Ethics Questions for UPSC Mains (100 Questions)

Description

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude is a crucial component of the UPSC Mains General Studies Paper IV. It tests a candidate’s ability to deal with ethical dilemmas, public service challenges, and governance issues with integrity. This set of 100 questions is divided into chapters in line with the UPSC syllabus, ensuring comprehensive coverage for effective preparation.

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Chapter 1: Ethics and Human Interface

1. Define ethics and explain its significance in public administration.
2. Discuss the relationship between ethics and law with suitable examples.
3. Differentiate between ethics and morality with relevant illustrations.
4. Explain the concept of human values and their importance in society.
5. Discuss the role of ethics in shaping a person’s character.
6. Explain how globalization has influenced ethical values.
7. Discuss the relevance of ethics in the age of artificial intelligence.
8. Explain the importance of ethical principles in decision-making.
9. Discuss the impact of cultural values on ethical behaviour.
10. Explain the ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability.
11. Discuss the philosophical basis of ethics in governance.
12. How do personal values influence professional ethics
13. Explain the concept of ethical relativism with examples.
14. Discuss the role of social norms in shaping ethical behaviour.
15. Explain the connection between ethics and empathy.

Chapter 2: Attitude

16. Define attitude and discuss its components.
17. Explain how attitudes influence human behaviour.
18. Discuss the factors responsible for attitude formation.
19. Explain the difference between positive and negative attitudes with examples.
20. Discuss the importance of a positive attitude in public service.
21. How can attitude be changed through persuasion
22. Explain the role of family in shaping one’s attitude.
23. Discuss the impact of peer groups on attitude development.
24. Explain the significance of attitude in workplace ethics.
25. How does cognitive dissonance affect decision-making
26. Explain how stereotypes are related to attitudes.
27. Discuss the role of education in attitude transformation.
28. How does media influence attitudes
29. Explain the relationship between attitude and self-motivation.
30. Discuss the role of leadership in attitude building.

3: Emotional Intelligence

31. Define emotional intelligence and its components.
32. Discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in public service.
33. How can emotional intelligence improve decision-making
34. Explain the role of self-awareness in emotional intelligence.
35. Discuss the importance of empathy in governance.
36. Explain how emotional intelligence can reduce workplace conflict.
37. Discuss the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership.
38. How does emotional regulation contribute to better governance
39. Explain the role of motivation in emotional intelligence.
40. Discuss how emotional intelligence can help in stress management.
41. Explain the role of emotional intelligence in crisis management.
42. How can training improve emotional intelligence in civil servants
43. Discuss the connection between emotional intelligence and ethical behaviour.
44. Explain how emotional intelligence influences negotiation skills.
45. Discuss the importance of emotional resilience in administration.

Chapter 4: Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Services

46. Define aptitude and differentiate it from attitude.
47. Explain the role of aptitude in civil services.
48. Discuss the significance of integrity as a foundational value.
49. Explain how impartiality strengthens public trust.
50. Discuss the importance of non-partisanship in governance.
51. Explain the role of objectivity in decision-making.
52. How does empathy enhance public service delivery
53. Discuss the significance of dedication to public service.
54. Explain the value of compassion in administration.
55. Discuss the role of tolerance in a diverse society.
56. Explain the ethical dimension of accountability in governance.
57. How does honesty contribute to administrative efficiency
58. Discuss the importance of prudence in policy-making.
59. Explain how transparency strengthens democracy.
60. Discuss the role of courage in ethical decision-making.

Chapter 5: Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration

61. Explain the meaning of public service values.
62. Discuss the role of ethics in maintaining public trust.
63. Explain the significance of ethical leadership in governance.
64. How does adherence to a code of ethics improve service delivery
65. Discuss the importance of citizen-centric governance.
66. Explain the role of whistleblowing in promoting integrity.
67. How can conflicts of interest be managed ethically
68. Discuss the importance of ethical training for civil servants.
69. Explain the relationship between ethics and policy formulation.
70. Discuss the challenges in implementing ethical governance.
71. How do public servants balance political neutrality and accountability
72. Explain how participatory governance strengthens ethical administration.
73. Discuss the significance of public consultation in decision-making.
74. Explain the role of ethical auditing in governance.
75. Discuss the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in a digital age.

6: Probity in Governance

76. Define probity in governance and its components.
77. Discuss the importance of probity in public life.
78. Explain the role of the Right to Information Act in promoting transparency.
79. Discuss the ethical implications of corruption in governance.
80. How does social accountability improve governance
81. Explain the importance of code of conduct for public officials.
82. Discuss the role of citizen charters in ethical governance.
83. Explain how e-governance promotes probity.
84. Discuss the relationship between governance and rule of law.
85. Explain the role of ethical committees in public administration.
86. How does vigilance mechanism prevent unethical practices
87. Discuss the role of Lokpal and Lokayuktas in promoting integrity.
88. Explain the significance of grievance redressal systems.
89. Discuss the role of ethical procurement in governance.
90. Explain how ethics in budgeting ensures fair allocation of resources.

Chapter 7: Case Studies on Ethics

91. A senior officer discovers corruption in a project headed by a political leader. How should the officer proceed ethically
92. You are posted in a region affected by communal tensions. How will you maintain peace and harmony
93. A subordinate makes a critical error that could cost the department heavily. How will you handle the situation
94. You are offered a lucrative job by a private company you had regulated earlier. What should you do
95. A public service project is delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles. How will you resolve it ethically
96. You are pressured to manipulate data in a report for political gains. How will you respond
97. You discover that a senior colleague is leaking sensitive information. How will you handle it
98. A citizen files a false complaint to gain personal benefits. What action will you take
99. You face a moral dilemma between loyalty to your superior and adherence to rules. How will you decide
100. You are asked to implement a policy you personally believe is unethical but is legally valid. What will you do

Conclusion

Ethics in governance forms the backbone of a just, transparent, and accountable administrative system. For aspirants of the UPSC Civil Services, mastering the concepts of ethics and practicing situational judgement through case studies is essential. This compilation of 100 questions, organized according to the UPSC syllabus, aims to serve as a ready reference for structured preparation. Regular practice of such questions not only improves answer-writing skills but also strengthens moral reasoning and decision-making abilities, which are indispensable for a career in public service.

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