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
Governance is the vital link in our quest for prosperity and equity. What should be the key elements of ethical governance to eliminate corruption and bureaucratic delays? Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
How do law and conscience act as source of ethical guidance? Explain with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Sources of Ethical GuidanceLaw and Morality
Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Empathy and CompassionAptitude for Civil Service
While families are the first socializing agents, which inculcate moral values in a child, the role played by schools in this regard is also indispensable. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
"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.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
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
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
"Since at the beginning and end of our lives we are so dependent on other's kindness, how can it be that in the middle we neglect the kindness towards others?" - The Dalai Lama. Bring out what you understand by this quote and discuss its relevance in the Indian society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Human ValuesEmpathy and Compassion
One hallmark of good governance is government departments' adherence to strict ethical standards when procuring goods and services for public programmes. Identify and explain the ethical principles that must be respected to maintain the integrity of the procurement process.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Probity in GovernanceUtilisation of Public Funds
Differentiate between the following using examples: (ii) Ethics and Etiquette
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Discuss with relevant examples how civil servants' political and moral attitudes impact their work ethics and daily administrative decision-making.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
AttitudeCivil Service Values
Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Civil Service ValuesAptitude for Civil Service
Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude
How should public servants ethically balance stakeholder interests, official obligations, and regime values when making administrative decisions, and which of these should be given the most moral weight?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
What ethical dilemmas arise from the use of economic sanctions in international relations, and how can policymakers balance these concerns with the need to punish illegal behaviours and compel political change?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Dilemmas in Government
"Accountability mechanisms are essential for ethical governance but often lead to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies." Critically examine this statement in the context of Indian administration. Can a balance be struck between accountability and efficiency? Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCivil Service Values
Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Codes of Ethics and ConductWork Culture
So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you. B.R. Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :
2 marks · 30 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Impartiality and ObjectivityDedication to Public Service
In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Explain the relationship between Public Service Values and Public Administration Ethics. Do you think public service values are only eloquent statements for glorifying the Department's mission, or do they have any utility for public servants? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance
Has excessive profit seeking by corporates undermined the trust of public in the private sector? Giving examples, examine the reasons for failure of corporate governance in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Corporate GovernanceEthics in Private and Public Life