UPSC Mains Ethics Theory PYQs, 2016-2026
93 Ethics Theory questions from GS Paper 4 (Ethics), 2016-2026: values, integrity, attitude, emotional intelligence, probity. Newest year first, from the official UPSC papers. Practise them and get your answers checked with UPSC Mains answer evaluation.
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2026
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.
150 words
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?
250 words
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.
150 words
Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.
150 words
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?
150 words
In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi's notion of 'trusteeship' to ensure fairness in governance?
150 words
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.
150 words
Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity?
150 words
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?
150 words
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.
150 words
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.
150 words
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2025
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.
150 words · 10 marks
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.
150 words · 10 marks
What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.
150 words · 10 marks
To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal?
150 words · 10 marks
India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future?
150 words · 10 marks
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2024
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.
150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss
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?
150 words · 10 marks
The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.
150 words · 10 marks
Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.
150 words · 10 marks
Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?
150 words · 10 marks
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2023
What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource-challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support your answer with suitable examples.
150 words
In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss.
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.
150 words
Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?
150 words
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2022
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.
150 words · 10 marks
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.
150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss
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.
150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss
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? 10 3. frafifad # a was san a ames fran 8 aT ao What does each of the following quotations mean to you?
150 words
What do you understand by the term 'good governance'? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.
150 words · 10 marks
Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the; approvals of the competent authority. No doubt, it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and the system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to the vulnerable section of the society.
150 words · 10 marks
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 i 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.
150 words · 10 marks
Constitutional morality
Conflict of interest
Probity in public life
Devotion to duty
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?
150 words · 10 marks
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.
150 words · 10 marks
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2021
Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
150 words
Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.
150 words
Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example.
150 words
Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.
150 words
Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?
150 words
In case of 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.
150 words
Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.
150 words
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.
150 words
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2020
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.
150 words · 10 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss
Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit." Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.
150 words
What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss.
150 words
What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
150 words · 10 marks
The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations.
150 words
Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.
150 words · 10 marks
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?
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.
150 words · 10 marks
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2019
What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.
150 words · 10 marks
What do you understand by the term 'public servant'? Reflect on the expected role of public servant.
150 words · 10 marks
Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.
150 words · 10 marks
What is meant by the term 'constitutional morality'? How does one uphold constitutional morality?
150 words · 10 marks
What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?
150 words · 10 marks
Explain the basic principles of citizens charter movement and bring out its importance.
150 words · 10 marks
There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of Right to Information Act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss.
150 words · 10 marks
What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.
150 words · 10 marks
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2018
State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance.
150 words
Distinguish between "Code of ethics" and "Code of conduct" with suitable examples.
What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest?
150 words
What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the ' difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest.
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.
150 words
Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a f mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies 7 io
150 words
Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration, Ig
150 words
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2017
Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example.
150 words
Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: 70 (a) Transparency (b) Accountability. Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction; (e) Spirit of service
150 words
Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.
150 words
One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.
150 words
Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse.
150 words
How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?.
150 words
Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate.
150 words
The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
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.
150 words
Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss.
150 words
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.
150 words
Ethics Theory questions in GS Paper 4 (Ethics) 2016
Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being.
150 words · Model answer & what aspirants miss
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.
150 words
What do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance'?
150 words
Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's concept of seven sins.
150 words
Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the gnd Administrative Reforms Commission.
150 words
How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?
150 words
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.
150 words
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?
150 words
Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life. (a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours. (b) Howcan it be managed and controlled?
150 words
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