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General Studies Paper 4 · By subject

Ethics Theory — UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 PYQ

105 previous year questions on Ethics Theory, 2013–2025, each with a model answer

← All GS Paper 4

2025

  1. Q1
    (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.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q2
    (a) Carl von Clausewitz once said, “War is a diplomacy by other means.” Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. (b) Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q4
    (a) “For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework.” Justify this statement with suitable examples. (b) What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q11
    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program, MGNREGA was earlier known as National Rural Employment Scheme, NREGA. It is an Indian Social Welfare Program that aimed at fulfilling the ‘Right to Work’ provisions made in the Constitution. MGNREGA was launched in 2006 under Rural Employment Sector by the Ministry of Rural Development. Main objective of the program is to give legal guarantee of wage employment to the adult members of rural households who are willing to do unskilled manual labour work subject to a maximum of 100 days per year for every household. Every rural household has the right to register under the scheme, job card is issued to the registered, Job Card holder can seek employment; State Government shall pay 25% of minimum wage for the first 30 days as compensatory daily unemployment allowance to the families and of wage for remaining period of the year. MGNREGA work was undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You have been appointed as an Administrator Incharge of the District. You have been given the responsibility of monitoring MGNREGA work undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You are also given the authority to give technical sanctions to all MGNREGA works. In one of the Panchayats in your jurisdiction, you notice that your predecessor has mismanaged the Program in terms of: (i) Money not disbursed to actual job-seekers. (ii) Muster Rolls of the Labourers not properly maintained. (iii) Mismatch between the work done and payments made. (iv) Payments made to fictitious persons. (v) Job Cards were given without looking into the need of person. (vi) Mismanagement of funds and to the extent of siphoning of funds. (vii) Approved works that never existed. (a) What is your reaction to the above situation and how do you restore the proper functioning of MGNREGA Program in this regard? (b) What actions would you initiate to solve the various issues listed above? (c) How would you deal with the above situation?
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2024

  1. Q1
    (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.
    20 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q2
    (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?
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q4
    (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.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q7
    There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business’s environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centers, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Al-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology’s proliferation has led to a growing concern over the environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. Al models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders’ worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both, business objectives and ethical obligations. (a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (c) Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth to convince about its necessity? (d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between Al innovation and environmental footprint?
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2023

  1. Q2
    (a) “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? (b) In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q4
    “What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills your EQ, that are not just purely cognitive abilities measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q5
    (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.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q6
    (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?
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q11
    You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and selfesteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? (c) What would be your response to Seema’s predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization?
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2022

  1. Q2
    (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?
    20 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q5
    (a) Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: (i) Constitutional morality (ii) Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challenges of digitalization (v) Devotion to duty
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

2021

  1. Q2
    (a) Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. (b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.
    20 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →

2020

  1. Q1
    (a) Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony. (b) “Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q4
    (a) Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. (b) A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person?
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q5
    (a) What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. (b) ‘The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.’ Discuss.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q8
    The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to designing and producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on export of military weaponry. To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMs as there is a possibility of exporting the same to a friendly foreign country. The Director General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff at Delhi next week. Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacture of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of international arms trade. As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points? (a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms trade? (b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  5. Q9
    Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is primarily subsistence due to the very small land holdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states to supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labour contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton. The inadequate living and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls. NGOs in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area. You are appointed as the District Collector of Rampura. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the over-all economic scenario in the district?
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2019

  1. Q3
    (a) What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality? (10 marks, 150 words) (b) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? (10 marks, 150 words)
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

2018

  1. Q4
    (a) “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication.” Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties. (10 marks, 150 words) (b) With regard to morality of actions, one view is that means are of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (10 marks, 150 words)
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q8
    As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road construction projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with minimum land acquisition from private parties. Compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area. Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20 acres farm house. He also suggests that he would facilitate purchase of a big plot of land in your wife’s name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural land has to be acquired, thereby causing considerable financial burden on the government, and also displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees, denuding the area of its green cover. Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what are your responsibilities as a public servant.
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2017

  1. Q3
    Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. Q4
    (a) One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example. (10 marks, 150 words) (b) Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse. (10 marks, 150 words)
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q7
    (a) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words) (b) Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify. (10 marks, 150 words)
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q8
    (a) Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words) (b) Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times. (10 marks, 150 words)
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

2016

  1. Q1
    (a) Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (b) Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context? Illustrate your answer with examples.
    20 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q3
    (a) Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian context. (b) Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.
    20 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q5
    Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q6
    Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society. (a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today’s educated Indians. (b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  5. Q8
    “Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realize that the state bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality.” Critically analyse this statement.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →

2015

  1. Q1
    (a) What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. (150 words) (b) Differentiate between the following: (200 words) (i) Law and ethics (ii) Ethical management and management of ethics (iii) Discrimination and preferential treatment (iv) Personal ethics and professional ethics
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q7
    At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q14
    You are recently posted as district development officer of a district. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your district on the issue of sending girls to schools. The elders of the village feel that many problems have come up because girls are being educated and they are stepping out of the safe environment of the household. They are of the view that the girls should be quickly married off with minimum education. The girls are also competing for jobs after education, which have traditionally remained in boys’ exclusive domain, adding to unemployment amongst male population. The younger generation feels that in the present era, girls should have equal opportunities for education and employment, and other means of livelihood. The entire locality is divided between the elders and the younger lot and further sub-divided between sexes in both generations. You come to know that in Panchayat or in other local bodies or even in busy crossroads, the issue is being acrimoniously debated. One day you are informed that an unpleasant incident has taken place. Some girls were molested, when they were en route to schools. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen. The elders after heated discussion have taken a joint decision not to allow girls to go to school and to socially boycott all such families, which do not follow their dictate. (a) What steps would you take to ensure girls’ safety without disrupting their education? (b) How would you manage and mould patriarchic attitude of the village elders to ensure harmony in the inter-generational relations?
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2014

  1. Q1
    (a) All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples. (b) What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration?
    20 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  2. Q6
    What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. Q10
    Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points: (i) In the present times, when unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may also cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can? (ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated. (iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all, in the present age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development. (iv) It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend?
    20 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →

2013

  1. Q1
    What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  2. Q2
    (a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (250 words) (i) Integrity (ii) Perseverance (iii) Spirit of service (iv) Commitment (v) Courage of conviction (b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. (100 words)
    25 marks 250 words Hard Model answer →
  3. Q3
    Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  4. Q5
    (a) What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? (b) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.
    20 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  5. Q7
    “The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

0

  1. •
    International aid is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ethics in contemporary international aid. Support your answer with suitable examples.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  2. •
    “An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct.” Elaborate.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  3. •
    “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 genderspecific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.” (2024)
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  4. •
    “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  5. •
    “One who is devoted to one’s duty attains highest perfection in life.” Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  6. •
    “International aid is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ethics in contemporary international aid. Support your answer with suitable examples.”
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  7. •
    Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organism including human being is heading towards loss of life on Earth. how do you put an end to this to protect life and being equilibrium between society and environment?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  8. •
    “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 powerful nations in today’s international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  9. •
    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 no 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.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  10. •
    In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing 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 role and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  11. •
    Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a). “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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  12. •
    Given below is a quotation of great thinker. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) Those who are in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” Thiruvalluvar [2025]
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  13. •
    “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion. A thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.”–Socrates
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  14. •
    “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.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  15. •
    “In the case of a crisis of conscience, does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.”
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  16. •
    “Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent.” Examine the statement with suitable illustrations. (2024)
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  17. •
    Write short notes on the following. (i) Constitutional Morality (ii) Conflict of Interest (iii) Probity in Public Life (iv) Devotion to Duty
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  18. •
    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.(2022)
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  19. •
    “The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are the same, yet there is a 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.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  20. •
    “Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of humans. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?”
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  21. •
    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.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  22. •
    “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence to the rule of law.” Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servants, highlighting its role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  23. •
    “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.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  24. •
    “The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.” Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  25. •
    “The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life.” Discuss.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  26. •
    What does Stoic philosophy — particularly the dichotomy of control and the discipline of assent — offer to a civil servant facing repeated punitive transfers?
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  27. •
    ‘Work culture is the most decisive of all determinants of public-service ethics, because it operates daily and invisibly.’ Discuss with reference to the 2nd ARC’s recommendations on civil-service reform.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  28. •
    Examine the role of the Central Vigilance Commission and the Lokpal in combating systemic corruption. Why has the Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2014 remained operationally inert?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  29. •
    ‘Quality of public-service delivery is the most visible ethics test of the State.’ Examine with reference to citizen-centric reforms — Sevottam, RTPS Acts and CPGRAMS.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  30. •
    Explain John Rawls’s ‘veil of ignorance’ and ‘difference principle’. Apply them to evaluate the constitutionality and ethics of reservation in promotions.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  31. •
    Examine the contribution of Swami Vivekananda’s ‘Practical Vedanta’ to the ethical conduct of a civil servant. What does ‘work is worship’ demand of a public office today?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  32. •
    Discuss Rabindranath Tagore’s notions of ‘jana-gana-mana’ universalism and the critique of narrow nationalism. How are these relevant to a civil servant designing inclusive urban citizenship for migrant workers?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  33. •
    Examine Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s idea of ‘constitutional morality’ and ‘fraternity’ as ethical foundations for the civil services. How should an officer apply them while implementing the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  34. •
    Discuss Sri Aurobindo’s idea of ‘integral perfection’ and ‘divine life’ as ethical aspirations for public servants. Distinguish his approach from Gandhi’s, with a contemporary application.
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  35. •
    Compare Jeremy Bentham’s quantitative utilitarianism with J.S. Mill’s qualitative utilitarianism. Which is more useful when a civil servant prioritises beneficiaries under a limited welfare budget?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  36. •
    Distinguish conformity, compliance, obedience and identification as forms of social influence. Why is unquestioning obedience particularly hazardous in a uniformed service?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  37. •
    ‘Impartiality and non-partisanship are not the same as neutrality.’ Examine with reference to the contemporary debate on civil-service neutrality in India.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  38. •
    ‘Dedication to public service is incomplete without empathy for the citizen at the counter.’ Examine with reference to grievance redressal and the Citizen Charter movement.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  39. •
    What is ‘objectivity’ as a foundational value for civil services? Distinguish evidence-based objectivity from spurious neutrality with one example from disaster relief allocation.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  40. •
    ‘Self-awareness and self-motivation are the bedrock of emotional intelligence.’ Examine with reference to a Sub-Divisional Magistrate handling chronic stress from caseload pressure.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  41. •
    Distinguish primary emotions (Ekman’s six) from secondary emotions. How can a Superintendent of Police use this distinction to manage a riot-prone crowd?
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  42. •
    Distinguish the one-dimensional from the two-dimensional view of attitude. How does the two-dimensional view help explain administrative ambivalence on a politically charged scheme?
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  43. •
    Explain the procedures of attitude formation — classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, observational learning and want-satisfaction. Suggest how each route can be used in a public-health vaccine confidence campaign.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  44. •
    Examine the factors that strengthen or weaken the attitude-behaviour relation. How can a District Education Officer leverage this knowledge to reduce school dropout among adolescent girls?
    10 marks 150 words Hard Model answer →
  45. •
    Differentiate persuasion, nudge and manipulation as instruments of social influence. Why does the line between nudge and manipulation matter for the design of welfare-scheme defaults?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  46. •
    ‘Ethics in private life is necessary but not sufficient for ethics in public life.’ Discuss with reference to the special features of a public office.
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  47. •
    ‘Ethics is not merely the study of what is good; it is the discipline of choosing between competing goods.’ Examine this proposition with reference to a District Magistrate’s decision on lockdown enforcement during a religious festival.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  48. •
    Distinguish between ‘consequences of ethics’ for an individual and for society. Why does a single act of administrative dishonesty cascade beyond the office that committed it?
    10 marks 150 words Easy Model answer →
  49. •
    Examine the role of conscience as a source of ethical guidance when statutory rules and superior orders pull in opposite directions. Use the All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968 framework.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  50. •
    ‘Self-regulation is the keystone of emotional intelligence in public service.’ Examine with reference to provocations a District Magistrate may face during a communal flashpoint.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  51. •
    Compare Gandhian trusteeship with Kautilya’s saptanga theory. What does each prescribe for a contemporary civil servant managing land-acquisition for a Bharatmala highway?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  52. •
    Bring out the relevance of Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean and Kant’s categorical imperative for a public servant deciding on a contentious environmental clearance.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  53. •
    ‘Probity in governance is the absence not just of corruption, but also of moral indifference.’ Examine in the context of institutions like CVC, Lokpal and CAG.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  54. •
    Differentiate between accountability and responsibility. Why is ‘objective responsibility’ insufficient without ‘subjective responsibility’ for a Secretary signing an environmental clearance?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  55. •
    Daniel Goleman lists five components of emotional intelligence. With examples from administration, show why empathy and social skills are indispensable for an officer managing a disaster-affected population.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  56. •
    What do you understand by ‘determinants of ethics’ in private and public relationships? Examine how family, peer group, educational institutions and the workplace each shape ethical conduct in a civil servant.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  57. •
    ‘Attitude is the bridge between values and behaviour.’ Examine the three components of attitude (cognitive, affective, conative) and explain why attitudinal change is harder than informational change for a public servant working on sanitation behaviour change.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  58. •
    Differentiate moral attitude, political attitude and social attitude with one Indian example for each. How should a civil servant insulate professional decisions from personal political attitudes?
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  59. •
    What is aptitude, and how does it differ from attitude and intelligence? Explain why aptitude alone cannot guarantee ethical conduct in civil services.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  60. •
    List the Nolan Principles of Public Life. Discuss with examples how ‘openness’ and ‘leadership’ can come into tension during a public-health emergency.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →
  61. •
    Distinguish between ethics, morality, values and law. Illustrate with a single instance where the four diverge for a District Magistrate handling a public protest.
    10 marks 150 words Medium Model answer →

Other GS Paper 4 subjects

Thinkers & QuotesProbity & GovernanceEthicsEmotional IntelligenceCase Study