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.120 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

A reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost same quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company. (a) What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in domestic market? (b) What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation? (c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

Subtopic: Case Study · corporate food-safety violation and double standards

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Introduction (consumer safety versus corporate profit) → stakeholders → (a) regulator's action → (b) company's path to recovery → (c) ethical dilemma examined → Conclusion

Key points

Regulator must recall products, test, penalise and prosecute under the FSS Act, 2006.
Licence suspension or cancellation and public disclosure are warranted for repeat violation.
Company should own the lapse with a transparent apology and full recall.
Internal accountability, consumer compensation and third-party quality audits are essential.
The core dilemma is profit versus consumer safety and honesty versus reputation.
The export-domestic double standard denies equal moral worth to domestic consumers.
Ethics demands disclosure and remediation over concealment once the lapse is known.

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Q.220 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’s style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publically. It became apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even at home. Rather without any reason he would loose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus it damaged his physical and mental health. (a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope up with the situation? (b) What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquillity and congenial environment in the office and home? (c) As an outsider, what are your suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene? (d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for officers at various levels in the government offices?

Subtopic: Case Study · workplace harassment and emotional hygiene

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Introduction (toxic supervision and its spillover) → stakeholders → (a) Pawan's options → (b) approach for peace at office and home → (c) suggestions for boss, subordinate and organisation → (d) training recommended → Conclusion

Key points

Pawan should first manage himself — emotional regulation, mindfulness, counselling — to rebuild self-esteem.
Document harassment and use formal grievance channels if it persists; transfer only as last resort.
Apply emotional intelligence: empathy for the boss's troubles without excusing his conduct.
Consciously separate work stress from home life to protect the family.
Boss needs self-awareness, empathy and anger management; organisation needs grievance and sensitisation mechanisms.
Recommend EI, stress-management, behavioural and leadership training across all levels.
Emotional hygiene must be built institutionally, not left to individuals.

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Q.320 marks · 150w 20 min Hard

(a) Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is not rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. (b) Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations.

Subtopic: Emotional Intelligence · administrative wisdom, empathy and compassion

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Introduction → (a) preoccupation with the periphery and travesty of justice – agree with reasoning → (b) empathy and compassion as competencies with illustrations → Conclusion

Key points

Agree: absorption in procedural periphery while ignoring the core purpose produces a travesty of justice.
Wisdom/prudence is the skill of distinguishing core (citizen welfare) from peripheral (formalities).
Caveat: legality and due process are core, not periphery — serve the spirit of rules, not blind letter.
Empathy = understanding others' feelings; compassion = the will to relieve suffering.
These make decisions humane, build trust, and target the vulnerable effectively.
They also strengthen teamwork and reduce administrative friction.
Illustrate with disaster relief, pension redressal, homeless shelters.

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Q.420 marks · 150w 20 min Hard

(a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. (b) It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?

Subtopic: Ethics Theory · attitude in rule interpretation and the role of ethics

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Introduction → (a) positive vs negative interpretation of the same rules – role of attitude with illustrations → (b) what ethics seeks to promote and how ethical values resolve day-to-day conflicts → Conclusion

Key points

Rules are open-textured; discretion means attitude, not text, drives divergent performance.
Positive-minded officers interpret purposively to enable citizens; negative-minded ones interpret defensively to refuse.
Purposive, citizen-centric interpretation — within legality — turns rules from barriers into tools.
Ethics promotes the good: welfare, justice, dignity, trust and harmony through right means.
Ethics cultivates virtue and aligns self-interest with the collective good.
Ethical values resolve daily conflicts by supplying decision principles — integrity, impartiality, empathy, accountability.
Internalised values act as a compass under pressure, ensuring consistent, defensible action.

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Q.520 marks · 150w 20 min Hard

(a) Whistle-blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle-blower? (b) In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine.

Subtopic: Probity & Governance · whistle-blower protection and CSR

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Introduction → (a) policy measures to protect whistle-blowers → (b) CSR: contribution versus adequacy → critical assessment → Conclusion (internalising responsibility)

Key points

Confidentiality/anonymity of the whistle-blower's identity is the first safeguard
Statutory protection against victimisation with penalties for reprisal
Empowered independent authority and effective witness protection
Time-bound, credible investigation to sustain trust and morale
CSR (Section 135, 2% rule) has scale but is often tokenistic and reputation-driven
True responsibility means internalising externalities, ESG and the triple bottom line
CSR should complement, not replace, ethical and sustainable business conduct

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Q.620 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Prabhat was working as Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed multinational company. But presently the company was passing through the difficult times as the sales were continuously showing downward trend in the last two quarters. His division, which hitherto had been a major revenue contributor to the company’s financial health, was now desperately trying to procure some big government order for them. But their best efforts did not yield any positive success or breakthrough. His was a professional company and his local bosses were under pressure from their London-based HO to show some positive results. In the last performance review meeting taken by the Executive Director (India Head), he was reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured them that his division is working on a special contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret installation near Gwalior and tender is being submitted shortly. He was under extreme pressure and he was deeply perturbed. What aggravated the situation further was a warning from the top that if the deal is not clinched in favour of the company, his division might have to be closed and he may have to quit his lucrative job. There was another dimension which was causing him deep mental torture and agony. This pertained to his personal precarious financial health. He was a single earner in the family with two school-college going children and his old ailing mother. The heavy expenditure on education and medical was causing a big strain to his monthly pay packet. Regular EMI for housing loan taken from bank was unavoidable and any default would render him liable for severe legal action. In the above backdrop, he was hoping for some miracle to happen. There was sudden turn of events. His secretary informed that a gentleman – Subhash Verma wanted to see him as he was interested in the position of Manager which was to be filled in by him in the company. He further brought to his notice that his CV has been received through the office of the Minister of Defence. During interview of the candidate – Subhash Verma, he found him technically sound, resourceful and experienced marketeer. He seemed to be well-conversant with tendering procedures and having knack of follow-up and liaising in this regard. Prabhat felt that he was better choice than the rest of the candidates who were recently interviewed by him in the last few days. Subhash Verma also indicated that he was in possession of the copies of the bid documents that the Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He offered to hand over those documents subject to his employment in the company on suitable terms and conditions. He made it clear that in the process, the Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their rival company and get the bid and hefty Defence Ministry order. He indicated that it will be win-win situation for both – him and the company. Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed feeling of shock and thrill. He was uncomfortable and perspiring. If accepted, all his problems would vanish instantly and he may be rewarded for securing the much awaited tender and thereby boosting company’s sales and financial health. He was in a fix as to the future course of action. He was wonder-struck at the guts of Subhash Verma in having surreptitiously removing his own company papers and offering to the rival company for a job. Being an experienced person, he was examining the pros and cons of the proposal/situation and he asked him to come the next day. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Prabhat in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Prabhat and why?

Subtopic: Case Study · corporate espionage and professional integrity

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Brief facts → stakeholders → ethical issues → options with merits and demerits → recommended course of action (decline and report) → personal-hardship handled institutionally

Key points

Accepting stolen documents is criminal breach of trust and corporate espionage
Personal financial distress cannot justify unethical, illegal conduct
National-security dimension of defence procurement raises the ethical stakes
Verma's betrayal of his own firm proves his untrustworthiness as a hire
Right course: decline, refuse the candidature, and report through proper channels
Address personal hardship via legitimate institutional support, not fraud
Means matter as much as ends — integrity has long-term value

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Q.720 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential report, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy. (a) What are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State? (b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options. (d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh? (e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country?

Subtopic: Case Study · illegal migration report and administrative integrity

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Brief facts → ethical dilemmas → options with critical evaluation → recommended option (stand firm, escalate) → policy measures against infiltration

Key points

Core dilemma: duty and national security versus family welfare and career
Withdrawing a truthful security report is complicity and dereliction of duty
Right course: refuse, demand written orders, escalate through official channels
Build a documented record to protect against illegal pressure
Family hardship must be met humanely but cannot buy silence
Border policy: CIBMS, accountability of personnel, document de-duplication, inter-agency coordination

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Q.820 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation of the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining was still prevalent in the border district of the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone mining mafia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia working with blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of Rs. 10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him. (a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation? (b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok. (c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok? (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why? (e) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant?

Subtopic: Case Study · media ethics and investigative journalism

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Brief facts → ethical dilemmas → options with critical evaluation → most appropriate option (pursue truth ethically) → training for police in mining-affected districts

Key points

A journalist's primary loyalty is to truth and the public, not the employer
Accepting inducements to bury the story is complicity in shielding crime
Right course: refuse, protect sources and evidence, use lawful independent channels
Seek whistle-blower and legal protection; meet personal needs transparently
Justice for the slain officer and the rule of law are at stake
Police training: ethics, environmental law, intelligence-led safe enforcement, welfare

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Q.920 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

You have done MBA from a reputed institution three years back but could not get campus placement due to COVID-19 generated recession. However, after a lot of persuasion and series of competitive tests including written and interview, you managed to get a job in a leading shoe company. You have aged parents who are dependent and staying with you. You also recently got married after getting this decent job. You were allotted the Inspection Section which is responsible for clearing the final product. In first one year, you learnt your job well and was appreciated for your performance by the management. The company is doing good business for last five years in domestic market and this year it is decided even to export to Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large consignment to Europe was rejected by their Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and was sent back. The top management ordered that ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic market. As a part of Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor quality and brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the top management advised all the members of the team to overlook these defects as the management cannot bear such a huge loss. Rest of the team members except you promptly signed and cleared the consignment for domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You again brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander that such consignment, if cleared even for domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the company and will be counter-productive in the long run. However, you were further advised by the top management that if you do not clear the consignment, the company will not hesitate to terminate your services citing certain innocuous reasons. (a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team? (b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (c) What option would you adopt and why? (d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you? (e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the Inspecting Team?

Subtopic: Case Study · whistle-blowing on defective goods versus job security

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Facts → stakeholders → options with merits/demerits → chosen option → ethical dilemmas → consequences of overlooking defects → Conclusion

Key points

Dilemma: consumer safety and personal integrity versus job security and family dependence.
Selling Europe-rejected goods to domestic consumers is unethical and discriminatory.
Signing off is complicity; blunt resignation forfeits livelihood without fixing the wrong.
Best path: refuse to certify, record dissent, and propose rework/marked seconds/supplier recovery.
Make the business case — liability and reputational loss exceed one consignment's cost.
Overlooking defects risks consumer injury, legal liability and normalised dishonesty.
Seek recourse under whistle-blower/labour protections if wrongfully terminated.

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Q.1020 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

Rakesh was working as Joint Commissioner in Transport Department of a city. As a part of his job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case of strike by the drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter. He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the bus and a car driven by a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come at the spot of accident and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in question was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence. There was exchange of blows between them. The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved, depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favourable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two-fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains. (a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation? (b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh. (c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh? (d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation?

Subtopic: Case Study · compassion, culpability and industrial dispute over compensation

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Facts → stakeholders → options → critical evaluation → ethical dilemmas → chosen course to defuse the strike → Conclusion

Key points

Dilemma: compassion for an innocent, dependent family versus the deceased's own contributory fault.
Full denial is harsh and prolongs the strike; unconditional full compensation risks moral hazard.
Best path: humanitarian ex-gratia plus welfare support, distinct from routine on-duty-death compensation.
Consider compassionate appointment on merit for a dependant.
Keep public transport running through interim arrangements during negotiation.
Engage union and management in transparent, empathetic dialogue.
Issue a reasoned, written order to restore trust and end the deadlock.

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Q.1120 marks · 250w 20 min Hard

You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region. But in practice, most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became very hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them to close their units, and cause huge financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately. (a) What are the options available to you under the given situation? (b) Critically examine the options listed by you. (c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance? (d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option?

Subtopic: Case Study · environmental compliance versus livelihoods and vested pressure

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Facts → stakeholders → options → critical evaluation → mechanism to ensure compliance → ethical dilemmas → Conclusion

Key points

Dilemma: public health and environment versus migrant workers' livelihoods.
Blanket closure is lawful but socially harsh; ignoring violations betrays health, law and integrity.
Best path: phased, firm compliance with time-bound schedules and a transition to clean technology.
Mechanisms: CETPs/ETPs, continuous monitoring, graded penalties, polluter-pays, MSME support.
Provide worker rehabilitation for any unavoidable closures.
Report threats for protection; keep every decision transparent and on record.
Frame the resolution as sustainable development reconciling ecology and livelihood.

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Q.1220 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.1320 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.1420 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.1520 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.1620 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.1720 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.1830 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.1920 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.2020 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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