Human Values

19 UPSC Mains GS IV questions on Human Values, 2013 to 2024, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Human Values toppers answered.

1. 2024 Q3(a)Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context ? “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” — Swami Vivekananda10 marks · 150 words
2. 2022 Q3(c)What does each of the following quotations mean to you? “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.”—Dalai Lama10 marks · 150 words
3. 2021 Q3(c)What does each of the following quotations mean to you? “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.” —Erik Erikson10 marks · 150 words
4. 2020 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.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2020 Q2(a)'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.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2020 Q5(a)What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India ? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2020 Q5(b)'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
8. 2019 Q6(c)What do each of the following quotations mean to you ? “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.” — A. P. J. Abdul Kalam10 marks · 150 words
9. 2017 Q5(a)“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.” — Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country.10 marks · 150 words
10. 2017 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
11. 2017 Q8(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
12. 2015 Q2(a)Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context : “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”10 marks · 150 words
13. 2015 Q4(a)“Social values are more important than economic values.” Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.10 marks · 150 words
14. 2014 Q1(a)All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.10 marks · 150 words
15. 2014 Q2(a)In the context of defence services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer.10 marks · 150 words
16. 2014 Q4(a)Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development.10 marks · 150 words
17. 2014 Q5(a)The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy?10 marks · 150 words
18. 2013 Q1What 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
19. 2013 Q3Some 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

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.