UPSC Mains General Studies IV Paper Syllabus

The General Studies IV paper, also known as the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper, is an essential component of the UPSC Mains examination. This paper aims to assess the candidate’s ability to handle ethical issues and dilemmas and demonstrate sound judgment and integrity in decision making.

The UPSC has recently updated the syllabus for the General Studies IV paper. The new syllabus is designed to be more focused and up-to-date with the current socio-political and economic scenario. Here are some of the key highlights of the updated syllabus for the General Studies IV paper.

1. Ethics and Human Interface: This section aims to test the candidate’s understanding of ethics and their relation to human beings. It includes topics such as morality, values, and principles, and their relevance in public and private life.

2. Attitude: This section focuses on the candidate’s attitude towards various issues, including stress management, emotional intelligence, and aptitude development.

3. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: This section aims to evaluate the candidate’s aptitude for civil service. It includes topics such as integrity, impartiality, and non-partisanship, among others.

4. Emotional Intelligence: This section assesses the candidate’s ability to recognize and manage their emotions and those of others. It includes topics such as empathy, emotional balance, and coping with stress.

5. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: This section focuses on the ethical values that are essential for public administration. It includes topics such as accountability, transparency, and honesty.

6. Probity in Governance: This section assesses the candidate’s understanding of the principles of probity in governance, including topics such as corruption, nepotism, and conflict of interest.

7. Case Studies on Ethics and Integrity: This section involves analyzing case studies and applying ethical principles to resolve ethical dilemmas.

The updated syllabus for the General Studies IV paper is more comprehensive and relevant to the current socio-political and economic scenario. Candidates preparing for the UPSC Mains examination should take note of the updated syllabus and focus on building their knowledge and understanding of ethical principles, human values, and the principles of civil service values and ethics.

Ethics and Human Interface: Ethics, as a philosophical branch, deals with the study of moral values and the principles that govern human conduct. The syllabus of the Ethics paper broadly covers ethical and moral values in governance, public service, and private life.

To score well in this section, candidates must understand the ethical principles and apply them while answering the questions. One way to prepare for this section is by reading the code of ethics prescribed by the government of India and other organizations. Candidates should also note that this section is highly pertinent for administrative reasoning.

Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service: This section takes into account the candidate’s aptitude for the civil services and the foundational values that are essential for a civil servant. The syllabus includes understanding aptitude, critical thinking and rational decision-making, integrity, probity, non-partisanship, objectivity, transparency, and accountability.

To score well in this section, candidates must prepare for each value individually. They must read and understand their significance and practical application in governance and administration. Candidates should also practice case studies regularly and try to apply the foundational values in these studies.

Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively. Emotional intelligence has been proved to be essential for a civil servant who interacts with numerous stakeholders, such as the public, politicians, and other government officials.

To score well in this section, candidates must prepare for the various components of emotional intelligence, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Candidates should practice case studies and scenarios that test their emotional intelligence skills.

Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and the World: The contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers shape the current moral and ethical values of society. This section requires the candidate to have a basic understanding of the works of these thinkers and philosophers.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply