A Concise Guide To Acing The UPSC Ethics Paper With Ease

The 'Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude' paper has remained a mystery since the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) introduced the GS IV paper in the UPSC IAS Mains exam in 2013. On paper, the GS IV exam has the fewest questions compared to the other subjects in the GS exam.

However, candidates for the IAS Exam have discovered to their dismay that GS IV can sometimes be the longest paper (in terms of total words written), and the fact that this paper comes after three lengthy GS papers contribute to the total effort.

Also read: This 22-year old IITian cleared UPSC in her first attempt! How did she achieve such a feat?

Overall, scoring in the ethics paper is a game of vocabulary, self-awareness, and the potential to present oneself as a pragmatic and competent personality who is committed to personal and professional ethics.

The UPSC Ethics Paper: Why Is It Relevant?

Getting a good grade on the ethics paper is a must if one wishes to make the final list and acquire the service they want. This paper, like the essay paper, gives you the most bang for your buck. One can get good grades with very little effort.

This paper's thorough preparation also aids in the addition of a moral dimension to responses in GS Papers 1, 2, and 3, as well as the essay paper. In the personality exam, the 'Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude' paper also helps you come across as a person who possesses the attributes sought of a public servant.

UPSC Ethics Paper: Structure

The Ethics paper is subdivided into two sections Section A and Section B each valuing 125 marks.

Both sections will contain a total of 12 questions, with a total of 250 marks (including both sections A and B). Certain strategies are required to clear each section. Aspirants will have to make use of not only their knowledge but also their wisdom and clever wit.

Prior to the UPSC 2018 exam, the Ethics paper in Mains had 14 questions with a total of 250 marks, divided across direct theoretical questions and case studies. The number of questions has now been reduced to only 12.

Also read: Know these most-asked IAS interview questions to help you get an edge in UPSC 2022

UPSC Ethics Paper: Preparation Strategy

• Begin as soon as possible.
• The majority of the information is static.
• In any case, there isn't much rote learning required.
• Make a list of keywords with brief meanings (objectivity, values, moral turpitude, etc.).
• The foundation of preparation is the keyword list.
• Connect the keywords to quotes or quotable examples (from your own life or the lives of renowned leaders and intellectuals).
• Go through the must-read topics mentioned in the article.
• Solve the case study questions from previous UPSC question papers.

The Ethics paper is intended to assess 'ethical competence,' not 'knowledge of ethics.' To begin, familiarize yourself with the terms specified in the syllabus. One should be able to express concepts in the simplest and fewest words possible. Relate the terminology and values in the syllabus to one's own life experiences.

For example, if you are trustworthy, try to recall instances in your life when you have been trustworthy. If no real-life examples are available, be prepared to use anecdotes from the lives of social reformers, statesmen, civil servants, and other illustrious public people to illustrate your point.

Every case study that is completed is a fictitious scenario. As a result, you can utilize the case studies you've studied as hypothetical situations for your exam replies.

Answer Writing Strategy for Part A - Theoretical Portion

Section A usually consists of 12-13 questions of ten points each, totaling 120-130 points. These must be replied to in 150 words or less, and you will be given two pages to do so. A 10-mark question should be answered in no more than 7 minutes. Questions can be analytical or theoretical in nature. Depending on the demand/type of question, answers in the ethics paper can be written in paragraphs or points. An ideal response would include the following key elements

1. Introduction
2. Answer body
3. Theory
4. Examples
5. Diagrams
6. Conclusion

Answer Writing Strategy For Part B - Case Studies

In Section B, there are usually case studies and in a case study, there is seldom a one-size-fits-all solution. However, no matter what type of ethical case studies are put to you, your answer should cover the following key elements.

1. Actors
2. Dilemmas
3. Answer Body
4. Points
5. Keywords
6. Theory
7. Diagram
8. Conclusion

On top of that, you need to keep the following general points in mind to ace the UPSC Ethics paper. 

• Make an effort to offer practical solutions.
• If your ideal ideas aren't feasible, you won't get any marks.
• Provide unique, yet practical, answers.
• Make an effort to offer precise solutions.
• Generalized solutions should be avoided.

However, remember that when you're asked to list all of your options, include even the most unfavorable course of action and make sure to not limit yourself to talking about the most important subjects. In a case study, it is very important to address the side issues as well.

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