Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude: An Introduction

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude: An Introduction

"Ethics is the talk while Integrity is walking the talk"

The GS Paper IV of UPSC Mains Examinations is about Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.

This paper can be broadly categorised in 3 different categories.

1. Theory
2. Application
3. Case Studies

The Theory and Application part are discussed in Section A of Paper IV while the Case Study part is discussed in Section B of Paper IV.

Section A 

1. Theory - The theory part of Section A consists of following topics -
1. Ethics of human interface
2. Human Values: Role of Socialisation
3. Attitude
4. Emotional intelligence
5. Moral thinkers
6. Aptitude of fundamental values in Civil Services
2. Application - The application part of Section A consists of the following topics -
1. Ethics in Public Administration
2. Probity in governance
3. Code in Ethics (RTI, Citizen Charter, e-Governance, Corruption, etc)

Section B 

1. Case Study - It contains various case studies with examples.

So, the main question arises is -

• How to prepare Ethics Paper? 

The preparation of any subjects including Ethics usually stands on the four pillars/strategy. 

The four pillars of Ethics preparation are -

1. Syllabus - Already deconstructed and provided by the UPSC (Click here for Syllabus)
2. Key terms with concepts - Definition, Features and Examples (Examples of everyday life, leaders, administrative officers, Case study, etc.)
• Leaders - Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, etc.
• Administrative officers - Pankaj Jain (who send his daughter to Aaganwadis for pre-schooling)
3. Previous Year Questions (from 2013 to till now)
4. Answer writing practice

Notes of Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude - Click here to download notes

Next Article - Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude 

Notes on other subjects 

Ancient History

Medieval History

Modern History

Art & Culture

Polity

Geography

International Relations

Society

Optional Subject 

Public Administration

Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own. 

Hope! It will help you to achieve your dream of getting selected in Civil Services Examination 👍