UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV | FAQs Answered

UPSE Mains General Studies Paper-4 (GS-IV) is one of the nine papers of Mains Examination of the IAS examinations. It consists of the below major areas:

Ethics
Integrity
Aptitude

These areas test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. This paper may also have a slight overlap of topics with Governance and Social Justice Subjects from UPSE Main General Studies-II but is largely independent of the syllabus of other GS papers.

GS 4 Structure

The following are the important features of the UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV – Structure/ General Studies IV paper:

The paper consists of twelve questions with these divided into two sections. Before 2018, there were fourteen questions, though now the complexity has been increased and the number of questions has been reduced.
All the questions are compulsory.
The questions are of 10 marks and 20 marks depending on the length of the answer required. The 10 marks questions need answers within 150 words while the 20 marks questions need answers within 250 words.
The total marks allotted to this paper are 250 marks.
The questions are of two types:
- Direct concept related questions which test the candidate’s understanding of ethical issues and concepts related to integrity and aptitude (125 marks)
- Case studies which test the candidate’s application of those concepts to situations involving the candidate and other stakeholders such as politicians, pressure groups, the public and other people (125 marks)
This paper is the most variable of the four General Studies Papers and the nature of questions differ widely from year to year. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the syllabus, and the last few year’s patterns as well.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV Ethics Syllabus:

Topic	Detail
Ethics and Human Interface	Aspirants should learn: How you inculcate it How you deal with society How do you see whether the action is ethical or not? What are the principles that you follow to ensure that the action is ethical or not? Subtopics: Dimensions of Ethics Ethics in private and public relationships Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating moral and ethical values
Human Values	Aspirants should focus on: How do people acquire values and majority of people acquire values when they read about the personality of importance like freedom fighters? Consider a few books about 5-6 of great thinkers whom you admire, like or follow. Subtopics The Essence of Ethics, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Interaction Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators Note: UPSC may give some statement of any great personalities and would ask to discuss it by applying it to the present context. UPSC does not want thinkers’ point of view but what it looks for is how much the candidate has analysed, utilized and applied it to the current context.
Attitude	Candidates should focus on Attitude: Content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour for Part 2 of the question paper i.e., Case Study The moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion would be for Part 1 of the Ethics Question Paper i.e., theory. Subtopics Content, structure and function of attitude Influence of attitude in thought and behaviour Relation of attitude to thought and behaviour Moral and Political attitudes Social influence and persuasion Note: Question may be asked either in Part 1 or Part 2 i.e., either in theory or case study.
Aptitude	Important list of words that a candidate should embed in their answer in order to enhance their answer and score high: Integrity: not compromising on anything if someone offers your bribe will you compromise Impartiality: Don’t show nepotism either for political parties or common man Non-partisanship: no biases for different political parties Objectivity: be neutral Dedication to public service Empathy Tolerance Compassion towards weaker section Subtopics: Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Service Integrity Impartiality and non-partisanship Objectivity Dedication to public service Empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections of the society Note: Candidates can refer to the ‘Ethics in Governance’ to cover this area as it gives a clear definition of the last five words or concepts including Nolan Committee Recommendations.
Emotional Intelligence	Here as an administrator, one has to follow the three procedures of Emotional Intelligence and they are: -Understand your emotions and control them -Understand others emotion and control them -Then, act according to solve the issue genuinely and effectively Subtopics: Concepts of emotional intelligence Utility and application of emotional intelligence in administration and governance Note: Questions may be asked in both Part 1 and Part 2
Ethical issues in international relations	Candidates can take the example of Nepal Earthquake video how funding aided or any current similar such scenarios Note: Questions may be asked Part 2 i.e., case study
Sharing and transparency in government, Right to information, codes of ethics, codes of conduct	Candidates can refer to CCS, 1964 – The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which is of 300-400 pages Subtopics: Status and associated problems Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance Accountability and ethical governance Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance Ethical Issues in international relations and funding Corporate governance
Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption	UPSC may ask direct questions on Citizen’s Charter Candidates should be aware of how to frame a Citizen’s Charter and the rules and regulations that should be followed before framing a citizen charter Questions in Case Study may also be expected Subtopics: Concept of public service The philosophical basis of governance and probity Information sharing and transparency in government Right to Information Codes of ethics Codes of Conduct Citizen’s Charters Work culture Quality of service delivery Utilization of public funds Challenges of corruption

The major takeaway from this exam is that it tests the candidate’s honesty and integrity along with their problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

This paper relies heavily on case studies which are the most scoring parts of the paper. The candidates should be able to analyse their own reactions to various situations and apply concepts dealt with in this paper on their actions and reactions to various situations while dealing with their social circle.

Also check >> SSC Syllabus 2021