UPSC Ethics Syllabus

Q: What is the ethics syllabus for UPSC?

The ethics syllabus for UPSC Mains Examination includes topics related to ethics, integrity, and aptitude. It covers areas such as understanding ethics in human interactions, emotional intelligence, contributions of moral thinkers, values in public administration, moral and political attitudes, and more. The paper also includes case studies to test the application of ethical principles in practical situations. The total marks allotted to the UPSC Ethics paper are 250 marks, and it is an integral part of the General Studies Paper IV in the UPSC Mains examination.

Q: What is the syllabus of GS 4 Ethics?

The syllabus of GS 4 or General Studies Paper IV for ethics includes topics related to ethics, integrity, and aptitude. It covers areas such as understanding ethics in human interactions, emotional intelligence, contributions of moral thinkers, values in public administration, moral and political attitudes, and more. The paper also includes case studies to test the application of ethical principles in practical situations. The total marks allotted to the GS 4 ethics paper are 250 marks, and it is an important part of the UPSC Mains Examination.

Q: Which book is good for UPSC ethics?

For UPSC ethics preparation, several books are recommended, but one of the most popular and widely used books is "Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude" by G. Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chowdhury. This book comprehensively covers the ethics syllabus, including case studies, moral philosophies, and ethical decision-making. Additionally, "Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude" by Niraj Kumar is another valuable resource for UPSC aspirants to enhance their understanding of ethical concepts and principles. As always, candidates should supplement their preparation with official UPSC study materials and practice solving previous year's question papers to excel in the ethics paper.

Q: How many days to complete ethics for UPSC?

The time required to complete ethics preparation for GS IV Ethics Paper varies from candidate to candidate based on their prior knowledge and study pace. Generally, it is advisable to dedicate at least 3-4 weeks for in-depth study and practice of the ethics syllabus. However, candidates should design a study plan that suits their individual needs and allows sufficient time for understanding ethical concepts, solving case studies, and revising the topics. Consistent and focused preparation is key to excel in the ethics paper in the UPSC Mains examination. Additional text to be added here.

Table of Contents☰

The UPSC Ethics syllabus covers a wide range of topics that revolve around the concept of ethics in public administration.This GS Paper-IV aims to assess the candidate’s understanding of ethical principles, moral values, and their ability to apply ethical considerations in various situations.

UPSC General Studies Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

The Ethics paper in the UPSC Mains examination is part of the General Studies Paper IV (GS Paper IV). It is designed to evaluate the ethical and moral dimensions of a candidate’s personality and decision-making abilities. The paper aims to assess how a candidate is likely to behave in different professional and public service situations.

The questions may adopt a case study approach to evaluate these aspects.

The Ethics Syllabus in the UPSC Mains examination is crucial for assessing a candidate’s character, values, and ethical decision-making abilities. It emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in public administration and the civil services. Aspirants are expected to approach this paper with a strong understanding of ethical concepts and their practical application in the context of public service.

Human Interface and Ethics	Contribution of Philosophers and Moral Thinkers from India and the World. Ethics-in Private and Public Relationships Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values Human Values-Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Teachers Administrators and Reformers Dimensions of Ethics Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in-Human Actions Essence
Probity in Governance	Concept of Public Service Information Sharing and Transparency in Government Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity Utilization of Public Funds Challenges of Corruption Quality of Service Delivery Work Culture Right to Information Codes of Ethics Codes of Conduct Citizen’s Charter
Civil/Public Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration	Ethical Dilemmas and Concerns in Government and Private Institutions Problems and Status Laws, Rules,Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Resources Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding Corporate Governance Accountability and Ethical Governance Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governances
Attitude	Content; Structure and Functions Influence and Relations with Thought and Behaviour Social Influence and Persuasion Political and Moral Attitude
Emotional Intelligence – Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Services, Impartiality, Integrity and Non-partisanship,Dedication to Public Services, Tolerance, Objectivity and Compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Contribution of Philosophers and Moral Thinkers of India and The World
Case studies on all the above Cases.

Structure of UPSC Ethics Syllabus

The UPSC Mains Examination Ethics paper, also known as General Studies Paper IV or GS Paper IV, is designed to assess the ethical and moral dimensions of a candidate’s personality and their ability to apply ethical considerations in various situations. The structure of the UPSC Ethics paper typically follows this pattern:

Section-A: Ethics and Human Interface (125 marks)

Understanding ethics in human interactions.
Emotional intelligence and its application in administration and governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers to ethical thought.
Dimensions of ethics and values in public administration.
Ethical issues in international relations and funding.

Section-B: Attitude (125 marks)

Attitude: Content, structure, function, its influence, and relation with thought and behavior.
Moral and political attitudes.
Social influence and persuasion.
Personal and professional ethics.
Emotional intelligence and its components.

Case Studies: In addition to the direct concept-related questions, the paper includes case studies that test the candidate’s application of ethical principles and values to real-life situations. These case studies involve decision-making in complex and practical scenarios, where the candidate is required to demonstrate their ethical judgment, integrity, and aptitude for problem-solving.

The total marks allotted to the UPSC Ethics paper are 250 marks, and it is mandatory for all candidates to attempt all the questions. The paper aims to evaluate not only the candidate’s theoretical knowledge of ethics but also their ability to apply ethical considerations in practical scenarios.

Candidates are expected to provide well-reasoned, balanced, and coherent answers to the questions. The answers should reflect a strong ethical foundation and an understanding of the principles and values that govern public administration. Clarity of thought, critical thinking, and a comprehensive understanding of the subject are essential for scoring well in the UPSC Ethics paper.

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on Feb, 2025

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