UPSC CSE Mains General Studies Paper IV Syllabus
Paper V – General Studies IV covers Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. The paper evaluates a candidate’s attitude, ethical values, integrity, aptitude for public service, and approach to problem-solving through theoretical and case study-based questions.
Marks: 250
Official Syllabus
This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and their problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced while dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.
The following broad areas will be covered:
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human values—lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
- Attitude: Content, structure and function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
- Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Services: Integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards weaker sections.
- Emotional Intelligence: Concepts, utilities and application in administration and governance.
- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
- Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
- Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; information sharing and transparency in government; Right to Information; Codes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct; Citizen’s Charters; work culture; quality of service delivery; utilization of public funds; challenges of corruption.
- Case Studies on the above issues.