Mains Practice Questions

Case Study

Arvind Mehta, a senior public servant, currently heads the Budget Division in the Ministry of Finance. His division is presently involved in allocating budgetary support to various states, four of which are scheduled to hold assembly elections within the current financial year.

As per the latest Union Budget, more than Rs 8,300 crore was allocated to the National Housing Scheme (NHS), a key centrally sponsored welfare programme aimed at providing affordable housing to weaker sections. By June, Rs 775 crore had already been disbursed under the scheme.

Parallelly, the Ministry of Commerce had been pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in a southern state to promote exports. After nearly two years of consultation between the Centre and the state, the Union Cabinet gave its approval in August, and the process for acquiring land has since begun.

In another development, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) had proposed a natural gas processing plant in a northern state to support the regional gas grid, an essential element of the country's energy security strategy. The land for the project is already available, and after three rounds of global bidding, the contract was awarded to M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons, a multinational company. The first tranche of payment is scheduled for December.

To meet the funding requirements of these two major development projects, an additional Rs 6,000 crore is required. It has been proposed that this amount be re-appropriated from the NHS budget. The file seeking approval for this re-allocation was sent to the Budget Division for examination and processing.

On reviewing the file, Arvind Mehta became concerned. He realised that diverting funds from the NHS could delay its implementation, a scheme widely promoted by senior political figures and closely linked to electoral commitments. On the other hand, delaying fund allocation to the SEZ and the gas plant could lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage at both national and international levels. Upon raising the issue with his superiors, Arvind was advised that the matter is politically sensitive and must be expedited without delay.

Question:

a) Identify the ethical issues involved in reallocating funds from a welfare programme to development projects.

b) In light of the responsibility to ensure prudent use of public resources, what options are available to Arvind Mehta? Would resigning from his post be a reasonable or ethical course of action?

Q. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." What does this quotation convey about the relationship between integrity and external influences?(150 Words)

Q. Attitude plays a significant role in shaping human development. How can a public servant cultivate the appropriate attitude required for effective service?(150 Words)

Case Study

After serving two decades in the State Civil Services, Abhishek, a seasoned officer, is posted to the capital of a border state. His mother has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment at a renowned cancer hospital in the city. His adolescent children have also secured admissions to a prestigious public school in the area. As Abhishek settles into his new role as the Director of the Home Department, he receives an alarming intelligence report revealing that illegal migrants are infiltrating the state from a neighboring country. Concerned, he decides to personally oversee a surprise inspection of the border posts with his team.

During the inspection, Abhishek uncovers two families, 12 individuals in total, caught crossing the border with the assistance of corrupt border security personnel. Further investigation reveals that these migrants, after entering the country, had forged crucial identification documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards, enabling them to settle in a specific area of the state. Abhishek meticulously documents his findings in a comprehensive report and submits it to the Additional Secretary of the State.

A week later, Abhishek is summoned by the Additional Home Secretary, who instructs him to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informs him that the report has not been well-received by higher authorities and warns him that failing to comply could result in his removal from the prestigious post in the state capital and jeopardize his forthcoming promotion.

Questions:

(a) What ethical dilemmas is Abhishek facing in this situation?

(b) What choices does Abhishek have in his position as Director of the Home Department in a border state? And critically analyze each possible option.

(c) Which option should Abhishek choose, and why?

(d) Critically analyze each possible option.

Q. The principle of impartiality is fundamental to good governance. Evaluate how impartiality contributes to the effectiveness of public administration. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behavior and ethical decision-making in professional settings. (150 words)

Case Study

Ananya Singh, a dedicated and empathetic IAS officer, is currently serving as the District Collector in a predominantly tribal and underdeveloped district of Jharkhand. The government has recently rolled out a revised Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure timely financial support for pregnant women and lactating mothers, aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition. A key feature of this new system is mandatory biometric authentication through Aadhaar at the time of benefit disbursal. The move is intended to reduce pilferage, eliminate ghost beneficiaries, and enhance accountability in welfare delivery.

However, within a few weeks of implementation, several ground-level issues begin to emerge. Many elderly caregivers, especially grandmothers caring for children in the absence of parents, struggle with fingerprint mismatch due to worn-out biometric impressions. In remote tribal hamlets, poor internet connectivity and lack of functional biometric devices cause frequent transaction failures. Local Anganwadi workers and ASHAs report that over 30% of eligible beneficiaries have not received funds, causing significant distress, especially among marginalized families who rely on this support for basic nutrition.

Concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups, Ananya considers allowing alternative forms of verification, such as physical ID checks, mobile OTP, or manual register maintenance, as a temporary stop-gap measure. However, she is advised against it by the State Department, citing strict central guidelines that prohibit deviation from the biometric-based process. Meanwhile, a reputed local NGO organizes protests and contacts the media, accusing the administration of systemic exclusion and violation of Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).

Questions:

(a) Identify the core ethical dilemma involved in the case.

(b) What are the options available to Ananya? Critically evaluate each of them and suggest the most appropriate course of action.

(c) What steps can be taken by public institutions to ensure that the use of technology in governance does not exclude the vulnerable?

Q. Ethical governance requires a balance between personal values and professional duties. Discuss.(150 words)

Q. Accountability in public administration is essential for ensuring the efficient use of resources. Evaluate how accountability in the public sector contributes to good governance. (150 words)

Case Study

Sneha Verma, a young and upright IAS officer, is serving as CEO of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in a drought-prone district of Maharashtra. She is overseeing the implementation of a crucial Rs 50 crore water conservation project under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, aimed at preventing crop failure and mass migration. While finalizing tenders, the lowest bidder—XYZ Pvt. Ltd.—emerges with strong credentials. However, Sneha is informally warned by colleagues about the firm’s alleged involvement in substandard work and bribery in another state, despite no formal conviction or blacklist status.

The situation escalates when a local MLA visits Sneha, subtly pressuring her to award the contract to Saraswati Infra, citing urgency and hinting at consequences for her upcoming transfer. The next morning, she receives an anonymous email with alleged proof of the firm’s manipulated quality reports in previous projects. With villagers anxiously awaiting project execution before the monsoon, Sneha is torn between ensuring integrity and avoiding delays that could harm livelihoods and invite political backlash.

Questions

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) What are the options available to Sneha? Evaluate each of them. What would be the most appropriate course of action for Sneha?

(c) In the long run, how should public institutions ensure ethical integrity and transparency in public procurement while balancing the urgency of developmental needs?

Q. Discuss the relevance of Gandhian ethics in contemporary governance and administration. Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by 'conscience' and 'moral reasoning'? How do they influence ethical decision-making in public life? (150 words)

Case Study

Q. You are a senior officer working in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Recently, a major policy on regulating social media was rolled out, and you've played a significant role in its drafting and implementation. One evening, while returning home, you receive a call from your daughter’s college counselor asking you to come over the next day.

When you visit the college, the counsellor informs you that your daughter has been showing signs of stress, reduced class participation, and increasing absenteeism. Upon speaking to your daughter privately, you learn that she has been facing online bullying on a popular social media platform. Memes, videos, and posts have targeted her appearance and her connection to "the officer who is banning things people love."

She reveals that her classmates have been mocking her in school and online, blaming her for their parents' inconvenience due to the ban on certain social media activity. She requests you not to take any official or public action, fearing further embarrassment. Your colleagues advise you to issue a formal clarification through your Ministry's press wing or release a personal video presenting facts and defending your family. However, senior bureaucrats caution you against making it personal or emotional, fearing it might set a precedent and undermine institutional protocol.

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) What course of action would you take in this situation and why? Substantiate your answer using ethical principles.

(c) What regulatory framework should be in place to ensure that social media remains a space for free expression while protecting individuals from online abuse, misinformation, and digital manipulation?

Q. "Emotional Intelligence is the cornerstone of ethical and empathetic public service." Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. How does financial prudence in public administration contribute to probity in governance? Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Case Study

You are the Dean of Admissions at a prestigious government university. The admission process is underway, and strict merit-based criteria are in place. A few days before the final selection, you receive a call from a senior bureaucrat in the state government requesting admission for his son, who does not meet the cut-off marks. He emphasizes that his support has been crucial in securing government grants for the university’s expansion projects.

Simultaneously, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) informs you in a private meeting that the university’s funding is at a critical juncture and the bureaucrat’s goodwill may help in securing future grants. The VC suggests that you explore "discretionary quotas" to accommodate the student.

Meanwhile, a junior faculty member from the admissions committee privately expresses concerns to you about unusual last-minute changes in the admission list, hinting at possible external interference. You are caught between your duty to uphold fairness and the practical challenges of maintaining the university’s financial health.

Questions:

1. Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in this case.

2. Examine the possible courses of action available to you as the Dean of Admissions. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option. What course of action will you take and why?

3. What institutional reforms can be implemented to ensure transparency, fairness, and resistance to external pressures in the university’s admission process?

Q. How does the concept of "moral distress" manifest in public service, and what strategies can administrators employ to address it constructively? (150 words)

Q. "Moral courage requires both the willingness to stand alone and the humility to change one's position." Discuss with examples from public administration. (150 words)

Q. Emotional intelligence is often considered as important as cognitive intelligence in governance. Discuss its role in ethical leadership and public service delivery. (150 Words)

Q. "Sustainability is not just a policy goal but an ethical obligation." Discuss the role of corporate ethics, governance, and individual responsibility in promoting sustainable environmental practices. (150 Words)

Case Study

Aditi, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is posted as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in a tribal-dominated region. She receives complaints from tribal leaders about a private infrastructure company clearing large stretches of forest land. Her investigation confirms that the project violates the Forest Rights Act, but the state government promotes it as a major development initiative. The tribals strongly oppose the project, fearing displacement and ecological destruction, while some activists threaten protests.

As Aditi prepares to take action, the Chief Secretary advises her to "cooperate" in the "larger interest of development" and hints at a possible transfer if she resists. Aditi now faces a dilemma. If she stops the project, she risks political backlash and career consequences. If she allows it, she compromises her integrity and the law. If she leaks information, she invites national scrutiny but could be accused of misconduct.

Questions:

1. Examine the ethical dilemmas in this case, focusing on legal obligations, governance ethics, environmental justice, and personal integrity.

2. As an ethical civil servant, analyze the possible courses of action available to Aditi and their ethical and professional implications.

3. Suggest measures to streamline India’s environmental clearance process while ensuring ecological sustainability and stakeholder participation

Q. "Ethical consumerism is the future of sustainable development." Discuss how ethical considerations influence consumer choices and corporate responsibility. (150 words)

Q. "Ethics is not about the choices we make, but about the reasons behind those choices." Examine this statement in the context of ethical reasoning and decision-making. (150 words)

Case Study

Dr. Anjali, a dedicated and upright IAS officer, has recently been appointed as the Director of the State Health Department. Soon after assuming charge, she discovers large-scale irregularities in the procurement of life-saving medical equipment for government hospitals.

A particular contract for ventilators was awarded to a private company that failed to meet safety and quality standards. Several patients lost their lives due to malfunctions during a recent health crisis. Upon further investigation, Anjali finds that the tendering process was manipulated to favor this company. The procurement file was approved under questionable circumstances by her predecessor, who has since retired. Many junior officials in the department are aware of these malpractices but are unwilling to come forward, fearing professional repercussions.

Meanwhile, a senior journalist approaches Anjali with leaked documents proving corruption in the procurement deal. The journalist is willing to publish an exposé but warns that powerful business and bureaucratic interests may suppress the story. Additionally, an activist group files a formal complaint demanding immediate legal action.

As Anjali deliberates, she receives subtle pressure from senior bureaucrats to avoid revisiting past decisions due to risk of transfer under political influence and to focus on future governance. Some of her colleagues advise her that pursuing this issue aggressively could result in an abrupt transfer or administrative sidelining.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?

2. Evaluate the options available to Anjali as a conscientious civil servant?

3. What systemic reforms are needed to prevent corruption in public procurement, ensure bureaucratic independence, and protect whistleblowers in government institutions?

Q. Discuss the relevance of Aristotelian virtue ethics in contemporary public administration. How can cultivating virtues contribute to ethical governance? (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership demands both compassion and pragmatism. How can a leader balance these conflicting demands without compromising on moral values? (150 words)

Case Study

As the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in a metropolitan city, you oversee the implementation of an AI-based Facial Recognition System (FRS) designed to track criminals and prevent crimes. The system, installed across public spaces, has been instrumental in reducing theft, identifying suspects, and solving pending cases. However, concerns have emerged regarding false positives, privacy violations, and potential biases in the AI’s algorithm.

Recently, the system flagged Ravi, a 22-year-old college student, for allegedly being present at a protest that turned violent. Based on the AI-generated report, Ravi was briefly detained for questioning, despite his insistence that he was not involved. His family and civil society groups argue that he was misidentified due to a technical error in the AI system. Investigations reveal that multiple individuals from marginalized backgrounds have been disproportionately flagged, raising concerns about bias in AI-driven policing.

The city’s administration is now divided. Some officials advocate for pausing the AI project for an independent review, citing privacy concerns and wrongful detentions. Others argue that the benefits outweigh the risks and that AI errors can be rectified over time. Meanwhile, public outrage over Ravi’s case is growing, and the police department's credibility is at stake.

Questions:

A. How can law enforcement balance the benefits of AI-driven facial recognition with concerns over false positives, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias?

B. What ethical principles should guide law enforcement in deploying AI tools, particularly in ensuring non-discrimination and protecting marginalized communities?

C. What legal, procedural, and technological safeguards should be implemented to ensure AI-driven policing remains transparent, fair, and accountable?

Q. How can Buddha’s Middle Path serve as an ethical framework for civil servants in decision-making and governance? (150 Words)

Q. How do public service values shape ethical decision-making among civil servants? Discuss with relevant examples. (150 Words)

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a rapidly urbanizing district. A large government housing project is under construction to provide affordable homes to economically weaker sections. The project is being executed by a private contractor under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

One evening, a section of an under-construction residential block collapses, leading to the death of five workers and injuring many others. A preliminary investigation suggests that poor-quality construction materials were used. Further, it is revealed that the project approval process had several irregularities, including the violation of environmental clearance norms and unauthorized expansion beyond the sanctioned plan. The project was approved under the tenure of your predecessor, who is now a senior bureaucrat in the state government.

As you begin an in-depth inquiry, you receive immense pressure from multiple stakeholders. Senior officials advise you to avoid implicating your predecessor, arguing that it could tarnish the administration's reputation. The contractor, a politically well-connected businessman, offers you a lucrative post-retirement consultancy role in exchange for diluting the report. Additionally, local political leaders, citing the urgency of providing housing to the poor, urge you to let the project continue despite the lapses. Meanwhile, workers' unions and civil society groups demand strict action against those responsible.

1. Identify the ethical dilemmas in this case and analyze them using relevant ethical theories.

2. What course of action should you take to ensure accountability while balancing the interests of all stakeholders?

3. What policy recommendations can help prevent the recurrence of such infrastructure failures?