Ethics

APPROACH FOR ETHICS

As per UPSC : This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his/her problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him/her in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.

Hence this paper is not about the knowledge that the student has acquired but it is about values, morals and personal traits that individuals exhibit in public life and personal life.

This paper also involves situation based case studies where attitudes of candidates are tested.

Although there is no particular set of notes that suffice the UPSC syllabus for Ethics, students who go to the exam hall without effective strategy are strategizing towards failure!

Syllabus:

  • 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.
  • Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
  • 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.
  • Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance.
  • Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.
  • 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.
  • 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, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
  • Case Studies on above issues.

We, Believers, through our experience, have analysed that although Ethics paper is highly subjective, but it can be conquered through a formulated strategy; As the approach for subjective philosophical questions and case studies are different, both parts of the paper requires focussed approach in distinct ways to get 110+ scores in ethics.

Believers have decoded the Ethics paper word by word as mentioned in syllabus and brought this course exclusively for students who are struggling to find right guidance and strategy to conquer ethics.