Chapter 13 · Topic 13.1 · Prelims + Mains1 of 2
Ethics: Previous Year Themes: Integrity, compassion and EI
Key points
- Integrity test (2017): refusing to be compromised under pressure, inducement or threat.
- Integrity + knowledge (2014): honest but untrained cannot deliver; skilled but dishonest does harm.
- Empathy understands; compassion acts (2022).
- EI (2020): Goleman's five parts: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills; all can be learned.
8 PYQs 2017–2026
Integrity, aptitude and compassion
Like a recipe card: the same basic steps work for many dishes once you learn them.
Mains 2017: “One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised.”
- Define: integrity means your values, words and actions match.
- Show the test: pressure, inducement (a bribe or favour) or threat.
- Real example: an officer who refuses to clear an unsafe building despite political pressure.
- End with: the cost of saying no, and its public value.
One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.
Mains 2014: “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” Aptitude (knowledge and skill) and integrity must go together. An honest but untrained officer cannot deliver. A skilled but dishonest one can do great harm, as in financial frauds designed by experts.
Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from the modern context.
Mains 2022: empathy and compassion for civil servants. Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, these are vital attributes. Illustrations:
- A collector who sets up help desks for migrant workers in a lockdown.
- A police officer who handles a survivor of violence with sensitivity.
- In short: empathy understands; compassion acts.
Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations.
What UPSC asks: Not asked in Prelims. Mains: define, test, example. Next likely angle: integrity with competence.
Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own feelings and those of others.
Mains 2020 asked for the main components of EI and whether they can be learned. Daniel Goleman’s five components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Yes, they can be learned through reflection, feedback, mentoring, mindfulness and practice in real situations.
What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss.
| EI component | In administration |
|---|---|
| Self-awareness | Knowing one’s biases before a hearing |
| Self-regulation | Staying calm with an angry crowd |
| Motivation | Working for outcomes, not postings |
| Empathy | Seeing the citizen’s side |
| Social skills | Building consensus among departments |
What UPSC asks: Not asked in Prelims. Mains: Goleman’s five parts. Next likely angle: EI in a crisis of conscience.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Frame: define, show the test, give a real example, end with the cost and public value.
Practice
Prelims PYQs on this topic (2)
Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct ?
- 1. Initially it was an *ad-hoc* Committee.
- 2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha.
- 3. This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Answer (c) & explanation
Statements 1 and 3 are correct (c). Statement 1 is right: the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee began as an ad hoc committee in 2000 and became permanent in 2015. Statement 3 is right: it does not take up matters that are sub judice, meaning before a court. Statement 2 is wrong: any person can complain, through a member of the Lok Sabha; members can complain directly. So "only a Member" is wrong, and options (a), (b) and (d) fail.
Notice the related case: in 2023, the committee recommended expelling Mahua Moitra in the "cash-for-query" case. The Rajya Sabha set up its own Ethics Committee earlier, in 1997. Both work with the Privileges Committee on member conduct.
"only". Here the outsider can complain too, just through an MP.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct ?
Answer (b) & explanation
Sangam poets knew the varna system (b). Option (b) is right: Sangam poems use terms for the varnas, such as arasar (rulers), anthanar (Brahmins) and vaishiyar (traders), though Tamil society was mostly arranged by tinai (landscape) and kudi (clan). Option (a) is wrong: the poems are full of material life: trade, Yavana ships, ports like Muziris and Puhar, food and crafts. Option (c) is wrong: the Puram poems praise the warrior ethic, and hero-stones (nadukal) honour dead warriors. Option (d) is wrong: the poems treat magic, omens and spirits as real, not irrational.
Notice the two themes: Akam (inner, love) and Puram (outer, war and kings). The Tolkappiyam is the oldest Tamil grammar.
Answer as per the official UPSC answer key.
Mains PYQs on this topic (6)
- UPSC Mains 2025 · GS Paper IV · Q8In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs — “Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)” — for…How to approach: Intro: The case sets two constitutional duties side by side. Body: (a) Can deforestation be justified?; (b) Challenges (socio-economic, administrative, ethical)…
- UPSC Mains 2025 · GS Paper IV · Q9Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implement…How to approach: Intro: an honest officer pressed by his son and his minister. Body: (a) Ethical issues (confidentiality, conflict of interest, integrity vs loyalty); (b) Option…
- UPSC Mains 2024 · GS Paper IV · Q5aThe ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for…How to approach: Intro: Conduct Rules exist; ethics code pending. Body: (1) conduct vs ethics difference; (2) past attempts (ARC-II, draft Public Service Bill); (3) model code v…
- UPSC Mains 2026 · GS Paper IV · Q1bA business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?How to approach: Intro: the setting. Body: 5-6 dilemmas, each with a line on why it is hard. Conclusion: the guiding principle.
- UPSC Mains 2026 · GS Paper IV · Q2aAn endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrat…How to approach: Intro: the dilemma. Body: medical ethics; administrative ethics; the right course. Conclusion.
- UPSC Mains 2026 · GS Paper IV · Q3aDr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience…How to approach: Intro: Ambedkar, 25 Nov 1949. Body: the dilemma; criteria for legitimate protest; State's duties. Conclusion.
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Ethics with one recent example.
Flashcards (7)
Test of integrity (2017)?
Complete refusal to be compromised.
Integrity without knowledge is?
Weak and useless.
Knowledge without integrity is?
Dangerous and dreadful.
Empathy vs compassion?
Empathy understands; compassion acts.
EI model used?
Daniel Goleman’s.
Five EI components?
Self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills.
Can EI be learned?
Yes, through reflection, feedback and practice.
Read more: related explainers
Next topic · 13.2 →Ethics: Previous Year Themes: Governance, thinkers and casesSyllabus: GS-IV · Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-…