General Studies 4

📘 General Studies – Paper IV

(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
Marks: 250 | Time: 3 hours

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and their problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by them in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.

1. Ethics and Human Interface

  • Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human action.
  • 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 values.

2. Attitude

  • Content, structure and function of attitude.
  • Its influence and relation with thought and behaviour.
  • Moral and political attitudes.
  • Social influence and persuasion.

3. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service

  • Integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship.
  • Objectivity, dedication to public service.
  • Empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.

4. Emotional Intelligence (EI)

  • Concepts of EI.
  • Utility and application of EI in administration and governance.

5. Contributions of Thinkers and Philosophers

  • Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

6. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration

  • Status and 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.

7. Probity in Governance

  • Concept of public service.
  • Philosophical basis of governance and probity.
  • Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information (RTI).
  • Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct.
  • Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, Challenges of corruption.

8. Case Studies

  • Questions on the above topics may use case studies to test practical understanding and application of ethical principles.

👉 In short, GS-4 is about ethics, integrity, values, attitude, and problem-solving through case studies. Unlike other GS papers, it is more about analytical + writing skills than pure facts.

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