UPSC Mains 2021 · GS IV · Q4(b) · 10 marks · 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.

हिन्दी में

उस नैतिकता अथवा नैतिक आदर्श, जिसको आप अंगीकार करते हैं, से समझौता किए बिना क्या भावनात्मक बुद्धि अंतरात्मा के संकट की स्थिति से उबरने में सहायता करती है? आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए।

Emotional IntelligenceSources of Ethical Guidance

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “In situations of moral ambiguity, where formal rules fall short, emotional intelligence and conscience become crucial tools. Explain how these internal faculties help public servants navigate ethical grey zones. Support with a suitable example.”

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 164 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a quotation

"Voice of conscience is most sacred to guide you" - Mahatma Gandhi

Conscience and Emotional Intelligence thus helps you in grey zones.

Body · points

Role

  1. Identifying Priorities eg means vs ends

  2. Better Handling of grey zones eg Sanyukta (IPS) → EI to use AFSPA in Boddoland conflict

  3. Helps you to critically analyse all the aspects eg use of Sec 144 < Public Order vs Article 19 ↓ Conscience to take decision

  4. Decision of conscience are mostly correct in public scrutiny Eg → A government welfare scheme to poor without document on voice of conscience

  5. Beings innovative solution to tackle grey zones Eg → IAS Rajat Bansal → dealing with communal conflict → use of National Anthem for peace

  6. Produces a clean map of hierarchy of values to take decision Eg → Ashok Khemka → listening his conscience & reporting fraud even when not his duty

Way forward

  1. Guiding your conscience → More knowledge
  2. Emotional literacy to improve EQ

Close · a way forward

None written.

5 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper IV, Q4(b). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.