Mains Practice Questions

Q. Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow." - Abraham Lincoln. Discuss the importance of character in ethical leadership. (150 words)

Q. How can emotional intelligence help in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest in public administration? (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by this quote: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with space exploration and commercialization. How can governments and international organizations promote responsible space activities while considering the potential impact on celestial bodies and extraterrestrial life? (150 words)

Q. There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of good governance, as it inspires public trust and champions transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within government institutions. Comment. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of police misconduct and brutality. What reforms are needed to ensure greater accountability and ethical behavior within law enforcement agencies? (150 words)

Q. With the increasing use of technology and data in governance, analyze the ethical challenges related to digital privacy and data security in the public sector. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the fundamental differences between utilitarianism and deontology in ethical theories. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of non-partisanship in public administration and its role in ensuring that citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, are treated fairly and equitably. (150 Words)

Q. In today's interconnected world, the role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and discourse is undeniable. Analyse the ethical challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. Provide suitable examples to support your arguments. (250 words)

Q. Ethics and integrity are crucial elements in public administration. Discuss the significance of ethics and integrity in ensuring effective and accountable governance. Provide examples to support your argument. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes. What measures can be adopted to address these challenges? (250 words)

Q. What are the ethical values and principles that guide the conduct of civil servants in India? How are they different from the moral values and principles of an individual? (250 words)

Q. What are the measures taken by the government to ensure probity in governance? Evaluate their effectiveness and suggest some ways to improve them. (150 words)

Q. A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? (150 words)

Q: What are the ethical issues involved in the use of social media for public service delivery? Discuss with suitable examples and suggest measures to address them.

Q: Examine the impact of ethical conduct on public trust and accountability. Provide suitable examples to support your arguments."(250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance of probity in governance and its impact on administrative effectiveness and public trust. (150 words)

Q. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)

(a) Explain the meaning and significance of this quote in the context of public service.

(b) Give an example of a situation where you applied or witnessed this principle in your personal or professional life.

(c) How can this quote inspire you to overcome ethical dilemmas and challenges in your future role as a civil servant?

Q. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service are essential qualities that a civil servant should possess in order to perform his/her duties effectively and ethically. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the main principles of Chanakya’s philosophy for civil servants and how they are relevant for the contemporary Indian bureaucracy. (150 words)

Q. All Birds find shelter during a rain. But Eagle avoids rain by flying above the Clouds. Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference!!!” - APJ Abdul Kalam.

Analyze the meaning and implications of this quote for a civil servant. (150 words)

Q. What are the main teachings of Socrates and how are they relevant for ethical decision making in public service? Illustrate with examples. (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by the term ‘ethical competence’? Why is it important for a civil servant to develop ethical competence? (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by the term 'emotional intelligence'? How does it differ from general intelligence (IQ)? Explain with examples how emotional intelligence can be useful for a civil servant in dealing with various stakeholders.

Q. Analyze the ethical considerations surrounding the use of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas 9, in human embryos and its potential impact on future generations. (150 words)

Q. Examine the ethical challenges posed by the rise of automation and artificial intelligence in the workplace, including concerns about job displacement, inequality, and the need for retraining and upskilling. (250 Words)

Q. What are the ethical dilemmas of prioritizing economic development over environmental conservation? (150 Words)

Q. Examine the ethical issues of government surveillance programs in the context of privacy and individual freedoms. (150 Words)