Ethics is an important part of the UPSC Civil Services Main examination. Topics may seem to be general in nature, but UPSC aspirants have to prepare well in order to make their answers stand out and score well. Moreover, if candidates put a little more effort into the Ethics paper, they may be able to improve their overall score. More information on the necessity of coaching for GS-4 is given in the next section.
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Is coaching necessary for the IAS Ethics Paper?
In order to determine if aspirants should join coaching for the Ethics paper or not, they should first go through the UPSC syllabus for GS Paper 4 and UPSC previous years’ question papers. If they find the topics and the question paper difficult, then they can join coaching so that they can get the required guidance. On the other hand, if aspirants find the topics and questions simple, then they can focus on self-study and mock tests. Giving mock tests and getting them evaluated will help candidates in improving their answers. Aspirants can go through the Ethics syllabus that is given below and determine if they want to join coaching or not.
UPSC Syllabus for GS Paper 4
| S.No | Topics |
| 1. | Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships. Human Values – Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values. |
| 2. | Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion. |
| 3. | Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker sections. |
| 4. | Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance. |
| 5. | Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and the World. |
| 6. | Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and 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. |
| 7. | Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; 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, Utilisation of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption. |
| 8. | Case Studies on the above issues. |
List of Important Books for Ethics Paper
Candidates can refer to the following books/reports preparing for the UPSC Ethics paper.
- 2nd ARC Report on Ethics in Governance
- A Practical Approach To Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude by DK Balaji IAS (JICE Publications)
- Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude – G Subba Rao & P N Roy Chowdhury
- Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude for IAS General Studies Paper IV – Niraj Kumar
In addition to these books and reports, aspirants should go through newspapers and write down relevant examples that they can use in their answers. Writing relevant examples can help them in securing good marks in the Ethics paper.
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