QUESTION 3(a)
GS4
10 marks
What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples the difference between actual and potential conflicts of interest.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Define conflict of interest and show with examples how actual and potential conflicts differ.
Explain + IllustrateMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point. Explain using concrete examples.
Demand-wise check
- 1Meaning: private interest could improperly influence official duty≈30 words
- 2Actual: the conflict exists now, e.g. an officer deciding a tender where a relative's firm is a bidder≈30 words
- 3Potential: could arise later, e.g. an officer holding shares in a sector likely to come under his regulation, or a relative planning to apply≈30 words
- 4Also apparent/perceived conflict; management: disclosure, recusal, divestment, cooling-off≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
DefinitionActual with examplePotential with exampleHow to manageConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Examples that do not clearly separate actual from potential
- Not stating how each is handled
Draw this
- Table: type / example / response
Value addition
- SourceOECD Guidelines for Managing Conflict of Interest in the Public Service (2003) define it as a conflict between public duty and private interests that could improperly influence official duties.OECD, 2003
- CaseICICI Bank–Videocon loan case (2018) led to the CEO's exit over non-disclosure of a family business link.2018-19
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 3 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Abhishek Singh · Page 5 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 7 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Vidushi Singh · AIR 13 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.