GS4 · Topic
Emotional Intelligence
Its concepts and utilities, self-awareness and regulation, and its application in administration and governance.
130 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Emotional Intelligence that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2013–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Emotional Intelligence
As the CEO of a global technology firm, Mr. Varun has been facing immense pressure to deliver consistent growth and innovation. To manage the stress and stay ahead, he has started using ketamine, a potent drug known for its potential risks, claiming it enhances his focus and decision-making. His actions have raised concerns among some board members and employees. In this context, answer the following: (a) What are the ethical issues involved in Mr. Varun's actions? (b) Can the use of ketamine for stress management and enhanced decision-making be justified? Discuss. (c) How can emotional intelligence help Mr. Varun manage his stress and ethical concerns?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Corporate GovernanceEmotional Intelligence
Prakash and Meena were a married couple living in Gurgaon, Haryana. Both Prakash and Meena were corporate executives, working in XYZ retail and ABC enterprises respectively. The two were leading a rewarding professional life. However, as both worked in different companies and often had different office timings, their personal lives were getting affected. Due to their busy schedules and official commitments, they were unable to find sufficient time for each other. Things came to such a pass that the two could not spend their last anniversary together. While Prakash was working on an important project, Meena was busy with the launch of a new product. Though the two understood the importance of professional commitments, the lack of quality time with each-other was increasingly becoming a cause for concern and frustration. One day Prakash informed Meena about a vacancy in his company for the post of regional manager. Prakash, who himself was working at the same position, knew that this post was an ideal opportunity for Meena professionally. While Meena's work in her company was well appreciated and her prospects for growth were sound, she was still willing to grab the present opportunity. This would have enabled the two of them to work in a common office space, with relatively more coherence in their office timings. Consequently, she applied for the vacancy in Prakash's company. As Meena was reasonably qualified for the job and had good experience, she was hired by Prakash's company. The two were very happy about the prospects of working together. Besides working from a common office space, Prakash and Meena were able to go to and return from work together. The two were, resultantly, very happy about this positive change in their lives. Meena quickly adjusted to the new office environment and began her work in the same department as that of Prakash. Meena's positive work came into the notice of her superiors. She was frequently appreciated for her diligence and sincerity. XYZ retail was in the process of preparing a presentation for a potential government contract. While Prakash was expecting that he would be chosen for preparation, the branch head of XYZ retail entrusted Meena with this strategically important task. Prakash was visibly disappointed with this, as he had been preparing for this task for a long time. Meena could also sense Prakash's dejection, as he not only didn't congratulate Meena but also pointed out how it should have been him doing the job. Meena, as was her nature, worked hard on the report, and successfully made the presentation to the client. As the report was made and presented in an efficient manner, XYZ retail gained a big contract from the government. While the entire office was congratulating Meena for her success, Prakash remained indifferent towards Meena's achievement. Meena was visibly hurt by Prakash's behaviour. This further enraged Prakash, as now he was supposed to report to Meena. Moreover, Prakash's behaviour at the workplace changed significantly. He started misbehaving with his juniors over small things. He became careless in his work, often leading to mistakes and errors. Prakash's behaviour at office had a spill-over effect on Prakash and Meena's personal lives. One day he slapped an office peon for entering his cabin without knocking. After an enquiry about the incident, Meena recommended suspension of Prakash. While the two had continuously quarrelled over trivial things since her promotion, this time Prakash's career was at stake leading to a huge fight. Earlier Prakash and Meena tried to spend time together whenever possible, now the two despised being together at home and office. While Meena could not comprehend Prakash's behaviour, Prakash was jealous of Meena's success. Meena began to re-evaluate her decision to join XYZ retail. a) In your opinion, what qualities do Prakash lack? Do you think that Meena also lacks some qualities? b) As a common friend of Meena and Prakash, what advice will you give to the couple? c) How can they develop the qualities that could have prevented such a distressing situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethics in Private and Public LifeEmotional Intelligence
The strength of character and emotional intelligence to face setbacks is the true measure of success. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional IntelligenceHuman Values
Prakash and Meena were a married couple living in Gurgaon, Haryana. Both Prakash and Meena were corporate executives, working in XYZ retail and ABC enterprises respectively. The two were leading a rewarding professional life. However, as both worked in different companies and often had different office timings, their personal lives were getting affected. Due to their busy schedules and official commitments, they were unable to find sufficient time for each other. Things came to such a pass that the two could not spend their last anniversary together. While Prakash was working on an important project, Meena was busy with the launch of a new product. Though the two understood the importance of professional commitments, the lack of quality time with each-other was increasingly becoming a cause for concern and frustration. One day Prakash informed Meena about a vacancy in his company for the post of regional manager. Prakash, who himself was working at the same position, knew that this post was an ideal opportunity for Meena professionally. While Meena's work in her company was well appreciated and her prospects for growth were sound, she was still willing to grab the present opportunity. This would have enabled the two of them to work in a common office space, with relatively more coherence in their office timings. Consequently, she applied for the vacancy in Prakash's company. As Meena was reasonably qualified for the job and had good experience, she was hired by Prakash's company. The two were very happy about the prospects of working together. Besides working from a common office space, Prakash and Meena were able to go to and return from work together. The two were, resultantly, very happy about this positive change in their lives. Meena quickly adjusted to the new office environment and began her work in the same department as that of Prakash. Meena's positive work came into the notice of her superiors. She was frequently appreciated for her diligence and sincerity. XYZ retail was in the process of preparing a presentation for a potential government contract. While Prakash was expecting that he would be chosen for preparation, the branch head of XYZ retail entrusted Meena with this strategically important task. Prakash was visibly disappointed with this, as he had been preparing for this task for a long time. Meena could also sense Prakash's dejection, as he not only didn't congratulate Meena but also pointed out how it should have been him doing the job. Meena, as was her nature, worked hard on the report, and successfully made the presentation to the client. As the report was made and presented in an efficient manner, XYZ retail gained a big contract from the government. While the entire office was congratulating Meena for her success, Prakash remained indifferent towards Meena's achievement. Meena was visibly hurt by Prakash's behaviour. Meena's success with the government contract earned her a promotion, and she was made the head of her department. This further enraged Prakash, as now he was supposed to report to Meena. Moreover, Prakash's behaviour at the workplace changed significantly. He started misbehaving with his juniors over small things. He became careless in his work, often leading to mistakes and errors. Prakash's behaviour at office had a spill-over effect on Prakash and Meena's personal lives. One day he slapped an office peon for entering his cabin without knocking. After an enquiry about the incident, Meena recommended suspension of Prakash. While the two had continuously quarrelled over trivial things since her promotion, this time Prakash's career was at stake leading to a huge fight. Earlier Prakash and Meena tried to spend time together whenever possible, now the two despised being together at home and office. While Meena could not comprehend Prakash's behaviour, Prakash was jealous of Meena's success. Meena began to re-evaluate her decision to join XYZ retail. a) In your opinion, what qualities do Prakash lack? Do you think that Meena also lacks some qualities? b) As a common friend of Meena and Prakash, what advice will you give to the couple? c) How can they develop the qualities that could have prevented such a distressing situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethics in Private and Public LifeEmotional Intelligence
Ethics is a normative science guiding us what to do and what not to do. But the basis of this decision is not solely determined by reason, feelings also an important role.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Emotional intelligence is a critical component for healthcare professionals, especially during a crisis like COVID-19. Discuss. 2b. Public spiritedness acts as a moral compass for public servants in a democracy. Elaborate.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Emotional IntelligenceCivil Service Values
In a Tier-1 city, Aparna, a 28-year-old management consultant, works 14-hour days and most weekends. Her firm praises her "ownership mindset" and "hustler spirit." On the surface, she is successful and driven. In reality, she struggles with insomnia, anxiety, and a growing sense of emptiness. Her emotional burnout is dismissed by peers as "just part of the grind." In a small rented room in Delhi, Arjun, a 26-year-old civil services aspirant, has been preparing relentlessly for the past four years. He studies 10-12 hours daily, battling financial pressure, rising self-doubt, and the emotional weight of repeated failure. His family back home has pinned all their hopes on him. He finds it hard to sleep, avoids social interactions, and suffers in silence—fearing that any acknowledgment of stress would be perceived as weakness, or worse, defeat. Meanwhile, Meena, a 42-year-old government school teacher in a small town, has been silently battling depression for the past two years. After losing her husband during the pandemic, she returned to work to support her children, but overwhelming responsibilities, lack of support, and workplace indifference pushed her further into emotional isolation. Despite being a dedicated educator, her performance has declined, and colleagues whisper that she has "lost interest." These individuals—spread across professions and geographies—are united by an invisible crisis: deteriorating mental health, fuelled by social stigma, institutional neglect, and the glorification of hustle. (a) Identify the ethical issues surrounding mental health. (b) What attitudinal and behavioral strategies can be adopted to effect attitudinal change around mental health, especially in high-stress environments? (c) As a future civil servant, how would you act as a change agent in your sphere of influence to promote mental well-being while balancing administrative efficiency and empathy?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Empathy and CompassionEmotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognise & manage one's emotions as well as that of others. (b) The Panchsheel Doctrine, though formalised in the 1960s, stands relevant even today, given the challenges of a multipolar world order. Discuss. 3(a) 'Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime'. The above quote stands relevant in the era of growing freebies culture as a populist measure to win elections. Discuss the ethical issues involved and suggest ways to resolve this.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional IntelligenceWork Culture
Emotional intelligence empowers public servants to skillfully manage interpersonal dynamics, hence fostering a cohesive work culture. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional IntelligenceWork Culture
Emotional Intelligence is an important parameter as one aspires to move up the ladder in a competitive environment. Discuss (10).
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Emotional Intelligence
What do you understand by Emotional Intelligence? Highlight its importance for civil servants.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Emotional Intelligence
Jayant is a hard-working and dedicated IAS officer. He is currently posted in a remote district in North-East India. Jayant is married to Sarita who used to work as a software engineer before her marriage. Sarita is a well-educated and ambitious woman who wants to be known by her name and not only as the wife of IAS officer Jayant. Sarita wants to restart her career and has been searching for a suitable job for some time. She has found a good job in an MNC that pays well, but she will have to move to Bangalore for it. Sarita wants to take up this opportunity but Jayant's mother does not want Sarita to move to Bangalore. Jayant also wants Sarita to stay with him so that they can have kids and start their family. Sarita proposes that Jayant move with him to Bangalore as she will get a salary that is substantially more than Jayant's. Jayant and his mother found this proposal of- fending. Further, Jayant does not want to leave the job that he has dreamed of since his childhood and for which he has toiled hard. The entire issue has become a reason for daily fights between Sarita and Jayant, and has taken a toll on their married life. The issues in personal life of Jayant have creeped into his professional life as well. He is not able to concentrate on his work which has resulted in his poor performance. Just a few days back, Jayant made a blunder and was scolded by his senior for being absent-minded in his work. His behaviour in office has also changed. Now Jayant gets easily irritated and often talks rudely with the staff in the office. This is negatively impacting the motivation level of his subordinates. Jayant is aware of his degrading performance and he thinks that he is failing both in his personal and professional life. You are a mutual friend of Jayant and Sarita. One day you received a call from a distressed Jayant and he asks you for your advice on this issue. 1) Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options. 2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple? 3) How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethics in Private and Public LifeEmotional Intelligence
Q-4(a) What do you understand by social intelligence ? Discuss its relation with Emotional Intelligence of an individual.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Emotional Intelligence
You are a senior officer in the state government. You have been assigned the responsibility of implementing a major infrastructure project. The local farming community, whose lands have been acquired for this project, is protesting against the inadequate compensation and lack of transparency. The environmental activists are also opposing the project, raising concerns about ecological degradation. Meanwhile, your subordinate officer, Mr. Vikas Patel, who is directly overseeing the land acquisition process, is under pressure from his seniors to complete the project on time. He is displaying signs of low emotional intelligence, is dismissive of the farmers' concerns, and his high-handed approach is causing morale to drop among his team. As a responsible officer, how will you manage this situation? Discuss the ethical issues involved and suggest measures for a long-term solution.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
On a cold and foggy night in December, Arun and Seema, both unknown to each other, boarded a train for Lucknow at the Delhi junction. Both were going to their home town on the weekend. It was supposed to be a routine train journey of 7-8 hours. Arun, a first-year graduate from a reputed institute in Delhi, aspires to join DRDO and make a career in the R&D field. Seema, a national-level volleyball player, had dreams of joining the paramilitary forces. Both checked their tickets and got comfortable in their respective seats in the coach S7. The train gave the final horn and slowly started leaving the station. Amidst the chugging of the engine and the train wheels clacking on the tracks, both Arun and Seema fall asleep. But as fate would have it that night, a routine train journey turned cut to be a nightmare for the passengers of coach S7, including Arun and Seema. The train was on its scheduled two-minute halt at an outskirt station when suddenly 4-5 robbers entered the coach S7. They asked all the passengers to hand over their valuables without any fuss. None of the passengers could gather the courage to confront them, as they had country-made pistols and sharp-edged weapons. But somehow, Arun and Seema mustered the courage and resisted the robbers. The robbers threatened them with dire consequences and asked them to comply with their command. But both remained adamant and even refused to hand over their valuables to the robbers. To teach them a lesson and set an example for the other passengers, both Arun and Seema were thrown out of the moving train. At that very moment, another train was approaching on the parallel track, and both were hit by it; Arun lost his right arm, Seema lost her left leg, and she had multiple fractures in the spinal cord. Both met somewhat similar fates that night, but both faced the 'tragedy' that unfolded with then. in a completely different manner. In spite of full support from his family, Arun lost all hope and got disenchanted with life. He couldn't accept the new reality and went into depression. Also, the thoughts of committing suicide would often come into his mind. Seema, on the other hand, after completing her treatment, decided to pursue her dreams. She was also encouraged by his family and friends to start a new life. She started training with a prosthetic leg and resumed playing volleyball. Not only this, she decided to push boundaries and chose mountaineering. And around two years later, she became the world's first female amputee to scale Mount Everest. The stories of Arun and Seema highlight the importance of the adversity quotient. But it is also evident that different people possess different levels of adversity quotient. Based on your understanding of the above case study, answer the following: a) Examine the importance of the adversity quotient in life, citing examples. How can the adversity quotient be developed? b) As a friend of Arun, what suggestions would you give to him to overcome the aftermath of the tragedy?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Human ValuesEmotional Intelligence
What does each of the following quotations mean to you? "It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently." – Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsEmotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional Intelligence
What is the application of Emotional intelligence to administration? How can emotional intelligence be enhanced?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under diverse circumstances. Do you agree? Explain in the context of Covid-19 management in India?.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Emotional IntelligenceCrisis Decision Making
"An emotionally intelligent officer is not merely effective, but humane." Examine how emotional intelligence influences ethical conduct in public administration.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceEmpathy and Compassion
What are the signs that show that an individual ranks on the lower spectrum of emotional intelligence? How far is technology leading to a decline in the emotional intelligence of people, especially the younger generations?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceTechnology and Ethics
The core of high EI is self awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others - discuss with examples
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Emotional Intelligence
What do you mean by "Emotional Competency"? Discuss its role in civil services.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is crucial in managing mental health as it enables individuals to identify and address their emotional states, which helps in mitigating the risk of developing severe mental health issues. Explain how EI contributes to maintaining mental health balance. [10M]
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional Intelligence
Natural and man-made disasters require a multi-pronged strategy of response & rehabilitation. Given the gravity of the situation in the present railway accident, my role as commanding officer of NDRF, would be to ensure speedy rescue & relief to the victims. This shall be followed by rooting rehabilitation & mitigation approaches as a long term solution.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEmotional Intelligence
A gaming website dedicated to chess has gained popularity in recent times due to its online lessons and tips for improving skills in the game. You have recently started playing chess at the platform. The platform provides you analysis of your games and suggests areas of improvement. The online lessons have helped you improve your game a lot over a very short time. You are amazed at the ability of competing with players of all levels of skills from across the world. While testing and improving your chess skills on the platform, you have made friendship and acquaintances with many competitive chess players from different parts of the world. Recently, you have been encountering racial, religious and stereotypical remarks during the games from the other players. Initially you ignored such things as childish tactics by an opponent to distract you from your gameplay. Later you would try to engage with such people to dispel stereotypes. But increasingly such experiences are making you sad and bitter. Now you block such people as you encounter them. What started as a fun and stimulating experience for you has become a source of negativity in your life. In your discussions with other people, you come to realize that they have also experienced similar racial and religious slurs, and many people have left the platform to avoid the abusive experience. You also sense that this is not an issue specific to this gaming website but is part of the generally seen behaviour on social media. You used to consider online trolling as harmless puns that could not create actual harm, but after experiencing its dark side as a victim you are realizing its negative impact. Given this information, what are your thoughts on the following : a) How should one deal with the issues of on-line abuse such as in the case above? What options are available to you? b) What values should guide online behaviour? Do these values differ from values governing offline conduct?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Technology and EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
You are officer-in-charge of a very important railway junction, which is an artery of trade and commerce. A peasant disturbance has been brewing in your district for the past few weeks. Their discussions with the political and district leadership have borne no fruit and it has come to the stage that now they are protesting by organizing a sit-in on the railway tracks near the station. They have thereby succeeded in blocking movement of all trains. This disruption is causing significant harassment for the passengers waiting at the platform as well. (a) What will be your course of immediate action? (b) How can emotional intelligence act as a tool in handling this issue? (c) What steps will you take so that such incidents are not repeated in the future?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Crisis Decision MakingEmotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is an important trait to imbibe in a highly competitive and achievement-oriented environment. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Emotional Intelligence
Answer the following in 150 words: (a) Relationship between public service values and public administration ethics. (b) Good governance in public administration vs corporate sector. (c) Ethical principles in public procurement. (d) Role of emotional skills for civil servants in public service delivery.
150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Civil Service ValuesCorporate Governance