Codes of Ethics and Conduct

Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Codes of Ethics and ConductWork Culture

Undercover journalism exposes injustices, negligence, corruption and wrongdoing and yet going undercover to expose wrongdoing remains controversial. But, undercover journalists contend that they are fulfilling a fundamental duty of finding truth through their journalism. They argue that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy and the duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. So, there are some supporters of this kind of journalism, which sometimes infringe the privacy of individuals. However, some journalists also urge avoiding surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. In this context, answer the following questions: 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 14 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Codes of Ethics and ConductCivil Service Values

Why do civil servants have a special obligation to uphold ethical standards? What are the main areas of concerns for implementation of an effective ethical standard in civil services? In this context, suggest measures to remedy these concerns.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2020

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Codes of Ethics and ConductCivil Service Values

Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021

Impartiality and ObjectivityCivil Service Values

In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct

There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021

CorruptionSocial Influence and Persuasion

"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant." Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct

Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021

Codes of Ethics and ConductWork Culture

Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

You are posted as the Deputy Director (Training) at a state administrative academy. Among the current batch of officer trainees is a probationer known for initiative and strong opinions on social justice and governance. Over the past few weeks, the probationer has been posting commentary on current affairs on his public social media account. While not abusive or inflammatory, his posts openly criticise: • Certain welfare schemes as "tokenistic," • The inaction of state agencies in recent communal incidents, • And call for "civil resistance" to regressive laws. Screenshots of his posts have circulated in the department. Some senior officers consider the posts politically charged and believe they undermine the principle of neutrality and decorum expected of civil servants. Others argue he is still under training and needs mentorship, not discipline. You are informally asked by the Director General to "speak to him" and submit a recommendation on whether formal action is warranted. The probationer, when confronted, says: "I posted as a citizen, not as a government mouthpiece. I’m entitled to express myself. My views don't affect my professional objectivity." There's growing debate in the academy: Where does personal liberty end and institutional responsibility begin? Is there space for moral conviction in service, or must officers conform fully to institutional restraint even in their private lives? 1. What are the key ethical and professional concerns in this situation? 2. As his mentor, what are your options in addressing the issue? 3. What would be your recommended course of action, and why? 4. How can civil servants balance personal expression with the demands of neutrality and public accountability?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government

Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Civil Service ValuesProbity in Governance

Corruption distorts not only functioning of the Government in India but business and corporate activities as well. Explain and discuss how the state can effectively deal with deficit of ethics in the private sector.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Corporate GovernanceCorruption

A. "It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life." In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment." Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Impartiality and ObjectivityCivil Service Values

Ensuring that civil service values are recognised during the recruitment process and ensured through a code of ethics after appointment is a necessary condition of making the civil services an effective instrument of citizen centric governance. Comment.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct

Investigative reporting by media can be a significant source of information on corruption. What are ethical issues involved in investigative journalism? What safeguards can be introduced to prevent its misuse?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2018

Transparency and InformationCorruption

It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Codes of Ethics and ConductConflict of Interest

Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following: (a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India? (b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments. (c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Civil Service ValuesProbity in Governance

You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties. These videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability. In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct

The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Codes of Ethics and ConductTransparency and Information

/ What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Codes of Ethics and ConductWork Culture

“It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life.” In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Dimensions of EthicsEmotional Intelligence

While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values

In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Codes of Ethics and ConductProbity in Governance

With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct

Critically assess the role of regulatory frameworks in enforcing ethical standards in corporate governance. How can these frameworks be designed to encourage ethical behaviour without stifling innovation?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance