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.
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With stars in your eyes, you have recently cleared your probation and are posted as the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Delhi. The first task allotted to you is to check drunk driving especially at night time. You accordingly form teams comprising of officials of several departments and instruct them to do their best to bring the offenders to book without any sort of fear or favour. In the first week itself you get more than a dozen calls from your subordinates where they were threatened of dire consequences when they tried to apprehend the drunkards especially those driving luxury cars. When you discuss the case with your team, they too advise that those with 'connections' can be pretty harmful, especially for an officer like you who has just completed his probation. They even narrate instances where young officers like you were given so-called 'penalty postings' when they apprehended relatives of politicians. a) What do you tell your subordinates to do in such a situation when they look to you for advice? b) What will be your course of action to tackle the menace and at the same time boost the morale of your force? Explain.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
Success may not lead you to happiness, but happiness is definitely the key to success. Discuss this statement based on your understanding of happiness and success.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
What does each of the following quotations convey to you in present context? (a) "Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them."- David Hume (b) "The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy."- Martin Luther King Jr. (c) "In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place." - Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersWorld Thinkers
Space exploration has the potential to benefit all of humanity, yet it is currently dominated by a few powerful nations and private corporations. In this context, discuss the ethical issues arising from this imbalance in control and access to space resources.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethics in International RelationsTechnology and Ethics
Aisha is a 13-year-old girl, studying in class 7th of the XYZ public school. Aisha is a confident child who excels both in academics as well as extra-co-curricular activities like singing, dancing etc. In the recently concluded annual day function, Aisha was facilitated for her all-round performance and it was also announced that Aisha will represent the school in the annual inter-school singing competition. The whole school was confident about Aisha's talent and expected to bag the trophy this year. On the day of the competition Aisha developed a cough and could not give her best performance. As a result, XYZ public school lost the contest to their nearest rival, the PQR convent school. Although Aisha was disappointed, the principal of the school, Miss Nisha, consoled her, and also congratulated her for her determination and confidence to perform despite developing a bad throat. However, post the defeat at the inter-school singing competition there was a marked change in Aisha's behavior. Aisha began to avoid all extra-co-curricular activities. Her academic performance also began to deteriorate. At the monthly parents' teachers conference, Aisha's mother confided in her teachers that her behavior at home has also changed. She keeps to herself, gets irritated and avoids going out to play with friends. Aisha's condition became a cause of concern for her teachers and parents. Upon enquiring further with her friends, it was revealed that post the inter-school singing competition, Aisha was subjected to intense trolling by the students of XYZ public school on various social media platforms. Videos of her performance were circulated with morphed pictures and voices. On various social media pages, she was held responsible for the defeat of the school. Also, funny messages/memes were being circulated targeting Aisha. Even morphed pictures of Aisha's parents were being circulated on various groups to humiliate Aisha. The principal of the school expressed her disbelief on the level of cyber bullying undergoing in the school. The school administration swung into action, at once, to take the corrective steps, while Aisha's parents had to opt for psychological counseling for Aisha. a) What are the reasons for increasing incidents of cyber bullying among children? b) Examine the responsibility of educational institutions to check the incidents of cyber-bullying. c) What role can parents play in shielding their children from the effects of cyber-bullying?
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
"A man of value is worth more than a man of success." Discuss this statement with examples. (b) "Performing an unethical act is bad, but being aware of it and not stopping it is worse." Discuss with examples. 4. (a) What are 'Global Commons'? Discuss the ethical challenges involved in their utilisation. (b) Distinguish between 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics'. Critically examine the efficacy of 'Code of Conduct' in ensuring ethical behaviour in an organization.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
"While economic and human capital are often emphasized in policymaking, it is social capital that sustains democratic institutions and inclusive development." Discuss the role of social capital in enhancing ethical governance, community resilience, and citizen participation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCivil Service Values
In a state in India, government officials are regularly denying poor, illiterate workers, their statutory minimum wage under a government scheme ensuring a minimum level of employment for them. The actual quantity of work done is being routinely under measured. False entries in employment registers with bogus names, is enabling project foremen to pocket the payments. Other malpractices including inflated estimates for public works projects, use of poor quality materials, and over billing by suppliers are being followed. What can be done to resolve this problem? List the measures that can be taken to plug such loopholes.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013
Probity in GovernanceCorruption
Since politics and business are inseparable, a good governance eco-system is a precondition for corporate governance. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
“The morality of the individual and the morality of the state are one and the same.” Plato
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Environmental EthicsSocial Influence and Persuasion
You are the Chief Compliance Commissioner at the National Startup Governance Board (NSGB)—a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with ensuring ethical practices, board accountability, and investor transparency in India's startup ecosystem. Five years ago, "EduNow", an ed-tech startup founded by an alumnus of a premier college of India, was celebrated as a beacon of India's digital future. With a bold mission to democratize learning for rural students, it grew rapidly—partnering with schools, onboarding millions of users, and securing funding from global investors. But today, EduNow is imploding under the weight of governance failure. Auditors have resigned, citing withheld information, inflated revenues, and fabricated subscriber data. Several board members quit silently, without public explanation. Employees allege mass layoffs through WhatsApp, non-payment of dues, and coercion to sign NDAs in exchange for exit compensation. A leaked internal report reveals Personal expenses of the founder were booked as business expenses, Related-party transactions with shell companies owned by family members, Manipulation of user metrics to secure higher valuations in funding rounds. Despite these, the founder retains full operational control and is preparing for a new fundraising round, even considering an IPO. Meanwhile, a 27-year-old EduNow sales executive dies by suicide, allegedly due to unethical sales pressure and denial of salary for six months. His handwritten note, now viral, reads, "I believed in the dream. But I was punished for asking for my salary. What future does honesty have?" Public anger is erupting. Parents, students, and employees feel betrayed. Investors are distancing themselves. The media is asking tough questions. You are called for an emergency press conference in 6 hours. (a) As the Chief Compliance Commissioner, list your top five immediate ethical decisions. (b) Suppose the founder be forced to resign, and you are given the charge. What systemic changes that you would introduce? (c) Should companies that deliver public services (like EduRise in education) be subject to stricter governance norms than typical startups? OR Should startups be exempt from the same governance norms as large listed companies to encourage growth?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are the CEO of a pharmaceutical company that has monopolized the manufacture of an anti-allergen device, which is used by millions who suffer from different kinds of allergic reactions: life threatening as well as non-threatening. Your company that was initially facing significant losses has increased the price of the device and since then has been witnessing huge profit margins. While the stakeholders of the company are pleased with your decision, there is a public backlash against the price rise. Politicians too have begun criticizing the policies of the company. 20 (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) Enumerate the values that are under question in the mentioned scenario? (c) As the CEO of the company, would you retrospectively change your decision in light of the public backlash?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
Does emotional intelligence have anything to offer in the conventional environment of formality, order, and firm bureaucracy?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013
Emotional IntelligenceCivil Service Values
What do you understand by the terms 'ethical behavior' and 'emotionally intelligent behavior'? Identify the relevant emotional intelligence components that act as a reliable guide to ethical behavior.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Emotional IntelligenceDimensions of Ethics
"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." - Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Human ValuesEmpathy and Compassion
Ethical decision-making and ethics management are central to public administration. Explain the role of emotions in ethical decision-making and discuss how public officials can enhance their competence in ethics management.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEmotional Intelligence
Socialisation can be considered as the ethical eco-system for a child which shapes his/her future character and conduct. i. Discuss how socialisation has undergone changes in 21st century from that of 20th century? ii. There is a view that traditional values have eroded. Discuss how it has posed challenges in values inculcation to social institutions such as family and parents?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Possible factors that can drive a child to a crime
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be the course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
CorruptionTransparency and Information
Public service attitude refers to readiness of psyche of public servant to act, react in a manner to have consistency with principle values of services.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
AttitudeCivil Service Values
You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviour from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption
Strengthen the internal and external mechanisms to check corruption.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
CorruptionProbity in Governance
You are posted as a District Magistrate in a communally sensitive district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to maintain peace and harmony in your district. After sometime, you are informed that on the eve of a religious festival, a communal organization close to the ruling party is planning to organize a religious procession where they distribute large number of swords to the people to celebrate. Also, the procession will move through the communally sensitive area. This may instigate a sense of fear among other community and chances of communal clash may increase. Given this situation, answer the following questions; (a) What are the immediate options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. (b) What will be your response to the situation? (c) What are the steps you would take to improve communal harmony in your district?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government