GS 4 · Practice archive

GS Paper 4 practice questions for UPSC Mains 2026.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude — theory plus case studies.

20 Qs / 250 marks270 questionsModel outlines included

GS Paper 4 · Tips & tricks

GS-4 — values, dilemmas, and decisions — not lectures on ethics

Pair every ethical concept with a public-service application.Talk about integrity — but anchor it to a civil servant scenario or a real official action (T.N. Seshan, E. Sreedharan, Ashok Khemka).
Case studies need a 5-step structure.Identify the dilemma, list stakeholders, lay out 3 options with consequences, choose one with justification, and add a follow-up safeguard.
Use thinkers sparingly and accurately.One Aristotle, one Gandhi, one Ambedkar in an answer is enough — and quote what they actually said, not a paraphrase.
Don't moralise. Decide.The examiner wants a decision and the reasoning. Sitting on the fence loses marks even when the case is morally ambiguous.
For aptitude questions, behaviour matters more than feelings.When asked what you would do, focus on observable actions — communication, consultation, escalation — not internal states.

Q.130 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi (b) “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru (c) “Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” – Swami Vivekananda

Subtopic: Thinkers & Quotes · compassion, women's empowerment and love

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Introduction → (a) Gandhi: kindness over ritual → (b) Nehru: awakening women drives national progress → (c) Vivekananda: love and hate return to the doer → Conclusion (kindness, gender justice and goodwill as ethical anchors)

Key points

Gandhi: compassionate action outweighs ritual; empathy is the truest service
For administrators, responsive and humane service embodies Gandhi's kindness
Nehru: empowering women is the fulcrum of family, village and national progress
Contemporary application — female literacy, workforce participation, political representation
Vivekananda: love and hate return to the doer, a karmic moral law
The quotes together anchor kindness, gender justice and goodwill in ethical life

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Q.220 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

(a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (b) ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss.

Subtopic: Ethics Theory · conscience, law and probity

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Introduction: define conscience and formal rules → (a) where conscience guides better vs its limits and why laws still anchor decisions → reconcile: conscience within a rule-of-law frame → (b) meaning of probity and its link to trust, delivery and development → Conclusion: probity + informed conscience as twin guides

Key points

Conscience = internal moral judgment; laws = external codified standards; ethical decisions need both
Conscience is superior where rules are silent, ambiguous, or themselves unjust (civil disobedience tradition)
Conscience is fallible: subjective, prone to bias/self-interest, lacks a shared enforceable standard
Rule of law brings equality, predictability and a check on arbitrary personal morality
Ideal: an informed conscience operating within constitutional morality, not against law
Probity = integrity and honesty in public office; foundation of citizen trust
Probity plugs leakages so welfare funds reach beneficiaries, enabling inclusive development
2nd ARC and Nolan principles tie probity to effective, accountable governance

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Q.320 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

(a) What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (b) Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

Subtopic: Ethics Theory · moral teachings and social capital

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Introduction: link spiritual values and social trust to ethical governance → (a) Guru Nanak's core teachings and their contemporary relevance → (b) define social capital (Putnam) → mechanisms by which it enhances good governance → Conclusion: values and networks of trust as civic infrastructure

Key points

Guru Nanak's core message: Ik Onkar, equality of all beyond caste/creed/gender, rejection of empty ritual
Threefold ethical practice: Kirat Karo (honest work), Vand Chhako (share), Naam Japo (remembrance)
Institutions of langar and sangat operationalised equality and community service
Contemporary relevance: gender equality, anti-corruption work ethic, seva, communal harmony
Social capital (Putnam) = networks of trust, reciprocity norms and civic engagement
It boosts governance via voluntary compliance, citizen accountability, co-production of services
Bonding and bridging social capital build resilience and inclusive participation
Value systems create the trust that social capital and good governance depend on

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Q.420 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

You are working as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about Rs. 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to fund her. A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of Rs. 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do so until it is all returned. (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view. (c) How would you react to the situation?

Subtopic: Case Study · misuse of dormant funds and compassion

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Introduction: state facts crisply → identify stakeholders → list ethical issues (fiduciary breach, misappropriation, secrecy, empathy vs law) → evaluate manager's conduct on motive and act → my reaction with graded, lawful, humane course of action → Conclusion: uphold integrity while addressing genuine need

Key points

Core dilemma: genuine compassion versus fiduciary duty, honesty and rule of law
Using a dormant account without owner consent is misappropriation, not a 'loan'
A morally good end (saving a life) cannot justify an illegal means
Repayment mitigates loss but does not erase the original ethical/legal breach
Manager's motive is laudable but conduct is indefensible on integrity grounds
Secrecy pact institutionalises moral hazard and future abuse
Right response: regularise, restitute, disclose, and offer legitimate help
Silence by the executive would make him complicit; duty requires principled action

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Q.520 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60 kilometres from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as District Magistrate of that area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations. A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and is losing blood. You directed your medical team to examine his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know that a few blood collection bags and blood group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people of your team have already volunteered to donate blood. Being a physician who has graduated from AIIMS, you know that blood for transfusion needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank. Your team members are divided on this issue; some favour transfusion, while some others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate the delivery provided they are not penalized for transfusion. Now you are in a dilemma. Your professional training emphasizes on prioritising service to humanity and saving lives of individuals. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? (b) Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.

Subtopic: Case Study · disaster response and emergency medical ethics

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Introduction: disaster setting and the dilemma → stakeholders → ethical issues (right to life vs procedural safety, professional rules vs necessity) → evaluate options with merits/demerits → recommended course centred on saving the life lawfully → Conclusion: humane, documented, accountable action

Key points

Central conflict: right to life and duty to rescue versus procedural blood-safety rules
Disaster context and time-terrain constraints make blood-bank routing impractical
Doctrine of necessity and emergency powers justify reasonable life-saving deviation
Minimise risk: blood-group testing, cross-match, informed consent from donors and family
Leader must own the decision, shielding doctors from being penalised
Document every step for transparency and post-hoc accountability
Rigid literalism that lets a mother and child die is the graver ethical failure
Utilitarian and deontic (duty to save) reasoning both favour the transfusion

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Q.620 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior. She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enough justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny’s care as she had to work in the office. Now, she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should take precedence over her professional responsibilities. She thinks that there should be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work, dedication to duty and selfless service. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government with respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women. (c) Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions?

Subtopic: Case Study · work-life balance and women at the workplace

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Introduction: Rashika's dilemma → stakeholders → (a) ethical issues (duty conflict, gendered care burden, well-being) → (b) four statutory protections for women workers → (c) practical suggestions to mitigate → Conclusion: sustainable ethic of care and duty

Key points

Core conflict: professional/public duty versus family and social obligations
Recognise the disproportionate, gendered care burden on working women
Overwork culture harms well-being and long-term productivity; selfless service has reasonable limits
POSH Act 2013 ensures harassment-free workplaces via Internal Committees
Maternity Benefit Act 1961 (amended 2017): 26 weeks paid leave and crèche facility
Equal Remuneration Act 1976 / Code on Wages 2019: equal pay and non-discrimination
Factories Act 1948 regulates women's working hours, safety and welfare
Mitigation: flexible work, right to disconnect, crèches, workload planning, outcome-based culture

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Q.720 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal’s office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son’s changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest. After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague’s son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son’s predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media. (a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media. (b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family.

Subtopic: Case Study · social media ethics and cyberbullying

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Brief facts → stakeholders → (a) ethical issues in social-media use → (b) pros and cons of the counter-video → way forward (institutional redressal)

Key points

Cyberbullying harms a minor's mental health and dignity
Virality spreads unverified misinformation and defamation rapidly
Identifying minor perpetrators in a counter-video violates their privacy and repeats the wrong
A public servant should model restraint and due process over emotion
Preserve evidence and use school, cyber-cell and child-welfare channels
Way forward: verification, empathy and institutional redressal over vigilante publicity

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Q.820 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power, Vinod’s professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains. (a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod. (b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.

Subtopic: Case Study · politicization of bureaucracy

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Brief facts → stakeholders → ethical issues → options with evaluation → recommended option (verify and route through anti-corruption channels) → ethical issues of politicization

Key points

Vinod must neither condone corruption nor become a partisan instrument
Right course: verify facts and route evidence through CVC/ACB/Lokayukta objectively
Maintain strict political neutrality and be ready to face transfer with courage
Politicization erodes neutrality, anonymity and merit in the civil service
Punitive transfers undermine tenure security and independence
Fixed tenure and Civil Services Board (T.S.R. Subramanian) are institutional remedies

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Q.920 marks · 150w 20 min Hard

(a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (b) “Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour.” Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

Subtopic: Ethics Theory · AI in administration and dimensions of ethics

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Introduction: frame AI in public decisions and ethics as multidimensional → (a) critically examine AI's promise and ethical risks in administrative decisions → (b) key dimensions of ethics and how they shape professional decisions → Conclusion: augment, not replace, human ethical judgment

Key points

AI aids scale, consistency and pattern-detection but is not a fully dependable moral decision-maker
Algorithmic bias reproduces historical caste/gender/class discrimination
Black-box opacity creates an accountability and explainability gap
Algorithmic denial of benefits/liberty can breach natural justice and human dignity
Safeguards: transparency, human-in-the-loop, audits, privacy protection
Dimensions of ethics: virtue/integrity, consequences, duties/rights, care, professional codes
Professional decisions balance these dimensions rather than applying one in isolation
AI should augment, not replace, human ethical judgment in governance

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Q.1020 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

(a) “It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it.” In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts? (b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

Subtopic: Ethics Theory · ethics of peace and environmental responsibility

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Introduction: link the two moral crises of war and climate → (a) ethical duties of powerful nations to end conflict-for-profit → (b) ethical response to human greed-driven climate change → Conclusion: shared responsibility and restraint of greed

Key points

Profiting from prolonged war places private gain above human life — a moral failure
Powerful nations bear heightened duties: sanctity of life, global justice, order-stewardship
Act for peace: curb arms trade, prefer diplomacy/multilateralism, uphold humanitarian law
Climate change reflects greed-driven development and failed intergenerational ethics
Gandhian principle: earth meets need, not greed; shift to need-based sustainable living
Common but differentiated responsibilities — the affluent must lead on cuts and finance
Adopt ecocentric ethics respecting all life, plus clean energy and circular economy
Both peace and ecological balance require greed to yield to responsibility and compassion

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Q.1130 marks · 150w 20 min Hard

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” – Swami Vivekananda (b) “Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” – Sardar Patel (c) “In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” – Immanuel Kant

Subtopic: Thinkers & Quotes · Vivekananda, Patel and Kant

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Introduction: three quotations on selfhood, strength and inner morality → (a) Vivekananda on absorbing good while keeping identity → (b) Patel on faith paired with strength → (c) Kant on ethics judging intent, not just acts → Conclusion: values for a self-reliant, moral India

Key points

Vivekananda: absorb the good from others without losing one's identity — cultural confidence, not imitation
Applies to selective openness and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in policy
Patel: faith and strength are both essential; conviction needs capability and action
Great works demand moral belief plus resolute execution (integration of princely states)
For officials: pair good intentions with competence, courage and administrative capacity
Kant: ethics judges intention, not just the act; morality is stricter than legality
True integrity is being ethical even when unobserved — probity over mere compliance
Together: a confident, capable, inwardly honest character for personal and national life

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Q.1220 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

(a) “The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice.” Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (b) “Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent.” Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.

Subtopic: Ethics Theory · contextual justice and form versus substance

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Introduction: justice and administration are dynamic, not mechanical → (a) justice is contextual; changing context must be scrutinised → (b) substance over mindless form; perceptive civil servant reads true intent → Conclusion: living, purposive ethics in administration

Key points

Justice is contextual; fairness of a rule can change as circumstances and values evolve
Constant scrutiny of changing context prevents miscarriage of justice
Frozen rules applied to transformed realities can themselves become unjust
Mindless literalism defeats a rule's purpose and produces injustice
The perceptive civil servant reads and serves the true intent behind a rule
Purposive interpretation, empathy and lawful discretion deliver substantive justice
Both parts call for a living, responsive rather than mechanical administration
Balance: discretion for substance must stay within the bounds of law

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Q.1320 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

(a) The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance. (b) The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.

Subtopic: Probity & Governance · code of ethics and legal reform

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Introduction → distinguish code of conduct (do's/don'ts) from code of ethics (values) → suggest a model for code of ethics → link BNS shift from punishment to justice → elements of restorative justice in BNS → Conclusion on values-driven governance

Key points

Code of conduct is enforceable and negative (CCS Conduct Rules 1964); code of ethics is aspirational and value-based
Second ARC's 'Ethics in Governance' recommended a Code of Ethics for public servants
Model should draw on Nolan Committee's Seven Principles of Public Life
Institutional supports: Ethics Commissioner, asset disclosure, whistle-blower protection, integrity pacts
BNS 2023 replaced IPC 1860 with effect from 1 July 2024
BNS marks a shift to restorative justice: community service, victim-centricity, gender-neutral provisions
Values named: integrity, impartiality, accountability, transparency, empathy, public interest

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Q.1420 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

(a) “In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years.” Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. (b) Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?

Subtopic: Probity & Governance · women in public service and capacity building

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Introduction → note rising share of women in public service → identify gender-specific challenges → suggest measures for efficiency and probity → explain how Mission Karmayogi empowers civil servants → link capacity building to grassroots delivery → Conclusion

Key points

Articles 14–16 guarantee equality of opportunity irrespective of gender
Challenges: care-work double burden, workplace safety, postings/promotion bias, field-duty risks
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013 as a key protection
Enablers: crèches, flexible/child-care leave, mentoring, gender-neutral cadre management
Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB) launched 2020; shift from rule-based to role-based capacity building
iGOT-Karmayogi digital platform delivers on-demand, continuous learning
FRAC (Frameworks of Roles, Activities and Competencies) drives behaviour, functional and domain competencies
Grassroots empowerment through best-practice sharing and citizen-centric skilling

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Q.1520 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus they were vulnerable and soft targets. In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers of DIG Range and above, it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organisation seemed to have the clear objective of utilising/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state. A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local communal organisations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and to check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions. Discrete inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet, etc. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of that global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national tweets on their WhatsApp and Facebook, etc. It seemed that they succumbed to their ploy and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government’s initiatives, policies and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism. (a) What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation? (b) What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state? (c) In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force?

Subtopic: Case Study · counter-radicalisation and internal security

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Introduction → summarise facts and stakeholders → identify ethical and administrative issues → (a) options for Raman → (b) measures to strengthen the set-up → (c) action plan for intelligence gathering → recommended course of action → Conclusion

Key points

Central conflict: national security versus civil liberties and communal harmony
Blanket coercion risks alienating the community and manufacturing new grievance
Balanced strategy: lawful surveillance + counter-radicalisation + community engagement + rehabilitation
Root cause is unemployment among educated youth; link Skill India/PMKVY to remove push factors
De-radicalisation cells with psychologists, scholars and reformed individuals
Intelligence upgrade via Cyber Cell, HUMINT, MAC/NATGRID sharing and OSINT
Surveillance must respect due process and privacy (Puttaswamy 2017)

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Q.1620 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments specially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get the real time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordons and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents got a message though his intelligence source that about ten hard core naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than five hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviours. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer, IG (Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hard core top insurgents with prize money of Rs. ten lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation Rohit might have to resort to firing which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation. (a) What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation? (b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit? (c) Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why? (d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?

Subtopic: Case Study · security operations and ethical dilemma

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Introduction → facts and stakeholders → (a) options for Rohit → (b) ethical dilemmas → (c) most appropriate option with reasoning → (d) precautions with women protesters → Conclusion

Key points

Core dilemma: enforcing the law and holding high-value captives versus protecting innocent lives
Releasing insurgents rewards mob coercion and erodes deterrence
Lethal force against women protesters is disproportionate and strategically self-defeating
Best course: de-escalate, hold captives, assure due process, keep restoring communication
Mandatory deployment of women police for handling women protesters
Use non-lethal crowd control, videography and community elders for accountability and trust
Hearts-and-minds and minimum-force doctrine are central to counter-insurgency

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Q.1720 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospital is building with state-of-the art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother’s company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers. (a) What should be Sneha’s course of action? (b) How would she justify what she chooses to do? (c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?

Subtopic: Case Study · conflict of interest in procurement

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Introduction: Sneha's dilemma → stakeholders → ethical issues (COI, favouritism, medical ethics) → (a) recommended course of action → (b) justification → (c) how medical ethics is compromised by personal interest → Conclusion: integrity through transparent recusal

Key points

Central issue: conflict of interest between official duty and family loyalty
Correct action is written disclosure and recusal, not covert favour or blanket exclusion
Independent, merit- and quality-based evaluation protects fairness and value
Recusal safeguards Sneha's own reputation and institutional trust
Public-trust and transparency norms apply even in private organisations
Poor procurement choices imperil patient safety, breaching beneficence and non-maleficence
Medical ethics is compromised when clinical quality yields to private interest
Transparent procurement is itself an expression of medical ethics

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Q.1820 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of ground-water. Vigilance teams have been deployed to tour the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complains that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes. The farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt, being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed. (a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate. (b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders? (c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector?

Subtopic: Case Study · water crisis and competing stakeholders

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Introduction: Collector's water-crisis dilemma → stakeholders → (a) options available → (b) mutually compatible win-win actions → (c) administrative and ethical dilemmas → Conclusion: equitable, evidence-based, participatory resolution

Key points

Drinking water must be the first, non-negotiable priority in allocation
Perception of bias is defused by applying restrictions equally to industry and farmers
Publish real water-use data to counter corruption allegations with transparency
Win-win tools: industrial water recycling, ZLD, micro-irrigation, water harvesting
Grievance redress, tanker supply and relief for worst-affected farmers
Core dilemma: livelihood vs employment vs public health vs impartiality
Tension between short-term relief and long-term sustainable water governance
Uphold order while respecting the democratic right to peaceful protest

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Q.1920 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan’s team to expedite the trials for the drug as there is significant market for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market. During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest some shortcut for expediting the clinical trials for the drug and for getting the requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed consent and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one’s own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises meeting the targets is impossible without using these means. (a) What would you do in such a situation? (b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved. (c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?

Subtopic: Case Study · research integrity and data ethics

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Introduction: Dr. Srinivasan's pressure to cut corners → stakeholders → ethical issues (data fraud, consent, IP theft, patient safety) → (a) what I would do → (b) options and consequences → (c) how data and drug ethics protect humanity → Conclusion: integrity over first-mover advantage

Key points

Refuse all shortcuts: data manipulation, selective reporting, skipping consent, IP theft
Scientific fraud risks unsafe drugs, mass harm, deaths and legal liability
Informed consent and human-subject dignity are non-negotiable research ethics
Escalate to ethics/institutional review board and seek time, resources or lawful licensing
Integrity may cost the first-mover edge but builds lasting safety and trust
Honest data reveals a drug's true risk-benefit profile, preventing catastrophe
Drug ethics (safety, efficacy, consent) protects patients and public confidence in medicine
Ethical rigor, not speed, is the real safeguard for humanity

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Q.2020 marks · 150w 20 min Medium

(a) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. (b) “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherance of the rule of law.” Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

Subtopic: Ethics Theory · digital ethics and constitutional morality

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Introduction → (a) describe key ethical dilemmas of social media → illustrate → (b) define constitutional morality → its significance for public servants → link to good governance and accountability → Conclusion

Key points

Social-media dilemmas: privacy vs data harvesting; free speech vs misinformation/hate/deepfakes
Anonymity enabling trolling and defamation; attention economy harming mental health
Constitutional morality: Ambedkar's borrowing from George Grote; loyalty to constitutional spirit
It is a product of civic education, not natural sentiment
For public servants it demands impartiality, dignity, secularism over personal/majoritarian bias
It promotes good governance (non-arbitrariness) and accountability (reasoned, lawful action)
Judicially invoked in Navtej Johar and Government of NCT of Delhi v Union of India

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