General Studies 2021 GS Paper IV 20 marks 150 words Compulsory Justify

Q1

(a) 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 (b) 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

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) 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) (b) 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)

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Directive word: Justify

This question asks you to justify. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'justify' in part (a) requires reasoned argumentation for trait selection, while part (b) demands 'identify' and 'describe' for values and preventive mechanisms. Allocate ~75 words to (a): list five traits with brief justifications linking each to administrative effectiveness. Allocate ~75 words to (b): enumerate ten values concisely, then outline preventive measures like code of conduct, transparency, training, and accountability mechanisms. No elaborate introduction or conclusion needed due to tight word limit; use crisp bullet-style presentation.

Key points expected

Part (a): Five ethical traits selected (e.g., integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy, accountability) with justification tied to public service outcomes
Part (a): Justification explains why each trait is measurable/plottable on performance matrix
Part (b): Ten essential values identified (e.g., honesty, dedication, non-discrimination, responsiveness, compassion, courage, tolerance, prudence, transparency, patriotism)
Part (b): Ways to prevent non-ethical behaviour: institutional mechanisms (RTI, Lokpal, citizen charters), procedural (rotation of staff, e-governance), and personal (ethical training, mentorship)
Part (b): Specific preventive measures linked to value erosion risks in Indian context

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	4	For (a), distinguishes 'traits' from 'values' and justifies why selected traits are performance-plottable; for (b), clearly separates 'values' identification from 'preventive measures' description without conflating the two demands	Addresses both parts but treats traits and values interchangeably or provides lists without clear directive response; justification in (a) is weak or descriptive rather than analytical	Misinterprets directives—provides only definitions without justification in (a), or lists values without describing preventive mechanisms in (b); ignores 'plot performance' requirement
Content depth & accuracy	20%	4	Traits and values drawn from authoritative sources (Nolan Principles, ARC reports, 2nd ARC on Ethics in Governance); justifications in (a) explicitly link traits to measurable administrative outcomes; preventive measures in (b) cover institutional, procedural, and behavioural levels	Generic traits/values listed without ARC/constitutional grounding; justifications superficial; preventive measures limited to punishment rather than preventive architecture	Factually incorrect traits/values; confuses ethical traits with skills/competencies; preventive measures absent or irrelevant (e.g., only suggesting salary hikes)
Structure & flow	20%	4	Clear demarcation between (a) and (b); within each, logical sequencing—traits with brief justifications first, then values list followed by preventive mechanisms; tight word economy with no repetition	Both parts attempted but boundaries blurred; some repetition between trait justification and value description; structure functional but not optimized for 150-word constraint	Unstructured narrative mixing (a) and (b); no clear lists; significant content exceeds word limit or leaves parts incomplete; poor paragraphing
Examples / case-law / data	20%	4	References specific frameworks (Nolan Committee's Seven Principles, 2nd ARC 4th Report recommendations, Civil Services Conduct Rules 1964); cites preventive mechanisms like e-office, PRAGATI platform, or RTI as accountability tool; may reference T.N. Seshan or E. Sreedharan as exemplars of traits	Vague reference to 'ARC reports' without specificity; generic mention of 'Lokpal' without linking to preventive function; no concrete institutional examples	No examples, case references, or institutional mechanisms cited; relies entirely on abstract assertions; irrelevant examples from private sector
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	4	Brief synthesis showing interconnection—how traits enable values and how preventive mechanisms sustain both; recognizes that ethical infrastructure requires both individual virtue and institutional design; ends with forward-looking note on emerging challenges (AI governance, data ethics)	Mechanical conclusion restating points; no synthesis between parts; or conclusion absent due to word pressure but analytical insight visible in justifications	No conclusion or abrupt ending; purely descriptive with no analytical linkage between traits, values, and preventive systems; moralistic platitudes without administrative insight

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