Ethics in Public Administration

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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.

Part of Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

2025

Section a · 1. · Paper Q1(a) · 2025 · 10 marks

In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.

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Section b · 2. · Paper Q1(b) · 2025 · 10 marks

"Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

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Section b · 3. · Paper Q2(b) · 2025 · 10 marks

Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

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2024

Section a · 4. · Paper Q5(a) · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

"The '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 code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance

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2023

Section a · 5. · Paper Q1(a) · 2023 · 10 marks

What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.

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6. · Paper Q5 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

(a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules, and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making. Discuss (b) Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development. Discuss.

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2022

Section b · 7. · Paper Q5(b) · 2022 · 10 marks

Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : (i) Constitutional morality (ii) Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challenges of digitalization (v) Devotion to duty.

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2021

Section b · 8. · Paper Q2(b) · 2021 · 10 marks

Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example.

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2020

Section a · 9. · Paper Q2(a) · 2020 · 10 marks

"Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit.' Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

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2019

10. · Paper Q3 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

(a) What is meant by the term 'constitutional morality'? How does one uphold constitutional morality? (10 marks) (b) What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? How does it manifest in the public domain? (10 marks).

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2018

Section a · 11. · Paper Q3(a) · 2018 · 10 marks

What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest.

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12. · Paper Q5 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

(a) Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bond by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies (b) Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration.

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2017

13. · Paper Q1 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example. (150 Words, 10).

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2016

14. · Paper Q8 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

"Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realize that the state bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality." Critically analyse this statement.

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2015

15. · Paper Q8 · 2015 · 12 marks · Solution

Public servants are likely to confront the issues of "Conflict of Interest". What do you understand by the term "Conflict of Interest" and how does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples. (10 Marks).

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