GS4 · Topic
Dedication to Public Service
Commitment to the public interest, motivation to serve, and what sustains or erodes it.
68 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Dedication to Public Service that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2016–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Compassion is the courageous choice to feel another's suffering as one's own, and to act upon it, even when silence is safer and indifference is easier. Examine the significance of compassion as an essential ethical value for civil servants in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values
"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service"- Martin Luther King.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
An essential element that distinguishes a career in public service from jobs elsewhere is its focus on public service ethos. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Civil Service ValuesDedication to Public Service
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
Ethical behaviour is the best not merely in the context of morality, but it is also the best in the context of one's own career prospects. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Civil Service ValuesIntegrity
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2024
Civil Service ValuesProbity in Governance
Fortitude enables a civil servant to make difficult yet morally right decisions. Explain with reference to real-life examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values
While successful managers make profit for their organizations, it is leaders who build successful organizations. In light of this statement, differentiate between a manager and a leader. Examine why leadership is considered a foundational value for a civil servant.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values
An active civil service is necessary but not sufficient; India also requires civil service activism for fulfilling the vision of 'justice, liberty and equality for all'. Analyze the statement citing relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Civil Service ValuesDedication to Public Service
: Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : (i) Dedication to public service (ii) Non-partisanship in civil service (iii)
10 marks · 30 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Dedication to Public ServiceImpartiality and Objectivity
What are the ethical obligations of a civil servant? Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018
Civil Service ValuesDedication to Public Service
Civil servants should work for a cause and not for applause. In light of this statement, examine why bureaucratic anonymity is considered a foundational value for a civil servant. How far do you agree that the principle of bureaucratic anonymity has been diluted in the age of social media?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Civil Service ValuesDedication to Public Service
Bhanjanagar is a sleepy Sub-division of Ganjam district of Odisha. Ganjam district had been a witness to devastation caused by many tropical cyclones over the years. Unfortunately, this year Cyclone Fani hit the Eastern coast of India, with Bhanjanagar being the point of landing of cyclone causing massive disaster resulting in loss of property and lives. You are heading the rescue operations in the Bhanjanagar area which is seriously ravaged by the cyclone. Thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damage to supply routes. The local people are seething with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of your team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis, some team members plead with you to call off the operations fearing threats to their life. In such trying circumstances, what will be your response?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Crisis Decision MakingDedication to Public Service
To see what is right and not do it is the want of courage- Confucius
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
You are an IFS officer who heads a diplomatic mission in a European country. You live there with your wife and children. Your parents and few of your relatives are also visiting you for vacation. The country is known for its scenic mountains and it is a popular destination for tourists. In an unexpected turn of events, the country in which you are posted has been attacked by its neighbour due to some unresolved bilateral issues. All the major transportation channels have been adversely impacted by the attack. Flights have been cancelled and airspace above the country has been declared unsafe for commercial aircrafts. You have received an urgent communication from New Delhi asking you to prepare a plan for evacuation of Indians from the besieged country. You have been informed that a friendly neighbouring country of India has sought India's help to evacuate its citizens. Due to war, only a limited number of people can be evacuated in one go and multiple rounds would be required for evacuating everyone. You have identified following groups of people who are to be evacuated: i. You, your wife, children, parents and relatives. ii. Diplomatic staff at the mission. iii. Indian tourists visiting the country. iv. Indian students studying in the country v. A film crew and actors who were shooting a film in the country. These include some of the biggest names of Bollywood. vi. Citizens of the friendly neighbouring country that has requested India's help. As a civil services officer of the state, what would be the order in which you would evacuate these people and why? Give Justifications.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Crisis Decision MakingDedication to Public Service
Discuss the significance of Mahatma Gandhi's Talisman for civil servants.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018
Civil Service ValuesCrisis Decision Making
The life of Dr. Kalam presents a broad range of lessons & virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Human ValuesCivil Service Values
A public servant's primary duty is to recognise the importance of public interest and ensure that it is upheld. How can a public servant balance professional responsibilities while ensuring the public good is effectively served?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Dedication to Public ServiceCivil Service Values
Civil servants are committed to the improvement of the policy-making and service delivery abilities of the state. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Dedication to Public ServiceCivil Service Values
Rashmi is a trained nurse and has an experience of over 20 years. She joined as a contractual nurse in a government hospital during the second wave of Covid-19. At the peak of the second wave of Covid, the health system of the country crumbled under the large number of infections. There was a severe shortage of not only items like medicine, oxygen cylinders etc but also of trained staff. To address the bed shortage, many temporary covid camps were established and to cope up with the dearth of trained staff, the government started hiring on contractual basis. Many nurses, computer operators, sweepers and others in support staff were temporarily hired for the covid period in accordance with outsourcing policy for emergency services at government hospitals. Due to their immense contribution in fight against the pandemic, they were recognized as 'corona warriors'. During their hiring, a verbal promise was made to them that, 'corona warriors' would be given preference in other government hirings. Rashmi signed a contract stating the term of her employment as three months, which was subsequently extended for three more months and so on. After a year, as the number of covid infections have declined, the government has closed many of the temporary camps. Vaccination drive has also shown a decelerating trend as the majority of the population has been inoculated with at least one dose. This has reduced the requirement of nurses, computer operators and other supporting staff. Rashmi was served a 15 day notice and her contractual employment was terminated. Government has cited that since covid wave has subsided, health infrastructure in the country. [Note: The source text appears to be missing text here.] Rashmi recalls her ordeal while taking care of patients during the second wave of Covid-19. She did continuous night shifts which usually stretched to 12-13 hours. Wearing PPE and 3 layers of masks made simple tasks like drinking water or using the washroom very difficult. Dealing with patients, some angry while others grieving, was an emotional drain. Rashmi also played a very important role in the vaccination drive, sometimes vaccinating more than 400 people per day. Many corona warriors contracted disease and died while doing their duty. Corona warriors have put their life on the line to save the country from the pandemic. But after termination of the contract, Rashmi feels that the government has acted with a 'use and throw' attitude. Rashmi and other corona warriors have started protesting near the health ministry, demanding permanent government employment. On the basis of this case, answer the following questions: 1) What are the various ethical issues involved in this case? 2) Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job? 3) Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors? 4) Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDedication to Public Service
The above quote by Mahatma Gandhi emphasises on the need for service and that too one with joy and enthusiasm for the greater benefit of both servant and server.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." — Muhammad Ali
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Human ValuesEmpathy and Compassion
Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' - Martin Luther King Jr.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Human ValuesEmpathy and Compassion
The excluded and marginalised section of society are worst hit by globalisation. Take the case of Particularly vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman and Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation (b) If you are posted as a development officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Empathy and CompassionDedication to Public Service
Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : Dedication to public service
30 words · Answered by 1 topper
Dedication to Public Service
Discuss strategies that a civil servant can employ to ensure the inclusion and well-being of the weaker sections of society. How can policies be designed to bridge the gaps and promote social equity?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Empathy and CompassionDedication to Public Service