solve

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

2020·Science & Technology
Solve

With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity. Consider the following statements: 1. If pure hydroge...

2015·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India. 2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport. 3. Goa has the...

2022·Environment & Ecology
Solve

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