Mains Practice Questions

Case Study

You are the Dean of Admissions at a prestigious government university. The admission process is underway, and strict merit-based criteria are in place. A few days before the final selection, you receive a call from a senior bureaucrat in the state government requesting admission for his son, who does not meet the cut-off marks. He emphasizes that his support has been crucial in securing government grants for the university’s expansion projects.

Simultaneously, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) informs you in a private meeting that the university’s funding is at a critical juncture and the bureaucrat’s goodwill may help in securing future grants. The VC suggests that you explore "discretionary quotas" to accommodate the student.

Meanwhile, a junior faculty member from the admissions committee privately expresses concerns to you about unusual last-minute changes in the admission list, hinting at possible external interference. You are caught between your duty to uphold fairness and the practical challenges of maintaining the university’s financial health.

Questions:

1. Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in this case.

2. Examine the possible courses of action available to you as the Dean of Admissions. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option. What course of action will you take and why?

3. What institutional reforms can be implemented to ensure transparency, fairness, and resistance to external pressures in the university’s admission process?

Q. How does the concept of "moral distress" manifest in public service, and what strategies can administrators employ to address it constructively? (150 words)

Q. "Moral courage requires both the willingness to stand alone and the humility to change one's position." Discuss with examples from public administration. (150 words)

Q. Emotional intelligence is often considered as important as cognitive intelligence in governance. Discuss its role in ethical leadership and public service delivery. (150 Words)

Q. "Sustainability is not just a policy goal but an ethical obligation." Discuss the role of corporate ethics, governance, and individual responsibility in promoting sustainable environmental practices. (150 Words)

Case Study

Aditi, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is posted as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in a tribal-dominated region. She receives complaints from tribal leaders about a private infrastructure company clearing large stretches of forest land. Her investigation confirms that the project violates the Forest Rights Act, but the state government promotes it as a major development initiative. The tribals strongly oppose the project, fearing displacement and ecological destruction, while some activists threaten protests.

As Aditi prepares to take action, the Chief Secretary advises her to "cooperate" in the "larger interest of development" and hints at a possible transfer if she resists. Aditi now faces a dilemma. If she stops the project, she risks political backlash and career consequences. If she allows it, she compromises her integrity and the law. If she leaks information, she invites national scrutiny but could be accused of misconduct.

Questions:

1. Examine the ethical dilemmas in this case, focusing on legal obligations, governance ethics, environmental justice, and personal integrity.

2. As an ethical civil servant, analyze the possible courses of action available to Aditi and their ethical and professional implications.

3. Suggest measures to streamline India’s environmental clearance process while ensuring ecological sustainability and stakeholder participation

Q. "Ethical consumerism is the future of sustainable development." Discuss how ethical considerations influence consumer choices and corporate responsibility. (150 words)

Q. "Ethics is not about the choices we make, but about the reasons behind those choices." Examine this statement in the context of ethical reasoning and decision-making. (150 words)

Case Study

Dr. Anjali, a dedicated and upright IAS officer, has recently been appointed as the Director of the State Health Department. Soon after assuming charge, she discovers large-scale irregularities in the procurement of life-saving medical equipment for government hospitals.

A particular contract for ventilators was awarded to a private company that failed to meet safety and quality standards. Several patients lost their lives due to malfunctions during a recent health crisis. Upon further investigation, Anjali finds that the tendering process was manipulated to favor this company. The procurement file was approved under questionable circumstances by her predecessor, who has since retired. Many junior officials in the department are aware of these malpractices but are unwilling to come forward, fearing professional repercussions.

Meanwhile, a senior journalist approaches Anjali with leaked documents proving corruption in the procurement deal. The journalist is willing to publish an exposé but warns that powerful business and bureaucratic interests may suppress the story. Additionally, an activist group files a formal complaint demanding immediate legal action.

As Anjali deliberates, she receives subtle pressure from senior bureaucrats to avoid revisiting past decisions due to risk of transfer under political influence and to focus on future governance. Some of her colleagues advise her that pursuing this issue aggressively could result in an abrupt transfer or administrative sidelining.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?

2. Evaluate the options available to Anjali as a conscientious civil servant?

3. What systemic reforms are needed to prevent corruption in public procurement, ensure bureaucratic independence, and protect whistleblowers in government institutions?

Q. Discuss the relevance of Aristotelian virtue ethics in contemporary public administration. How can cultivating virtues contribute to ethical governance? (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership demands both compassion and pragmatism. How can a leader balance these conflicting demands without compromising on moral values? (150 words)

Case Study

As the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in a metropolitan city, you oversee the implementation of an AI-based Facial Recognition System (FRS) designed to track criminals and prevent crimes. The system, installed across public spaces, has been instrumental in reducing theft, identifying suspects, and solving pending cases. However, concerns have emerged regarding false positives, privacy violations, and potential biases in the AI’s algorithm.

Recently, the system flagged Ravi, a 22-year-old college student, for allegedly being present at a protest that turned violent. Based on the AI-generated report, Ravi was briefly detained for questioning, despite his insistence that he was not involved. His family and civil society groups argue that he was misidentified due to a technical error in the AI system. Investigations reveal that multiple individuals from marginalized backgrounds have been disproportionately flagged, raising concerns about bias in AI-driven policing.

The city’s administration is now divided. Some officials advocate for pausing the AI project for an independent review, citing privacy concerns and wrongful detentions. Others argue that the benefits outweigh the risks and that AI errors can be rectified over time. Meanwhile, public outrage over Ravi’s case is growing, and the police department's credibility is at stake.

Questions:

A. How can law enforcement balance the benefits of AI-driven facial recognition with concerns over false positives, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias?

B. What ethical principles should guide law enforcement in deploying AI tools, particularly in ensuring non-discrimination and protecting marginalized communities?

C. What legal, procedural, and technological safeguards should be implemented to ensure AI-driven policing remains transparent, fair, and accountable?

Q. How can Buddha’s Middle Path serve as an ethical framework for civil servants in decision-making and governance? (150 Words)

Q. How do public service values shape ethical decision-making among civil servants? Discuss with relevant examples. (150 Words)

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a rapidly urbanizing district. A large government housing project is under construction to provide affordable homes to economically weaker sections. The project is being executed by a private contractor under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

One evening, a section of an under-construction residential block collapses, leading to the death of five workers and injuring many others. A preliminary investigation suggests that poor-quality construction materials were used. Further, it is revealed that the project approval process had several irregularities, including the violation of environmental clearance norms and unauthorized expansion beyond the sanctioned plan. The project was approved under the tenure of your predecessor, who is now a senior bureaucrat in the state government.

As you begin an in-depth inquiry, you receive immense pressure from multiple stakeholders. Senior officials advise you to avoid implicating your predecessor, arguing that it could tarnish the administration's reputation. The contractor, a politically well-connected businessman, offers you a lucrative post-retirement consultancy role in exchange for diluting the report. Additionally, local political leaders, citing the urgency of providing housing to the poor, urge you to let the project continue despite the lapses. Meanwhile, workers' unions and civil society groups demand strict action against those responsible.

1. Identify the ethical dilemmas in this case and analyze them using relevant ethical theories.

2. What course of action should you take to ensure accountability while balancing the interests of all stakeholders?

3. What policy recommendations can help prevent the recurrence of such infrastructure failures?

Q. What are the ethical obligations of a welfare state toward its citizens? Analyze with reference to India's constitutional philosophy and social justice policies. (150 words)

Q. Is conscience an infallible guide to ethical conduct, or is it shaped by social conditioning? Examine in the context of professional ethics for civil servants. (150 words)

Case Study

Puneet is a young and dynamic officer serving as the Director of the State Sports Council. His mandate is to promote sports at the grassroots level, improve infrastructure, and ensure fair selection of athletes for national and international competitions.

During his tenure, Puneet receives multiple complaints from young athletes and coaches about rampant favoritism and corruption in the selection process for a prestigious international sports event. Allegations suggest that several underqualified candidates were selected due to political connections and bribes, while talented athletes, especially from economically weaker backgrounds, were ignored.

Upon investigation, Puneet finds strong evidence of malpractice involving senior officials, influential politicians, and sports federation members. When he raises the issue with his superiors, he is advised to “look the other way” as the individuals involved are politically powerful. Some officials warn him that exposing the issue could lead to career repercussions, frequent transfers, or administrative sidelining.

Athletes and their families have intensified their protests, demanding justice and transparency, sparking mass public outrage. The issue has gained widespread media attention, putting significant pressure on the authorities to act. Meanwhile, a well-known journalist approaches Puneet, seeking insider information to expose the scandal. However, Puneet faces a dilemma: taking action against the malpractice could delay the team selection process, potentially jeopardizing the country’s participation in the prestigious event, while inaction would compromise his integrity and the principles of fairness and accountability.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Puneet in this situation?

2. Evaluate the possible courses of action Puneet can take in this scenario. Discuss the merits and consequences of each approach in light of his ethical responsibilities and the public interest.

3. What institutional and grassroots-level reforms can be implemented to prevent favoritism and corruption in sports governance and ensure fair opportunities for athletes, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds?

Q. “Obeying unjust laws is itself unethical.” Critically examine the ethics of legal obedience and moral resistance. (150 words)

Q. In a world driven by efficiency and results, do virtue ethics still hold relevance in governance? Critically analyze with suitable examples. (150 words)

Case Study

Aarav is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer serving as the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district. His wife, Meera, is a doctor working in a government hospital. They have a six-year-old daughter, who is primarily cared for by grandparents and a domestic help due to the demanding nature of their jobs.

One evening, Aarav is about to leave the office after a long day when he receives an urgent call from the Chief Secretary. A major industrial accident has occurred in a factory on the outskirts of the district, causing severe casualties. His immediate presence is required to oversee rescue operations and coordinate with disaster management teams.

At the same time, he receives another call—this time from his wife—informing him that their daughter has suddenly fallen ill and needs immediate medical attention. His presence at home would provide emotional support to his family, especially as Meera has an emergency surgery scheduled at the hospital.

Aarav is torn between his professional duty, which demands immediate action to manage a crisis affecting many lives, and his moral responsibility as a husband and father. He must decide where his priority lies in this situation.

Questions:

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case.

(b) If you were in Aarav’s place, how would you handle this situation?

(c) In light of this case, discuss the importance of institutional mechanisms in ensuring a better work-life balance for civil servants.

Q. “The biggest ethical challenge of the 21st century is not corruption, but moral apathy.” Do you agree? Justify your answer with examples. (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by "value pluralism"? How does it complicate ethical decision-making in a multicultural democracy like India? (150 words)

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police in a city that has been experiencing rising incidents of online harassment targeting women. A recent case has attracted significant public and media attention: a young woman has committed suicide after being repeatedly harassed and blackmailed online. An investigation revealed that the harassment was carried out by a group of influential individuals, including the son of a prominent politician.

When you initiate action against the accused, you receive immense political pressure to slow down or drop the investigation. A senior politician contacts you directly, reminding you of your career prospects and how this case could harm your professional growth if you refuse to cooperate.

At the same time, the victim's family is seeking justice, and activists have begun to protest in large numbers, demanding accountability. The media is closely watching the developments, and public sentiment is strongly in favor of justice. However, the pressure from influential circles is mounting, and you risk being transferred or sidelined if you pursue the investigation aggressively.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case?

2. As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you take, and why?

3. Discuss the importance of integrity and accountability in public service, using this case as a reference.

Q. Morality is doing what's right regardless of what you're told. Obedience is doing what is told regardless of what is right. - H. L. Mencken. What does this quotation convey to you in the current context? (150 words)

Q."Intergenerational equity demands fundamental reimagination of current economic and developmental paradigms." Discuss this statement from environmental ethics perspectives. (150 words)

Case Study

A textile dyeing unit was set up seven years ago near a growing semi-urban area, approved by the state government to boost local employment and industrial growth. While it provided jobs to thousands and contributed to the local economy, the unit discharged untreated effluents into a nearby river, leading to severe water pollution. This has caused skin and respiratory diseases among residents, contaminated the groundwater, and damaged agricultural productivity in surrounding villages. Despite repeated complaints, no action was taken until the situation worsened, triggering widespread protests by farmers, environmental groups, and affected citizens. The protests have disrupted public order, forcing the government to consider shutting down the unit.

However, closing the factory would result in mass unemployment for workers and affect businesses dependent on the dyes it produces. Additionally, ancillary industries and transporters linked to the unit would also face economic losses. As the District Magistrate, you are tasked with resolving the crisis and ensuring sustainable solutions to protect public health, restore environmental safety, and address economic concerns.

Questions:

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical, social, and administrative challenges involved in this situation?

3. Suggest immediate and long-term measures to resolve the crisis while balancing the needs of the environment, public health, and the economy.

Q. "Knowledge becomes evil if the aim is not virtuous." In today's world, social media platforms and data analytics are being used to manipulate democratic processes across nations. What ethical considerations should guide the regulation of information technology to protect democratic values? (150 words)

Q. "Moral development is as crucial as professional development." Discuss the statement with respect to corporate governance. (150 words)

Case Study

Q. You share a private hostel room with Aman, a final-year MBA student who has been dealing with a series of personal and academic challenges. Due to a prolonged illness, Aman’s grades in the last two semesters have significantly dropped, putting his eligibility for campus placements at risk. His financial situation is also precarious, burdened by a substantial educational loan and a weak economic background.

As the final semester exams approach, Aman becomes increasingly anxious and confides in you about his plan to purchase exam papers to ensure he meets the placement criteria. He justifies his decision by referencing his poor health, economic hardships, and family responsibilities, portraying it as his only viable option. In desperation, Aman asks you for financial assistance to execute his plan, appealing to your friendship and sense of responsibility.

(a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

(b) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation?

(c) What are your roles and responsibilities in this situation, and what course of action would you take?