Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

Main Examination — General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

• Ethics and Human Interface — essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values — lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
• Attitude — content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service — integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
• Emotional intelligence — concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration — status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
• Probity in Governance — concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; transparency, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
• Case Studies on the above issues.

Source: Official UPSC Civil Services Examination notification — Preliminary & Main Examination syllabus.