Category: GS Paper 4
The General Studies Paper 4 (GS Paper 4) in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is popularly known as the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper. It focuses on assessing the ethical and moral dimensions of governance, public service, and decision-making. Here’s an overview of GS Paper 4 syllabus:
- Ethics and Human Interface: This section covers ethical theories, concepts, and principles such as integrity, honesty, accountability, transparency, compassion, and empathy. Candidates are expected to understand the ethical dilemmas faced by public servants and develop the ability to apply ethical reasoning in decision-making.
- Attitude: It includes topics related to attitude, emotional intelligence, and their influence on individual and organizational behavior. Candidates are expected to develop a positive attitude towards public service and demonstrate emotional maturity in dealing with diverse stakeholders.
- Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: This section focuses on aptitude and foundational values required for civil service, such as integrity, impartiality, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion.
- Emotional Intelligence: It covers the role of emotional intelligence in governance and public service delivery. Candidates are expected to understand the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, conflict resolution, and building effective relationships.
- Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and the World: This section includes the contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and around the world to ethical and moral discourse. Candidates may be asked to analyze the relevance of their teachings in contemporary governance and public administration.
- Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: It focuses on the ethical dilemmas faced by public servants and the values and principles that should guide their conduct. Candidates are expected to understand the significance of upholding public service values and ethics in maintaining the integrity and credibility of public administration.
Candidates are required to demonstrate a deep understanding of ethical principles, moral values, and their application in real-life situations. The questions in GS Paper 4 may require candidates to analyze case studies, evaluate ethical dilemmas, and propose ethical solutions to complex problems encountered in governance and public administration.