General Studies IV

72 questions

• 2025 · Question 9 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action.

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

     undefined marks

  2. (b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation.

     undefined marks

  3. (c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why?

     undefined marks

  • Integrity under political pressure
  • Transparency and accountability

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2025 · Question 10 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of service. He is posted as Administrative Officer in an Oil Public Sector undertaking. As an Administrative Officer he is responsible for managing and coordinating various administrative tasks to ensure smooth functioning of office. He also manages office supplies, equipment etc. Rajesh is now sufficient senior and is expecting his next promotion in JAG (Junior Administrative Grade) in the next one or two years. He knows that promotion is based on examination of ACRs/Performance Appraisal of last few years (5 years or so) of an officer by a DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) and an officer lacking requisite grading of ACRs may not be found fit for promotion. Consequences of losing promotion may entail financial and reputational loss and set-back for career progression. Though he also puts his best efforts in official discharge of his duties, yet he is unsure of assessment by his superior officer. He is now putting extra efforts so that he gets thumping report at the end of financial year. As Administrative Officer, Rajesh is regularly interacting with his immediate boss, who is his reporting officer for writing his ACR. One day he calls Rajesh and wants him to buy computer-related stationery on priority from a particular vendor. Rajesh instructs his office to initiate action for procuring these items. During the day, the dealing Assistant brings an estimate of Rupees Thirty Five Lakhs covering all stationery items from the same vendor. It is noticed that as per delegated financial powers, as provided in the GFR (General Financial Rules) as applicable in that Organisation, expenditure for office items exceeding Rupees Thirty Lakhs requires sanction of the next higher authority (boss in the present case). Rajesh knows that immediate superior would expect all these purchases should be done at his level and may not appreciate such lack of initiative on his part. During discussions with office, he learns that common practice of splitting of expenditure (where large order is divided into a series of smaller ones) is followed to avoid obtaining sanction from higher authority. This practice is against the rules and may come to the adverse notice of Audit. Rajesh is perturbed. He is unsure of taking decision in the matter.

  1. (a) What are the options available with Rajesh in the above situation?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) Which would be the most appropriate option for Rajesh and why?

     undefined marks

  • Integrity under political pressure
  • Public trust

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2025 · Question 11 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program, MGNREGA was earlier known as National Rural Employment Scheme, NREGA. It is an Indian Social Welfare Program that aimed at fulfilling the 'Right to Work' provisions made in the Constitution. MGNREGA was launched in 2006 under Rural Employment Sector by the Ministry of Rural Development. Main objective of the program is to give legal guarantee of wage employment to the adult members of rural households who are willing to do unskilled manual labour work subject to a maximum of 100 days per year for every household. Every rural household has the right to register under the scheme, job card is issued to the registered, Job Card holder can seek employment; State Government shall pay 25% of minimum wage for the first 30 days as compensatory daily unemployment allowance to the families and of wage for remaining period of the year. MGNREGA work was undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You have been appointed as an Administrator Incharge of the District. You have been given the responsibility of monitoring MGNREGA work undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You are also given the authority to give technical sanctions to all MGNREGA works. In one of the Panchayats in your jurisdiction, you notice that your predecessor has mismanaged the Program in terms of: (i) Money not disbursed to actual job-seekers. (ii) Muster Rolls of the Labourers not properly maintained. (iii) Mismatch between the work done and payments made. (iv) Payments made to fictitious persons. (v) Job Cards were given without looking into the need of person. (vi) Mismanagement of funds and to the extent of siphoning of funds. (vii) Approved works that never existed.

  1. (a) What is your reaction to the above situation and how do you restore the proper functioning of MGNREGA Program in this regard?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) What actions would you initiate to solve the various issues listed above?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) How would you deal with the above situation?

     undefined marks

  • VB-G RAM G Act, 2025
  • Transparency and accountability

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2025 · Question 12 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent past. In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about 200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather.

  1. (a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) Which of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?

     undefined marks

  4. (d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform?

     undefined marks

  • Ethics in war and foreign policy
  • Border management and illegal migration

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 1 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) "Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Technology ethics in public service

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 2 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it." In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today's international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Ethics in war and foreign policy
  • Climate and intergenerational justice

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · 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) "Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others." — Swami Vivekananda

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel

     10 marks · 150 words

  3. (c) "In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." — Immanuel Kant

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Thinkers not tested recently

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 4 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today's context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice." Examine the above statement with suitable examples.

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) "Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent." Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Integrity under political pressure
  • Public trust

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 5 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Corporate governance and ESG
  • Defence reforms

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 6 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years." Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Women's empowerment
  • Civil services reform

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 7 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business's environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centers, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology's proliferation has led to a growing concern over the environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. AI models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders' worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both, business objectives and ethical obligations.

  1. (a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.

     undefined marks

  3. (c) Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth to convince about its necessity?

     undefined marks

  4. (d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint?

     undefined marks

  • Corporate governance and ESG
  • AI beyond agentic AI
  • Energy transition after the oil shock

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 8 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus they were vulnerable and soft targets. In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers of DIG Range and above, it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organisation seemed to have the clear objective of utilising/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state. A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local communal organisations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and to check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions. Discrete inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet, etc. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of that global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national tweets on their WhatsApp and Facebook, etc. It seemed that they succumbed to their ploy and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government's initiatives, policies and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.

  1. (a) What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force?

     undefined marks

  • New counter-terror doctrine
  • Hybrid warfare and disinformation

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 9 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments specially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get the real time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordons and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents got a message though his intelligence source that about ten hard core naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than five hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviours. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer, IG (Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hard core top insurgents with prize money of ₹ ten lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation Rohit might have to resort to firing which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation.

  1. (a) What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?

     undefined marks

  4. (d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?

     undefined marks

  • After "Naxal-free" (31 March 2026)
  • Accountability in crises

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 10 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospital is building with state-of-the art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother's company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.

  1. (a) What should be Sneha's course of action?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) How would she justify what she chooses to do?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?

     undefined marks

  • Integrity under political pressure
  • Corporate governance and ESG

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 11 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of ground-water. Vigilance teams have been deployed to tour the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complains that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes. The farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt, being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed.

  1. (a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate.

     undefined marks

  2. (b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector?

     undefined marks

  • Water for agriculture
  • Heatwaves

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 12 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan's team to expedite the trials for the drug as there is significant market for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market. During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest some shortcut for expediting the clinical trials for the drug and for getting the requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed consent and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one's own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises meeting the targets is impossible without using these means.

  1. (a) What would you do in such a situation?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved.

     undefined marks

  3. (c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?

     undefined marks

  • Health
  • IPR and technology transfer

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2023 · Question 1 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) 'International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource-challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support your answer with suitable examples.

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Corporate governance and ESG
  • Ethics in war and foreign policy

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2023 · Question 2 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society." In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Public trust
  • Integrity under political pressure

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2023 · 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) "The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer." — Mahatma Gandhi

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) "To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves." — Jawaharlal Nehru

     10 marks · 150 words

  3. (c) "Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle." — Swami Vivekananda

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Thinkers not tested recently

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2023 · Question 4 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills — your EQ — not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests." Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Emotional intelligence and empathy
  • Thinkers not tested recently

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)