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
While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values
In spite of the existence of a Code of Conduct for public servants, its implementation has been tardy and of limited success. Discuss. Further, suggest steps which could be taken to improve the efficacy of the Code of Conduct. What role can Code of Ethics play in reinforcing the Code of Conduct in public life.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Codes of Ethics and ConductProbity in Governance
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) “Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with ‘what can I give’ spirit.” - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail."- Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesAttitude
“A just society is that society in which an ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society.” B R Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
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
"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest." Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Theories
'Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.'
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
"I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was a joy." Rabindra Nath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Ethics in International RelationsHuman Values
The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of "cross-dressing" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against transgenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values
Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are "more emotional" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Anti-corruption measures need focus on both demand as well as supply side of corruption. Discuss in the light of prevalence of 'collusive corruption' in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
CorruptionProbity in Governance
Celebrity endorsements raise pertinent ethical concerns about responsibility that delve into the realm of ethical considerations of social influence that run deeper than mere surface appeal. In this context, suggest measures to tackle the ethical challenges of celebrity brand endorsements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude
Mr. Pradeep is a senior civil servant in the central government and is involved in the budgeting department. In the course of performing his duties, he comes to know about diversion of funds earmarked for SC/ST sub-plan for other purposes. While he is not directly responsible for this aspect of the budget, he raised his concerns to the department concerned. He also learns that the minister responsible as well as senior most civil servants are aware of the practice and have given tacit approval for it. Soon thereafter, Pradeep was summoned to talk on the issue and was told that since the matter is not within his jurisdiction, he should 'keep his nose out of it'. After much soul searching, Pradeep decided to obey his supervisors by leaving the matter alone. Based on the information given, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the internal dissonance that Pradeep faces in the given situation. (b) On what basis can the decision of Pradeep be justified? (c) Had you been in Pradeep's place, what would have been the course of action chosen by you? Recognise the merits and demerits, if any
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making
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
You are posted as the District Magistrate in a district, which has been ravaged by floods recently. The severity of floods has not only led to destruction of shelter and livelihood, but also created risks of deadly diseases spreading in the area. Street thugs have taken advantage of the situation and are looting and stocking anything they can get their hands on. There are reports that many shops and homes have been broken into and looted. Some suspect that this is the work of illegal immigrants from a neighbouring country, who have been residing in the district for a long time. The local MLA is objecting to extension of relief and rehabilitation assistance to these illegal immigrants. A number of residents of the district have also joined the MLA and are arguing that citizens have the first right on the country's resources, particularly in the prevailing situation. In this context, answer the following: (a) Do you think that citizens of a country have the first claim on resources of a nation in every situation? Justify your answer with valid arguments. (b) Given this information, chart a course of action based on priorities of the administration.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
Good governance does not depend on laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who administer the law. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your view.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Civil Service ValuesProbity in Governance
With the advent of 24x7 news and prevalence of an array of news sources across the board, the media is omnipresent in nature. In this competitive environment, many media professionals who are overcome by deadlines, bottom-line imperatives, and corporate interests are losing sight of the ethical implications of their work. Further, there have been several cases of irresponsible reporting where the reportage has interfered with court proceedings, compromised delicate security situations or led to the spread of fake or unverified news. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media. (b) How does unethical reporting and sensationalization of news impact the society? (c) What can be done to strengthen the role of ethics in media?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct
"Facts are many, but the truth is one." - Rabindranath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsIndian Thinkers
You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police. (a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders. (b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Rules versus CompassionCrisis Decision Making
Critically examine the impact of the Right to Information (RTI) on enhancing ethical accountability in public administration. How effective has RTI been in preventing bureaucratic corruption and improving service delivery?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance