UPSC Civil Services Examination Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. Define 'accountability' and distinguish it from 'responsibility'.

   Responsibility is the obligation/duty to perform a task. Accountability is being answerable for the outcomes of that task to a higher authority, with liability to consequences (reward/sanction). Responsibility can be shared; accountability is ultimately individual.

2. What is 'ethical governance'?

   Ethical governance is the exercise of public authority guided by moral principles such as transparency, accountability, integrity, rule of law, responsiveness, and equity, ensuring decisions serve the public interest fairly.

3. What is the philosophical basis of governance in the concept of 'public service'?

   It rests on the idea that public office is a public trust; authority is held to serve citizens (not personal gain), grounded in social contract theory, the welfare state ideal, and the principle of the common/public good.

4. What is the difference between the 'rule-based' (compliance) and 'integrity-based' (values) approach to public ethics?

   The compliance approach enforces ethics through detailed rules, monitoring, and punishment (external control). The integrity approach builds internal values, judgment, and commitment to ethics (self-control). Effective systems blend both.

5. When was the Right to Information (RTI) Act enacted in India and what is its core purpose?

   The RTI Act was enacted in 2005. Its purpose is to empower citizens to access information held by public authorities, promote transparency and accountability, and curb corruption by making governance open.

6. Under the RTI Act, within what time must information normally be provided, and the period if it concerns life/liberty?

   Information must normally be provided within 30 days of the request. If it concerns the life or liberty of a person, it must be provided within 48 hours.

7. What is the difference between a 'code of ethics' and a 'code of conduct'?

   A code of ethics is broad and aspirational, stating core values and principles (the 'spirit'). A code of conduct is specific and prescriptive, listing dos and don'ts/rules for behaviour (the 'letter'). Ethics guides; conduct regulates.

8. What is a Citizen's Charter and what are its key elements?

   A Citizen's Charter is a public document declaring an organization's commitment to service standards. Key elements: vision and mission, service standards/timeframes, transparency, grievance redress mechanism, and the principle of accountability to citizens.

9. Name the six principles of the original Citizen's Charter (UK, 1991).

   Quality, Choice, Standards, Value (for money), Accountability, and Transparency.

10. What is meant by 'work culture' and how does it affect quality of service delivery?

    Work culture is the shared values, attitudes, norms, and practices in a workplace. A positive work culture (punctuality, integrity, teamwork, citizen-centricity) raises motivation and efficiency, directly improving quality, speed, and fairness of service delivery.

11. Define 'corruption' and distinguish 'petty' from 'grand' corruption.

    Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Petty corruption is small-scale, everyday bribery in service delivery (e.g., bribes to clerks). Grand corruption involves high-level officials distorting policies for large private benefit.

12. What is the difference between 'corruption', 'nepotism', and 'cronyism'?

    Corruption is misuse of power for private gain. Nepotism is favouring relatives/family in appointments or benefits. Cronyism is favouring friends/close associates. All violate impartiality and merit.

13. Name key Indian anti-corruption laws and bodies.

    Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended 2018); Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013; Central Vigilance Commission (CVC); Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI); and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

14. What does 'utilisation of public funds' ethically require of a civil servant?

    Economy, efficiency, and effectiveness (the '3 Es'); avoidance of waste and leakage; transparency in expenditure; value for money; financial propriety; and accountability through audit (e.g., CAG) and proper budgeting.

15. What is a 'conflict of interest' in public administration?

    A conflict of interest exists when an official's personal interests (financial, family, etc.) could improperly influence, or appear to influence, their official duties and impartial decision-making. It must be disclosed and avoided/recused.

16. What is 'whistleblowing' and which Indian law protects whistleblowers?

    Whistleblowing is the disclosure of wrongdoing, corruption, or misuse of power by an insider in the public interest. In India, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014 provides for protection of such persons.

17. What are the standard steps in approaching a case study in GS Paper IV?

    (1) Read and understand the case, (2) Identify stakeholders, (3) Identify the ethical issues/dilemmas involved, (4) List available options/courses of action, (5) Evaluate pros and cons of each against values, (6) Choose and justify the best option, (7) Conclude.

18. What is an 'ethical dilemma' and how does it differ from an 'ethical lapse'?

    An ethical dilemma is a situation requiring a choice between two or more competing values/options where each has both right and wrong aspects (right vs. right). An ethical lapse is simply choosing wrong over right (right vs. wrong) due to weakness or self-interest.

19. In a case study, what are 'stakeholders' and why must they be identified first?

    Stakeholders are all individuals/groups affected by or having an interest in the decision (e.g., the official, citizens, family, government, society). Identifying them clarifies whose interests and rights are at stake and ensures a balanced, just resolution.

20. In administrative case scenarios, what is the difference between 'doing things right' and 'doing the right thing'?

    'Doing things right' is efficiency/procedural compliance (following rules correctly). 'Doing the right thing' is effectiveness/ethical correctness (pursuing the morally and publicly justified goal). Good governance requires both, with ethics guiding when they conflict.

21. What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the relevant Indian legal provision?

    CSR is a company's commitment to act ethically and contribute to social, economic, and environmental welfare beyond profit. Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, qualifying companies must spend at least 2% of average net profits on CSR activities.

22. What is corporate governance and name two of its core principles.

    Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled, balancing the interests of stakeholders. Core principles include transparency, accountability, fairness/equity, and responsibility.

23. What is environmental ethics and the 'Polluter Pays' principle?

    Environmental ethics concerns moral duties of humans toward the natural environment and future generations. The 'Polluter Pays' principle holds that the party responsible for pollution must bear the cost of managing it and remedying the damage.

24. What is the 'Precautionary Principle' in environmental and social ethics?

    The Precautionary Principle states that where there is a threat of serious or irreversible environmental/health harm, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone preventive measures. It places the burden of proof on those proposing the risky activity.

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