Ethics — UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 PYQ

2026

1. Q1
   Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
2. Q2
   A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
3. Q3
   An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM) use this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
4. Q4
   Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
5. Q5
   Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns?

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
6. Q6
   In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi’s notion of ‘trusteeship’ to ensure fairness in governance?

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
7. Q7
   Shakespeare in *Henry IV* says, “The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just”. What ethical implications does this have in governance?

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
8. Q8
   Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor’s action.

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
9. Q9
   Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity?

   10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
10. Q10
    Usually schools, working in remote areas, do not fully comply with government regulations. However, if the rules are enforced strictly, it would lead to most schools closing down. How should an administrator strike a balance between enforcement of rules and educational rights of children?

    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
11. Q11
    In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective.

    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
12. Q12
    On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.

    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
13. Q13
    Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources – without significantly affecting your financial stability – to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity.

    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →