General Studies 2025 GS Paper IV 20 marks 150 words Compulsory Justify

Q4

(a) "For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 (b) What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) किसी भी प्रकार की सामाजिक पुनर्चना के लिए कल्याणकारी योजनाओं को सफलतापूर्वक क्रियान्वित करने हेतु एक सिविल सेवक को नैतिक ढांचे में तर्क और आलोचनात्मक सोच का उपयोग करना चाहिए। उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ इस कथन की पुष्टि कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) 10 (b) महावीर की प्रमुख शिक्षाएं क्या हैं ? समकालीन विश्व में उनकी प्रासंगिकता स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) 10

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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 logical reasoning with evidence, while part (b) demands 'explain' with contemporary relevance. Allocate ~75 words to each part (50% each), using a brief integrated introduction and conclusion. For (a), establish the ethical framework first, then provide welfare scheme examples; for (b), list Mahavir's core teachings and immediately connect to modern challenges like environmental crisis or social inequality.

Key points expected

Part (a): Civil servant's ethical framework combining reason, critical thinking and welfare implementation (e.g., PMGKAY, MGNREGA)
Part (a): How ethical reasoning prevents bureaucratic arbitrariness and ensures inclusive targeting
Part (b): Mahavir's five major vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha)
Part (b): Contemporary relevance: Ahimsa for environmental sustainability, Aparigraha for consumerism critique
Part (b): Relevance to governance: Satya for transparency, Asteya for anti-corruption

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	4	For (a), builds a coherent argument justifying the necessity of reason+ethics in welfare schemes; for (b), explains (not merely lists) teachings with explicit contemporary relevance	Addresses both parts but treats (a) as description rather than justification, or lists Mahavir's teachings without explaining relevance	Misinterprets 'justify' as 'define' or ignores contemporary relevance in (b); conflates both parts into generic ethics discussion
Content depth & accuracy	20%	4	Accurately identifies ethical frameworks (e.g., Rawlsian justice, utilitarianism) for (a); correctly names all five vows and their Jain philosophical context for (b)	Mentions ethics generally without specific frameworks; names 3-4 vows with superficial contemporary links	Confuses Mahavir with Buddha or other teachers; presents welfare schemes without ethical reasoning linkage
Structure & flow	20%	4	Clear demarcation between (a) and (b) with balanced length; each part has internal logic: premise → evidence → implication	Both parts present but uneven development; some structural markers but weak transitions between ideas	No clear separation between parts; rambling structure; exceeds word limit significantly in one part
Examples / case-law / data	20%	4	For (a): specific welfare schemes (PMGKAY, DBT, MGNREGA) with ethical dilemma illustration; for (b): concrete modern applications (Chipko Movement, minimalism trends, SDG linkages)	Generic mention of 'government schemes' or 'environmental protection' without naming specific initiatives or movements	No examples in either part; or irrelevant examples (e.g., corporate ethics for civil service context)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	4	Synthesizes both parts: suggests how Mahavir's Aparigraha can inform ethical reasoning in welfare distribution; or reflects on civil servant as 'ethical agent' bridging ancient wisdom and modern governance	Separate conclusions for each part without synthesis; or restates points without analytical advancement	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or introduces new unrelated ideas in conclusion

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