The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination in India, and one of the papers in this examination is the General Studies Paper IV, which covers the subject of ethics, integrity, and aptitude. This paper is commonly referred to as the “Ethics Paper” and is intended to assess the candidate’s understanding of ethical and moral dimensions in various aspects of governance and public administration. Here is an overview of the UPSC Ethics paper:
Paper Name: General Studies Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
Duration: 3 hours
Marks: 250 (This paper is part of the Mains Examination, which has a total of 1750 marks)
Syllabus Overview:
The syllabus for the UPSC Ethics paper broadly encompasses the following areas:
Ethics and Human Interface: This section focuses on the understanding of ethics, the role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values. It also covers the essence of ethics in governance and societal development.
Attitude: The examination assesses the candidate’s attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, honesty, and accountability.
Emotional Intelligence: This section deals with the understanding and application of emotional intelligence concepts and their utility in administration and governance.
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers: Candidates are expected to be familiar with the teachings and contributions of renowned moral thinkers and philosophers from India and around the world.
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: This part explores the ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by public servants, as well as the significance of codes of conduct, ethics in public administration, and the responsibilities of public servants.
Probity in Governance: This section discusses issues related to corruption, transparency, and accountability in governance, and the role of institutions and bodies in promoting ethical conduct.
Case Studies: Candidates are presented with real-life case studies and scenarios related to ethical issues in governance and public administration. They are required to analyze these cases, identify ethical dilemmas, and suggest appropriate solutions.
