Hello Aspirants,
General Studies Paper IV of the UPSC CSE Mains focuses on evaluating candidates’ ethical competence and problem-solving abilities in various scenarios encountered in public and private life. This paper holds significant weightage and requires a strategic approach to maximize scores.
UPSC CSE General Studies-III Syllabus
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:
· 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.
· Attitude: Content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
· 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.
· Emotional intelligence: Concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
· Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
· 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.
· 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. · Case Studies on above issues.
Importance of Ethics Paper:
Scoring well in Ethics Paper is crucial for final selection in the UPSC exam. It not only enhances your chances in the merit list but also adds depth to answers in other GS papers and the essay. Preparation for Ethics also prepares candidates for the personality test, reflecting qualities expected of a civil servant.
General Guidelines for Preparation:
- Know the Syllabus: Master the UPSC syllabus for ethics thoroughly, as it serves as a blueprint for keywords and topics to focus on.
- Limited Resource Reading: Focus on key books and resources recommended for comprehensive coverage without overwhelming yourself.
- Previous Year Papers: Analyze previous year papers to identify recurring themes, case studies, and keywords. Incorporate these into your preparation.
Answer Writing Strategy:
Part A: Theoretical Portion (12-13 questions, 150 words each)
- Introduction: Define key terms from the question succinctly.
- Answer Body: Use points or paragraphs to cover multiple dimensions of the answer. Ensure theoretical concepts and thinkers from the syllabus are integrated logically.
- Examples: Provide real-life examples or anecdotes to illustrate points effectively. Use examples from personal experiences, historical incidents, or notable personalities.
- Diagrams: Use diagrams where applicable to enhance clarity and uniqueness in presentation.
- Conclusion: Summarize the answer effectively, reinforcing the main points discussed.
Part B: Case Studies (6-8 case studies, 250-300 words each)
- Format: Structure your answer with clear headings such as Actors, Dilemmas, Solution Approach, and Conclusion.
- Points: Use bullet points for clarity, ensuring all dimensions of the case study are addressed comprehensively.
- Keywords and Theories: Integrate relevant ethical theories and keywords from the syllabus to substantiate your approach.
- Diagrams: If relevant, include flowcharts or decision trees to illustrate decision-making processes.
- Conclusion: Provide a balanced and practical solution, addressing all conflicting options and ethical dilemmas presented.
Recommended Books and Resources:
- Primary Books: ARC 4th Report, Ethics in Public Administration by Patrick Sheeran, Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude by G. Subbarao.
- Supplementary Readings: NCERT Psychology Class XI & XII (Selected Chapters), Citizen Centric Administration – ARC Report.
- Additional Resources: Selected biographies (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi’s “Experiment with Truth”, Verghese Kurien’s autobiography), philosophical articles by Immanuel Kant and Aristotle.
Preparation Strategy Outline:
- Term Familiarization: Define key terms from the syllabus using simple language.
- Example Development: Compile personal, historical, and professional examples for ethical dilemmas.
- Case Study Practice: Regularly practice solving case studies to hone decision-making skills.
- Answer Structure: Master the structure of answering both theoretical questions and case studies, emphasizing clarity and conciseness.
Additional Tips:
1. Integration of Current Affairs:
- Relate with Static Topics: Connect current events to the syllabus to make your answers more relevant and dynamic.
2. Revision:
- Regular Revision: Summarize and revise the key points from your study material regularly to ensure retention.
3. Answer Writing Practice:
- Structured Answers: Practice writing answers in a structured format with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Time Management: Write within time limits to build speed and accuracy for the exam.
4. Use of Real-life Examples:
- Incorporate Examples: Use relevant case studies and real-life examples to substantiate your answers.
- Statistical Data: Utilize current data and reports to provide a solid foundation for your arguments.
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