GS-4 Ethics paper of UPSC Civil Services plays a vital role. An aspirant has a potential to score 140+ in this paper. For a better preparation, detailed syllabus and analysis is vital.

Ethics Detailed Syllabus

UPSC Civil Services (Mains) GS - 4 Paper

Ethics & Human Interface

Sl. No

Topics

1.

Norms, Beliefs, Values, Human Actions & Actions of Human

2.

Ethics & Morals : Definition & differences

3.

What ethics is not?

4.

Essence of Ethics

5.

Determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions

6.

Dimensions of ethics:

  1. Utilitarian Approach
  2. Rights Approach (Libertarian & Kantian Theory)
  3. Justice Approach
  4. Common Good Approach
  5. Virtue Approach

7.

Public& Private relations.

8.

Conflict of Interest.

9.

Impact of Ethics in Public life on Private life.

10.

Impact of Ethics in Private life on Public life.

11.

Values vs Human Values

12.

Nolan Principles

13.

Teaching of great leaders, reformers and administrators.

14.

Socialisation and its types

Attitude

Sl. No

Topic

1.

Definition of Attitude

2.

Components of Attitude (CAB Model)

3.

Types of Attitude

4.

Functions of Attitude

5.

Impact of attitude on Behaviour

6.

Moral Attitudes

7.

Political Attitudes

8.

Social Influence

9.

Persuasion

Aptitude & Foundational Values for Civil Services

Sl. No

Topic

1.

Definition of Aptitude

2.

Aptitude - Skill - Talent

3.

Attitude vs Aptitude

4.

Integrity - Honesty

5.

Impartiality & Non-Partisanship

6.

Objectivity

7.

Empathy

8.

Compassion

9.

Dedication to Public Services

Emotional Intelligence

Sl. No

Topic

1.

What is an Emotion

2.

Difference between Emotions – Feeling – Mood

3.

David Wechsler’s concept on Non-Cognitive Skills

4.

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

5.

Solavoy and Mayor’s ability model of Emotional Intelligence

6.

Daniel Goleman’s Personality trait model of Emotional Intelligence

7.

Applications of EI in private & public life

8.

Applications of EI in administration & governance

9.

How to develop Emotional Intelligence?

Moral Thinkers

This is an open ended chapter. Here one should restrict their reading to few selective thinkers. Focus should be in clear understanding of philosophies of few thinkers and try to analyse other areas with the thinkers perspective. Many institutes provide numerous thinkers, but a student must stick to 5-10 thinkers maximum. As you already study 5 thinkers in 1st chapter, here read few but well.

Western Philosophers

Sl. No

Thinker

Topics

1.

Socrates

Importance of definitions

Reasoning and Logic

Ideas on Good Life

Ideas on Virtues

2.

Plato

Ideas on Democracy

Philosopher King

Functional Division of Society

Ideas on Good life

Ideas on Virtues

3.

Aristotle

Importance of Virtues

Human Soul and Moral Virtues

Doctrine of Golden Mean

 

Indian Philosophers

Sl. No

Thinker

Topics

1.

Buddha

8 fold path

Ideas on Ethical actions

Law of Karma and Fatalism

2.

M.K. Gandhi

Truth and Non-Violence

Ideas on Bread Labour

Ideas on resource distribution and inequality

Doctrine of Trusteeship

3.

Vivekananda

Ethical Altruism

Ideas on Freedom

Ethics in Public Administration

Sl. No

Topic

1.

Management & Administration: Definition and differences

2.

Public Administration

3.

Administrative Ethics and its importance

4.

Ethical dilemmas in Government institutions

5.

Ethical issues in Private institutions

6.

Laws, Rules & Regulations: Definition and differences

7.

Laws and rules as sources for ethical guidance

8.

Limitations for Laws and rules as source of ethical guidance

9.

2nd ARC report on ethical governance

10.

Applicability of Ethics in international relations

10.

Ethical issues in International relations:

  • ·      Climate change deals – Polluter Pay principle, CBDTs, Paris agreement, etc.
  • ·      IPR issues
  • ·      Citizenship Amendment Act
  • ·      International funding for Human Rights & Humanitarian measures

11.

Corporate governance and related issues.

Probity in Governance

Sl. No

Topic

1.

Public Service & Civil Service: Definition and differences

2.

Code of Ethics vs Code of Conduct

3.

Public Service values bill, 2007

4.

Concept of Governance

5.

Good governance and 8 core principles

6.

RTI: Provisions, issues and suggestions

7.

Citizen Charter: Provisions, limitations and suggestions

8.

Work Culture and its importance

9.

Utilization of public funds

10.

Corruption and its types, measures etc