UPSC Mains PYQs: Ethics
Every UPSC Mains previous year question on Ethics, across GS 1, 2, 3 and Ethics — each with a detailed model answer, diagrams, flowcharts and structured answer writing.
Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.
Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants.
In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical and moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.
“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that it is better for us all!” – Erik Erikson
"Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit." Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.
A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes a positive attitude in person.?
What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
"Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation". Examine the New Education Policy,2020 (NEP,2020) in light of the above statement.
'The will to power exits, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations.
Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.
Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies), and social harmony.
What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? discuss.
“A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates
What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi
Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand do so. If not fold your hands, bless your brothers and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekananda
The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which clash with traditional values. Discuss.
Explain the basic principles of citizens' charter movement and bring out its importance.
What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.