Public Service Ethics — PYQ Trend Intelligence
What the data shows
In the mapped 2013–2026 GS 4 dataset, 16 questions connect to public service ethics across 9 exam years. The highest observed count is 4 in 2021. These counts describe historical coverage, not the probability of a future exam question.
Method: topic hierarchy adapted from the supplied GS1–GS4 topic-map PDFs (2013–2025); questions are linked using MainsBuddy metadata term matching, restricted to GS4. Overlapping themes may include the same question. 2026 questions are mapped as a separate extension beyond the PDFs. Cross-topic matches may occur; these are provisional classifications, not verified question-level PDF mappings.
Questions by year
Answer-writing intelligence
Directives recorded for mapped questions include Discuss, Describe, Suggest measures, Suggest, Identify and justify. Compare how the demand changes across years: identify the directive, split the question into its components, and practise within the stated mark allocation.
Mapped previous year questions
- An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM) use this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics.
- In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.
- To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal?
- “The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.
- Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
- Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.
- Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.
- An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.
- What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.
- What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by civil servants in public interest?
- Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration.
- Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission.
- Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are often shaped unconsciously by family and social surroundings; some acquired attitudes and values are undesirable in a modern democratic and egalitarian society. (a) Discuss such undesirable attitudes and values prevalent among today's educated Indians. (b) How can they be changed and socio-ethical values cultivated in aspiring and serving civil servants?
- Public servants are likely to confront 'Conflict of Interest'. What do you understand by this term, how does it manifest in public decision-making, and how would you resolve such a situation? Explain with examples.
- What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (i) Integrity (ii) Perseverance (iii) Spirit of service (iv) Commitment (v) Courage of conviction.
- Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.
Study the trend, choose a real question, write your answer, and evaluate it.