GENERAL STUDIES - IV
(Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to
issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to
various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may
utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas
will be covered.
UNIT I
1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics
in human actions; 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.
UNIT II
1. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought
and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
2. 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.
3. Emotional intelligence concepts, and their utilities and application in
administration and governance.
4. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
UNIT III
1. 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.
2. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of
governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government,
Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters,
Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges
of corruption.
UNIT IV
1. Case Studies on above issues