General Studies IV

Ethics, integrity and aptitude, with case studies. Filter by topic or year.

72 questions

2026 · Question 1 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?
  10 marks · 150 words
- Technology ethics in public service
- Consent and autonomy
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 2 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM) use this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Consent and autonomy
- Ethics in war and foreign policy
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 3 · Section A · 30 marks
1. (a) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing 'anarchy'. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns?
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi's notion of 'trusteeship' to ensure fairness in governance?
  10 marks · 150 words
3. (c) Shakespeare in Henry IV says, "The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just". What ethical implications does this have in governance?
  10 marks · 150 words
- Thinkers not tested recently
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 4 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor's action.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity?
  10 marks · 150 words
- Consent and autonomy
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 5 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) Usually schools, working in remote areas, do not fully comply with government regulations. However, if the rules are enforced strictly, it would lead to most schools closing down. How should an administrator strike a balance between enforcement of rules and educational rights of children?
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Education reform
- Ethics in war and foreign policy
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 6 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources—without significantly affecting your financial stability—to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Integrity under political pressure
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 7 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Lata, a mother of two children, was admitted to a hospital for acute abdominal pain. Her sister-in-law, Sujatha, accompanied her. Dr. Mansi examined Lata and recommended a diagnostic laparoscopy. Lata's consent was taken to conduct the medical procedure under general anesthesia. During the laparoscopy, Dr. Mansi's team discovered a tumor in Lata's uterus. A closer examination suggested that the tumor could be malignant. One option before Dr. Mansi was to extract a sample for biopsy. In that case, if the tumor was malignant, Lata would have to undergo another surgery for removal of the uterus. An alternative was to remove the uterus immediately. Dr. Mansi had to take a quick decision. As Lata was under general anesthesia, Dr. Mansi explained the situation to Sujatha. Sujatha agreed with Dr. Mansi's recommendations for a hysterectomy, wherein Lata's uterus would be removed to avoid the risk and pain of undergoing another surgery. Dr. Mansi removed Lata's uterus after receiving Sujatha's consent in writing. Lata was informed of this the next day. She was very upset and felt betrayed as she had not consented to the removal of her uterus. Lata complained to the police who tried to convince her that Dr. Mansi had acted with good intention to help a patient. Sujatha was of the same opinion, however Lata was not convinced and decided to approach the court.
1. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.
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2. (b) Discuss the moral conduct of the doctor in this situation.
  undefined marks
- Consent and autonomy
- Case-study domains
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 8 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Ravi is a senior police officer with vast experience in riot control and cyber-policing. Since one year, he has been the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district with a history of frequent rioting. Last year, Ravi had sought installation of an AI enabled software for predictive policing. This system has been operational for approximately six months. This new system employs advanced algorithms for capturing the biometric data of persons in a crowd and swiftly relating it to a data library. This has enabled the police to identify the persons involved in various crimes. The system has identified an immigrant and low-income neighbourhood as a centre for gang violence and drug trafficking. Aided by this AI analysis, the local police has focused its patrolling, preventive detentions and establishing checkposts. Consequently, public order and law enforcement has visibly improved. Last week, some community leaders, civil rights lawyers and human rights activists visited Ravi's office. They submitted a memorandum that the new system is faulty as it is based on incorrect historical data caused by social biases and discriminatory policing. The memorandum also alleges that the increased surveillance has created a climate of tension amongst residents. This feeling is aggravated by the fact that the residents are not aware of the data noted against their names.
1. (a) What are the ethical issues including biases involved in the use of AI in data-driven policing?
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2. (b) Place yourself in Ravi's role and discuss the alternatives available. Justify the action that optimises compliance with ethics.
  undefined marks
- Technology ethics in public service
- Cyber security
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 9 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Seema is a senior bureaucrat with a reputation of honesty and professional efficiency. She has recently been posted as the District Collector (DC) to Surinder Nagar, where a large industrial area is being established. The new industrial area had caused many farmers to submit applications for change of land use (CLU) to convert their farmlands into residential areas. There is an unusually large backlog of these applications awaiting processing. Seema noticed that some applications had been approved selectively with no visible chronological pattern. The case files showed a few complaints of some approvals being subject to receipt of large bribes from the applicants. On further fact-finding, Seema realized that a small group of touts was controlling this illegal activity through some subordinate officials in the Collectorate. This had created a fear in the other employees who were reluctant to process any application. The resultant backlog has been piling up thereby hindering local economic progress and causing public dissatisfaction. Seema was faced with a major moral and administrative challenge of dismantling this corruption network without hampering daily administrative operations. An aggressive internal investigation would result in institutional resistance and, possibly, a backlash from labour unions. Conversely, ignoring this situation would encourage the wrongdoers and unnecessarily continue this avoidable harassment to the populace.
1. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
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2. (b) Discuss the options open to Seema. Identify the recommended option and justify it.
  undefined marks
- Integrity under political pressure
- Transparency and accountability
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 10 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Vikas is a government officer with over a decade of service in public administration. He has recently moved as the District Collector (DC) of Nainipura, a remote hilly district bordering a forest. Due to Nainipura's low levels of economic development, one of his major duties is to ensure proper functioning of the public distribution system (PDS) amongst the economically weaker sections (EWS). During his on-site visits, Vikas was apprised of a typical administrative challenge in operating the PDS. To prevent leakages, all distributors were required to carry out real-time biometric identification of the beneficiaries, whose fingerprints were tallied with identity card records. This was creating problems as the operating system sometimes rejected fingerprint matching in the cases of growing children, manual labourers and senior citizens. The problem was further compounded in periods of low WiFi connectivity. The distributors, in such cases, resorted to personal discretion when they could identify the recipient. Vikas had to address this problem on priority. Strictly adhering to government regulations would ensure fiscal probity but would greatly trouble the proposed beneficiary, i.e., EWS. It may even impinge on their fundamental right to life as per Article 21 of the Constitution. Conversely, leaving the resolution solely to the discretion of the distributors could lead to misuse and leakages.
1. (a) What are the options open to Vikas? How should he balance fiscal probity with empathy towards the designated beneficiaries?
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2. (b) Discuss the ethics of using technology as a gatekeeper for welfare schemes.
  undefined marks
- Welfare delivery through technology
- Technology ethics in public service
- Malnutrition and food security
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 11 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Rajapuram is a border district. Jhara and Biru, its two major communities are in continual conflict with each other. The social fabric is fractured and demands mending. Ethnic tensions between the two communities have erupted into violence resulting in a large number of deaths. The stated causes are conflicting land claims, uneven resource allocation and inadequate political representation in government bodies. Separate relief camps had to be created for the two communities. The situation is volatile and appears to be getting out of control. Rajan has been appointed the District Magistrate (DM) of Rajapuram and tasked to quickly get the situation under control. His immediate tasks include restoring administrative authority, reopening the highway and initiating peace talks. On taking over his appointment, Rajan realized that the inter-community rivalry had even seeped into the local administration and police. With functional neutrality being the immediate casualty, it had made both communities distrustful of the government. The neighbouring country could utilize the opportunity to spur insurgent activity and further aggravate the situation. Rajan favoured a controlled approach starting with opening the highway to restore food and medical supplies. He toyed with the idea of requisitioning CRPF units to help restore administrative control.
1. (a) Discuss the ethical issues that need to be addressed in this case.
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2. (b) What are the options open to Rajan? Which option would ensure protection of his non-partisan image without compromising ethics?
  undefined marks
- Manipur
- Integrity under political pressure
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2026 · Question 12 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Ajit has been recently promoted as the Head of the Department of Weapon Sales (DWS) in the Ministry of Defence Production (MDP). His charter of duties includes international sales of weapons produced domestically by MDP. In two recent wars, MDP weapons have performed admirably, resulting in many countries showing interest in buying them, particularly long-range artillery and missiles. Country A and country B have asked for these weapons. However, production constraints restrict DWS to accept only one purchase order. Country A is a developing nation with a sound technology base. MDP is planning R&D collaboration with it for the next generation of weapons. It is not part of any security alliance and needs weapons for protection from a troublesome neighbour. It seeks a large acquisition on a long-term loan. Country B is also a developing nation. Military strength is its priority, with the military budget often ingressing into allocations for human resources and infrastructure development. It is in security alliance with a superpower who has a large military base there and periodically allots it financial grants. It is a member of an economic bloc with which the government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. It is not a signatory of NPT but possesses smaller nuclear weapons and delivery systems. It supports some guerrilla forces abroad. It has sought a smaller acquisition and is prepared to make some advance payment. It is currently negotiating arms purchases from another nation too. Ajit discussed this case with his counterparts in the related departments. Therein, the significant economic benefits, employment generation and stronger diplomatic relations arising from this sale were highlighted. It was also emphasized that refusing the deal could result in country B purchasing weapons from some other supplier. Ajit was aware that in arms sales, due diligence at each stage was pivotal to ensure conformity to national policy and international treaties.
1. (a) Discuss the options available to Ajit. Which option should he select and why?
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2. (b) How can Ajit balance nation's economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations?
  undefined marks
- Ethics in war and foreign policy
- Defence reforms
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2026, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 1 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherance of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Technology ethics in public service
- Integrity under political pressure
- Public trust
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 2 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Ethics in war and foreign policy
- Great Nicobar project
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 3 · Section A · 30 marks
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?
1. (a) "Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself." — Thiruvalluvar
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." — William James
  10 marks · 150 words
3. (c) "The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people." — Swami Vivekananda
  10 marks · 150 words
- Thinkers not tested recently
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 4 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) "For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Integrity under political pressure
- Thinkers not tested recently
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 5 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) "One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life." Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal?
  10 marks · 150 words
- Integrity under political pressure
- Civil services reform
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 6 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place?
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future?
  10 marks · 150 words
- Corporate governance and ESG
- Transparency and accountability
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 7 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People's houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother.
1. (a) What are the options available with Vijay?
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2. (b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay?
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3. (c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.
  undefined marks
4. (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?
  undefined marks
- Accountability in crises
- Himalayan flash floods and cloudbursts
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2025 · Question 8 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs — "Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)" — for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society. The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government's duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order.
1. (a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless?
  undefined marks
2. (b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development?
  undefined marks
3. (c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?
  undefined marks
- Climate and intergenerational justice
- Forest governance
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

(a) Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.

(b) A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?

(b) Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.

(b) In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi's notion of 'trusteeship' to ensure fairness in governance?

(c) Shakespeare in Henry IV says, "The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just". What ethical implications does this have in governance?

(b) Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity?

(a) Usually schools, working in remote areas, do not fully comply with government regulations. However, if the rules are enforced strictly, it would lead to most schools closing down. How should an administrator strike a balance between enforcement of rules and educational rights of children?

(b) In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective.

(a) On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.

(b) Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources—without significantly affecting your financial stability—to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.

(b) Discuss the moral conduct of the doctor in this situation.

(a) What are the ethical issues including biases involved in the use of AI in data-driven policing?

(b) Place yourself in Ravi's role and discuss the alternatives available. Justify the action that optimises compliance with ethics.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

(b) Discuss the options open to Seema. Identify the recommended option and justify it.

(a) What are the options open to Vikas? How should he balance fiscal probity with empathy towards the designated beneficiaries?

(b) Discuss the ethics of using technology as a gatekeeper for welfare schemes.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues that need to be addressed in this case.

(b) What are the options open to Rajan? Which option would ensure protection of his non-partisan image without compromising ethics?

(a) Discuss the options available to Ajit. Which option should he select and why?

(b) How can Ajit balance nation's economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations?

(a) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.

(b) "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherance of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

(a) Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict.

(b) Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?

(a) "Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself." — Thiruvalluvar

(b) "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." — William James

(c) "The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people." — Swami Vivekananda

(a) "For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples.

(b) What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

(a) "One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life." Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.

(b) To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal?

(a) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place?

(a) What are the options available with Vijay?

(b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay?

(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.

(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?

(a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless?

(b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development?

(c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?