The UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 is a critical part of the Civil Services Examination. It assesses candidates’ ethical and moral attributes, including their grasp of ethical values, integrity, and aptitude. The paper is divided into two sections with 12 questions. The questions are divided into two types: direct concept questions and case studies. The total marks are 250.
The paper evaluates candidates’ moral judgment and decision-making abilities. The questions include real-world situations, ethical dilemmas, and the application of ethical principles in government and public administration. Case study questions are given equal importance as theory-based questions. This is to test candidates on their practical application of ethical principles and decision-making abilities.
To prepare for the paper, you can:
- Start early
- Prepare a list of keywords
- Go through the must-read topics
- Refer to past UPSC question papers and solve the case study questions
The UPSC Civil Services examination was held on May 28, 2023. Approximately 13 lakh students appeared for the UPSC Prelims 2023. Only 14,624 students were able to score marks above cut off and are eligible to proceed for the Mains round.
UPSC GS Paper 4 Pattern
| Total Marks | 250 marks |
|---|---|
| Time Allotted | 3 hours |
| Language Options | ENGLISH and HINDI |
| Question Sections | Two Sections |
| Questions | 12 questions (All mandatory) |
| Marks per Question/Part | Marks specified alongside |
| Language Requirement | Response in authorized language only |
| Word Limit | Adhere to provided word limit in questions |
| Unused Pages | Clearly cross out any unused pages or portions |
| Answer Quality Priority | Quality of answer content is prioritized over length |
UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Analysis 2023
| Question Number | Question-Wise Description | Section/Subject | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1a. | What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context of corporate governance of India? Illustrate with suitable examples. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 1b. | “International aid” is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ethics in contemporary international aid. Support your answer with suitable examples. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 2a. | “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values of society? | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 2b. | In the context of the work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 3a. | “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 3b. | “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawahar Lal Nehru | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 3c. | “Do not hate anybody because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” – Swami Vivekananda | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 4a. | What really matters in success, character, happiness, and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 4b. | Differentiate moral intuition from moral reasoning with suitable examples. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 5a. | Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules, and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 5b. | Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules, and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 6a. | What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 6b. | Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? | Ethics – Theory | 10 |
| 7. | Case Study: You are working as an executive in a nationalized bank. Discuss the ethical issues involved, evaluate the bank manager’s behavior from an ethical point of view, and explain how you would react to the situation. | Ethics – Case Study | 20 |
| 8. | Case Study: You, as District Magistrate, are faced with ethical issues regarding a medical emergency in a remote area. Discuss the ethical issues involved, and evaluate the options available to you. | Ethics – Case Study | 20 |
| 9. | Case Study: Rashika, a Joint Secretary, is dealing with work-life balance issues. Discuss the ethical issues involved and the laws related to providing a healthy, safe, and equitable working environment for women. Also, suggest measures to mitigate such working conditions. | Ethics – Case Study | 20 |
| 10. | Case Study: Vinod, an IAS officer, faces a dilemma involving a corrupt Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation. Evaluate Vinod’s options as a conscientious civil servant and discuss the ethical issues arising from the politicization of bureaucracy. | Ethics – Case Study | 20 |
| 11. | Case Study: Seema, a new architect, experiences workplace harassment. Discuss the ethical issues involved, outline options to complete the project and retain Seema, and describe measures to prevent such incidents in the organization. | Ethics – Case Study | 20 |
| 12. | Case Study: You, a government official, face social media harassment related to your family. Discuss the ethical issues related to the use of social media, and weigh the pros and cons of using social media to counter false allegations. | Ethics – Case Study | 20 |