GS Paper IV — Q1
(a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix…
Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
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. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
उन पाँच नैतिक लक्षणों की पहचान कीजिए, जिनके आधार पर लोक सेवक के कार्य-निष्पादन का आकलन किया जा सकता है। मैट्रिक्स में उनके समावेश का औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
उन दस आधारभूत मूल्यों की पहचान कीजिए, जो एक प्रभावी लोक सेवक होने के लिए आवश्यक हैं। लोक सेवकों में गैर-नैतिक व्यवहार के निवारण के तरीकों और साधनों का वर्णन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Model answer
Drafted with AI by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key. How we build rubrics and answers.
(a) Five traits for a civil servant's performance matrix
- Integrity: consistency of word and deed, measured through asset declarations, absence of conflicts of interest and vigilance records. A capable but corrupt officer harms the state more than an incapable one, so this trait anchors the rest.
- Objectivity and impartiality: judged from reasoned, evidence-based file notings and merit-based decisions on postings, tenders and beneficiaries; it keeps administration neutral, as Article 14 demands.
- Accountability: seen in audit compliance, RTI disposal within 30 days and Citizen's Charter timelines; it makes the officer answerable for outcomes, not just procedure.
- Empathy: gauged by outreach to the vulnerable through grievance camps and relief work; rules then serve the last person, in the spirit of Gandhi's talisman.
- Dedication and responsiveness: tracked through CPGRAMS redressal rates and timely delivery; it turns policy into results and sustains trust.
(b) Ten values and ways to prevent unethical behaviour
The ten values: integrity, impartiality, objectivity, accountability, transparency, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, courage of conviction and honesty — the core of the Nolan principles and the 2nd ARC's recommendations.
Ways and means:
- Legal and institutional: an effective Lokpal, Lokayuktas and CVC; enforcement of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended 2018), the RTI Act, 2005 and the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014.
- Codes: a statutory Code of Ethics beside the Conduct Rules, as the 2nd ARC proposed.
- Systemic: e-governance (GeM, DBT, faceless assessment) to cut discretion and face-to-face contact; rotation out of sensitive posts.
- Personal and cultural: ethics training under Mission Karmayogi, mentoring by role models, and 360-degree appraisal that rewards honesty.
How this answer will be evaluated
Framework: GS4 Ethical Dilemmas & Values Framework
What earns full marks: Precise identification of traits/values with strong administrative justification and specific institutional mechanisms.
Evaluation rubric
Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.
- (a) Identify 5 traits and justify their inclusion in a performance matrix. 10 marks · 150 words
justify— claim → 3-4 reasons → evidence → conclusion
Must cover
- Names exactly five distinct ethical traits
- Links each trait to a specific performance metric
- Justifies why the trait is essential for civil service
- Connects traits to public trust or accountability
Loses marks
- Listing more than five traits without prioritization
- Defining traits without linking to performance metrics
- Preaching moral values without administrative application
Earns more
- Mentions specific administrative contexts (e.g., disaster relief)
- References the 2nd ARC report on ethics
- Distinguishes between personal virtue and professional duty
Extra mark
- Cites a specific Supreme Court judgment on ethics
- References the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act
- (b) List 10 values and describe ways to prevent non-ethical behavior. 10 marks · 150 words
describe— define → structure or process in order → labelled diagram → significance
Must cover
- Identifies ten distinct essential values
- Describes specific institutional mechanisms for prevention
- Mentions legal or regulatory safeguards (e.g., CVC, RTI)
- Links prevention methods to the identified values
Loses marks
- Listing values without describing prevention methods
- Vague generalities like 'strict action' without mechanism
- Ignoring the 'ten values' constraint by listing fewer
Earns more
- Distinguishes between internal (training) and external (audit) controls
- Mentions the role of social media or transparency portals
- References the Prevention of Corruption Act
Extra mark
- Cites the 2nd ARC recommendations on ethics
- Mentions specific whistleblower protection mechanisms
What "Justify" is asking you to do
Defend a position with reasons that carry evidence, and show why the contrary view does not hold. Where the stem runs as a question and asks you to justify your answer, the position is yours to choose and the marks lie wholly in the defence.
Structure that answers it
Position stated plainly → reason 1 with evidence → reason 2 with evidence → strongest objection, met → position restated as qualified
Where marks are lost
Reasons stated and none of them evidenced. The other standard loss is fence-sitting — an answer that finds merit on both sides and commits to neither has justified nothing.
Practice this exact question
Write your answer and it is marked point by point against the model answer above — what you covered, what you missed, what you got wrong.
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