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UPSC Mains PYQs.
Thirteen years, organised by theme.

Search 1,043 questions across GS 1–4, including ethics case studies. Read them here, connect recurring demands and build an answer plan.

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1043 questions · Page 44 of 44

2013 · GS 4 · 20 marks

Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning

You are heading a leading technical institute of the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the post of professors. A few days before the interview, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government functionary seeking your intervention in favour of the selection of a close relative of the functionary for this post. The PS also informs you that he is aware of the long pending and urgent proposals of your institute for grant of funds for modernization…

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2013 · GS 4 · 20 marks

Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning

You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towards completion, the Junior Engineers have been regularly reporting that all construction is taking place as per design specifications. However, in one …

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2013 · GS 4 · 10 marks

Abraham Lincoln

Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.—Abraham Lincoln

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2013 · GS 4 · 20 marks

Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning

As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have far-reaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has done a lot of quality work for the Government and is known to be close to your immediate superior, who asks you to disclose this information to the said builder. 1. What …

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2013 · GS 4 · 10 marks

Ethics in Private and Public sphere

The good of an individual is contained in the good of all. What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?

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2013 · GS 4 · 10 marks

Aristotle

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.—Aristotle

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2013 · GS 4 · 10 marks

Mahatma Gandhi

There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed. Mahatma Gandhi.

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2013 · GS 4 · 10 marks

Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance

What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.

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2013 · GS 4 · 10 marks

Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Ethical Guidance

What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?

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2013 · GS 4 · 10 marks

Determinants of Ethics

Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.

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2013 · GS 4 · 20 marks

Ethical dilemmas and stakeholder reasoning

You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company which is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly s…

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The expanded collection is transcribed from the supplied theme-wise compilation. Original marks and wording are retained where available; consult the official paper if an extraction looks unclear.