GS4 · Practice questions
Ethics, integrity and aptitude
2,285 questions, with how toppers answered each. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 36 themesFewer themes
To have seen what is right and not to do it is want of courage. (Confucius). Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
"In disaster management, technical expertise saves lives, but it is emotional intelligence that deepens trust, enhances credibility and builds community resilience." Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in enhancing the effectiveness of disaster response and rehabilitation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceCrisis Decision Making
Distinguish between integrity and honesty. Discuss the significance of both in public administration.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Integrity
Technology has brought private affairs of people in the public space today. Do you think people have become more unethical today, as compared to the past?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be the course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations
Bring out the ethical principles on which a Citizen's Charter is formulated. Also, discuss its purpose and effectiveness in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Citizens ChartersAccountability and Ethical Governance
You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which was she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned. a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view. c. How would you react to the situation?
20 marks · 20 words · Answered by 1 topper
Utilisation of Public FundsCivil Service Values
What is probity in governance? What is the purpose and importance of probity in governance? Are there any measures to ensure probity in governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Probity in GovernanceTransparency and Information
You are in a subordinate position as a Revenue Officer next to the district head of your department. Your department is entrusted with revenue collection in the district. Annual and the corresponding monthly targets are duly achieved in the district where you are posted and the performance of that district is considered to be satisfactory and even good as compared to other districts in the state. Eventually, you come to know that there is more potential for revenue collection and hence you start applying more efforts. Your enthusiasm to collect more revenue has not gone well in the administration. You are advised from above and below your rank to maintain status quo or face consequences. All the staff seems to be in collusion and you have good evidence to believe that the nexus goes to the departmental headquarter. (a) Identify the various actions that you could take; (b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your actions. (c) What should be the most appropriate action in your view? Give adequate justification.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
"In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place." Do you agree? Substantiate with Example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance
What differences do you see in ethics, in public and private relationships? Can there be a conflict between the two? Argue giving suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethics in Private and Public LifeConflict of Interest
An honest civil servant should not be harassed by anybody or agency or institution while in service or after retirement. It would make the civil servants working in the system nervous, which would not be in the interest of the country". Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Civil Service ValuesPressure and Loyalty
What do you understand by the term moral responsibility? When do you think a person or an entity becomes morally responsible for actions committed or omitted?
5 marks · 80 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Dimensions of Ethics
An ethical work culture not only drives positive organisational outcomes but also helps employees thrive. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Work CultureCivil Service Values
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage self emotions and emotions of others around us.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emotional Intelligence
Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” -Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
IntegrityIndian Thinkers
There is a view that in the last three decades governments have given too many rights to citizens such as in terms of local bodies, Citizen's charter, RTI, RTE, whistle-blowing law, rights getting expansion due to innovative interpretation by judiciary, etc. In the light of this statement, answer the following questions. i. They have strengthened democracy at the cost of governance. ii. They have strengthened both governance and democracy but at the cost of economic growth.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceTransparency and Information
What are the key elements of emotional intelligence? Which three elements do you think are most important for effective governance and administrative capabilities of a civil servant? Give reasons.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Emotional Intelligence
How does moral attitude differ from political attitude? Illustrate their impact on public service delivery with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
AttitudeImpartiality and Objectivity
Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "When we are caught up in a destructive emotion, we lose one of our greatest assets: our independence."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
The national capital has been under the grip of an outbreak of dengue fever which has affected many in the city. Unseasonal rainfall, clogged drains, negligent administration and ignorance of the general public have led to water logging in various places in the capital, which has become the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Comprehensive coverage of the issue in national and international media has become an embarrassment for the ruling dispensation in the capital. To control the outbreak, the administration swung into action and a taskforce was created to control the situation in the city. The Chief Minister visited many areas which were hot spots of the dengue outbreak and announced that all the victims of dengue would be provided free treatment and be paid a government allowance to make up for the wage loss due to dengue. To identify the beneficiaries of the government's plan, Rajesh, a member of the taskforce, was given the responsibility of conducting a survey and recording the names of the victims. Rajesh conducted the survey diligently, working beyond his normal duty hours, to prepare the list of beneficiaries. Based on the survey, Rajesh prepared a draft list and submitted it to the head of the taskforce. Rajesh's list contained thousands of names and it was realized that the number of victims was much larger than originally anticipated. The head of the task force appreciated the hard work of Rajesh, but told him that such a long list of victims was unacceptable. He explained to Rajesh that giving government aid to such a large number of people was beyond the financial capacity of the state and presenting such a long list would only add to the embarrassment of the government. When Rajesh raised the contention that it was the order of the Chief Minister to give aid to every victim, the head of the taskforce further explained that it was the political expediency of the CM, as assembly elections are due in the next six months. He hinted that Rajesh should modify his list and include only those names who form the electorate of the capital and leave out others from the list as they are politically 'irrelevant'. He also indirectly told Rajesh that by giving a shorter list he could gain some political brownie points that could help him advance his career, while if he insisted on giving the complete list, he could land at the cross hairs of the ruling party. Rajesh understood that if he obliged the request of the head of the taskforce, it would mean leaving out the migrant population who are the most vulnerable section. Rajesh's mind tells him to follow what the head of the task force has asked him to do, but his conscience is exhorting him to say no. a) Based on this case study, identify the various ethical dilemmas faced by Rajesh. b) If you were in Rajesh's shoes, what would you have done? Present an assessment and justification of your suggested course of action.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
As AI systems become deeply embedded in societal frameworks, it is imperative to ensure their design and deployment prioritize human well-being, equity, and fairness. In this context, what values should guide the development of trustworthy, human-centered AI systems?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance
What do you understand by Integrity Pact? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020