2016 GS-IV Civil Service Values & Ethics in AdministrationVerbatim · UPSC

Law and Ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

Paper

GS-IV

Question

Q10

Marks

10M

Word Limit

150W

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Practice Answer Writing

Word limit: 150 wordsMarks: 10MSuggested time: 7 min

How to approach this question

Directive: Discuss

Present multiple viewpoints in detail before a balanced conclusion.

Structure (10 marks · about 150 words)

Introduction: define the core term or set the context in two or three lines.
Body: two to three dimensions, each backed by an example, data point or case.
Conclusion: a balanced, forward-looking way ahead.

This sub-point (Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance) has been asked 7 times since 2013

20132025

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Real evaluated answer copies where a topper tackled this question (or a very close one). The learnings below are drawn straight from their actual answer, not a model answer.

Shruti Sharma handwritten UPSC Mains answer to "Environmental ethics; how laws and ethics differ" (GS4, AIR 1, CSE 2021)

View answer copy →

Shruti SharmaAIR 1CSE 2021scored 5/10

Answered a closely related question

Their question: “Environmental ethics; how laws and ethics differ”

Her two-column Laws-vs-Ethics table (with the Holocaust as legal-but-unethical) directly answers 2016 Q10's demand to show how law and ethics differ in their approaches.

Key learnings from their answer

›She compresses arguments into labelled visuals, a boxed triangle of Principles + Values + Emotions converging on 'ethical dilemma' (Q1), a two-column LAWS vs ETHICS table (Q2a), and a flow diagram from 'academic development affected' to girl-child dropout/child labour (Q3b). Lesson: use diagrams to carry the structure of definitions and comparisons; note the examiner's 'enclose diagram in a box', always frame diagrams cleanly so they read as deliberate, not scribbled.

What they cited: Q2(a): the 'pipal' tree worshipped since Harappan times; Yadadri Tree Model of urban forestry (Telangana); Tulasi Gowda (Padma Shri); the 'elephant doctor' of Assam (Padma Shri); Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal treating tigers as kin; abortion laws (context-dependence); the Holocaust in Germany (legal but unethical); affirmative-action laws

See Shruti Sharma's answer copies View the full evaluated copy →

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About This Question

Paper

GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

Subject

Civil Service Values & Ethics in Administration

Subtopic

Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance

Section

A (Theory)

Source

Official UPSC 2016 paper, Q5 (verbatim)

Official UPSC syllabus: 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.

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2025GS-IV Q6

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2025GS-IV Q5

Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent past. In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about 200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather. (a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation ? (b) What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok ? (c) Which of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why ? (d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform ?

2025GS-IV Q4

In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs – "Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)" – for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society. The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government's duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order. (a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless ? (b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development ? (c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected ?

2025GS-IV Q3

Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People's houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother. (a) What are the options available with Vijay ? (b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay ? (c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay. (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why ?

2025GS-IV Q2

Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation. (c) Which of the above would be most appropriate and why ?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is UPSC Mains 2016 GS-IV Question 10 about?▼

This is a verbatim UPSC Mains 2016 GS-IV question from the "Civil Service Values & Ethics in Administration" area of the official syllabus. It carries 10 marks with a 150-word limit.

How should I approach this UPSC Mains question?▼

For a 10-mark question with a 150-word limit, decode the directive verb first, then structure your answer with a crisp introduction, 2–3 substantiated body points, and a forward-looking conclusion within the limit.

Law and Ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

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Law and Ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

Practice Answer Writing

How to approach this question

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About This Question

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