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
The decisive role that money plays in elections creates a vicious cycle of corruption. (a) Elaborate in the context of India. (b) Discuss whether state funding of elections can help in curbing the menace of political corruption in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
CorruptionProbity in Governance
Is Emotional Intelligence influenced by cultural moorings? How would you differentiate the applicability of Emotional Intelligence in Indian society from that of Western society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Emotional IntelligenceHuman Values
"The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom." - John Locke
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Law and MoralityWorld Thinkers
Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
"Tolerance is not just about accepting differences; it is about appreciating and celebrating diversity." Discuss the importance of tolerance for governance. How can civil servants foster a culture of tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse country like India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values
Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct
There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
CorruptionSocial Influence and Persuasion
Why has anonymity of civil servants traditionally been seen as an important arrangement? In this context, discuss your opinion on the doctrine of facelessness in civil services.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance
Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow. -- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesEnvironmental Ethics
Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values
The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Being the senior-most IAS officer, you are in line to be promoted as Chief Secretary after the incumbent retires in the next two months. Currently, you are heading the Public Works Department (PWD) and a road construction project worth crores has been opened for tender. A company X belonging to the son-in-law of the incumbent Chief Minister has also applied for the same. The director in charge of the screening process, a young IAS officer, has reported that company Y and the state PSU have submitted the best bids. Both you and the director are facing political pressure to favour the company X. The young IAS officer may be demoralised if you give in to the pressure. But if you don't give in then he may be transferred and your chances of promotion may also suffer. In light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the ethical issues faced by you in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020
Conflict of InterestEthical Dilemmas in Government
"A person's character is most accurately revealed in their private life, not their public persona." Critically examine this statement in the context of public servants and their ethical conduct.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in Private and Public LifeIntegrity
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? "Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice." Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsEmpathy and Compassion
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” Martin Luther King Jr
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Human ValuesWorld Thinkers
An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Probity in GovernanceCorruption
Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Citizens ChartersQuality of Service Delivery
The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
In the aftermath of the devastating landslides in Kerala, you, the District Collector, face an arduous task: overseeing relief and rehabilitation efforts amidst widespread destruction and loss. While the immediate priority is to provide aid and shelter to the affected, the complexities of the situation demand a delicate balancing act between transparency, accountability, and community empowerment. The disaster has drawn intense media attention and public scrutiny which places immense pressure on you to ensure that every action is transparent and accountable. However, the urgency of the situation and the sheer scale of the devastation make maintaining meticulous records and following standard procedures a challenge. Further, you receive reports of irregularities in the distribution of relief materials, with some influential individuals and communities allegedly receiving preferential treatment. You also recognize that true recovery lies in empowering the affected communities to take ownership of the rehabilitation process. However local communities express concerns about the long-term sustainability of proposed rehabilitation plans. Media reports highlight instances of communities resisting relocation to safer areas, citing cultural and emotional attachments to their ancestral lands. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the case study? b) How do you navigate the sensitive issue of balancing the imperative of safety with respect for community sentiments and cultural heritage? c) How do you ensure equitable distribution and maintain transparency in the allocation process, all while under intense media scrutiny?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
It is vain to talk of the interest of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual. Discuss the statement in the present context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
Examine how role models influence ethical behaviour. What actions can leaders take to integrate ethical conduct in their organisations?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Human ValuesWork Culture