General Studies IV

4 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 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 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.

     undefined marks

  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)