GS4 · Topic
Human Values
Values as such and where they come from: lessons from the lives of leaders, reformers and administrators, and the values named in the syllabus.
490 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Human Values that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
The highest education is that which does not merely give us information, but makes our life in harmony with all existence - Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
You are the District Magistrate of a district renowned as the hub for coaching centres specializing in engineering and medical entrance exams. Recently, the district has witnessed a tragic rise in student suicides, with five students in the age group of 15-18 years taking their own lives. These students, who came from various parts of the country, sought admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and AIIMS but were subjected to immense academic and social pressure. The coaching centres, which are largely managed by influential political figures from the ruling party, are reported to have prioritized rankings and revenue generation over the well-being of students. The institutes are said to categorize students into high-performing and low-performing batches, creating additional stress. Many of these students, living in paying guest accommodations or hostels, face isolation, emotional strain, and mental health challenges. Moreover, investigations have uncovered the emergence of a black market for performance-enhancing drugs among students who, under extreme pressure, resort to unethical means to improve their academic standing. (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action as the District Magistrate? (c) Discuss the various reasons for the increasing number of suicides among students, suggest long-term measures to address this issue.
10 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty
Family values influence the decisions individuals make both within the family structure and outside of it. Do you agree with the statement? Justify with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
"Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers / philosophers. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated". (b) "Prejudices are what fools use for reason"
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Why are certain rights considered universal in nature? Explain using examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"It is not because men's desires are strong that they act ill; it is because their consciences are weak." J S Mill
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
“Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.” Do you agree? Illustrate with the help of examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Greed is a bottomless pit which is harmful not only for self but for the entire society. Discuss. How can such negative desires be controlled?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Gandhi's compassion towards the weaker sections makes him different from other social reformers. What are the lessons that it conveys? Discuss a situation where you have shown compassion towards weaker sections of the society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Empathy and CompassionIndian Thinkers
The politically charged, non-violent and ethical Gandhian philosophy is based on the idea of truth (satya) and ahimsa to achieve the idea of Sarvodaya (welfare of all).
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (30) (a) "We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far." - Swami Vivekananda
30 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
“Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.” What roles do attitude and patience play in the personal and professional lives of civil servants?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
AttitudeAptitude for Civil Service
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Moral behaviour is not only good for the community in which one is a part but also for the individuals who profess it. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) "How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others." Adam Smith
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
World ThinkersHuman Values
Ethical principles are the integration of discrete individual moral values. Illustrate with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Answer questions 1A, 13, 2A, and 2B as presented.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? “We want the education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet” - Swami Vivekanand
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
"That which is not good for the bee-hive cannot be good for the bees."- Marcus Aurelius.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethics in Private and Public LifeHuman Values
It is often argued that there is a crisis of values in modern society. Do you agree with this view? Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
Responsibilities of different agencies to create positive ambience for change:-
Answered by 1 topper
Family, Society and EducationSocial Influence and Persuasion
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Mahatma Gandhi
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mahatma Gandhi for promoting social harmony today's times?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for "White" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsAttitude
While public servants are guided by duty, laws, rules, regulations etc the influence of our traditional wisdom can also serve as a moral foundation to guide their conduct.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Civil Service ValuesSources of Ethical Guidance
“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories”.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) "Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." In the light of this quote, explain the significance of 'tolerance' as a foundational value of education. (b) Explain the ethical dimension of 'service' and how it aligns with the concept of 'Sarvodaya'. (c) Discuss how 'faith' and 'strength' can be both constructive and destructive forces in human action.
150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
"An individual's values are shaped by various institutions like family, society, and educational establishments". Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Explain: 'A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones' - Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics