Ethics is how you decide – something is desirable and needed to be done or vice a versa.
So, this paper is very different and based on your ethical make up.
There are many views on how to prepare. This is my perspective and i am not claiming any exclusivity.
Let’s see what upsc is expecting.
UPSC lines (expectations):
“This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society”
Paper is more about how you think and what is your ethical make up. So it is not a Ethics theory part but the reflection of it from your answer that matters more.
We are appearing for civil services examination so the paper is going to check our ethical foundation with respect to the ideals for civil service.
But some of the most important terms and concepts you need to know. Revising these terms and concepts along with then the application( of such term/concepts) in daily life is important.
Honesty, integrity, probity, transparency etc are values that are necessary in public life. But while studying such terms you have to imagine a scenario where such values can be tested. Make habit of creating case studies of your own life experiences.
While reading various thinkers the same Exercise can be done. The thoughts and ideas of thinkers has to be applied in today’s situation. Then you have to analyzed them w.r.t. problems that our country is facing.
Paper can be divided into two parts:
1. Theory part
2. Application/case study part
Theory Part :
Write down the concepts/terms in simple words. Try to grasp its meaning. Apply it to your own life and people around you.
Work daily on theory part bit by bit.
Prepare your notes and revise them periodically.
Case studies :
This is the most exciting part. You have to solve a crisis situation. You are the main decision makers.
In such cases, you have to set priorities, make contingency plan, raise resources, form a team and carry out a function.
Situations given are mostly from administrative-public life.
While writing such studies the Examiner is going to see how you think,how you act and how you decide.
i.e. he is looking for administrator’s values in you.
Without mentioning actual values and norms we can express them in our answer.
We have to balance the answer with practical solutions. The statue and rules must not be violated but the importance of time ,life and resources should be taken into consideration.
The extreme views,pessimism and too idealism should be avoided.
We have to trust the people and should assure their participation.
Maximum use of technology with desired accountability and discretion should be there.
The Constitution is a supreme law of land and has to be followed in letter and spirit. Laws are for people and not a vice a versa.
The sensitivity for vulnerable groups like – women,farmers, dalit,handicapped, backward classes, poor,tribal should be there.
The traditions, practices and culture has to be respected and sensitivity should be there while dealing with it.
The decision needs to have human face and the red tap-ism, unnecessary hurdles should not be there.
Practice :
write at least 10 tests of ethics and get checked.
Discuss them with administrative personnel, teachers or successful candidates would be of immense help.
Analysis of old questions paper is also important. It will make you aware about the way upsc is asking questions. It also helps in understanding the way ethical issues should be tracked in newspaper.
Resources :
1. News analysis – ethical issues from The Hindu and magazines like EPW.
e.g. Whether water should be released from dam for Kumbh mela particularly if there is a draught the state.
2. Lexicon and Subba Rao Book on ethics, Integrity and aptitude.
3. 2nd ARC report.
4. Online resources w.r.t topics in syllabus. e.g. corporate governance.
5. Arihant publication book of ethics integrity and aptitude.
Mains Syllabus for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude(GS IV):
This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;
Ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information
sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s
Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
Case Studies on above issues.
My Journey; My Way 