Free UPSC GS4 Ethics model answers by Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake, covering solved Section A theory questions, quotation-based questions and Section B case studies from previous years.
Other papers: GS1 model answers | GS2 model answers | GS3 model answers | Anthropology optional
Latest UPSC GS4 Ethics PYQ Model Answers
- Ethical dilemmas of social media (2025)
- AI in administrative decision-making (2024)
- Actual vs potential conflict of interest (2018)
- CSR makes companies more profitable and sustainable (2017)
- Crisis of ethical values and the good life (2017)
- A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: father, mother and teacher (2017)
Ethics Theory (Section A)
- Warren Buffett: integrity, intelligence and energy
- Warren Buffett quote (150 words)
- Public servant and public interest principles
- Accountability in public service
- Probity in public life
- Non-performance of duty as corruption
- Emotional intelligence in administration
- Moral attitude, political attitude and social media
- Patriotism in everyday civil life
- An eminent personality who inspired you
- Encouraging citizens to act on social problems
Ethics Case Studies (Section B)
- Bank manager and the dormant account (2023)
- Rescue operations under attack (2019)
- Municipal commissioner and the mall collapse
- Finance Ministry officer and confidential information
- Rescue priority in a disaster-prone state
- Sarpanch and the Dalit cook in the midday meal scheme
- HR head and compensation for a deceased worker
- Saraswati’s NGO and government control
- Rural-to-urban migration
- Narcotics menace in a frontier district
- Rampura district and child labour
GS4 Ethics Notes
- Definitions of keywords in the Ethics syllabus
- Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
- Citizen’s Charter
- Right to Information Act
- Public service delivery in India
- John Rawls’ theory of social justice
How to Use These Ethics Model Answers
For theory questions, define the key term, give examples and conclude. For case studies, list stakeholders, ethical issues and options before choosing a course of action. The 2nd ARC reports (DARPG) are a strong source of examples.