Wednesday, 28 January 2026

 

GS–IV ETHICS – PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Page–5 : Case Studies (Applied Ethics – PYQs)

Shaktimatha 369 Learning

Picture used in upsc Ethics iv material


PYQ 21. Public Interest vs Political Pressure

Situation

You are a senior district officer. A powerful political representative pressures you to favour a contractor involved in irregularities for a public works project.

Ethical Issues

  • Integrity vs political pressure
  • Public interest vs personal career risk
  • Rule of law

Course of Action

Follow transparent procedures, reject the tainted proposal, document all decisions, and inform higher authorities if pressure persists.

Justification

This upholds integrity, probity, and public trust, which are core ethical requirements of civil services.

PYQ 22. Compassion vs Rules in Welfare Administration

Situation

A genuinely poor family is excluded from a welfare scheme due to rigid eligibility criteria.

Ethical Issues

  • Compassion vs procedural justice
  • Equity vs efficiency

Course of Action

Explore lawful discretionary provisions, temporary relief mechanisms, and recommend policy changes to prevent exclusion errors.

Justification

This balances humanitarian concern with administrative discipline.

PYQ 23. Conflict of Interest in Decision-Making

Situation

As a committee member, one of the bidders for a government project is your close acquaintance.

Ethical Issues

  • Impartiality
  • Transparency
  • Conflict of interest

Course of Action

Declare the conflict and recuse yourself from the decision-making process.

Justification

This ensures fairness, objectivity, and institutional credibility.

PYQ 24. Transparency vs Confidentiality

Situation

You receive an RTI request seeking sensitive information related to national security.

Ethical Issues

  • Right to information vs national interest
  • Transparency vs confidentiality

Course of Action

Deny exempted information as per legal provisions, while sharing non-sensitive data to maintain transparency.

Justification

This protects national interest while respecting citizens’ rights.

PYQ 25. Ethics in Crisis and Disaster Management

Situation

During a disaster, relief resources are limited and demand is overwhelming.

Ethical Issues

  • Equity vs urgency
  • Prioritisation of vulnerable groups
  • Transparency in relief distribution

Course of Action

Adopt need-based prioritisation, ensure transparency, and involve local institutions to prevent misuse.

Justification

This ensures justice, human dignity, and public confidence during crises.

Examiner’s Final Checklist

  • Identify stakeholders clearly
  • State ethical issues explicitly
  • Prefer institutional solutions
  • Balance law with compassion
  • End with constitutional values

End of GS–IV PYQs – Page–5

GS–IV ETHICS – COMPLETE MASTER LIBRARY

UPSC / UPPSC | Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

Shaktimatha 369 Learning
Foundation • Thinkers • Case Studies • PYQs • Rank Booster

📘 SECTION A: CORE ETHICS SYLLABUS (FOUNDATION)

📚 SECTION B: THINKERS & MORAL PHILOSOPHY

🏛️ SECTION C: INTEGRITY, PROBITY & CIVIL SERVICES

🧩 SECTION D: CASE STUDIES (MODEL & ADVANCED)

📝 SECTION E: PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQs)

🎯 SECTION F: REVISION, ENRICHMENT & RANK BOOSTERS

📌 HOW TO USE THIS LIBRARY

  1. Start with Foundation (Section A)
  2. Cover Thinkers & Values (Section B)
  3. Strengthen Integrity topics (Section C)
  4. Master Case Studies (Section D)
  5. Practice PYQs (Section E)
  6. Finish with Revision & Rank Booster (Section F)

GS–IV ETHICS – COMPLETE MASTER LIBRARY
Built with discipline • clarity • examiner perspective
Shaktimatha 369 Learning

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