India Ranks 120th in World Press Freedom Index 2026
India has been ranked 120th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2026, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India ranked 120th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
- The index is published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
- Norway secured the 1st rank globally.
- The index assesses 180 countries based on journalist safety and media independence.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 10–20 | International relations is a core GS-II topic for UPSC. Bilateral agreements, multilateral bodies, and geopolitics are essential. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | International summits, treaties, and India's bilateral relations appear in SSC GK. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | Medium | 2–4 | G20, IMF/World Bank decisions, and global trade events are tested in banking exams. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Summit venue, participating nations, key outcomes, and India's stand
- Bilateral agreements: India + partner country, subject area, signing date
- Multilateral organizations: new members, leadership changes, major resolutions
- India's position on key global issues: UN voting, climate, trade
- Indices: Global Peace Index, Press Freedom Index, India's rank and change
Practice Questions
Q1. Which organization publishes the World Press Freedom Index?
- Amnesty International
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- World Economic Forum
- UNESCO
Explanation: Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a Paris-based NGO, publishes the index.
Q2. What is India's rank in the World Press Freedom Index 2026?
- 161st
- 150th
- 120th
- 100th
Explanation: India is ranked 120th in the 2026 index.
How to Prepare International Affairs for Government Exams
Focus on India-centric news — India's bilateral visits, MoUs signed, and positions in international bodies. This is what domestic exams test.
For UPSC, understand geopolitical context: Why does India take a particular position? What is India's strategic interest?
Keep a running note of all G20, SCO, BRICS, and QUAD-related outcomes. These bodies generate 3–5 questions per major exam cycle.
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