UPSC Mains General Studies Paper IV (GS-IV) delves into the realms of Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. It constitutes one of the nine essential papers within the IAS Mains Examination. This article elucidates the strategy, structure, and syllabus of General Studies Paper IV, providing valuable insights for UPSC Civil Service Mains Examination aspirants, while adhering to the original length.
Table of Contents
General Studies Paper IV encompasses the following core domains:
- Ethics
- Integrity
- Aptitude
This paper serves as an assessment of a candidate’s ability to navigate matters of integrity and probity within the realm of public life. Furthermore, it evaluates their problem-solving and conflict resolution capabilities.
While there may be some minor thematic overlaps with Governance and Social Justice subjects found in General Studies II of the Civil Service Examination Mains papers, General Studies Paper IV predominantly stands as an independent component of the overall GS paper syllabus.
Focus Areas in GS 4 Paper
| S.No | Ethics Topics |
| 1. | Ethics and Human Interface |
| 2. | Human Values |
| 3. | Attitude |
| 4. | Aptitude |
| 5. | Emotional Intelligence |
| 6. | Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world |
| 7. | Public or Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration |
| 8. | Ethical issues in international relations and funding corporate governance |
| 9. | Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; information |
| 10. | Codes of ethics & Citizen’s Charters |
How to Approach GS 4 Paper
| Topic | Tips to Prepare |
| Ethics and Human Interface | Aspirants should learn: How you inculcate it How you deal with society How do you see whether the action is ethical or not and What are the principles that you follow to ensure that the action is ethical or not? |
| Human Values | Aspirants should focus on: How do people acquire values and majority of people acquire values when they read about the personality of importance like freedom fighters Consider a few books about 5-6 of great thinkers whom you admire, like or follow Note: UPSC may give some statement of any great personalities and would ask to discuss it by applying it to the present context. UPSC does not want thinkers’ point of view but what it looks for is how much the candidate has analyzed, utilized and applied it to the current context. |
| Attitude | Candidates should focus on Attitude: Content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour for Part 2 of the question paper i.e. Case Study The moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion would be for Part 1 of the Ethics Question Paper i.e. theory. Note: Question may be asked either in Part 1 or Part 2 i.e. either in theory or case study |
| Aptitude | Important list of words that a candidate should embed in their answer in order to enhance their answer and score high: Integrity: not compromising on anything if someone offers your bribe will you compromise ● Impartiality: Don’t show nepotism either for political parties or common man ● Nonpartisanship: no biases for different political parties ● Objectivity: be neutral ● Dedication to public service ● Empathy ● Tolerance ● Compassion towards weaker section Note: Candidates can refer to the ‘Ethics in Governance’ to cover this area as it gives a clear definition of the last five words or concepts including Nolan Committee Recommendations. |
| Emotional Intelligence | Here as an administrator, one has to follow the three procedures of Emotional Intelligence and they are: ● Understand your emotions and control them ● Understand others emotion and control them ● Then, act according to solve the issue genuinely and effectively Note: Questions may be asked in both Part 1 and Part 2 |
| Ethical issues in international relations | Candidates can take the example of Nepal Earthquake video how funding aided or any current similar such scenarios Note: Questions may be asked Part 2 i.e. case study |
| Sharing and transparency in government, Right to information, codes of ethics, codes of conduct | Candidates can refer to CCS, 1964 – The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which is of 300-400 pages |
| Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption | UPSC may ask direct questions on Citizen’s Charter Candidates should be aware of how to frame a Citizen’s Charter and the rules and regulations that should be followed before framing a citizen charter Questions in Case Study may also be expected |
Let’s take a concise look at the approach to preparing for the Ethics paper:
- Build Conceptual Clarity: Ensure a deep understanding of the syllabus topics.
- Explore Relevant Resources: Study materials such as the Code of Conduct, citizen’s charter, RTI, and Probity in governance reports.
- Dive into Ethics Literature: Read pertinent reports and consider Ramesh K. Arora’s book “Ethics in Governance.”
- Learn from Past Papers: Analyze previous year question papers to grasp question patterns and trends.
- Practice Decision-Making: Tackle CSAT decision-making questions to enhance your decision-making abilities.
- Apply Keywords: Identify key terms from the syllabus and incorporate them effectively into your writing.
- Embrace Thinkers’ Wisdom: Utilize quotes from influential thinkers to address current issues.
- Master One Book: Focus on a single book and revisit it multiple times, prioritizing depth over breadth in your studies.
Ethics Books for UPSC:
| S.No | Ethics Books for UPSC |
| 1. | Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude – G Subba Rao & P N Roy Chowdhury |
| 2. | Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude for IAS General Studies Paper IV – Niraj Kumar |
| 3. | Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude – Santosh Ajmera & Nanda Kishore Reddy |
| 4. | Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude – M Karthikeyan |
| 5. | Ethics in Governance: Innovations, Issues and Instrumentalities – Ramesh K Arora |
| 6. | ARC Reports |
GS-IV Structure
Here are the important features of UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV – Structure/ General Studies IV paper, with the length remaining the same:
- Question Count: The paper comprises twelve questions, divided into two sections. Previously, before 2018, there were fourteen questions, but the complexity has since increased, and the number of questions reduced.
- Mandatory Questions: All questions in this paper are compulsory.
- Marks Allocation: Questions are either 10 marks or 20 marks, depending on the answer’s required length. Responses to 10-mark questions must be within 150 words, while 20-mark questions necessitate answers within 250 words.
- Total Marks: The paper is allotted a total of 250 marks.
- Question Types:
- Direct Conceptual Questions (125 marks): These assess a candidate’s comprehension of ethical issues, integrity-related concepts, and aptitude.
- Case Studies (125 marks): These evaluate a candidate’s ability to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios involving various stakeholders, including politicians, pressure groups, the public, and others.
- Variable Nature: This paper exhibits the most variation among the four General Studies Papers, with questions varying widely from year to year. Aspirants should acquaint themselves with the syllabus and recent question patterns.
The following is the detailed Syllabus for General Studies IV Paper in the UPSC Mains Examination:
| Topics | Subtopics |
| Ethics and Human Interface | The Essence of Ethics, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Interaction 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 moral and ethical values |
| Attitude | Content, structure and function of attitude Influence of attitude in thought and behaviour Relation of attitude to thought and behaviour Moral and Political attitudes Social influence and persuasion |
| Aptitude | Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Service Integrity Impartiality and non-partisanship Objectivity Dedication to public service Empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections of the society |
| Emotional Intelligence | Concepts of emotional intelligence Utility and application of emotional intelligence in administration and governance |
| Contributions of Thinkers and Philosophers | Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world to the concepts of morality |
| Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration | Status and associated 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 of ethical and moral values in governance Ethical Issues in international relations and funding Corporate governance |
| Probity in Governance | Concept of public service The 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 |
Mains GS IV Trend Analysis
| Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| Basics and thinkers | 60 | 40 | 60 |
| Family and society | 10 | 40 | 60 |
| Work and office | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Public organisation | 30 | 50 | 10 |
| Private organisation | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Case Studies | 120 | 120 | 120 |
IAS Exam Pattern
| UPSC IAS Exam | Pattern of IAS Exam |
| Preliminary Examination | General Studies Aptitude Test |
| Mains Examination | Qualifying: Paper-A (One of the 22 Indian Languages) Paper-B (English) Papers to be counted for merit: Paper-I (Essay) Paper-II (GS-I) Paper-III (GS-II) Paper-IV (GS-III) Paper-V (GS-IV) Paper-VI (Optional Paper-I) Paper-VI (Optional Paper-II) |
| Personality Test | – |
The UPSC IAS Exam witnessed significant structural modifications in 2013, with minor adjustments occurring in 2015 and 2016. The alterations pertaining to General Studies are as follows:
- 2013: The number of General Studies papers increased from 2 to 4.
- 2015: CSAT marks ceased to contribute to the merit list, with only General Studies papers, essays, and optional papers considered for merit ranking, while CSAT became a qualifying paper.
- 2016: The marks distribution for General Studies Papers shifted to a two-tier system, departing from the earlier uniform marks allocation for all questions.
Given the recent trend of in-depth analysis of UPSC papers, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the topics covered in General Studies Paper-II. Additionally, reviewing previous years’ UPSC questions and answers can enhance your ability to respond effectively and efficiently.
