UPSC Mains 2021 GS4 Previous Year Questions

Question list

Open any question to see the examiner demand, demand-wise word budget, answer plan, common mark leaks and value addition in the same answer-sheet format.

1. Q1(a) · Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
2. Q1(b) · Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.
3. Q2(a) · Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example.
4. Q2(b) · Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.
5. Q3(a) · “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.” – Swami Vivekananda. What does this quotation mean to you?
6. Q3(b) · “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama. What does this quotation mean to you?
7. Q3(c) · “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.” – Erik Erikson. What does this quotation mean to you?
8. Q4(a) · Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?
9. Q4(b) · In case of crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.
10. Q5(a) · “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.
11. Q5(b) · Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.
12. Q6(a) · An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.
13. Q6(b) · “Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable illustration.
14. Q7 · Sunil is a young civil servant posted in a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. The mining mafia operates with support from local functionaries and tribal musclemen, and some office employees are in collusion. Sunil begins raids and stringent action. The mafia retaliates by threatening him and placing his wife and old mother under surveillance; a muscleman warns that he could meet the fate of a predecessor who was killed. (a) Identify the options available to Sunil. (b) Critically evaluate each option. (c) Which option is most appropriate and why?
15. Q8 · You are Vice Principal of a degree college and may be promoted as Principal. During annual examinations, a university flying squad catches two students using unfair means with the personal help of a senior lecturer close to management. One student is the son of a local politician important to the college; the other is the son of a major donor. Management asks you to resolve the matter with the flying squad at any cost and hints your promotion depends on it, while students protest demanding strict action. (a) Discuss the ethical issues. (b) Critically examine the options available and state what you would do and why.
16. Q9 · You are project manager of an elevated corridor to be completed before state elections. An inspection finds a crack in a pier due to possibly poor material, requiring demolition and reconstruction of three piers and a four-to-six-month delay. The chief engineer orders you to ignore it, citing the minister’s desire for timely inauguration, the contractor’s relation to the minister, and your possible promotion. You believe ignoring the crack risks public safety. (a) What options are available? (b) What ethical dilemmas arise? (c) What professional challenges will you face and how should you respond? (d) What are the consequences of overlooking the inspection?
17. Q10 · During the COVID-19 pandemic, India faced severe constraints in health infrastructure, staff, beds, oxygen, ambulances and crematorium capacity. You are administrator of a public hospital receiving large numbers of patients. (a) What criteria and justification would you use to deploy clinical and non-clinical staff despite infection risk and limited resources? (b) If yours were a private hospital, would your justification and decision remain the same? Explain.
18. Q11 · A reputed Indian food company develops an export product, later launches a similar product domestically after approval, and gains substantial market share. Random testing finds the domestic product varies from approval; investigation reveals products below domestic health standards and rejected export products being sold domestically. (a) What action should the competent authority take? (b) What course of action is available to the company to resolve the crisis and restore reputation? (c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved.
19. Q12 · Pawan, a State Government officer, is transferred to a new department under a senior officer reputed to be difficult and insensitive. The senior repeatedly belittles and humiliates him publicly despite no serious work shortcomings, causing loss of confidence, stress, deteriorating mental and physical health, and damage to family life. (a) What options are available to Pawan? (b) What approach should he adopt to restore peace and congeniality at office and home? (c) What would you suggest to both boss and subordinate? (d) What training would you suggest for officers at different levels?