The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts one of India’s toughest and most prestigious examinations, the Civil Services Examination (CSE). As part of the CSE, the General Studies paper holds great importance, covering a wide range of subjects such as history, polity, geography, economics, science, and technology. However, one unique aspect of this paper is the inclusion of an ethics section.
Ethics play a crucial role in any society, and the UPSC recognizes its significance in the functioning of a civil servant. Thus, the inclusion of ethics in the syllabus aims to assess the ethical integrity of candidates and equip them for the challenges they may face in their roles as administrators, policy-makers, and protectors of public interest.
Ethics is not limited to the understanding of moral principles alone. It encompasses a broader perspective of values, fairness, integrity, and accountability. The syllabus aims to instill in candidates a deep understanding of ethical concepts, ethical theories, and their practical application in administrative and governance processes.
The ethics section consists of topics such as ethics and human interface, attitude, emotional intelligence, and moral and political attitudes. These topics delve into the psychological aspects of decision-making, empathy, sensitivity, and their influence on administrative behavior. It emphasizes the need for civil servants to possess emotional intelligence to understand and address the concerns and aspirations of various sections of society.
One key highlight in the ethics section is the inclusion of a case study approach. Candidates are presented with real-life situations and are expected to analyze and provide appropriate ethical solutions. This not only assesses their understanding of ethical principles but also evaluates their ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and withstand external influences.
The syllabus also focuses on developing desirable values such as honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability. It highlights the importance of building a corruption-free society and the role a civil servant plays in achieving that. Candidates are expected to understand the nuances of corruption, malpractices, and unethical behavior and devise strategies to curb them.
Furthermore, the role of ethics extends beyond personal conduct to professional conduct. The syllabus emphasizes the necessity for neutrality, objectivity, and impartiality in decision-making. It encourages candidates to apply ethical principles to governance, policy-making, and public administration to ensure maximum benefit for citizens and society as a whole.
The inclusion of ethics in the UPSC General Studies syllabus has been applauded as it provides a comprehensive understanding of ethical principles and their practical applications. It equips aspiring civil servants with the necessary tools to navigate complex ethical dilemmas they may encounter in their careers.
To prepare for the ethics section, candidates must adopt an interdisciplinary approach. They must read and understand ethical theories, analyze real-life case studies, and engage in discussions and debates to enhance their critical thinking abilities. They should also stay updated on recent ethical issues and debates to develop a holistic perspective.
