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
Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
The principle of impartiality may conflict with the need for compassion towards marginalized communities. Discuss in the context of civil services in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Impartiality and ObjectivityEmpathy and Compassion
Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law."- Immanuel Kant
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
World ThinkersEthical Theories
While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCivil Service Values
Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceWork Culture
The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Dimensions of EthicsAttitude
With the help of appropriate examples, discuss the ethical challenges involved in policing in India. Also, highlight the reasons behind corruption in the police force.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
Gendered attitudes convert differences in sexes into discriminations. Examine the factors responsible for negative attitudes toward women in the Indian society. How can these attitudes be changed?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
In the ever-evolving landscape of academic institutions, administrators must not only manage academic issues but also emotional and interpersonal dynamics. In this context, discuss the significance of emotionally intelligent administrators in higher education.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceWork Culture
An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Work CultureCorporate Governance
You are the Commissioner of a city municipal corporation. Recognizing the state of some of the old buildings, you have categorised these under the list of dilapidated buildings. You have also issued an advisory to residents regarding the status and hazards of living in such buildings and asked them to vacate the premises. However, even after such a notification, residents continue to occupy such buildings and refuse to vacate. These are mostly poor people who have no other alternative available and would be rendered homeless if they vacate the premises. While you are trying to figure a way out for these people, your worst fears come true when one of the four-storeyed buildings on the list collapsed after heavy rains. Following the incident, public outrage led to accusations against the corporation for not getting the building vacated. (a) What challenges do you face as the Commissioner in this situation? Highlight the steps you will take to address these. (b) What measures will you take to prevent reoccurrence of such unfortunate incidents?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Empathy and CompassionRules versus Compassion
What are the objectives behind the creation of Citizens' Charter? How does a Citizens' Charter ensure transparency and accountability in governance? What are the impediments in its effective implementation?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Citizens ChartersAccountability and Ethical Governance
There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion
You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation: (a) Discuss the issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
In public service, emotional intelligence is not about suppressing emotion, but mastering its purpose — to connect, to de-escalate, and to uplift others with empathy and strength. Do you agree with this view? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceEmpathy and Compassion
B. "I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew." Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Citizens ChartersAccountability and Ethical Governance
Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Sources of Ethical GuidanceCivil Service Values
You are the Operations Manager at a fast-growing technology startup, NexGen Solutions, known for its innovative projects and timely delivery. The startup's environment is fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations from clients and investors. Your current project, creating a cutting-edge AI based application, is critical for securing upcoming funding and partnerships. Your small, capable team includes four software developers and two project coordinators, with an equal number of men and women. Recently, the team has encountered major challenges. Priya, one of the female developers, has requested leave to care for her ailing mother. Meanwhile, another team member, Ayesha, is struggling to manage her workload along with caring for her infant child. As a result, other team members have taken on extra tasks, impacting their work-life balance and causing heightened stress. With the project deadline looming, tensions in the team have become visible. During a crucial project meeting, Karan, a senior developer, voices his frustration, saying, "Perhaps it's not ideal to have team members who can't fully commit during critical stages." Karan's remark triggers an immediate reaction. Neha, a project coordinator, finds his comment offensive and reports it to the Human Resources (HR) Department. She also hints that she might bring the issue to social media, which could harm the startup's image. The HR Department, located at the company's headquarters, investigates and recommends disciplinary action against Karan, emphasizing the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace. Their recommendation puts you in a difficult situation. The project is already delayed, and losing a senior developer like Karan could jeopardize its timely completion. You are now faced with a complex dilemma. On one hand, it's vital to address the inappropriate comment and ensure a respectful work culture. On the other hand, you must keep the project on track without further demotivating your team. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As the Operations Manager, how would you deal with the given situation? (c) Based on the case study, discuss the challenges faced by women at workplace. How can such challenges be addressed?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentWork Culture
Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality